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Page 1: IHG My Weekend_Jan'11

IHG My Weekend Cover January.indd 1 12/22/2010 5:24:35 PM

Page 2: IHG My Weekend_Jan'11

Untitled-1 1 12/22/2010 9:32:30 AM

There’s a world of superb weekend breaks out there: allow us to help you pick the perfect one for you...

It’s so easy to lose sight of your

weekends. In amidst the chores,

jobs and lost afternoons spent

popping in to the office ‘just

for a couple of hours’, those two

precious days all too often pass by

in an unmemorable flash. We’re

here to tell you it doesn’t have to

be this way. Just a few hours from

your door lie a wealth of weekend

possibilities – you can be pitching

down the fairway in Mauritius,

watching dolphins in Oman,

catching the sunset over Roman

ruins in Lebanon or waterparking in

Bahrain before you know it.

It’s all so much simpler than you

might imagine – just flick inside

our guide to 11 of the region’s best

destinations and start planning

a tailormade break to reconnect

with the people you love the most,

store up some lovely memories and

reclaim your weekend.Produced by HOT Media hotmediapublishing.com

Your weekend starts here

2 BahrainAqua parks and super souks.

4 egyptDesigner diving and Red Sea spas.

6 JordanChariot races and Wadi Rum sunsets.

8 KenyaStunning safaris and outdoor adventures.

10 KuwaitPicture-perfect parks and sky-high views.

12 LebanonSki resorts and ancient grottoes.

14 MauritiusLuxury cruises and playing with lion cubs.

16 OmanMountain treks and meeting turtles.

18 QatarDesert adventures and incredible Islamic art.

20 saudi arabiaRetail therapy and Madain Saleh.

22 the UaeHot-air balloons and fantastic golf courses.

24 Choose your hotelPerfect spots to rest your head.

IHG My Weekend January.indd 1 12/21/2010 2:12:58 PM

Page 3: IHG My Weekend_Jan'11

There’s a world of superb weekend breaks out there: allow us to help you pick the perfect one for you...

It’s so easy to lose sight of your

weekends. In amidst the chores,

jobs and lost afternoons spent

popping in to the office ‘just

for a couple of hours’, those two

precious days all too often pass by

in an unmemorable flash. We’re

here to tell you it doesn’t have to

be this way. Just a few hours from

your door lie a wealth of weekend

possibilities – you can be pitching

down the fairway in Mauritius,

watching dolphins in Oman,

catching the sunset over Roman

ruins in Lebanon or waterparking in

Bahrain before you know it.

It’s all so much simpler than you

might imagine – just flick inside

our guide to 11 of the region’s best

destinations and start planning

a tailormade break to reconnect

with the people you love the most,

store up some lovely memories and

reclaim your weekend.Produced by HOT Media hotmediapublishing.com

Your weekend starts here

2 BahrainAqua parks and super souks.

4 egyptDesigner diving and Red Sea spas.

6 JordanChariot races and Wadi Rum sunsets.

8 KenyaStunning safaris and outdoor adventures.

10 KuwaitPicture-perfect parks and sky-high views.

12 LebanonSki resorts and ancient grottoes.

14 MauritiusLuxury cruises and playing with lion cubs.

16 OmanMountain treks and meeting turtles.

18 QatarDesert adventures and incredible Islamic art.

20 saudi arabiaRetail therapy and Madain Saleh.

22 the UaeHot-air balloons and fantastic golf courses.

24 Choose your hotelPerfect spots to rest your head.

IHG My Weekend January.indd 1 12/21/2010 2:12:58 PM

Page 4: IHG My Weekend_Jan'11

3

ALL GOOD THINGS… Though Bahrain comprises 33 separate islands, it is the smallest of the GCC countries. WINTER WONDER November to March is the best time of year to visit, so set off for a winter break and swerve its sultry summers. HISTORY LESSON What’s now Bahrain was once the ancient land of Dilmun, the presumed home of the Garden of Eden.

Manama is an excellent place to get

an insight into this ancient nation,

and covers over six millenia of

history. Here you can learn about

Dilmun, the ancient civilisation of

legend thought to have been based

in Bahrain, as well as Bahrain’s

more recent history. You’ll also

enjoy the hall dedicated to the

natural history of the islands,

and the beautiful old Koranic

documents that are on display. For

a slice of modern Bahrain’s cultural

scene, meanwhile, swing by La

Fontaine Centre of Contemporary

Art (00 973 1 723 0123), an old

building which has been remade as

a home for exhibitions from around

the world.

FOr adventUreAdrenaline junkies will adore a visit

to Gulf Speed One, a go-kart track

in Manama (gulfspeedone.com)

where you can hire out turbo-

charged single or twin-engine

machines to zip around the track

at up to 40 miles per hour, trying

to shave seconds off your time and

beat your friends. And if you fancy

some aquatic action, why not go

wakeboarding, banana-boating,

sailing or waterskiing at the Coral

Beach Club on Al Fateh Corniche

(coralbeachbahrain.com).

FOr reLaxatiOnFew Bahraini experiences are as

calming or tranquil as taking a trip

out into the desert to see the Tree

of Life. It’s so unusual because it

stands completely on its own – a

great, green, centuries-old tree

with not a single other living plant

for miles around. Beautiful and

strangely moving.

PErfECT DiNNErs

EAT IN for family-friendly meals,

head to La Mosaique Restaurant (Crowne Plaza Bahrain 00 973 1 753 1122), where you’ll find all manner of bites showcased on its sprawling buffet tables.

seafood-lovers will be in their element at Waves (00 973 1 753 1122), where local fisherman deliver fresh fare daily. find it in the Crowne Plaza Bahrain.

savour traditional indian dishes at Crowne Plaza Bahrain’s newest eatery, Spices (00 973 1 753 1122).

EAT OUTCarnivores can get their meat fix at Seef’s Butcher Shop & Grill (00 973 1 717 2300), which serves up the tastiest of tenderloins.

BahraiN

Clockwise from far left: Al-Fateh Grand Mosque; Camel tour in desert; Family fun at

Lost Paradise of Dilmun; Gulf Speed One.

IHG My Weekend January.indd 3 12/21/2010 2:13:04 PM

2

BahrainFOr COUpLesStep through the Bab Al Bahrain

gate in Manama and you’ll find

yourself in the heart of the

charming and old-fashioned

Manama Souk – a great place

for couples to spend a leisurely

morning browsing the stalls, and

picking up trinkets and authentic

knick-knacks to take home,

stopping off for thick, rich coffees

along the way. If you prefer your

shopping air conditioned and

modern, head over to the Seef

neighbourhood, where you’ll find a

clutch of sparkling malls including

Dana Mall (particularly good for

fashion, danamall.net), The Bahrain

Mall (excellent for electronics,

thebahrainmall.com) and the

mighty Seef Mall (stacked with

good jewellery stores, seef.net).

FOr FaMiLiesKids will adore a day trip to

The Lost Paradise of Dilmun

(lpodwaterpark.com), a huge

waterpark filled with exciting

rides, including the pendulum-

style Boomerango slide, the

near-vertical Speed Slide and the

twisting Superbowl. There’s the

Paradise River, which you can bob

along on a tube, through caves

and waterfalls; the wave pool and

sandy beach; and the Family Raft

Ride – up to four people can get on

board and plummet down a chute

to a splash landing. Parents will

love chilling in the therapeutic spa

pool while their kids dash about in

the Rain Fortress, where they can

soak each other with water hoses,

stand under the gigantic tipping

water bucket and nip down one of

its mini slides.

FOr CULtUre The Bahrain National Museum in

The Bahrain National Museum is a great place to get an insight into this ancient nation

A small and friendly nation filled with cultural and adventurous surprises for the weekend tripper...

IHG My Weekend January.indd 2 12/21/2010 2:13:00 PM

Page 5: IHG My Weekend_Jan'11

3

ALL GOOD THINGS… Though Bahrain comprises 33 separate islands, it is the smallest of the GCC countries. WINTER WONDER November to March is the best time of year to visit, so set off for a winter break and swerve its sultry summers. HISTORY LESSON What’s now Bahrain was once the ancient land of Dilmun, the presumed home of the Garden of Eden.

Manama is an excellent place to get

an insight into this ancient nation,

and covers over six millenia of

history. Here you can learn about

Dilmun, the ancient civilisation of

legend thought to have been based

in Bahrain, as well as Bahrain’s

more recent history. You’ll also

enjoy the hall dedicated to the

natural history of the islands,

and the beautiful old Koranic

documents that are on display. For

a slice of modern Bahrain’s cultural

scene, meanwhile, swing by La

Fontaine Centre of Contemporary

Art (00 973 1 723 0123), an old

building which has been remade as

a home for exhibitions from around

the world.

FOr adventUreAdrenaline junkies will adore a visit

to Gulf Speed One, a go-kart track

in Manama (gulfspeedone.com)

where you can hire out turbo-

charged single or twin-engine

machines to zip around the track

at up to 40 miles per hour, trying

to shave seconds off your time and

beat your friends. And if you fancy

some aquatic action, why not go

wakeboarding, banana-boating,

sailing or waterskiing at the Coral

Beach Club on Al Fateh Corniche

(coralbeachbahrain.com).

FOr reLaxatiOnFew Bahraini experiences are as

calming or tranquil as taking a trip

out into the desert to see the Tree

of Life. It’s so unusual because it

stands completely on its own – a

great, green, centuries-old tree

with not a single other living plant

for miles around. Beautiful and

strangely moving.

PErfECT DiNNErs

EAT IN for family-friendly meals,

head to La Mosaique Restaurant (Crowne Plaza Bahrain 00 973 1 753 1122), where you’ll find all manner of bites showcased on its sprawling buffet tables.

seafood-lovers will be in their element at Waves (00 973 1 753 1122), where local fisherman deliver fresh fare daily. find it in the Crowne Plaza Bahrain.

savour traditional indian dishes at Crowne Plaza Bahrain’s newest eatery, Spices (00 973 1 753 1122).

EAT OUTCarnivores can get their meat fix at Seef’s Butcher Shop & Grill (00 973 1 717 2300), which serves up the tastiest of tenderloins.

BahraiN

Clockwise from far left: Al-Fateh Grand Mosque; Camel tour in desert; Family fun at

Lost Paradise of Dilmun; Gulf Speed One.

IHG My Weekend January.indd 3 12/21/2010 2:13:04 PM

Page 6: IHG My Weekend_Jan'11

5

country’s main seat of power,

the Citadel, which comprises

palaces (now museums) and an

impenetrable fortress. In Fustat,

the city which originally stood

south of where Cairo now is, you

can visit the oldest mosque in

Africa which has undergone so

many architectural reinventions

it’s now unrecognisable from its

original structure.

FOr adventUreThe next item on the agenda of

thrill-seekers who’ve already done

snowboarding and wakeboarding

has got to be sandboarding. We’re

not talking going down a little hill

on a tray – this is serious business:

the dunes in the Western Desert

are some of the biggest in the

world at up to 300 metres high,

and participants in the sport get

fully kitted out with boards and

boots. Given the lack of chair lifts,

it’s pretty exhausting, but also

brilliant fun.

FOr reLaxatiOnIf the very thought of getting

horizontal by a quiet pool, chilled

juice in hand, sends you into

raptures, make a beeline for the

InterContinental Abu Soma resort

in Hurghada (00 20 65 326 0700).

