The National Day break is always a welcome respite during the Q4 chaos. And paired with the best weather the country receives, it’s almost a shame to travel and leave it behind. But for a country that’s built a culture of weekly staycations and desert camping, a quick getaway during the break will never not be a bad idea. So whether you’re making a weekend trip, or squeezing in a longer vacation, here are the places worth escaping to.
Al Husn Hotel Muscat | Oman
A coastal retreat overlooking the Gulf of Oman, this location is perfect for those who don’t want to travel far. The space is inspired by the architecture of traditional Omani forts and visitors can explore marine life, reconnect with nature, and have a quiet moment to reconnect. Traditionally, the hotel has been an adults-only resort but the rules have been rewritten to welcome children aged 12 and above as well. Offering watersport activities, art tours, and education on marine conservation, the hotel is now open for a family-friendly affair as well.
Chatrium Phuket Rawai | Thailand
The latest address to appear on Phuket’s southern coast, Chatrium Phuket Rawai blends the typical tropical getaway with traditional Thai hospitality. Expect to find spacious rooms, two-bedroom suites, and beachfront pool villas alongside creative workshops, trips to nearby islands, sunrise yoga overlooking the Andaman Sea, and of course, plenty of Thai food to indulge in.
La Mamounia | Marrakesh, Morocco
For a getaway that feels regal, make a visit to La Mamounia. The palatial place was turned into a hotel in the early 1900s and boasts an impressive guest book from Winston Churchill to Yves Saint Laurent and Paul McCartney. Inside each room is as ornate as ever while the gardens outside uplift the senses with a curated range of roses, orange, olive, and palm trees. Whereas the spas, hammams, and pool rejuvenate the body. You can also find a cinema and arcade within the property, complete with vintage-inspired interiors and a jukebox.
ENVI Paje | Tanzania
If you’ve never experienced East African hospitality, allow ENVI Paje to bring its best to the forefront. A tropical escape by Zanzibar’s Paje beach, the wellness resort is ideal for those who like to surf, are mindful with their food, and want to spend their getaway with sunrise yoga sessions and sunset walks by the beach.
Fairmont Baku, Flame Towers | Azerbaijan
While the city brings a similar feel to a place like Dubai, travelling to Azerbaijan means catching the snow and honestly, that makes all the difference. That being said, snow in Baku is usually light and not as chilly. A stay by the Fairmont Baku, Flame Towers adds to the warmth. Overlooking the Caspian Sea and Baku’s medieval Old City, the hotel features wall-to-ceiling windows so every room can take in the beauty. Whereas a heated indoor pool and a hammam offer a refreshing respite, especially after exploring the city all day.
Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som | Qatar
Another tropical retreat that’s not too far away, the luxury resort is almost like an oasis in the desert. But it is a wellness retreat through and through. Working with the philosophy of TAIM (Traditional Arabic and Islamic Medicine), the resort offers a much-needed detox that ranges from its health-focused restaurants to its holistic spa, lagoon-style pools, and retreat packages that offer a deeper cleanse.
Stamba Hotel | Georgia
Another spot to catch the snow, but this time in a former Soviet-era publishing house. A boutique hotel in Tbilisi’s Vera neighbourhood, Stamba Hotel is as interesting as the historic neighbourhood itself. Here you’ll find an in-house cafe, bakery, and photography museum, lush indoor gardens, plenty of books, and furry friends all around, including the resident dog Kimchi.
Chedi Al Bait | Sharjah
If a trip is out of the question but a getaway isn’t off the table, why not make the trip to Sharjah for a wholesome staycation? The Chedi Al Bait brings forth Emirati traditions and that’s exactly what we would like to indulge in during the National Day break. With stone courtyards, a secluded pool, spa, and hammam, and plenty of art and cultural sites across the area, the hotel makes for the ideal getaway without having to actually get away.
