Category: Travel

Mauritius is famous for its beautiful white sandy beaches, and a welcoming atmosphere that is famous for honeymooners and families alike. Besides this Mauritius has some exceptional natural sites and protected forest that will surely win the heart of nature lovers who want to get closer to nature.

The Pamplemousses Botanical Garden is a famous spot in the island, where nature enthusiasts and travelers definitely add it to their itinerary when they’re in the island. Also known as the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden, this wonderful garden created over 300 years ago, houses a multitude of native and endemic plants and the famous giant water lily ponds.

For nature lovers, Pamplemousses garden is the ideal place to stroll with family or partner along the paths bordered with greenery. One might get a chance to experience a marvelous phenomenon of seeing a Talipot tree blooming – it only happens every 30 to 80 years, before the tree dies, truly a wonderous sight. The famous ponds with giant water lilies are surely worthy of a visit, and is a place where a lot of visitors take souvenir photos.

The Black River Gorges National Park is a lush forest, house to a great variety of native and endemic trees, but also treasurable animal species, such as the Pink Pigeon and the Mauritian Parakeet or the Paradise Flycatcher, which are highly monitored protected birds. Visitors are always impressed by the size of the Mauritian Bats that go out in broad daylight above the trees. The park is also one of the favorite places for nature enthusiasts and trail amateurs, it is perfect for family hikes, with marked trails and information center to learn more about the flora and fauna of the region.

Mauritius has a pleasant climate with a mild temperature all year round, and its currently summer season. Summer in the island starts from October till April, but the heat peaks are felt between December and February, and is always accompanied by a high humidity level, it is definitely a warm weather in the island right now.

Spend quality time with loved ones and make the most out of Dubai’s luxury hotel pools and beaches with Viya Access. The new luxury leisure and pool access pass from Viya, Dubai’s luxury rewards app, offers unlimited entry to Dubai’s most lavish hotel resorts, stunning beaches, glistening pools, water parks and premium fitness facilities, including the city’s hottest new entertainment venue, Topgolf!

Viya Access encourages pass holders and their families to explore the amazing beaches and pools that Dubai has to offer. Pass holders also enjoy a range of F&B discounts at top Dubai restaurants.

This app-based pass is easy to purchase and use on the Viya app. Rather than paying a membership fee to one specific place pass holders can use the app and have the freedom to visit numerous locations and enjoy a range of exclusive benefits while still earning Viya Loyalty Points to redeem across the city. No reservations are required to use the Viya Access Pass once purchased.

With a history dating back to the 17th century, Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul not only fuses history and luxury but has also inspired travel buffs and the tourism industry all over the world for 30 years. Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year under Kempinski management, Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul is an icon in itself with its history and splendour, exciting those who have experienced it first-hand, and making those who have not yet eagerly tantalised.

With its unique history, stately architecture, unparalleled location on the Bosphorus and the top-class personalised service it has offered for 30 years, Çırağan Palace has been recognised by many with awards worldwide. In addition to its pioneering mission of destination marketing, this legendary hotel combines Turkish hospitality and luxury at its best, extending its value well beyond merely offering accommodation. Since its inception, it has played host to countless dignitaries, including heads of state, royals, and world-renowned artists. The hotel hosts events ranging from international meetings to exclusive weddings that showcase the city to the world.

Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul General Manager and Regional Director of Kempinski Residences in Turkey Ralph Radtke stated, “It is a great honour for us to have kept this legend alive together with all our team for precisely 30 years. We would like to express our gratitude to all our valued guests and business partners for their trust and loyalty. In addition to inspiring the travel and hospitality industry, we hope that we will be able to celebrate these important historical dates together enthusiastically in healthier days. We will continue to curate special experiences for our 30th anniversary throughout the year.”

As thoughts turn to holidays this year and international travel set to kick-start in April, those who haven’t reclined, wined or dined much this year can look forward to experiencing a new kid on the block with the opening of The Londoner in April 2021.

Located in a neighbourhood as storied as Leicester Square, this newcomer has its own tale to tell and its enviable location not only places guests at the lively heart of the capital, but at the doorstep of everything that central London has to offer. 

The Londoner, opening as the world’s first super boutique hotel.

As some of the most prolific players in the London hospitality scene, Edwardian Hotels London has not slowed in their quest to launch The Londoner, at a time when the industry needs it most. Taking centre stage on Leicester Square, The Londoner will welcome arrivals from April 2021, not only placing guests in the world’s first super boutique hotel, but also at the heart of the West End theatreland.

Boutique in feeling yet staggering in scale, The Londoner is set to transform the city’s hotel landscape. In excess of £300 million of investment towards the group’s most ambitious project to date, Edwardian Hotels London continues to be prolific in the hospitality space, demonstrating their continued commitment to the UK and unwavering confidence in its future as a global city.