It’s set on the idyllic Red Sea

coastline, where hundreds of

palm trees are dotted around the

surrounding twin bays and the

enormous free-form swimming

pool, complete with cave shelters,

is perfect for a spot of wallowing if

you can’t quite muster the energy

to walk to the private beach.

For true indulgence, you should

book up a treatment or two (we

recommend the Bangkok Mist,

incorporating Thai massage,

coconut scrub and coffee body

peel) at the hotel’s spa.

The dunes in the Western Desert are some of the biggest in the world at up to 300 metres high

EAT IN Tuck into an à la carte menu

then enjoy an after-dinner shisha pipe at Tannour (00 20 65 326 0700) – interContinental abu soma resort’s fantastic Lebanese restaurant.

for fabulous international cuisine (rustled up in live cooking stations), book a table at Souq Al Hana Restaurant (00 20 65 336 0000) at Crowne Plaza sahara Oasis in Port Ghalib.

Grab a light bite at The Pool Deck (interContinental The Palace Port Ghalib resort, 00 20 65 336 0000) and drink in fine views of the red sea as you eat.

EAT OUTa huge helping of atmosphere is served up with siwan dishes at Bab Inshal (Midal el souq, siwan, 00 46 460 1499). it overlooks the ruins of shali.

PErfECT DiNNErs

EGYPT

Opposite page, left to right: Felucca on the Nile; Snorkelling at Sharm El Sheikh. This page, clockwise from left: Giza’s pyramids; Room at InterContinental Cairo, Cairo Citadel.

IHG My Weekend January.indd 5 12/21/2010 2:13:12 PM

4

EgyptFOr COUpLes You won’t want to miss out on

a glorious cruise down the Nile,

one of the most eye-opening

experiences in the country. But for

something more off-the-beaten

track, consider heading to the

Sahara’s Western Desert where

you can witness the majesty of an

oasis with your partner, a memory

you will cherish forever. There

are four main oases to check out:

Siwa, Baharia, Farafra and Dakhla.

The 80km-long Siwa is dotted

with limestone outcrops, mineral

springs and two salt lakes, and

its abundant date and olive trees

make it feel like a real haven.

Dakhla is so verdant you could

almost forget you’re in the desert;

tranquil Farafra is ideal for couples

seeking solitude; and Baharia is

accessible by road so it’s ideal if

you don’t want to have to make a

major excursion of it.

FOr FaMiLies The Red Sea is known throughout

the world for its fantastic

snorkelling and diving. Head to the

beautiful resort of Sharm El Sheikh

and you’ll experience crystal clear

waters, white sands and vibrant

coral reefs bursting with tropical

fish, turtles and sometimes even

dolphins. Be sure to get rash vests

for the kids as it will stop their

backs from getting burned in the

intense sun, and save on luggage

space by hiring equipment while

you’re there.

FOr CULtUreObviously, Egypt’s most well-

known attraction is the pyramids,

and they are a must-see (as is the

Egyptian Museum in Cairo) – but

there is far more to this fascinating

country. Ever since the downfall of

the Byzantine Empire in 642AD,

Egypt has been an Islamic country

and its rich history of different

dynasties has resulted in an

incredible array of mosques, their

elegant domes and cloud-poking

minarets peppering the skyline.

Many can be found within the

TOP TIP it’s customary to tip for services in Egypt, even if it’s for the pressing of a button in a lift – so have loose coins at the ready. SIZE MATTERS Egypt stretches over 1 million square kilometers – around the size of france and Germany combined. HARD LIVING ancient Egyptians used to sleep on pillows made of stone.

Thought egypt was just pyramids and nothing more? Time to think again…

IHG My Weekend January.indd 4 12/21/2010 2:13:08 PM

Page 7: IHG My Weekend_Jan'11

5

country’s main seat of power,

the Citadel, which comprises

palaces (now museums) and an

impenetrable fortress. In Fustat,

the city which originally stood

south of where Cairo now is, you

can visit the oldest mosque in

Africa which has undergone so

many architectural reinventions

it’s now unrecognisable from its

original structure.

FOr adventUreThe next item on the agenda of

thrill-seekers who’ve already done

snowboarding and wakeboarding

has got to be sandboarding. We’re

not talking going down a little hill

on a tray – this is serious business:

the dunes in the Western Desert

are some of the biggest in the

world at up to 300 metres high,

and participants in the sport get

fully kitted out with boards and

boots. Given the lack of chair lifts,

it’s pretty exhausting, but also

brilliant fun.

FOr reLaxatiOnIf the very thought of getting

horizontal by a quiet pool, chilled

juice in hand, sends you into

raptures, make a beeline for the

InterContinental Abu Soma resort

in Hurghada (00 20 65 326 0700).

It’s set on the idyllic Red Sea

coastline, where hundreds of

palm trees are dotted around the

surrounding twin bays and the

enormous free-form swimming

pool, complete with cave shelters,

is perfect for a spot of wallowing if

you can’t quite muster the energy

to walk to the private beach.

For true indulgence, you should

book up a treatment or two (we

recommend the Bangkok Mist,

incorporating Thai massage,

coconut scrub and coffee body

peel) at the hotel’s spa.

The dunes in the Western Desert are some of the biggest in the world at up to 300 metres high

EAT IN Tuck into an à la carte menu

then enjoy an after-dinner shisha pipe at Tannour (00 20 65 326 0700) – interContinental abu soma resort’s fantastic Lebanese restaurant.

for fabulous international cuisine (rustled up in live cooking stations), book a table at Souq Al Hana Restaurant (00 20 65 336 0000) at Crowne Plaza sahara Oasis in Port Ghalib.

Grab a light bite at The Pool Deck (interContinental The Palace Port Ghalib resort, 00 20 65 336 0000) and drink in fine views of the red sea as you eat.

EAT OUTa huge helping of atmosphere is served up with siwan dishes at Bab Inshal (Midal el souq, siwan, 00 46 460 1499). it overlooks the ruins of shali.

PErfECT DiNNErs

EGYPT

Opposite page, left to right: Felucca on the Nile; Snorkelling at Sharm El Sheikh. This page, clockwise from left: Giza’s pyramids; Room at InterContinental Cairo, Cairo Citadel.

IHG My Weekend January.indd 5 12/21/2010 2:13:12 PM

Page 8: IHG My Weekend_Jan'11

7

SNOW BUSINESS it might be the desert, but even the sandiest terrains dip to chillier climes in winter – snow has known to settle in amman. OH BROTHER Jordan was known as Philadelphia in ancient times, meaning ‘City of Brotherly Love’. FEELING LOW Jordan’s Dead sea is the lowest point on the planet.

EAT IN Enjoy succulent steaks and some

beautifully prepared local dishes at Below 393 (holiday inn resort Dead sea, 00 962 5 349 5555).

Munch on Mezzas with friends at Al Halaby Restaurant (Crowne Plaza ammam 00 962 6 551 0001) – it’s the first aleppo restaurant in ammam.

if you’re looking for a relaxing bite, head to The Atrium (interContinental Jordan, 00 962 6 464 1361) and help yourself to its splendidly lavish buffet.

EAT OUTMezze and meat awaits you at Fakhr El-Din (40 Taha hussein st, Jebel ammam), an enjoyably authentic spot housed inside a 1950s-style Jordanian villa.

PErfECT DiNNErs

it. Best recognised for its role in

Indiana Jones, Petra was entirely

carved into the stone of the red-

rocked mountains in 100BCE and

remained undiscovered by the

western world until 1812. Its fortress-

like construction was a smart move,

as it was built on a major trade route

passed through by those travelling

between Gaza, Damascus, Aqaba

and Leuce Come on the Red Sea,

and the area contained a perennial

stream which essentially turned the

city into an artificial oasis. It’s an

enormous area to explore so

make sure you wear comfortable

walking shoes.

FOr adventUreYou haven’t seen a wadi until

you’ve seen Wadi Rum. Soaring

dramatically above the desert

sands, the vast sandstone and

granite ridges that flank the valley

have been eroded over thousands

of years by fresh water springs,

leading to the wadi becoming a

handy meeting point for caravans

and Bedouin tribes, some of whom

inhabit the wadi to this day. The

breathtaking beauty of sunset and

sunrise at Wadi Rum has to be seen

to be believed, so make the most

of your trip by camping overnight

(wadirumsunset.com offers good

overnight trips) – then you can also

lie beneath more stars than you

would have thought could possibly

exist in one sky.

FOr reLaxatiOnWhat could be more relaxing than

bobbing around in the sea without

even having to tread water? Head

to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on

Earth, and you can do just that, due

to the exceedingly high salt content

of the water. It’s a bizarre sensation

and one to do now – environmental

groups have warned that it may

have disappeared by 2050.

JOrDaN

The breathtaking beauty of sunset and sunrise at Wadi Rum has to be seen to be truly believed

Opposite page, top to bottom: Stunning Petra; Floating on the Dead Sea; Petra’s tombs. This page, clockwise from left: Salt formations at the Red Sea; King Hussein’s Mosque; Natural arch in Wadi Rum.

IHG My Weekend January.indd 7 12/21/2010 2:13:28 PM

6

JordanFOr COUpLes The Jordanian capital of Amman is

a must-visit for couples: as well as

being an excellent base from which

to explore the northwestern parts

of the country, the city is filled with

history in the form of the Roman

amphitheatre and the citadel.

Shopaholic couples will be in their

element – as well as the souks and

street stalls of the central downtown

area (Balad), there are malls galore

(our top recommendation is the

excellent City Mall).

FOr FaMiLies Looking for a truly unique way to

keep the kids entertained? Few

mini-holidaymakers would turn

their noses up at watching a real

live chariot race (jerashchariots.

com). Head to the hippodrome

at Jerash (about 50 minutes’

drive from Amman) and you can

wander around the 6,500-year-old

Greco-Roman site, where toga-clad

legionnaires roam the walkways and

mingle with the tourists. A trumpet

blare proclaims the beginning of

the pre-race fight, and Roman

soldiers emerge and battle it out in

gladiatorial contests, hurling spears

and crossing swords in a scarily

convincing manner. Next, decide

which team to support and watch

from the edge of your seat as four

horse-drawn chariots zoom through

their seven laps. Unmissable.

FOr CULtUreOne of the new seven wonders of

the world, Petra is absolutely

spectacular; a trip to Jordan would

be incomplete without seeing

From chariot racing and ancient ruins to boutique shopping, Jordan has something for everyone...

IHG My Weekend January.indd 6 12/21/2010 2:13:23 PM

Page 9: IHG My Weekend_Jan'11

7

SNOW BUSINESS it might be the desert, but even the sandiest terrains dip to chillier climes in winter – snow has known to settle in amman. OH BROTHER Jordan was known as Philadelphia in ancient times, meaning ‘City of Brotherly Love’. FEELING LOW Jordan’s Dead sea is the lowest point on the planet.

EAT IN Enjoy succulent steaks and some

beautifully prepared local dishes at Below 393 (holiday inn resort Dead sea, 00 962 5 349 5555).

Munch on Mezzas with friends at Al Halaby Restaurant (Crowne Plaza ammam 00 962 6 551 0001) – it’s the first aleppo restaurant in ammam.

if you’re looking for a relaxing bite, head to The Atrium (interContinental Jordan, 00 962 6 464 1361) and help yourself to its splendidly lavish buffet.

