Kathmandu, Nepal
Flight time 4 hours
Cost Dh1,600, Fly Dubai
Just four hours away from the UAE, the Nepalese capital of Kathmandu couldn’t be any different from the hustle and bustle of Dubai. October is the beginning of the dry season, so the perfect time to jet into the city, plus, because monsoon season has just wrapped the country is at its most lush and green.
When you’re in the city be sure to explore Durbar Square, an ancient square in the heart of the city, crowded by temples and palaces and to see the country’s famous devote Hindu sadhus, visit UNESCO World Heritage Site Pashupatinath Temple, found in the eastern part of the city it’s one of the most significant Hindu temples, although non-Hindus cannot enter, you can enjoy it from across the banks of the Bagmati river. A day-time wander though back-packers Thamel is a must-do, the bustling district is a must-explore for hole-in-the-wall shops and easy going restaurants.
No trip to Nepal is complete without a trip to the Himalayas to see Mount Everest, the hour long small-plane trips leave at 15 minute intervals in the morning and are a once in a life time opportunity which will set you back about Dh600. If you’re not one of the very adventurous few who trek the mountain, it’s the perfect way to see the highest point on Earth, which at 8,849m high, happens to be ten times taller than the Burj Khalifa’s 828m (check www.mountainflights.com/yeti.htm for more info).
Stay Here
Dwarika’s Hotel
For unique Nepalese hospitality and total luxury, check into Dwarika’s Hotel, the hotel is a collection of buildings and houses dating from as far back as the 13th century. Just a stones throw from Pashupatinath Temple, you’ll be in the perfect place to enjoy typically Nepalese lifestyle and charm.
Rooms from Dh1,200
dwarikas.com
Goa, India
Flight time 2 hours 50 minutes
Cost Dh1,500 return, Air India
Whether you’re heading to southwest India’s slice of sandy shores for a dusk ‘til dawn party trip, just want to chill out on the stunning beaches or fancy an action-packed eco-tourist break, there is something in Goa for everyone.
Easily the most laid back region in India, you can spend hours lounging on the seemingly endless idyllic beaches with frequent dips in the Arabian Sea, if that’s the holiday for you, head to Southern Goa. There is something for every taste and budget, if you’re happy with a shack on the beach, try a few nights in a simple hit in Agonda or check into a shack in Anjuna, which was once the Goa-home-of-hippies, it’s the place to enjoy lively nights and chilled out days. But for a luxury resort, choose either Varca, Cavelossim or Morbor beaches, these unspoilt fishing beaches are where you’ll find luxe hotels and chilled bars.
Ecotourism is very popular in Goa at the moment, thanks to companies like Goa Eco Tourism (based in Northern Goa), you can enjoy trips to conservation sites and overnight stays in the jungle and to the nature lover’s heaven, the Shanti Nature Resort and their elephant camp, with the company working to ensure that minimal impact is made on the fragile environment (www.goaecotourism.com).
Stay here
Capella, Goa
Hidden away in a private forest hill, Capella more or less defines retreat hotel, it’s the perfect place to hideaway for some R&R. The owners of this sprawling house have converted three rooms into guest rooms, each complete with antique four-poster beds, you can just unwind amidst the aromas of the frangipani, jasmine and mango trees outside.
Rooms from Dh290 per night.
www.capellagoa.com
Amman, Jordan
Flight time 2 hours 55 minutes
Cost 1,800 return, Emirates
Amman is a hub of the modern Middle East, the vibrant city has all of the stylish cafes and bars, fabulous art galleries and restaurants in the urban Western part of the city (try new restaurant Mezzart for fantastic contemporary Arabic food, bit.ly/NYNDl7), but head downtown for the souk in el-Balad for a stroll through the vibrant and colourful bazaar. Another must try is the Turkish Bath in Al Pasha, after a welcome drink and relaxing session in the steam room you can hit the Jacuzzis and then enjoy a scrub down then a massage, you leave feeling the cleanest you’ve ever been and it will only set you back Dh130 (www.pashaturkishbath.com).
Just three hours drive away you’ll find the must-visit UNESCO World Heritage Site, Petra, an ancient city, thought to have been built as early as the sixth century BC, the ruins can be explored, at a push, in one day, but we’d recommend that you allow two days to get the most out of the forgotten city. From the moment you entre the narrow entry at the Siq canyon you’ll be absolutely captivated, make sure you pay a visit to the Treasury (El-Khazneh), where part of Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade was filmed, check out the impressive 7000-seat Roman Theatre, which is still occasionally used for performances, and a short walk from the theatre are the grand Royal Tombs. If you’re in Petra for a Monday, Wednesday or Thursday evening you’ll be able to visit the candle-lit city after dark as you listen to short display of Bedouin music.
On your drive back to Amman stop off at the unmissable Dead Sea, the detour will add about an hour to your total journey, the famous salt lake lies 400m below sea level and is nearly nine times saltier than the sea, making it perfect for a day spent just floating and bobbing in the water.
Stay here
Four Seasons Amman
Enjoy a little bit of classic luxury at the Four Seasons Amman, found in the swanky Al Sweifiyah residential area, you’ll enjoy the hotel’s striking views out over the city and the Roman ruins that line the city are just a stones throw from the hotel.
Rooms from Dh1,200
www.fourseasons.com/amman
Beirut, Lebanon
Flight time 3 hours 10mins
Cost 1,600 return, Emirates
Just three hours away there is a whole world of after dark fun to be had in Beirut, the vibrant and lively city is a perfect place to head to let your hair down for a weekend of long evenings putting the world to rights in near-to-bursting bars and come day time there is more than enough to explore in the city for a good culture fix.
Where better to start for a lively night out than Gemmayze, the city’s arty, bohemian quarter. The best way to find the bar for you is to wander the narrow streets and take in the beautiful historic buildings you pass, then tuck into a cosy little bar, which as the night goes on will inevitably spill outdoors, with the whole street buzzing together. If you’re looking for somewhere to start your evening off, head to the aptly named The Alleyway, found nestled between two of the most popular night spots Gauche Caviar and Cloud 9 (www.thealleyway.org).
By day you won’t be lost for things to keep you busy for a little retail therapy head downtown, you’ll find endless upscale shops, beautiful historical buildings and the city’s iconic Mohammad al Amin Mosque of Beirut.
After exploring downtown, take a long lazy walk along the Beirut Corniche and taking in the sea air and stunning views which are guaranteed to clear your head. Another must see is the Jeita Grotto, the moment you see these naturally perfect caves you’ll understand why they were finalists for the new Seven Wonders of the World and you’ll be scratching your head trying to figure out how exactly they didn’t make the cut. Travel through the limestone caves by boat and wander through the upper caves, you’ll be blown away by the hauntingly beautiful site.
Stay here
Phonenicia Hotel
If you check into The Phoenicia Hotel in downtown Beirut expect to be treated like a queen, little touches like L’Occitane toiletries, mini exhibitions and boutique shopping make the hotel feel extra special. Plus, there’s a luxe spa where you can rest your feet after days exploring the city and evenings making the most out of Beirut’s nightlife.
Rooms from Dh882 per night.
www.phoeniciabeirut.com
