13 Unconventional Travel Destinations to Consider this Eid

There are MANY travel guides recommending the same places, but this guide finds some of the best and unique options out there.

This article was initially featured in Savoir Flair on 5 March 2024. This is only an excerpt, but check out the whole article below.

Ramadan is a period of quiet introspection that culminates with Eid celebrations and gatherings. Many travel to places near or far over Eid, searching for somewhere exceptional. The usual suspects turn up on lists everywhere for such Eid getaways, but if you’re looking for somewhere bold and different, Savoir Flair has curated the definitive Eid travel guide. 

From exclusive desert retreats to 15th-century manors, Icelandic igloos, and Balinese tree houses, this guide distills exceptional locations over a range of distances, both near and far.

WITHIN FOUR HOURS

Alila Huna Bay, Oman

While most go to Muscat, we encourage you to venture towards Salalah’s lush, wadi-rich climes. With easy passage between the UAE and Oman, the intrepid will gear up for a spectacular 12-hour road trip through soaring mountains and historical Omani towns. It’s a landscape and portrait photographer’s dream journey. Others may fly into Salalah International Airport and then slink over to Alila Huna Bay, where you are invited to drop bags, sit back, and do nothing. 

The discerning will plumb for the king pool or sea view villas where the infinity pool’s edge frames the Arabian Sea. Throw on a bathrobe, press your toes into the sandy beach, and get lost in your thoughts. The hotel team can arrange excursions, including dolphin and whale watching, hikes through wadis, or visits to the nearby Mirabat.

Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah

Why fly to the Maldives when over-water villas are just a drive away? Ras Al Khaimah serves up a nature-filled getaway, whether you want mountains, mangroves, beaches, or even the world’s longest zip line. Relax into Anantara Mina Al Arab, a brand new resort that’s poised between RAK’s verdant mangroves and the pale blue sea. The jewels in its crown are the overwater villas with generous sundecks, private pools, and spectacular views.

As you would expect from an Anantara property, a list of activities is available if you decide to leave the villa. Start with workouts at the padel courts, then unwind with an herbal massage at Anantara Spa. Choose between an infinity pool or direct beach access. Dine at Mekong or indulge privately in your overwater villa and watch the sun go down, smug that you won’t need a seaplane or speedboat to get back home.

Six Senses Southern Dunes, Saudi Arabia

Luxurious escapism starts at Six Senses Southern Dunes, a signature Red Sea development within the Alnesai dunes. Discerning travelers will opt for one of the 40 pool villas overlooking the wadi, with their undulating double roofs to mimic the shape of the dunes. The property is contemporary but draws upon Bedouin design themes. 

This splendid isolation affords time to check out the ultra-modern gym and Six Senses Spa facility’s “biohacking”, designed to lull your body back to center after a weary journey. Treat yourself to the Gelato Bar, poolside ceviches, or in-room dining afterwards. The Six Senses Southern Dunes raises a cinema screen at night in the desert to show movies while you stretch out on loungers with table service. You need to plan ahead to get here, but it promises to be worth your while.

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Thank you for reading this extract! Please read the rest of the article in Savoir Flair for Hong Kong, Finland, Iceland and Pacific Coastal Highway inspo!

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