EAT OUTMezze and meat awaits you at Fakhr El-Din (40 Taha hussein st, Jebel ammam), an enjoyably authentic spot housed inside a 1950s-style Jordanian villa.

PErfECT DiNNErs

it. Best recognised for its role in

Indiana Jones, Petra was entirely

carved into the stone of the red-

rocked mountains in 100BCE and

remained undiscovered by the

western world until 1812. Its fortress-

like construction was a smart move,

as it was built on a major trade route

passed through by those travelling

between Gaza, Damascus, Aqaba

and Leuce Come on the Red Sea,

and the area contained a perennial

stream which essentially turned the

city into an artificial oasis. It’s an

enormous area to explore so

make sure you wear comfortable

walking shoes.

FOr adventUreYou haven’t seen a wadi until

you’ve seen Wadi Rum. Soaring

dramatically above the desert

sands, the vast sandstone and

granite ridges that flank the valley

have been eroded over thousands

of years by fresh water springs,

leading to the wadi becoming a

handy meeting point for caravans

and Bedouin tribes, some of whom

inhabit the wadi to this day. The

breathtaking beauty of sunset and

sunrise at Wadi Rum has to be seen

to be believed, so make the most

of your trip by camping overnight

(wadirumsunset.com offers good

overnight trips) – then you can also

lie beneath more stars than you

would have thought could possibly

exist in one sky.

FOr reLaxatiOnWhat could be more relaxing than

bobbing around in the sea without

even having to tread water? Head

to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on

Earth, and you can do just that, due

to the exceedingly high salt content

of the water. It’s a bizarre sensation

and one to do now – environmental

groups have warned that it may

have disappeared by 2050.

JOrDaN

The breathtaking beauty of sunset and sunrise at Wadi Rum has to be seen to be truly believed

Opposite page, top to bottom: Stunning Petra; Floating on the Dead Sea; Petra’s tombs. This page, clockwise from left: Salt formations at the Red Sea; King Hussein’s Mosque; Natural arch in Wadi Rum.

IHG My Weekend January.indd 7 12/21/2010 2:13:28 PM

Page 10: IHG My Weekend_Jan'11

9

RAINY DAYS Kenya’s rain season takes place from april to June when it can fall heavily for days at a time. JUNGLE BOOK Visit between June and september and you’ll see the annual migration of wilderbeast, which makes for a truly spectacular sight. THREE TONGUES English and swahili are Kenya’s two official languages, while Maa is spoken by the Maasai tribes.

world class safaris are the best way

to get painstakingly close to some

of the most powerful animals on

the planet; just take your pick from

an abundance of tour operators,

like Opulent Africa (opulentafrica.

com). If you prefer, leave the 4x4

behind, get your walking boots on

and head out to the soaring Ngong

Hills of southwest Nairobi – an

outstanding place for trekking.

Alternatively, set off to Africa’s

second tallest peak, Mount Kenya,

where you can stretch your legs

over its glacial ridges. Water-

lovers, meanwhile, can take to the

sea for deep-sea fishing or visit

the national parks of Malindi or

Watamu and swim among a flurry

of fish while snorkelling on the

Indian Ocean coast.

FOr reLaxatiOnSwap Kenya’s more enduring

treks for a gentle stroll through

the historical Uhuru Gardens,

where you’ll come face-to-face

with a huge monument of a dove

perched upon a pair of embracing

hands; signifying peace. An even

more wistful setting exists on

Lamu Island, home to Kenya’s

oldest town and a place that

will transport you to a bygone

era. There you’ll discover Shela

Beach, a truly relaxing stretch of

powder-white sands. If you want

a complete escape from all the

outdoor activities, book a massage

at InterContinental Nairobi’s spa

(icshotelsgroup.com) but don’t

leave without experiencing its

brilliant Turkish bath.

PErfECT DiNNErs

EAT IN What better place to dine than in

the open-air? Do so on the romantic terrace of La Prugna D’Oro (00 254 20 320 0000) – interContinental Nairobi’s italian restaurant. its risotto Con Zucca is a must-try.

You’ll get a real Kenyan flavour from the outdoor Safari Bar (interContinental Nairobi, 00 254 20 320 0000) where swaying palm trees compliment its relaxed platters – perfect for two.

Northern india is where you’ll be transported to during a meal at Bhandini (interContinental Nairobi, 00 254 20 320 0000) – expect high-end cuisine, prepared in a see-through kitchen.

EAT OUTfor red meat on a large-scale, head to Carnivore (City square, Nairobi 00 254 20 600 5933) where all meats are roasted over hot charcoal and carved at your table.

KENYa

Opposite page: Clockwise from left to right: Mount Kilimanjaro; Pink flamingo at Nakuru National Park. This page, clockwise from left: Rift Valley; Giraffe Centre; InterContinental Nairobi.

IHG My Weekend January.indd 9 12/21/2010 2:13:36 PM

8

FOr COUpLesKenya’s stunning surrounds are

perhaps best experienced with

a loved-one – and there’s an

abundance of breathtaking parks

through which to take a gentile

stroll. Though its name may not

conjure up romance, Hell’s Gate

National Park (www.kws.org)

reveals spectacular sights of

natural beauty. Experience them

together on foot – or hire bicycles

– and behold dramatic hills and

gorges; you can even spend a night

under the stars at its camp site.

Alternatively, leave dry land behind

and take to the Kenyan skies with a

hot air balloon ride over the Masia

Mara. And if that doesn’t tug at the

heart strings, there’s a whole host

of pristine Indian Ocean beaches

where you can while away giddy

days in the African sun.

FOr FaMiLiesWhatever your age, visitors can’t

fail to be amazed by Kenya’s

spellbinding wildlife and Tsavao

National Park – the largest park

in Kenya – is just one place in

which to spy proud lions, ambling

elephants and sleek leopards.

If you have smaller children in

tow, head to the Giraffe Centre in

Nairobi (www.giraffecenter.org)

where they can feed the gentle

giants by hand, or even plant a

kiss on the placid creatures. For

a more colourful sight, admire

the pretty pinks on show at Lake

Nakuru National Park – it’s famed

for its fluorescent flamingos which

line the lake’s borders in their

thousands.

FOr CULtUreIf you’ve ever read Karen Blixen’s

Out of Africa, you simply must visit

the farmhouse where she took

up residence from 1914 to 1931.

The colonial-style abode is now

known as Karen Blixen’s House

and Museum (blixencoffeegarden.

co.ke) and is set within picturesque

gardens – the perfect place

in which to ponder its history.

Another must-visit is the famous

National Museum of Kenya

(museums.or.ke), a venue that’s

simply brimming with enchanting

African artefacts. If it’s art you

crave, however, take a trip to

the charming Watatu Gallery

(gallerywatatu.com) and meander

between its eye-catching works of

traditional Kenyan art.

FOr adventUreThe great outdoors doesn’t get

much better – or more beautiful –

than the African wilderness, which

means the more adventurous

among you are in for a treat. Its

If it’s art you crave, take a trip to the charming Watatu Gallery for its traditional Kenyan art

From the bush to the beach, this enchanting east African country is a sight to behold…

Kenya

IHG My Weekend January.indd 8 12/21/2010 2:13:32 PM

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9

RAINY DAYS Kenya’s rain season takes place from april to June when it can fall heavily for days at a time. JUNGLE BOOK Visit between June and september and you’ll see the annual migration of wilderbeast, which makes for a truly spectacular sight. THREE TONGUES English and swahili are Kenya’s two official languages, while Maa is spoken by the Maasai tribes.

world class safaris are the best way

to get painstakingly close to some

of the most powerful animals on

the planet; just take your pick from

an abundance of tour operators,

like Opulent Africa (opulentafrica.

com). If you prefer, leave the 4x4

behind, get your walking boots on

and head out to the soaring Ngong

Hills of southwest Nairobi – an

outstanding place for trekking.

Alternatively, set off to Africa’s

second tallest peak, Mount Kenya,

where you can stretch your legs

over its glacial ridges. Water-

lovers, meanwhile, can take to the

sea for deep-sea fishing or visit

the national parks of Malindi or

Watamu and swim among a flurry

of fish while snorkelling on the

Indian Ocean coast.

FOr reLaxatiOnSwap Kenya’s more enduring

treks for a gentle stroll through

the historical Uhuru Gardens,

where you’ll come face-to-face

with a huge monument of a dove

perched upon a pair of embracing

hands; signifying peace. An even

more wistful setting exists on

Lamu Island, home to Kenya’s

oldest town and a place that

will transport you to a bygone

era. There you’ll discover Shela

Beach, a truly relaxing stretch of

powder-white sands. If you want

a complete escape from all the

outdoor activities, book a massage

at InterContinental Nairobi’s spa

(icshotelsgroup.com) but don’t

leave without experiencing its

brilliant Turkish bath.

PErfECT DiNNErs

EAT IN What better place to dine than in

the open-air? Do so on the romantic terrace of La Prugna D’Oro (00 254 20 320 0000) – interContinental Nairobi’s italian restaurant. its risotto Con Zucca is a must-try.

You’ll get a real Kenyan flavour from the outdoor Safari Bar (interContinental Nairobi, 00 254 20 320 0000) where swaying palm trees compliment its relaxed platters – perfect for two.

Northern india is where you’ll be transported to during a meal at Bhandini (interContinental Nairobi, 00 254 20 320 0000) – expect high-end cuisine, prepared in a see-through kitchen.

EAT OUTfor red meat on a large-scale, head to Carnivore (City square, Nairobi 00 254 20 600 5933) where all meats are roasted over hot charcoal and carved at your table.

KENYa

Opposite page: Clockwise from left to right: Mount Kilimanjaro; Pink flamingo at Nakuru National Park. This page, clockwise from left: Rift Valley; Giraffe Centre; InterContinental Nairobi.

IHG My Weekend January.indd 9 12/21/2010 2:13:36 PM

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11

COLOUR CODE after a cab? spot taxis by their orange license plates – and be sure to agree a fare before the off. SMALL PACKAGES With around only 18,000 square kilometers of land, Kuwait is one of the smallest countries on the planet. LOCKED DOWN The word ‘Kuwait’ derives from ‘Koot’, the arabic word for fortress.

you can get 400-foot-high vistas

of the city and have a cold drink as

the platform rotates around, giving

you a 360-degree perspective on

this hyper-modern city. If you’re

hungry you can enjoy a bite to

eat in the restaurant in the lower

sphere – perhaps after watching

the sun set over the city. You’ll also

want to visit the National Museum

on Arabian Gulf Street in Safat,

Kuwait City, which is home to a

treasure trove of Islamic art from

the Al-Sabah collection, alongside

displays on more recent areas of

Kuwaiti history.

FOr adventUreFor some serious action to get your

heart racing, sign up for a game

or two of paintball at Kuwait Aqua

Park (aquaparkkuwait.com). The

aqua park is also home to the little-

known but highly fun game of Soap

Football – you play a regular game

of soccer but on a highly slippy

surface covered in soap suds.

They also have go-karts on offer

plus, naturally, some high-speed

water slides, and wave pools. It’s

a brilliant place to go for a day of

activities in the sun.

