Travel is one of the greatest joys in life. It allows you to enrich your mind with different cultures, cuisines, languages and traditions, and to completely reset and relax before normal routines resume. And there’s no better way to spend your Eid break.
Spanning everything from wellness retreats and mountain adventures to cultural city breaks and island escapes, below are five bucket-list destinations that should be on your radar this holiday.
The Maldives has numerous luxurious resorts, so what makes Patina so special? Well, this exclusive hideaway is about far more than stunning over-water villas. Inspired by art and design, it’s ideal for creative souls who are looking for somewhere a bit different. Along with hosting regular pop-ups and workshops from chefs, artists, and fashion designers, the entire island is one immersive art gallery, its soft white shoreline dotted with sculptures and installations by famous creatives.
Only a four-hour flight from the UAE, it’s embracing the spirit of the holiday by hosting a Maldivian-themed Eid BBQ with fire dancers, drummers, and more live entertainment, alongside a pop-up shisha lounge on the island’s stargazing pier.
Visit patinahotels.com
Picture waking up to views of the Taj Mahal from your palace-inspired suite, and walking down to enjoy a lavish breakfast surrounded by exotic flowers in lush landscaped gardens. Located just 600 metres from one of the world’s most astonishing testament to love, The Oberoi Amarvilas allows you to step back in time to the Mughal Empire, and fully immerse yourself in the rich colours, flavours, and culture of India. Combining Agra’s many world heritage sites with the highest levels of luxury, stays of two nights or more over Eid also come with extra savings on dining and spa treatments.
Visit oberoihotels.com
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is constantly unveiling new and extraordinary hotels, but Shebara Resort is in a class of its own. Like a scene from a sci-fi movie, its shimmering stainless-steel over-water villas set a new standard in cutting-edge eco-luxury, and they’re cleverly designed to blend into the landscape too. The resort features private pools and edgy modern interiors, and the blue waters of the Red Sea are beautiful enough to even rival the Maldives. Promising unparalleled privacy, everything here is delivered with a touch of warm, friendly Saudi Hafawah hospitality. Booking two nights over Eid gets you a third for free.
Visit shebara.sa/en/villas
An iconic hotel on the mountainous Musandam Peninsula, Six Senses Zighy Bay is made for distinguished, adventurous, and environmentally-conscious travellers.
Inspired by the rich culture of Oman, and designed to work in harmony with the surrounding landscape, it delivers jaw-dropping views from every turn. Each Omani-style villa comes with a private infinity pool and your own guest experience manager, while on-site activities include paragliding, scuba diving, mountain biking, and more.
Despite feeling a world away from the bustle of the city, it’s actually just a two-hour drive from Dubai. With a special 15 per cent discount available on Eid stays, there has never been a better time to experience Six Senses for yourself.
Visit sixsenses.com
We all want to come away from the Eid break feeling rejuvenated and revitalised, and Zulal – the Middle East’s first and largest wellness destination – makes it easy to put your health first. A peaceful sanctuary perched on the coast of Northern Qatar, its transformative retreats cover weight loss, stress burnout, full-body cleanses, and more.
Blending the best of Arabic and Islamic medicine with new-age techniques, it offers families personalised itineraries and games and activities, while the resort’s dedicated adults-only section is made for seeking complete peace and quiet.
During Eid, children under 16 can stay for free with two adults, while adults can enjoy five all-inclusive nights for the price of four. Replete with expert consultations, daily treatments, healthy meals, and fitness classes, this is perfect for couples and friends, and even those in the mood for some solo soul-searching.
Visit chivasom.com/en/zulal/
