The SS24 Middle East Launches To Know About

Madinat Jumeirah has introduced its new Wellness Escapes offer, available to guests staying at any of its four properties, which include Jumeirah Mina A’Salam, Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf, Jumeirah Al Naseem and Jumeirah Al Qasr. The offering invites guests to experience the Talise Wellness Programme, which includes a dedicated wellness coach and access to daily wellness activities from reiki to sound healing therapy. Whether opting for the ‘recharge’ programme, ‘sleep’ offering or alleviating physical tension with the ‘de-stress’ programme, guests will be able to create a framework to suit their needs. All this is set within the palatial setting of Jumeirah Al Qasr.

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Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat has opened its doors, bringing Aegean luxury to the shores of the United Arab Emirates. On the coast, approximately halfway between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the adult-only property is made up of 22 luxury guest rooms and suites, all in a style inspired by the low-lying white buildings found on the Greek island of Santorini. Views of the Gulf stretch can be enjoyed from every suite and terrace, and all the accommodation has soft furnishings in neutral colours. At the Anantara Spa, treatments from the East and West are fused to create a menu of traditional rituals and cutting-edge treatments, alongside a plunge pool, Himalayan salt sauna, Moroccan hammam and spa bath.

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Wheely, the Swiss-founded company known for its on-demand and pre-booked chauffeuring, has now launched in Dubai, along with the Middle East debut of its New Business Class product. From on-demand and pre-scheduled chauffeuring and ‘Perfect Airport Pickups’ to a concierge service and best-in-class app, Wheely helps its clients reclaim their time. Its New Business Class offer introduces BMW vehicles alongside its existing fleet of Mercedes-Benz, which will be used for its XL, Perfect Airport Pickup and Chauffeur for a Day services.

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In Tabuk on Saudi Arabia’s west coast, Six Senses Southern Dunes is another part of The Red Sea Project. It’s a 45-minute drive from the recently opened Red Sea International Airport, which is serviced by Saudi airlines direct from Riyadh and Jeddah. This desert resort is a 45-minute drive to the Red Sea – and surrounded by breath-taking dunes as far as the eye can see. In lieu of the sea, there’s a central swimming pool and 40 villas with private pools. Inspired by Saudi’s Bedouin heritage, the resort blends with its desert surroundings and displays traditional artworks and artefacts to remind you where you are. As health is at the centre of all Six Senses, the expansive spa houses a gym, yoga studio and state-of-the-art facilities including an infra-red sauna, biohacking area and hammam.

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Experience Abu Dhabi has launched the Abu Dhabi Pass in partnership with global travel marketplace Alike. Offering more convenience and savings to visitors exploring the emirate’s diverse range of offerings, The Abu Dhabi Pass offers discounts of up to 40% across more than 40 of the city's most-loved attractions – along with opportunities for skip-the-line access as well as exclusive discounts on UAE visas, SIM cards and transport. Passholders can tailor their experience with three pass options that suit different trip lengths and budgets. The pass covers entry and access to Louvre Abu Dhabi, Qasr Al Hosn and the Etihad Tower Observation Deck at 300, while families can enjoy KidZania Abu Dhabi, the BMX Park at Circuit X and a desert safari adventure through Abu Dhabi’s endless dunes.

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Three historic properties in Al Balad have been transformed into luxury hotels. Located in an area of great historical and cultural significance, with Unesco heritage protection, the trio of hotels are part of the Jeddah Historic District Program, which has paved the way in the regeneration of the old town of Al Balad. Named Beit Jokhdar, Beit Kedwan and Beit Al Rayess, each hotel has been carefully restored with the help of historians and the knowledge of locals, using local artists, carpenters and architects as well as locally sourced products to bring the buildings back to life. Of the three, we love the look of the sumptuous suites in Beit Al Rayess.

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Part of The Red Sea Project, on a private island in the protected Ummahat archipelago, the ultra-luxury St Regis Red Sea Resort is now open. It’s only accessible by boat or seaplane, giving it a distinct Maldives feel. There are 90 villas, overwater and beachfront, with up to four bedrooms. Guests are encouraged to explore the surrounding pristine waters – home to the world’s fourth largest barrier reef – through diving excursions, PADI courses, snorkelling trips and educational expeditions. Three restaurants will keep guests catered to throughout their stay: modern Japanese will be served at Gishiki 45; Middle Eastern food is celebrated at Nesma; and Tilina, perched over the top of one of the reefs, is a fine-dining steakhouse. Days can be spent luxuriating in the spa or by your private pool while children play in the kids’ club. 

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British Airways has launched daily flights to Abu Dhabi, following a four-year hiatus. Available to book, the route will begin operating on 20th April, serving the UAE’s capital on a year-round basis from London Heathrow. The new flight will be operated by a Boeing 787-9 aircraft and will boost connectivity to the UAE as it joins flights to neighbouring Dubai, which operate up to three-times daily from Heathrow. Those looking for holiday packages can enjoy a wide selection from British Airways Holidays, which include ATOL protection, a 24-hour helpline and 23kg baggage allowance as standard.

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