FOr reLaxatiOnOne of the simplest – and best

– ways to relax while here is to

take a stroll and catch some sun

in the beautifully-maintained

Kuwait Municipal Gardens in Fahd

Al-Salem Street. You’ll also love

the Kuwait Musical Fountain on the

First Ring Road, a light and water

spectacular, featuring scores of

spouting water jets, which kicks

into action from 6pm each night.

Another restful way to spend an

afternoon is to pay a visit to the

Zoological Park on Airport Road,

home to 129 bird species plus

tigers, lions, giraffes and zebras.

EAT IN if you’re in the mood for italian,

let the chefs at Crowne Plaza Kuwait’s Viaggio (00 965 247 5 7775) satisfy your appetite with their Tuscan-style cooking. Belissimo!

indulge in classic iranian bites at Shabestan (Crowne Plaza Kuwait 00 965 247 5 7775).

The Ayam Zaman (holiday inn Kuwait, 00 965 2 576 0000) specialises in expertly-cooked Lebanese dishes, so head here for great grills and superb salads.

EAT OUTfor a taste of the real Kuwait, try the Palm Palace (salmiya, hamad al-Mubarak st, 00 965 571 5 283) where bread is made in a stone oven, coffee is served up on pillows and the scent of shisha fills the air.

PErfECT DiNNErs

KuWaiT

Opposite page, left to right: Kuwait Towers; Viewing gallery at Kuwait Towers; Philae; View out towards Kuwait City; Souq Sharq.

IHG My Weekend January.indd 11 12/21/2010 2:13:41 PM

10

FOr COUpLes Kuwait boasts a first-class

shopping scene, with lavish malls

where couples can immerse

themselves in some serious

weekend browsing. Marina Mall and

Souk Sharq, both on the Gulf Road,

are good starting points. Follow

up with a trip to The Avenues (the-

avenues.com), Kuwait’s biggest

mall, a high-ceilinged, futuristically

designed, palm-dotted space with

dozens of designer brands. Round

off your visit with a few hours in

Villa Moda in Shuwaikh, Kuwait

City (villa-moda.com). This modern

spot is split into ten glass-lined

‘aquaria’, each dedicated to specific

brands – including high-end names

like Prada, Yves Saint-Laurent and

Gucci – with a couple of multi-

brand areas thrown in where you’ll

find the likes of Evisu, Seven For

All Mankind and Antik Denim. For

a more traditional retail session,

meanwhile, you should hit the Souk

Al Mubarakiya, which is particularly

good for gold jewellery.

FOr FaMiLiesThe Scientific Centre in Salmiya

(tsck.org.kw) is a wonderful

place to take kids. There’s an

extensive aquarium with a 1.5

million litre tank filled with exotic

sealife – don’t miss the regular

shark-feeding sessions – and an

IMAX cinema showing kid-centric

films like ‘Under The Sea’, ‘Fly

Me To The Moon’ and ‘3D Bugs’.

Your children will also love the

‘Discovery Place’ section, where

visitors play with interactive

exhibits which showcase scientific

ideas and principles. In between

hands-on play and talks from

special ‘Explainers’, there are

computerised puppet shows

each day, which bring home

environmental messages to

children. You may also be lucky

enough to be there on a day when

the Starlab Planetarium is in action:

it’s an entertaining and inspiring

experience for adults and little

ones alike.

FOr CULtUre To get an overview of Kuwait City,

head to the iconic Kuwait Towers in

Sharq, and climb up to the Viewing

Sphere in the first tower, where

You’ll want to visit the National Museum which is home to a treasure trove of Islamic art

embark on a journey of discovery in kuwait, a country packed with exciting things to see and do...

Kuwait

IHG My Weekend January.indd 10 12/21/2010 2:13:39 PM

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11

COLOUR CODE after a cab? spot taxis by their orange license plates – and be sure to agree a fare before the off. SMALL PACKAGES With around only 18,000 square kilometers of land, Kuwait is one of the smallest countries on the planet. LOCKED DOWN The word ‘Kuwait’ derives from ‘Koot’, the arabic word for fortress.

you can get 400-foot-high vistas

of the city and have a cold drink as

the platform rotates around, giving

you a 360-degree perspective on

this hyper-modern city. If you’re

hungry you can enjoy a bite to

eat in the restaurant in the lower

sphere – perhaps after watching

the sun set over the city. You’ll also

want to visit the National Museum

on Arabian Gulf Street in Safat,

Kuwait City, which is home to a

treasure trove of Islamic art from

the Al-Sabah collection, alongside

displays on more recent areas of

Kuwaiti history.

FOr adventUreFor some serious action to get your

heart racing, sign up for a game

or two of paintball at Kuwait Aqua

Park (aquaparkkuwait.com). The

aqua park is also home to the little-

known but highly fun game of Soap

Football – you play a regular game

of soccer but on a highly slippy

surface covered in soap suds.

They also have go-karts on offer

plus, naturally, some high-speed

water slides, and wave pools. It’s

a brilliant place to go for a day of

activities in the sun.

FOr reLaxatiOnOne of the simplest – and best

– ways to relax while here is to

take a stroll and catch some sun

in the beautifully-maintained

Kuwait Municipal Gardens in Fahd

Al-Salem Street. You’ll also love

the Kuwait Musical Fountain on the

First Ring Road, a light and water

spectacular, featuring scores of

spouting water jets, which kicks

into action from 6pm each night.

Another restful way to spend an

afternoon is to pay a visit to the

Zoological Park on Airport Road,

home to 129 bird species plus

tigers, lions, giraffes and zebras.

EAT IN if you’re in the mood for italian,

let the chefs at Crowne Plaza Kuwait’s Viaggio (00 965 247 5 7775) satisfy your appetite with their Tuscan-style cooking. Belissimo!

indulge in classic iranian bites at Shabestan (Crowne Plaza Kuwait 00 965 247 5 7775).

The Ayam Zaman (holiday inn Kuwait, 00 965 2 576 0000) specialises in expertly-cooked Lebanese dishes, so head here for great grills and superb salads.

EAT OUTfor a taste of the real Kuwait, try the Palm Palace (salmiya, hamad al-Mubarak st, 00 965 571 5 283) where bread is made in a stone oven, coffee is served up on pillows and the scent of shisha fills the air.

PErfECT DiNNErs

KuWaiT

Opposite page, left to right: Kuwait Towers; Viewing gallery at Kuwait Towers; Philae; View out towards Kuwait City; Souq Sharq.

IHG My Weekend January.indd 11 12/21/2010 2:13:41 PM

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13

OLD TIMER The country’s capital, Beirut, is one of the oldest populated cities in the world. PARTY PEOPLE The Lebanese are known for their love of life, warm natures and wild spirit. Don’t expect to head to bed before dawn. LIGHT FANTASTIC Lebanon is also known as the ‘Paris of the East.’

a huge hippodrome. The palace at

Beiteddine to the south of Beirut

is also wonderful, a beautiful 18th

century mix of Arabic and Italian

architectural styles.

FOr adventUreLebanon has long been famed

as the place where you can hit

the beach in the morning and

ski in the afternoon. The skiing is

wonderful – up in the mountains

outside Beirut you’ll find a series of

excellent resorts, including Mzaar,

The Cedars and Bakish. Once

you’ve tackled some Lebanese

red runs, you might like to head

over to the coastline down from

Tyre, where you can head out on

snorkelling or scuba-diving trips

and get to explore sunken ruins of

ancient cities.

FOr reLaxatiOnBeirut is a walkable city,

particularly in the centre. The new

heart is the Downtown area, where

you can saunter around admiring

the wonderful 19th century French-

inspired architecture, popping

in and out of the many boutique

stores which line the boulevards.

The real joy, though, comes

with snagging a seat at one

of the roadside cafés on the

pedestrianised Maarad Street,

where you can settle in for an

evening of fruit-flavoured shisha,

outstanding food and, of course,

people-watching. Another great

place for shopping is the town of

Tripoli, where you can meander

among the souks and pick up

gorgeous Lebanese sweets and

olive oil.

EAT IN There’s a delicious mix

of local cuisine served up at interContinental Mzaar Lebanon’s Le Refuge, (00 961 9 340 100), where you can dig into fondue at the foot of snowy ski slopes.

sitting atop the Phoenician tower is Eau de Vie (00 961 1 369 100) – Phoenicia interContinental Beirut’s exquisite french eatery. Expect modern cuisine and breathtaking Med views.

spend late afternoon at the Crowne Plaza Beirut savouring a sumptuous high tea (amidst tropical gardens) at The Falls Lounge (00 961 1 754 755).

EAT OUTin the mood for seafood? saunter down to Casablanca (rue dar El-Mreisseh, Quaddoura building, 00 961 369 334) – an old Lebanese villa with Mediterranean sea views – for outstandingly fresh catches.

PErfECT DiNNErs

LEBaNON

Opposite page: Aerial view of Beirut. This page, clockwise from left: Bacchus temple at Heliopolis; Tyre; Snowy ski slopes.

IHG My Weekend January.indd 13 12/21/2010 2:13:53 PM

12

LebanonFOr COUpLes Just 15 miles outside of Beirut

you’ll find the extraordinary Jeita

Grotto, an underground network

of caves filled with stalactites

and stalagmites and beautifully

lit throughout. Couples will love

taking a boating cruise through

these ancient caverns – don’t

forget your camera. Another

great day trip is to Bcharre, near

the Kadisha Valley, where you’ll

find an ancient grove of age-

old cedar trees as well as the

splendid Al-Omari Mosque and

the Gibran Tomb and Museum,

where you can find out about the

life and works of the much-loved

Lebanese philosopher and artist

Khalil Gibran. You’ll also have a

great time wandering around

the neighbourhoods of Beirut

– check out Verdun, Hamra and

Achrafieh, all of which have lovely

architecture and great shopping.

FOr FaMiLiesOut in the Bekaa valley you’ll find

Baalbeck, a great place to visit

with kids, who can race around

the film set-like ancient temples

and monuments to their hearts’

content. And if you happen to be

in the country during the Baalbeck

festival (baalbeck.org.lb) in the

summertime (usually during

July-August) then you’ll be in for

fun, as hundreds of big-name

singers, dancers and artists from

across the globe descend on the

town to perform. If you’re looking

for a more active break, then

your kids will love swimming and

sandcastling on the beaches which

ring the Lebanese coast – the one

at Tyre is particularly fine.

FOr CULtUre When it comes to culture you’re

absolutely spoiled for choice.

There’s the ancient town of Byblos,

just along the coast from Beirut,

where you can spend the day

marvelling at the wonderfully

intact Roman ruins, before heading

down to the shorefront for some

barbecued fish, freshly caught a

stone’s throw away. Then there’s

the exquisitely preserved sites at

Tyre, where there are mosaic-lined

streets, ancient public baths and

From the Mediterranean shoreline to the snow-capped hillsides, you’ll love this country...

Out in the Bekaa valley you’ll find Baalbeck, a great place to visit with kids who can race around monuments

IHG My Weekend January.indd 12 12/21/2010 2:13:46 PM

Page 15: IHG My Weekend_Jan'11

13

OLD TIMER The country’s capital, Beirut, is one of the oldest populated cities in the world. PARTY PEOPLE The Lebanese are known for their love of life, warm natures and wild spirit. Don’t expect to head to bed before dawn. LIGHT FANTASTIC Lebanon is also known as the ‘Paris of the East.’

a huge hippodrome. The palace at

Beiteddine to the south of Beirut

is also wonderful, a beautiful 18th

century mix of Arabic and Italian

architectural styles.