Charles Oak, Hotel Director of The Londoner, comments “We hope that The Londoner will stand as a beacon of hope for London’s ever resilient hospitality industry and are proud to be recruiting a world class taskforce made up of the city’s most hardworking and talented individuals. Together, we are looking forward to opening our doors in the Spring and welcoming guests from all over to their new home from home, in the heart of the capital’s most vibrant neighbourhood.”

Experience the true #TasteOfWinter at the elevated luxury resort, Anantara Al Jabal Al AkhdarResort, as the property welcomes allguests with an exciting new season package for the perfect holiday getaway. 

Visitors can make themselves at home and celebrate the holidays in style, comfort and the privacy of a luxury abode as they breathe in the cool mountain air whilst feeling the warmth of the Omani hospitality. The property provides the perfect setting to witness scenic and breathtaking canyon views for the leisure seekers as well as exciting escapades for the adventurous, making it one of the region’s most sought-after resorts. 

Perched2,000m above sea level, amidst the majestic Hajar mountains, guests can now unwind and stay in one of the 115 luxury rooms and villas available at the property that overlooks the majestic canyon, tranquil gardens and even boasts a private temperature-controlled infinity pool.  

The offer also includes daily breakfast and dinner at Al Maisan, otherwise known as ‘The Rising Star’ which features an elegant indoor dining area and a spacious outdoor terrace in addition to a light lunch at Bella Vista, a charming restaurant that re-imagines a traditional Italian kitchen with contemporary flair. Guests can relish in mouth-watering as they soak in spectacular views of the vast gorge surrounding the resort that will truly elevate their dining experience.  

Additionally, for all thrill seekers, Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar hosts an array of incredible adventure experiences; from wadi hikes and mountain biking to the newest Jabal Activity Wall for a mountain climbing and zipline challenge, all of which are sure to get your heart racing. For those who would like to opt for a more relaxing activity, the property provides a tour of the organic gardens or a three-village culture walk as well as movie under the stars. 

The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach welcomes guests to create unforgettable memories and experience a luxurious staycation with breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf at the new Al Shamal Ocean View Villa. With a magnificent sundeck overlooking the pristine ocean, a private pool, and a tranquil garden with a personal cabana, the elegantly appointed 193 square meter villa offers a wonderful atmosphere for guests to enjoy with their loved ones, whether it’s celebrating special occasions or anniversaries, it will be a staycation to remember.

A secluded oasis set along the shores of the Arabian Gulf, The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach celebrates natural beauty and cultural heritage at its finest. Blending traditional elements with modern luxury, the hotel offers a collection of experiences including destination dining, and ocean inspired spa treatments.

To complement the magical experience, in-house guests can also enjoy a number of private island inspired activities such as lavish breakfast picnics overlooking the stunning views of the Arabian Gulf, exclusive barbeque experiences at a secluded spot on the beachfront, or a relaxed DIY In-Villa barbeque experience where guests can let their creativity flow and “Be Their Own Chef”.

Escape the city and head to the enchanting desert resort at The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert and experience a moonlight camel ride in the heart of the Al Wadi Nature Reserve. Starting from 30 November 2020 and taking place at the end of every month during the full moon, guests at the resort can enjoy a magical camel ride under the full moon in the beautiful Arabian Desert, followed by a stargazing experience and the opportunity to relish the seclusion and tranquility that the resort has to offer.

Nestled in a scenic nature reserve, The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert is a secluded oasis set amongst 500 hectares of desert conservation area. Guests can connect with nature in the moonlight and then discover the galaxy via the stargazing platform and observe the mesmerizing landscape offset by a spectacular canopy of stars.

This secluded oasis is focused on offering exceptional experiences alongside unparalleled service for guests, whilst being committed to providing traditional Arabian hospitality. This 100 private villa resort has so much to offer with each villa offering private entrances, temperature-controlled pools and uninhibited views. The luxury resort also boasts a variety of dining options including the farm-to-table Farmhouse, as well as the intimacy of in-villa dining. There are a host of activities available for the adventurous, such as; archery, desert biking, bird watching, horse riding and additional camel treks or enjoy a secluded ride around the resort on bicycles provided with your villa.

The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert offers an idyllic city escape, where unforgettable memories are waiting to be made with both friends and family. Guests can enjoy a camel ride with a choice of the stargazing activity or a stay and experience package to include a bottle of sparkling and chocolate dipped strawberries. All offers will only accommodate one person per camel to adhere with social distancing rules at the resort.

Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara is delighted to invite guests back to lush beachfront luxury, with the resort officially reopening on 1 October 2020.

Guests can take advantage of amazing savings with two new offers. Book accommodation in our elegantly decorated Garden and Sea View Rooms and Villas along with exquisite dining opportunities at our fabulous restaurants. The team at Al Baleed Resort are all busy preparing to welcome you into our “new normal” and make you feel completely comfortable.

