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There’s little question that Dubai is without doubt one of the high vacationer locations on the earth. Actually, the town received the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Alternative Award for the second time in a row this yr.
However with overwhelming crowds of over 14 million guests per yr and ever-rising costs topping the worldwide each day vacationer spend charts, some vacationers are in search of alternate options.
So why don’t vacationers strive someplace else? Nicely, Dubai actually is aware of how one can do luxurious, and all people is aware of it. With over 150 five-star properties with wonderful reputations, it comes as no shock that vacationers assume first of Dubai when in search of a style of the great life.
Nevertheless, there are a couple of elite gems within the Gulf giving Dubai a run for its cash.
For these prepared to get off the overwhelmed path, listed here are the highest three alternate options to Dubai that supply world-class luxurious.
1. Muscat, Oman
Costs in Muscat are about 40% decrease than in Dubai whereas nonetheless sustaining top-quality luxurious and world-class hospitality.
High award-winning five-star properties in Muscat embrace:
- The Chedi Lodge – Palm bushes line a modern pool with ocean views, whereas minimalist clear strains mix seamlessly with Omani structure in a real oasis of understated opulence.
- Kempinski Lodge – This splashy seaside resort can do no unsuitable however can give the properties of Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah a run for his or her cash.
- Al-Bustan Palace, A Ritz-Carlton Lodge – If the record-breaking crystal chandeliers and engaging historical past of the constructing weren’t sufficient, friends might be impressed by the peerless high quality of meticulously curated experiences all through their keep.
- Shangri-La Al Husn – This adult-only clifftop retreat on the bay of Barr Al Jissah remembers Arabian royalty in its indulgent model of luxurious.
However the luxurious doesn’t cease at lodging. Oman Air is ranked within the high 10 enterprise lessons and first lessons to fly on the earth and was awarded essentially the most comfy seat within the Center East.
Like Dubai, Muscat airport is a handy (albeit smaller) hub connecting flights between Europe, Asia, and Africa, that includes a enterprise class lounge ranked within the high ten globally.
Muscat doesn’t have something just like the Burj Khalifa, however it has one thing that ultra-developed Dubai is lacking: the stability between outdated and new.
Whereas fashionable world-class hospitality continues to be the secret, Oman is totally steeped in a depth of custom lacking from different luxurious locations. Sustaining its natural character in its architecture, hospitality, and lifestyle units this Gulf nation other than the competitors.
The Sultanate is predominantly Ibāḍī, practising a department of Islam that’s much less conservative in social apply than many neighboring societies.
Muscat’s social local weather is comparatively relaxed and tolerant of different cultures. Vacationers can get pleasure from alcoholic drinks on their journey and have peace of thoughts figuring out that Oman is broadly thought to be essentially the most female-friendly nation within the area.
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Whereas the extraordinary service and hanging structure of Muscat’s luxurious properties would possibly tempt you to by no means go away your resort, Oman’s true gems lie within the excursions.
No journey to Muscat can be full with out marveling at Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, wandering across the Royal Opera Home, or buying within the vibrant maze of Muttrah Souk. Simply an hour southwest of Muscat lies the traditional capital of Nizwa, surreally frozen in time but welcoming to guests.
Enterprise an hour and a half east alongside Oman’s shoreline, and also you’ll be blown away by the pure magnificence and refreshing waters of Wadi Shab, Wadi Bani Khalid, and Wadi Tiwi. The character right here additionally is aware of a bit of one thing about true luxurious.
2. AlUla, Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s new vacationer magnet AlUla provides a singular model of unique luxurious. The Kingdom describes this desert retreat as “a dwelling museum of preserved tombs, sandstone outcrops, historic dwellings… that maintain 200,000 years of largely unexplored human historical past.”
Detox and reconnection with nature are AlUla’s specialties. (Alcohol is prohibited in Saudi Arabia, so that you would possibly as effectively go all in on the cleanse.)
From ancestral Bedouin therapeutic practices to fashionable oil therapies and yoga practices, the wellness facilities at AlUla’s high resorts are totally geared up for desert rejuvenation.
Luxurious properties in AlUla supply one thing for each type of traveler. Award-winning Habitas Alula is nothing in need of other-worldly. Self-proclaimed “luxurious for the soul,” this resort hosts 96 five-star villas, every with distinctive interiors, scattered throughout the desert sand alongside a miraculous swimming pool and yoga deck.
Targeted on seamless integration with the show-stopping surroundings, Banyan Tree Alula options 47 sand-colored tented villas and an infinity pool filling an natural house between towering Martian cliffs.
3. Doha, Qatar
Qatar is shortly making a reputation for itself as a number one luxurious vacation spot, beginning with its capital metropolis of Doha.
Banana Island Resort by Anantara provides a non-public island stick with uber-Instagrammable floating meals served within the pool. Personal villas right here sit on stilts above crystal clear waters and are available full with a non-public butler, boat, and pool.
Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som offers a secluded oasis the place desert meets nature and conventional Qatari structure meets fashionable clear strains. Simply an hour from the capital, this five-star property is the primary luxurious wellness vacation spot within the area to deal with Conventional Arabic and Islamic Medication.
Different high resorts embrace:
- Mandarin Oriental, Doha – Dwelling to opulent pearl-based spa therapies, twin rooftop swimming pools, and a restaurant specializing in Italian white truffle
- Mondrian Doha – An award-winning artwork resort within the West Bay with a bustling social scene and inventive interiors at each flip
- Marsa Malaz Kempinski – A European-inspired seaside resort on a man-made island that includes 281 ocean-view rooms and seven eating places, a preferred alternative with households
For extreme luxurious, look no additional than The Pearl-Qatar, a man-made peninsula filled with the best eating, trendiest cafes, and most lavish accommodations within the nation, cementing Doha’s place as a worthy rival to Dubai.
From Nobu to Morimoto to Hakkasan, actually world-class Asian-inspired superb eating is without doubt one of the many elite methods Doha does greatest.
Vacationers can experience top-tier personal excursions like helicopter rides, luxurious yacht charters, 24-carat gold spa treatments, or private stylist-led buying journeys to the designer wing of the Mall of Doha.
When it’s time to fly residence, don’t be too dissatisfied. Qatar Airways has been voted the World’s Greatest Airline seven years in a row, to not point out the perfect airline within the Center East and one of many high enterprise lessons on the earth.
It’s protected to say you’ll go away behind your luxurious trip in continued consolation with excellent service.
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