FOr adventUreLebanon has long been famed

as the place where you can hit

the beach in the morning and

ski in the afternoon. The skiing is

wonderful – up in the mountains

outside Beirut you’ll find a series of

excellent resorts, including Mzaar,

The Cedars and Bakish. Once

you’ve tackled some Lebanese

red runs, you might like to head

over to the coastline down from

Tyre, where you can head out on

snorkelling or scuba-diving trips

and get to explore sunken ruins of

ancient cities.

FOr reLaxatiOnBeirut is a walkable city,

particularly in the centre. The new

heart is the Downtown area, where

you can saunter around admiring

the wonderful 19th century French-

inspired architecture, popping

in and out of the many boutique

stores which line the boulevards.

The real joy, though, comes

with snagging a seat at one

of the roadside cafés on the

pedestrianised Maarad Street,

where you can settle in for an

evening of fruit-flavoured shisha,

outstanding food and, of course,

people-watching. Another great

place for shopping is the town of

Tripoli, where you can meander

among the souks and pick up

gorgeous Lebanese sweets and

olive oil.

EAT IN There’s a delicious mix

of local cuisine served up at interContinental Mzaar Lebanon’s Le Refuge, (00 961 9 340 100), where you can dig into fondue at the foot of snowy ski slopes.

sitting atop the Phoenician tower is Eau de Vie (00 961 1 369 100) – Phoenicia interContinental Beirut’s exquisite french eatery. Expect modern cuisine and breathtaking Med views.

spend late afternoon at the Crowne Plaza Beirut savouring a sumptuous high tea (amidst tropical gardens) at The Falls Lounge (00 961 1 754 755).

EAT OUTin the mood for seafood? saunter down to Casablanca (rue dar El-Mreisseh, Quaddoura building, 00 961 369 334) – an old Lebanese villa with Mediterranean sea views – for outstandingly fresh catches.

PErfECT DiNNErs

LEBaNON

Opposite page: Aerial view of Beirut. This page, clockwise from left: Bacchus temple at Heliopolis; Tyre; Snowy ski slopes.

IHG My Weekend January.indd 13 12/21/2010 2:13:53 PM

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15

GREAT DISCOVERY The then uninhabited island of Mauritius was discovered by Arab sailors in 975 AD. STUFFED BIRD Mauritius was the birthplace and resting ground of the Dodo, the flightless bird that couldn’t move to avoid hunters. SPEAK EASY English, French and Creole (a French-based dialect) are widely spoken across the island.

For Culture Sugar cane has long been a chief

driver of the Mauritian economy

and the sweet stuff is ingrained

in the very fabric of the country.

As such, L’Aventure Du Sucre

(aventuredusucre.com) is a great

place to go if you want to swot up

on the history of the island. You’ll

learn of epidemics and refineries,

slavery and sugar booms in a

well-thought-out and surprisingly

entertaining museum for kids and

adults alike. Another attraction

providing an overview of the

island’s past – largely through old

maps, paintings and etchings – is

The Blue Penny Stamp Museum.

You’ll find it next to Le Caudan

Waterfront in Port Louis, and it

houses two of the most famous

and expensive stamps in the world,

the Penny Stamps. The stamps

were originally issued in Mauritius

then bought back after they had

left the island’s shores for the

princely sum of $2 million.

For adventureTake a bird’s eye view of this

beautiful island via a helicopter

tour. The choppers seat up to

four people and there are various

helipads dotted around the island

where you can hop aboard. The

tour takes only 15 minutes, but in

that time you’ll see mountains,

jungles and beautiful swathes of

coastline. If that isn’t enough to

satisfy your head for heights, how

about a heart-racing walk along a

cable-thin wire, which is suspended

30 feet above a river? You can

book both of these adventures

through White Sand Tours

(whitesandtours.com). To keep

your adrenaline up, climb onto a

quad bike and speed through the

mountains at Domaine de l’Etoile,

also with White Sands: expect to

see deer, wild boar and monkeys.

For relaxationMauritius is awash with golf courses

where you can swing your stress

away. Head to the fine, mountain-

flanked fairways at the Tamarina

Golf Estate (tamarina.mu) – the first

course on the island unattached

to a hotel – which is wonderfully

welcoming to visitors and a real

joy to play. And when you’ve got

your round in (under-par, of course)

you might like to take a ten-minute

drive to Flic en Flac, and kick back

on what’s arguably the best public

beach on the island.

EAT In You’ll be spoilt for choice at

Senso (InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort, 00 230 261 1200); its international fare is quite simply excellent.

Ask for a beachside table at Segala (00 230 261 1200) in IntercContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort and feast on lobster and succulent king prawns by the sea.

The roasted duck is our top tip at the Asian fusion eatery, Noble House (00 230 261 1200). Find it at the InterContinental Mauritius Balaclava Fort.

EAT OUTDon’t miss the delectable desserts at La Villa Garden (Pereybere, Grand Bay 00 230 262 75 52). Mouthwatering Michelin-star food in a super-chic setting.

PERFECT DInnERs

MAuRITIus

IHG My Weekend January.indd 15 12/21/2010 2:10:44 PM

14

MauritiusFor CouplesMauritius offers postcard-perfect

views around every corner and the

best place to drink in its charms

is from the deck of an outsized

catamaran. You can hire one of

these from White Sand Tours

(whitesandtours.com), crew

included, for a private cruise across

the island’s colourful waters,

gliding past striking mountain

ranges and jungle terrain. If you’re

looking for a little romance, make

sure you book your cruise to

depart just before sunset, so you

can watch the sun slip away into

the ocean.

For FamiliesThere’s a whole heap of great

family activities in Mauritius,

especially if you share a love for

the great outdoors. Start out at the

Casela Nature Park (caselayemen.

mu), where you can watch or

even touch lion and cheetah cubs

in their enclosure, before hitting

the super chutes at Le Waterpark

(maurinet.com/waterpark), a small

but always enjoyable affair where,

chutes aside, adults can squeeze

themselves into rubber rings and

float along a lazy river while kids

can clamber aboard a pirate ship

complete with water-firing cannons

– great fun. Finally, hop aboard a

glass-bottomed boat – arrange this

through Fragawills (fragawills.com)

to see fantastically-hued tropical

fish dart below your feet.

There’s a whole heap of great family activities in Mauritius, especially if you love the outdoors

This is the Indian Ocean’s most exquisite island: get set for turquoise waters and heart-tugging scenery...

Mauritius’ beautiful coastline and a White Sands cruiser.Right: Noble House, Tamarina golf course, the pink pigeon

This page, from top to bottom: Aerial view of Mauritius; Boat sits on turquoise sea; InterContinental Resort Balaclava Fort

Mauritius. Opposite page: Local lobster.

IHG My Weekend January.indd 14 12/21/2010 2:10:42 PM

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15

GREAT DISCOVERY The then uninhabited island of Mauritius was discovered by Arab sailors in 975 AD. STUFFED BIRD Mauritius was the birthplace and resting ground of the Dodo, the flightless bird that couldn’t move to avoid hunters. SPEAK EASY English, French and Creole (a French-based dialect) are widely spoken across the island.

For Culture Sugar cane has long been a chief

driver of the Mauritian economy

and the sweet stuff is ingrained

in the very fabric of the country.

As such, L’Aventure Du Sucre

(aventuredusucre.com) is a great

place to go if you want to swot up

on the history of the island. You’ll

learn of epidemics and refineries,

slavery and sugar booms in a

well-thought-out and surprisingly

entertaining museum for kids and

adults alike. Another attraction

providing an overview of the

island’s past – largely through old

maps, paintings and etchings – is

The Blue Penny Stamp Museum.

You’ll find it next to Le Caudan

Waterfront in Port Louis, and it

houses two of the most famous

and expensive stamps in the world,

the Penny Stamps. The stamps

were originally issued in Mauritius

then bought back after they had

left the island’s shores for the

princely sum of $2 million.

For adventureTake a bird’s eye view of this

beautiful island via a helicopter

tour. The choppers seat up to

four people and there are various

helipads dotted around the island

where you can hop aboard. The

tour takes only 15 minutes, but in

that time you’ll see mountains,

jungles and beautiful swathes of

coastline. If that isn’t enough to

satisfy your head for heights, how

about a heart-racing walk along a

cable-thin wire, which is suspended

30 feet above a river? You can

book both of these adventures

through White Sand Tours

(whitesandtours.com). To keep

your adrenaline up, climb onto a

quad bike and speed through the

mountains at Domaine de l’Etoile,

also with White Sands: expect to

see deer, wild boar and monkeys.

For relaxationMauritius is awash with golf courses

where you can swing your stress

away. Head to the fine, mountain-

flanked fairways at the Tamarina

Golf Estate (tamarina.mu) – the first

course on the island unattached

to a hotel – which is wonderfully

welcoming to visitors and a real

joy to play. And when you’ve got

your round in (under-par, of course)

you might like to take a ten-minute

drive to Flic en Flac, and kick back

on what’s arguably the best public

beach on the island.

EAT In You’ll be spoilt for choice at

Senso (InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort, 00 230 261 1200); its international fare is quite simply excellent.

Ask for a beachside table at Segala (00 230 261 1200) in IntercContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort and feast on lobster and succulent king prawns by the sea.

The roasted duck is our top tip at the Asian fusion eatery, Noble House (00 230 261 1200). Find it at the InterContinental Mauritius Balaclava Fort.

EAT OUTDon’t miss the delectable desserts at La Villa Garden (Pereybere, Grand Bay 00 230 262 75 52). Mouthwatering Michelin-star food in a super-chic setting.

PERFECT DInnERs

MAuRITIus

IHG My Weekend January.indd 15 12/21/2010 2:10:44 PM

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17

CAVE MEn The oldest known human settlement in Oman dates all the way back to the stone Age. IT’S A DATE Oman’s plump dates are some of the best in the world – you’ll find them in every social spot. MAKES SCEnTS You can find Frankincense trees growing wild in Oman.

Muttrah Souk. And while in Muscat

you simply must visit the visually

stunning Sultan Qaboos Grand

Mosque, the real gem in the capital

city’s crown.

For adventureThe list of outdoor pursuits on

offer in Oman reads as long as your

arm. If you like your adventures

to be death-defying, head out

to Snake Canyon where you

can tip-toe across hair-raisingly

high wires which hang 100ft

above the ground, or have a

go at canyoning – a mixture of

trekking, climbing and quite often

swimming: see holiday-in-oman.

com for booking details. Through

the same website you can also

book to go quad-biking, sailing

or – one of our personal favourites

– sand-boarding amid huge dunes.

Mountain biking is also popular in

Oman, thanks to ever-changing

under-tyre terrain, but if we had to

recommend just one thing it would

have to be the deep sea fishing. It’s

simply brilliant.

For relaxationIn summertime Salalah, in the

south of Oman, is the envy of

the Gulf. Its high-peaked Qara

Mountains draw light rain showers

which bring a green-tinged

landscape and a temperature that’s

an average 10-15 degrees lower

than it is in other GCC countries.

As such, thousands of people

descend on Salalah each summer

to enjoy cooler climes and the

multiple celebrations which mark

the season. If you’re a seasoned

scuba-diver, Oman has some super

dive spots for you to enjoy, not

least in the Musandam area where

underwater visibility during the

summer is good and sightings of

dolphins and turtles are common.