Committed to your Wellbeing

New health and safety measures have been implemented at the resort, that go beyond the strict measures recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO), from check-in and luggage sanitation, to enhanced cleaning schedules with the latest in cleaning technology being used. Our restaurants will be set up in compliance with social distancing guidelines and a la carte meals will be carefully prepared and served to the table. Guest rooms will also contain a new hygiene kit. A new dedicated Guest Guardian will be present at the resort to ensure all standards are both achieved and go beyond to ensure your health and safety at all times, so you can stay with peace of mind.

Giving Back to Those Who Care

Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara is pleased to offer Oman’s frontline workers a free stay at our hotel. We are giving away 50 room nights that can be booked any time from now until the end of October on a first-come, first-served basis. We appreciate all that our frontline workers have done and hope they can take some well-deserved relaxation with a night on us. To qualify, please send your details to branjitkar@anantara.com, we will notify you if you are among the first 50, and we will send you further information on how to proceed with the booking. 

Escape to a Private Beach

Choose from two incredible offers to save more on your stay at Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara. We’re offering Omani and GCC residents a Staycation offer with Private Pool Villa accommodation, breakfast daily and 30% savings at Anantara Spa and all our restaurants.

Stay five nights or more and you can enjoy further savings on your room or villa, complimentary mini-bar, a barbecue dinner, two massages and free laundry. Toast a return to normality in our verdant paradise with balmy temperatures, an infinity pool and private beach. Immerse yourself in Omani heritage with day-trips to nearby historical sites and trekking across mountainous terrain.

Your Peace of Mind

General Manager of Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara, Mohammad Wazir reassures guests that, “Myself and the entire team here at the resort are dedicated to making your stay as relaxing as possible. In keeping with Anantara’s holistic approach to service, we all understand the need for extra care to ensure peace of mind. I look forward to welcoming guests back to this paradise that I am lucky enough to call home and we can’t wait to deliver heartfelt hospitality once again.”

Minor Hotels announces the reopening of its portfolio of five island resorts in the Maldives. Having closed their doors back in April due to the global pandemic, the properties are once again welcoming guests, introducing a range of new facilities and experiences as well as enhancements to ensure the health and wellbeing of all guests. 

Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas welcomed their first guests on September 27^th. The world class resort in the Baa Atoll is offering a ‘Best of Maldives’ six-night stay reopening package which includes three once-in-a-lifetime adventures; snorkelling with manta rays, stargazing at the only over-water observatory in the Maldives and fine dining at SEA, one of the world’s few underwater restaurants. Anantara Kihavah reopens with brand-new Beach Pool and Over Water Pool Residences and a new-look Anantara Spa, whilst across the resort’s portfolio of restaurants and private in-villa dining, guests can expect a renewed focus on nutritious options. Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort and Anantara Veli Maldives Resort, in addition to sister resorts Naladhu Private Island and Niyama Private Islands, all open their doors from  October 1^st. 

Located in the South Male Atoll, a short speed boat ride from Male, Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort, Anantara Veli Maldives Resort and Naladhu Private Island form a cluster of three hotels. They reopen with new offerings including the opportunity to buy out a private island for a day. Surrounded by white sandy beaches and clear blue waters, Gulhifushi is the epitome of an island paradise and guests can now enjoy the tropical island all for themselves for a day. Additional new experiences include nurse shark snorkelling for families and a floating spa treatment.  

Niyama Private Islands reopens its two islands in the Dhaalu Atoll south of Male – Play and Chill – with their laid-back vibe and big island feel with space in abundance. Niyama is the one of the only luxury resorts in the Maldives with surfable waves and reopens during the midst of the surfing season with an exclusive surf event. From October 12-18 the resort hosts Lost Surfboards shaper Matt Biolos, along with several big-name surfers. The resort offers a range of active pursuits around the islands or on the water, in addition to Drift Spa and a multitude of dining options including on the beach, in the treetops and underwater. 

Minor Hotels’ highest priority is to maintain a safe and secure environment for guests and team members across all properties. Guests can feel safe in the knowledge that all five Maldives resorts are in line with World Health Organisation and local health authority regulations and in addition are implementing Anantara’s “Stay With Peace of Mind” programme, which includes enhanced levels of sanitation and disinfection throughout the resorts, in-room hygiene kits, the introduction of a Guest Guardian team member, whose role includes ensuring all health and sanitation standards are adhered to, in addition to on-going training for staff.  

Upon arrival to Velana International Airport in Male, guests are escorted by the resorts’ airport welcome hosts to either our seaplane lounge manned by partner – Manta Air, or to the speedboat to transfer directly to the resort, with social distancing protocols adhered to at all times. Complying with Covid-19 protection standards, guest luggage will be handled throughout its journey by a dedicated handler and sanitised at every stage.