Check out musandamdiving.com

for further details.

EAT In soak up the holiday atmosphere

at Crowne Plaza Muscat’s Tropicana (00968 2466 0660), where a whole host of themed nights take hold weekly – our pick is the al fresco barbecue by its glistening swimming pool.

The Dolphin Beach Restaurant (Crowne Plaza Resort salalah, 00 968 23 235 333) sits upon stretches of white sands, where you soak up ocean views – if you can avert your gaze from the array of live cooking stations and entertainment.

Get dressed up for an à la carte menu at stylish The Mediterranean (Crowne Plaza sohar, 00 968 26 850 850) where delicate dishes from southern Europe to northern Africa come beautifully presented.

EAT OUTLive sitar players strum in the background at Mumtaz Mahal (Way 2601 Qurm, 00 968 24 605 907) a quaint Indian eatery (and locals’ favourite) where Mughali dishes are eaten at traditional tables.

PERFECT DInnERs

OMAn

Opposite page: The stunning mountains in Oman. This page, left to right: The Grand Mosque in Muscat; Kiteboarding on the beautiful blue sea.

IHG My Weekend January.indd 17 12/21/2010 2:10:56 PM

16

OmanFor CouplesStunning scenery abounds in

Oman making it ripe for romance.

If you’re looking for something to

truly tug at the heartstrings, cruise

the country’s fjords. Muscat Diving

and Adventure Centre (holiday-

in-oman.com) has fully crewed,

soft-carpeted dhows available

for private hire so you can sail off

into the sunset. Your route will

be flanked by the mountains that

make up the Musandam Peninsula

– arguably nature’s finest offering

to the GCC.

For Families Head to the Musandam, hop

aboard a dhow and it will take

you out to where wild dolphins

leap in and out of the ocean. It’s

a fantastic spectacle and one

that everyone in the family will

enjoy. Another eye-opener is the

extraordinary sight of giant turtles

nesting on the beaches of Ras

Al Jinz – an estimated 30,000

turtles do this each year during

the winter months. Family fun of

a more adrenalin-fuelled nature

can be found at Xtreme Sports

(xtremesportsoman.com) in

Muscat, where you’ll find a state-

of-the-art paintball ground. Or how

about a visit to the foot of the Jabal

Shams – the highest point

in the whole of Eastern Arabia –

where you’ll find the must-see

Al Hoota Cave.

For CultureAbout an hour’s drive from Muscat

is Nizwa Fort, which is often cited

as the Sultanate’s finest historical

destination. It was built over 500

centuries ago to protect Oman’s

coastline from potential invaders

but these days it attracts only

tourists, keen to see a building

renowned for its architectural

ingenuity. One thing you’ll want to

buy while in Oman is Frankincense

– the country’s signature scent.

Salalah’s Old Souq, where

Frankincense is still sold from

open sacks, is probably the best

place to buy it, though you’re also

likely to find it in Muscat’s famous

If you’re looking for something to truly tug at the heartstrings, cruise the country’s fjords

Rich in history and culture and replete with stunning scenery, Oman is waiting to be explored...

IHG My Weekend January.indd 16 12/21/2010 2:10:49 PM

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17

CAVE MEn The oldest known human settlement in Oman dates all the way back to the stone Age. IT’S A DATE Oman’s plump dates are some of the best in the world – you’ll find them in every social spot. MAKES SCEnTS You can find Frankincense trees growing wild in Oman.

Muttrah Souk. And while in Muscat

you simply must visit the visually

stunning Sultan Qaboos Grand

Mosque, the real gem in the capital

city’s crown.

For adventureThe list of outdoor pursuits on

offer in Oman reads as long as your

arm. If you like your adventures

to be death-defying, head out

to Snake Canyon where you

can tip-toe across hair-raisingly

high wires which hang 100ft

above the ground, or have a

go at canyoning – a mixture of

trekking, climbing and quite often

swimming: see holiday-in-oman.

com for booking details. Through

the same website you can also

book to go quad-biking, sailing

or – one of our personal favourites

– sand-boarding amid huge dunes.

Mountain biking is also popular in

Oman, thanks to ever-changing

under-tyre terrain, but if we had to

recommend just one thing it would

have to be the deep sea fishing. It’s

simply brilliant.

For relaxationIn summertime Salalah, in the

south of Oman, is the envy of

the Gulf. Its high-peaked Qara

Mountains draw light rain showers

which bring a green-tinged

landscape and a temperature that’s

an average 10-15 degrees lower

than it is in other GCC countries.

As such, thousands of people

descend on Salalah each summer

to enjoy cooler climes and the

multiple celebrations which mark

the season. If you’re a seasoned

scuba-diver, Oman has some super

dive spots for you to enjoy, not

least in the Musandam area where

underwater visibility during the

summer is good and sightings of

dolphins and turtles are common.

Check out musandamdiving.com

for further details.

EAT In soak up the holiday atmosphere

at Crowne Plaza Muscat’s Tropicana (00968 2466 0660), where a whole host of themed nights take hold weekly – our pick is the al fresco barbecue by its glistening swimming pool.

The Dolphin Beach Restaurant (Crowne Plaza Resort salalah, 00 968 23 235 333) sits upon stretches of white sands, where you soak up ocean views – if you can avert your gaze from the array of live cooking stations and entertainment.

Get dressed up for an à la carte menu at stylish The Mediterranean (Crowne Plaza sohar, 00 968 26 850 850) where delicate dishes from southern Europe to northern Africa come beautifully presented.

EAT OUTLive sitar players strum in the background at Mumtaz Mahal (Way 2601 Qurm, 00 968 24 605 907) a quaint Indian eatery (and locals’ favourite) where Mughali dishes are eaten at traditional tables.

PERFECT DInnERs

OMAn

Opposite page: The stunning mountains in Oman. This page, left to right: The Grand Mosque in Muscat; Kiteboarding on the beautiful blue sea.

IHG My Weekend January.indd 17 12/21/2010 2:10:56 PM

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19

FOOTBALL FEVER Qatar has been chosen t o stage The World Cup in 2022, the first Middle Eastern country to do so. SAMBA SISTER Doha is twinned with Brasilia, the capital of Brazil. HOME RULE Qatar has been tuled by the same family – Al Thani – since the 1800s.

of 2009, in recognition of the

museum’s impact since opening.

The building’s exterior alone is

enough to have you reaching for

your camera – the multi-angular

creation was dreamt up by a world-

renowned architect – but the real

gems are inside, where over three

centuries’ worth of Islamic art is

housed. Providing there isn’t an

exhibition on at the time of your

visit, which may charge for viewing,

entrance and guided tours are free.

For adventureGiven its abundance of sand-

swept land and open water there

are adventures aplenty to be

had in Qatar. You can head out

early afternoon to the desert in

a 4x4, racing up and over dunes,

before strapping on a desert-ski

to surf down them instead (visit

gulf-adventures.com for booking

details). Alternatively, you could

take to the seas to either hook

yourself a whopper – the deep

sea fishing here is excellent – or

simply sail across Doha’s West

Bay in a boat, which can behired

from the Regatta Sailing Academy

(regattasailingacademy.com).

For relaxationTake a sunset stroll along Doha’s

lengthy, palm tree-lined Corniche

until you arrive at a cluster of dhow

boats by the Balhambar building.

You can cruise across the bay on

one of these dhows – as always, the

price and length of your journey is

negotiable – before hopping off for

a seaside shisha. If retail therapy is

more your bag, visit the designer

label-driven Villaggio Mall, home to

a great range of stores. Meanwhile,

golfers may wish to follow in

the footsteps of the game’s

biggest names by playing The

Championship Course at the Doha

Golf Club (dohagolfclub.com) –

home of the Qatar Masters.

EAT In Go Greek at InterContinental

Doha’s Mykonos (00 974 484 4444), where you can treat your tastebuds to an antipasti buffet or sample souvlaki, hot from the coals of its open kitchen.

sizzling fajitas, plump tortillas and the heartiest of steaks await diners at Paloma (InterContinental Doha, 00 974 484 4444), a Mexican-themed spot where there’s something to please every palate.

Fancy Friday brunch? Round-up your family and head to The Café Restaurant (00 974 484 4444) at InterContinental Doha, where you can feast upon fresh oysters, juicy lobster tails and glorious desserts.

EAT OUTYou can’t go to Qatar without admiring its landscape and La Villa is one rustic spot where you can do just that. Best sampled at night – along with its simple yet oh-so-tasty Mediterranean cuisine.

Opposite page, left to right: Qatar’s capital, Doha; An Arabian Oryx. This page, top to bottom: Fish Market at InterContinental Doha; Dune bashing in a 4x4; Doha’s splendid corniche.

QATAR

PERFECT DInnERs

IHG My Weekend January.indd 19 12/21/2010 2:11:05 PM

18

For Couples If you’re in town as a couple you’ll

want to experience something

memorable, and in Qatar that

means taking a trip to see a

truly striking natural feature.

Khor el Daid, or The Inland Sea,

is a huge expanse of eerily still

water surrounded by nothing but

gargantuan sand dunes. As such,

it’s a terrific spot to throw down a

blanket for a picnic. Because of its

location there are no roads leading

to The Inland Sea, so your best

bet is to book up a private tour

through one of the many operators

who offer trips there: try Gulf

Adventures (gulf-adventures.com).

For Families If it’s no-holds-barred fun you’re

after there are a couple of

quick and easy options in Doha:

Circusland (00 974 487 6333)

offers rides, games and an activity

zone for toddlers. Across town,

Jungle Zone (00 974 469 4848) is

an indoor theme park with enough

rides to keep the kids at fever pitch

for a few hours. For something

more sedate, how about locking

horns with Qatar’s national animal,

the Arabian Oryx? This bi-horned

creature was once hunted to the

point of extinction, but having

been rescued by international

protection agencies, the Oryx

found favour again in Qatar, which

became the first country to set

up breeding farms to manage

its population. You can arrange

a visit to one of the sanctuaries

where these graceful animals live

by booking through Net Tours

(nettours.com.qa).

For Culture Doha is Qatar’s capital and home

to what’s undoubtedly the most

fascinating and content-rich

museum in Arabia, The Museum

of Islamic Art (mia.org.qa). Its

reputation has reached so far

that the New York Times hailed

Doha as ‘the’ cultural destination

Qatar

There are adventures aplenty to be had in sand-swept Qatar

Immerse yourself in the cultural charms of a country that’s shaken off its sleepy tag to become an internationally acclaimed holiday hotspot...

IHG My Weekend January.indd 18 12/21/2010 2:11:02 PM

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19

FOOTBALL FEVER Qatar has been chosen t o stage The World Cup in 2022, the first Middle Eastern country to do so. SAMBA SISTER Doha is twinned with Brasilia, the capital of Brazil. HOME RULE Qatar has been tuled by the same family – Al Thani – since the 1800s.

of 2009, in recognition of the

museum’s impact since opening.

The building’s exterior alone is

enough to have you reaching for

your camera – the multi-angular

creation was dreamt up by a world-

renowned architect – but the real

gems are inside, where over three

centuries’ worth of Islamic art is

housed. Providing there isn’t an

exhibition on at the time of your

visit, which may charge for viewing,

entrance and guided tours are free.

For adventureGiven its abundance of sand-

swept land and open water there

are adventures aplenty to be

had in Qatar. You can head out

early afternoon to the desert in

a 4x4, racing up and over dunes,

before strapping on a desert-ski

to surf down them instead (visit

gulf-adventures.com for booking

details). Alternatively, you could

take to the seas to either hook

yourself a whopper – the deep

sea fishing here is excellent – or

simply sail across Doha’s West

Bay in a boat, which can behired

from the Regatta Sailing Academy

(regattasailingacademy.com).

For relaxationTake a sunset stroll along Doha’s

lengthy, palm tree-lined Corniche

until you arrive at a cluster of dhow

boats by the Balhambar building.

You can cruise across the bay on

one of these dhows – as always, the

price and length of your journey is

negotiable – before hopping off for

a seaside shisha. If retail therapy is

more your bag, visit the designer

label-driven Villaggio Mall, home to

a great range of stores. Meanwhile,

golfers may wish to follow in

the footsteps of the game’s

biggest names by playing The

Championship Course at the Doha

Golf Club (dohagolfclub.com) –

home of the Qatar Masters.

EAT In Go Greek at InterContinental

Doha’s Mykonos (00 974 484 4444), where you can treat your tastebuds to an antipasti buffet or sample souvlaki, hot from the coals of its open kitchen.

sizzling fajitas, plump tortillas and the heartiest of steaks await diners at Paloma (InterContinental Doha, 00 974 484 4444), a Mexican-themed spot where there’s something to please every palate.

Fancy Friday brunch? Round-up your family and head to The Café Restaurant (00 974 484 4444) at InterContinental Doha, where you can feast upon fresh oysters, juicy lobster tails and glorious desserts.

EAT OUTYou can’t go to Qatar without admiring its landscape and La Villa is one rustic spot where you can do just that. Best sampled at night – along with its simple yet oh-so-tasty Mediterranean cuisine.

Opposite page, left to right: Qatar’s capital, Doha; An Arabian Oryx. This page, top to bottom: Fish Market at InterContinental Doha; Dune bashing in a 4x4; Doha’s splendid corniche.

QATAR

PERFECT DInnERs

IHG My Weekend January.indd 19 12/21/2010 2:11:05 PM

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21

COOLER CLIMES While it’s thought of as a scorching hot desert, Riyadh in December dips to just 7 degrees celsius and snow can even fall atop its southern mountains. QUITE THE DISH ‘Kasbah’ is the national dish of saudi; a flavoursome rice dish served with lamb, goat or chicken and mixed with tomatoes and pine nuts. UnDER THE SEAJeddah’s amazing diving sites on the Red sea offer spectacular visibility of 30 to 40 metres.

Museum, a huge and fascinating

attraction where you can find

out about prehistoric man in the

Arabian Peninsula, ancient Arab

kingdoms and civilisations, the

pre-Islamic era and Islamic history.

There are also halls devoted to

more recent history, including the

story of the discovery of oil – it’s

a fascinating place to take a crash

course in the region’s history.

For adventureIf you love water sports you’ll

adore Jeddah. This is the place

for sailing, fishing, jet-skiing and

more in the lovely warm waters

of the Red Sea. Diving is also

particularly popular here, thanks

to the unpolluted waters and the

extraordinary coral and exotic

fish. For an adventurous trip out of

town, you must organise a visit to

Madain Saleh, an ancient city which

draws comparisons with Petra

in Jordan. Like Petra, it has been

carved into the living rock, and you

can spend a fascinating day there

scrabbling along narrow passes

and uncovering glorious sights

around each corner. The best

thing is that unlike Petra it’s not

overrun with tourists – so you don’t

have to fight for the best photo

opportunities.

For relaxationFor soul-soothing, jaw-dropping

views, head to the viewing

platform at Al Faisaliah Tower in

Riyadh, where you can take in

incredible city-wide vistas. The

InterContinental Riyadh’s nine-hole

grass golf course is a lovely place

to relax and unwind in the tranquil

settings. Meanwhile, out of town,

you can visit Wadi Hadramawt,

a valley lined with beautiful, lush

oases, where you can connect with

the desert and enjoy some 4x4 fun.

EAT In An elegant eatery can be

found on the mezzanine floor of InterContinental Madinah Dar Al Iman: the Rothana Restaurant (00 966 4 820 6666) which serves up delicious Oriental and international cuisine with views of the Prophet’s Mosque.

Get away from it all at Mondo (InterContinental Riyadh, 00 966 1 465 5000), a fusion restaurant nestled among pretty gardens with a poolside view. Its non-alcoholic Chardonnay is a must alongside its giant grilled prawns.

For a memorable evening, saunter along to one of the Al Zahra’s (Crowne Plaza Jeddah, 00 966 2 660 6326) themed food nights. Try ‘saudi night’ on sundays.

EAT OUTRelax at Al Nakheel Restaurant (Al Mukhtar st, Al-Khaledeyyah, 00 966 2 606 6644), where you’ll sample a taste of Jeddah in a traditional open tent by the sea.

Opposite page: The old town in Jeddah. This page, top to bottom: Madain Saleh; Al Faisaliah Tower; Buffet at Al Zahra, Crowne Plaza Jeddah.

PERFECT DInnERs

sAuDI ARABIA

IHG My Weekend January.indd 21 12/21/2010 2:11:09 PM

20

Saudi ArabiaFor Couples Take your better half on a shopping

trip to the Kingdom Centre in

Riyadh (kingdomcentre.com.sa),

where you’ll find Al Mamlaka Mall, a

four-storey retail haven. Work your

way up through the floors, popping

in to the likes of Dolce & Gabbana,

Paul Smith, Moschino, Ralph Lauren

and Salvatore Ferragamo. When

you hit the top floor you’ll have

to go your separate ways – the

entire floor is a dedicated ‘Ladies’

Kingdom’ where the fairer sex can

do some serious shopping at the

huge range of stores, which include

Gucci, Loewe, Mont Blanc and Dior.

In Jeddah you’ll find Tahlia Street,

a boulevard at the heart of the

city that’s filled with big designer

stores including Versace, Prada

and Giorgio Armani.

For FamiliesThe centre of family life in Jeddah

is the sweeping Corniche, which

is filled with activity throughout

the week. It offers glorious views

out over the Red Sea, and a prime

position to check out the majestic

King Fahd’s Fountain, the tallest in

the world, which reaches a height

of over 800 feet – it’s particularly

impressive at night when it’s lit by

multicoloured spotlights. For a fun

family day out in Riyadh there’s the

Riyadh National Zoo, the largest in

the country, where you can check

out exotic animals including

kangaroos, elephants, monkeys,

leopards and crocodiles.

For Culture You can get a real flavour of the

‘old’, pre-oil Saudi Arabia in the

Balad souk in Jeddah, where

haggling is the order of the day and

where eye candy comes in the form

of lovely old buildings fashioned

from coral. In Riyadh there’s Al

Musmak Castle, a highly impressive

19th-century site that’s associated

with the founding of the country.

While you’re in Riyadh, you mustn’t

miss out on a visit to The National

The centre of family life in Jeddah is the sweeping Corniche, which is filled with activity all week long

The Kingdom has a lot to offer to visitors, from ancient cities to hyper-modern malls...

IHG My Weekend January.indd 20 12/21/2010 2:11:07 PM

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21

COOLER CLIMES While it’s thought of as a scorching hot desert, Riyadh in December dips to just 7 degrees celsius and snow can even fall atop its southern mountains. QUITE THE DISH ‘Kasbah’ is the national dish of saudi; a flavoursome rice dish served with lamb, goat or chicken and mixed with tomatoes and pine nuts. UnDER THE SEAJeddah’s amazing diving sites on the Red sea offer spectacular visibility of 30 to 40 metres.

Museum, a huge and fascinating

attraction where you can find

out about prehistoric man in the

Arabian Peninsula, ancient Arab

kingdoms and civilisations, the

pre-Islamic era and Islamic history.

There are also halls devoted to

more recent history, including the

story of the discovery of oil – it’s

a fascinating place to take a crash

course in the region’s history.

For adventureIf you love water sports you’ll

adore Jeddah. This is the place

for sailing, fishing, jet-skiing and

more in the lovely warm waters

of the Red Sea. Diving is also

particularly popular here, thanks

to the unpolluted waters and the

extraordinary coral and exotic

fish. For an adventurous trip out of

town, you must organise a visit to

Madain Saleh, an ancient city which

draws comparisons with Petra

in Jordan. Like Petra, it has been

carved into the living rock, and you

can spend a fascinating day there

scrabbling along narrow passes

and uncovering glorious sights

around each corner. The best

thing is that unlike Petra it’s not

overrun with tourists – so you don’t

have to fight for the best photo

opportunities.

For relaxationFor soul-soothing, jaw-dropping

views, head to the viewing

platform at Al Faisaliah Tower in

Riyadh, where you can take in

incredible city-wide vistas. The

InterContinental Riyadh’s nine-hole

grass golf course is a lovely place

to relax and unwind in the tranquil

settings. Meanwhile, out of town,

you can visit Wadi Hadramawt,

a valley lined with beautiful, lush

oases, where you can connect with

the desert and enjoy some 4x4 fun.

EAT In An elegant eatery can be

found on the mezzanine floor of InterContinental Madinah Dar Al Iman: the Rothana Restaurant (00 966 4 820 6666) which serves up delicious Oriental and international cuisine with views of the Prophet’s Mosque.

Get away from it all at Mondo (InterContinental Riyadh, 00 966 1 465 5000), a fusion restaurant nestled among pretty gardens with a poolside view. Its non-alcoholic Chardonnay is a must alongside its giant grilled prawns.

For a memorable evening, saunter along to one of the Al Zahra’s (Crowne Plaza Jeddah, 00 966 2 660 6326) themed food nights. Try ‘saudi night’ on sundays.

EAT OUTRelax at Al Nakheel Restaurant (Al Mukhtar st, Al-Khaledeyyah, 00 966 2 606 6644), where you’ll sample a taste of Jeddah in a traditional open tent by the sea.

Opposite page: The old town in Jeddah. This page, top to bottom: Madain Saleh; Al Faisaliah Tower; Buffet at Al Zahra, Crowne Plaza Jeddah.

PERFECT DInnERs

sAuDI ARABIA

IHG My Weekend January.indd 21 12/21/2010 2:11:09 PM

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23

SEVEn UP The uAE is made-up of seven emirates, each ruled by their own sheikh. EX PAT FACT The uAE has a diverse population, with only 20% being made-up of local Emiratis. SnOW JOKE Despite its hot climate, Dubai is home to the third biggest ski slope in the world – it contains 6,000 tonnes of snow – which can be found in Mall of the Emirates.

In Dubai, have a wander around

the galleries in the Bastakiya area,

then hop in a taxi to Dubai Heritage

Village, where people demonstrate

Emirati artistic traditions. Sharjah

is great for museums – the

Science, Calligraphy, Natural

History, Maritime and Heritage

Museums are all good, as are the

aquarium and Discovery Centre

(sharjahmuseums.ae).

For adventureFor some active fun, head to

Fujairah and go canyoning in

Wadi Wurrayah. You can either

do this yourself or, perhaps more

advisedly, hire a guide to show

you the best routes around (try

adventure.ae). Water levels in the

wadi will vary depending on the

time of year but if there has been

recent rainfall, you will wade waist-

deep through pools, scramble up

steep rocky ridges and observe

indigenous wildlife. If you’ve still

got energy at the end, stop in

Fujairah and do some snorkelling

off Snoopy Rock.

For relaxationA fantastic way to get back to

nature and forget life’s stresses

and strains is to explore Abu

Dhabi’s natural side from the

perspective of a kayak. The land

surrounding the UAE capital is

riddled with mangroves which play

host to crabs, fish and birds, and

Noukhada Adventure Company

(noukhada.ae) will take you out on

a guided tour as well as loaning

fishing equipment if you want to

land some dinner. Land lubbers

may be better served by a round

of golf at Al Badia Golf Club at the

InterContinental Dubai Festival

City (albadiagolfclub.ae).

EAT In A little piece of Paris exists in

InterContinental Dubai Festival City; just head to the quaintest of French eateries, Bistro Madeleine (00 971 4 701 1111).

Live teppanyaki tables, a jam-packed sushi bar and two tatami rooms, make Sakura (Crowne Plaza Dubai, 00 971 4 331 1111) a not-to-be-missed experience for fans of Japanese food.

If you’re craving British food, get your fix at Stills in Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island (00 971 2 656 3000). This cool brasserie serves up gastro-lounge style dishes galore against a suitably stylish backdrop.

EAT OUTThe famous Burj Khalifa and stop-and-stare Dubai Fountains can both be seen from the terrace at Thai sensation The Mango Tree (souk Al Bahar, 00 971 4 426 7313). Don’t even try to resist its mouth-watering curries.

PERFECT DInnERs

ThE uAE

Opposite page, left to right: Golf at Al Badia; A balloon high over the desert. This page, clockwise from left to right: Ski Dubai; Snorkelling in Fujeirah; Wild Wadi.

IHG My Weekend January.indd 23 12/21/2010 2:11:40 PM

22

For Couples There is plenty for couples to do

in the UAE: two great options are

hot air ballooning in the desert

and a sunset boat trip. If you

opt for the former, you will be

collected from your city base by

Balloon Adventures (ballooning.

ae) and taken into the desert

first thing in the morning, before

sunrise. As you rise into the air

the astounding beauty of the

surroundings will take your breath

away as camels and gazelles roam

the terracotta dunes, broken only

by the odd oasis. Water babies

will be happier surveying the city

from the luxury of a yacht: there

are plenty of operators but we can

recommend Dusail (dusail.com),

a husband-and-wife venture with

just a few immaculate boats. They

set off from Dubai Marina and take

passengers on a tour around the

Palm Jumeirah. But to really take

your breath away, head to the top

of Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest

tower (burjkhalifa.ae).

For FamiliesAs well as the myriad beaches on

the tranquil coastline, there are two

fantastic water parks in the region.

Aquaventure is best for adrenaline

junkies, with a near-vertical slide

which plunges through a shark-

infested lagoon, while Wild Wadi

offers plenty for tots and teens.

If snow’s more your bag, take

the gang to Ski Dubai (skidxb.

com), which boasts the world’s

first indoor black run as well as

tobogganing. For something a lot

more tranquil, take a trip to Khalifa

Park in Abu Dhabi, where there’s an

abundance of fantastic amenities

and lush green spaces to revel in.

For CultureIgnore those who say that the

UAE is devoid of culture – there’s

plenty, you’ve just got to know

where to look. Abu Dhabi is awash

with cultural charms, not least the

Cultural Foundation (visit adach.

ae) which hosts some wonderful

exhibitions as well as staging

plays and musical performances.

To really take your breath away, head to the top of the Burj Khalifa

There’s a reason this country’s such a sought-after holiday spot: here are some of its biggest attractions...

The UAE

IHG My Weekend January.indd 22 12/21/2010 2:11:30 PM

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23

SEVEn UP The uAE is made-up of seven emirates, each ruled by their own sheikh. EX PAT FACT The uAE has a diverse population, with only 20% being made-up of local Emiratis. SnOW JOKE Despite its hot climate, Dubai is home to the third biggest ski slope in the world – it contains 6,000 tonnes of snow – which can be found in Mall of the Emirates.

In Dubai, have a wander around

the galleries in the Bastakiya area,

then hop in a taxi to Dubai Heritage

Village, where people demonstrate

Emirati artistic traditions. Sharjah

is great for museums – the

Science, Calligraphy, Natural

History, Maritime and Heritage

Museums are all good, as are the

aquarium and Discovery Centre

(sharjahmuseums.ae).

For adventureFor some active fun, head to

Fujairah and go canyoning in

Wadi Wurrayah. You can either

do this yourself or, perhaps more

advisedly, hire a guide to show

you the best routes around (try

adventure.ae). Water levels in the

wadi will vary depending on the

time of year but if there has been

recent rainfall, you will wade waist-

deep through pools, scramble up

steep rocky ridges and observe

indigenous wildlife. If you’ve still

got energy at the end, stop in

Fujairah and do some snorkelling

off Snoopy Rock.

For relaxationA fantastic way to get back to

nature and forget life’s stresses

and strains is to explore Abu

Dhabi’s natural side from the

perspective of a kayak. The land

surrounding the UAE capital is

riddled with mangroves which play

host to crabs, fish and birds, and

Noukhada Adventure Company

(noukhada.ae) will take you out on

a guided tour as well as loaning

fishing equipment if you want to

land some dinner. Land lubbers

may be better served by a round

of golf at Al Badia Golf Club at the

InterContinental Dubai Festival

City (albadiagolfclub.ae).

EAT In A little piece of Paris exists in

InterContinental Dubai Festival City; just head to the quaintest of French eateries, Bistro Madeleine (00 971 4 701 1111).

Live teppanyaki tables, a jam-packed sushi bar and two tatami rooms, make Sakura (Crowne Plaza Dubai, 00 971 4 331 1111) a not-to-be-missed experience for fans of Japanese food.

If you’re craving British food, get your fix at Stills in Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island (00 971 2 656 3000). This cool brasserie serves up gastro-lounge style dishes galore against a suitably stylish backdrop.

EAT OUTThe famous Burj Khalifa and stop-and-stare Dubai Fountains can both be seen from the terrace at Thai sensation The Mango Tree (souk Al Bahar, 00 971 4 426 7313). Don’t even try to resist its mouth-watering curries.

PERFECT DInnERs

ThE uAE

Opposite page, left to right: Golf at Al Badia; A balloon high over the desert. This page, clockwise from left to right: Ski Dubai; Snorkelling in Fujeirah; Wild Wadi.

IHG My Weekend January.indd 23 12/21/2010 2:11:40 PM

Page 26: IHG My Weekend_Jan'11

A B U D H A B I Y A S I S L A N D

crowneplaza.com

Getaway for the weekendStay at one of the UAE’s most exciting destinations

Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island is set along Yas Links Abu Dhabi and is just a five minute walk from the exciting Yas Marina Circuit and the new Ferrari World Abu Dhabi theme park.

Combining this with our stylish rooms and suites, superb fitness and kids club facilities and our delicious variety of dining options overlooking the turquoise Arabian Gulf, we have the perfect ingredients on offer for a memorable weekend getaway.

For bookings and more information, contact us on +971 (0)2 656 3030 email [email protected] or visit www.crowneplaza.com/abudhabi

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24

Bahrain (80000 880) Crowne Plaza Bahrain

egypt (0800 44 333 220) InterContinental Abu Soma Resort

InterContinental Cairo Citystars

InterContinental The Palace Port

Ghalib Resort

InterContinental Taba Heights Resort

Semiramis InterContinental Cairo

Crowne Plaza Sahara Sands Port

Ghalib Resort

Crowne Plaza Sahara Oasis Port

Ghalib Resort

Holiday Inn Citystars Cairo

Jordan (0800 22 666) InterContinental Aqaba Resort

InterContinental Jordan

Crowne Plaza Resort Petra

Crowne Plaza Amman

Holiday Inn Amman

Holiday Inn Resort Dead Sea, Jordan

Kenya (0800 999 136)

InterContinental Nairobi

KuWait (2473 2100 ext. 6233)Crowne Plaza Kuwait

Holiday Inn Downtown Kuwait

Holiday Inn Kuwait

leBanon (01) 426 801 asK at&t operator to ConneCt (866 866 7556)

Le Vendòme InterContinental Beirut

InterContinental Mzaar Lebanon

Mountain Resort & Spa

Phoenicia InterContinental Beirut

Crowne Plaza Beirut

Holiday Inn - Dunes

mauritius (0800 999 136)InterContinental Mauritius Resort

Balacalava Fort

oman (0800 97 1234)

InterContinental Muscat

Crowne Plaza Muscat

Crowne Plaza Sohar

Crowne Plaza Resort Salalah

Qatar (00800 97 1234)InterContinental Doha

saudi araBia (800 89 71 456)Al Ahsa InterContinental

Dar Al Hijra

InterContinental Madinah

Dar Al Iman

InterContinental Madinah

InterContinental Al Jubail

InterContinental Al Khobar

InterContinental Jeddah

InterContinental Riyadh

InterContinental Taif

Crowne Plaza Jeddah

Holiday Inn Minhal Riyadh

Holiday Inn Najran

Holiday Inn Olaya Riyadh

Holiday Inn Yanbu

Holiday Inn Hafr Al Batin

Holiday Inn Riyadh-Izdihar

Holiday Inn Riyadh Al Qasr

Holiday Inn Al Khobar

Holiday Inn Resort Half Moon Bay

Holiday Inn Jeddah-Al Salam

Holiday Inn Al Khobar - Corniche

uae (800 4642)InterContinental Abu Dhabi

InterContinental Dubai Festival City

Crowne Plaza Dubai

Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi

Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City

Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island

Holiday Inn Dubai Al Barsha

Holiday Inn Downtown Dubai

Holiday Inn Sharjah

Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi

Holiday Inn Express Dubai

Internet City

Holiday Inn Express Dubai Safa Park

Holiday Inn Express Dubai-Jumeirah

ZamBia (0800 999 136) InterContinental Lusaka

Choose your hotel...

IHG My Weekend January.indd 24 12/21/2010 2:11:47 PM

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A B U D H A B I Y A S I S L A N D

crowneplaza.com

Getaway for the weekendStay at one of the UAE’s most exciting destinations

Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island is set along Yas Links Abu Dhabi and is just a five minute walk from the exciting Yas Marina Circuit and the new Ferrari World Abu Dhabi theme park.

Combining this with our stylish rooms and suites, superb fitness and kids club facilities and our delicious variety of dining options overlooking the turquoise Arabian Gulf, we have the perfect ingredients on offer for a memorable weekend getaway.

For bookings and more information, contact us on +971 (0)2 656 3030 email [email protected] or visit www.crowneplaza.com/abudhabi

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For further information or reservations call: +971 2 6666 888 email: [email protected]

AFTER 30 YEARS AT THE HEART OF ABU DHABI, WE HAVE A NOSEFOR LOCAL ATTRACTIONS.

Over the last 30 years, InterContinental Abu Dhabi has been at the very heartof life in the capital. From casual visitors to heads of government, we havewelcomed guests from all over the world. So, we understand that people wantmuch more than room and board. They want experiences that enrich andreward. That’s why we offer a range of insider packages designed to connectour guests to the real Abu Dhabi and create lasting memories.

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