good to go

summer
escapes
special
Now is the time to book your summer break. Whether youre
planning a trip abroad or simply a weekend away closer
to home, we bring you the best deals and getaways.
CrediTs: Compiled by Jola Chudy / images supplied

want to stay here?

Turn over to find out where this
lush tropical resort is located

Good Taste 127

 CheCk out Petra If you havent yet made it to Jordan, take advantage of
Le Gray hoteL, the long eid weekend to visit this enchanting country.
BeIrut. Good Tastes kelly Daniel went on a whistle-stop tour
of Petra, Jordans famous rose-red city
Good Taste loves this
contemporary, luxury retreat
conveniently located in the
heart of Beiruts Central
District. Whether youre born
to shop or party the night away
(or both) this is the ultimate
location to do both. With a
lively, cosmopolitan vibe,
the downtown area features
markets, trendy shops and
beautiful sandy beaches just
a short hop away. During
Ramadan, you can stay at Le
Gray from just $345 (Dhs1,267) Cheap
for two people and get a free s!
flightotAm man
room upgrade, with either Fly Air Arabia
breakfast or Suhoor included. from Dhs1,296
The Ramadan package during Eid
is valid between 1 and
party
town!
31 August 2011. Call
961 1 96 28 28 or email Exploring the Ancient City and a selection of delicious options.
reservations@legray. getting lost in the magnificent red
com; www.legray.com rocks, temples and mausoleums Do Take the essentials for
will leave you as inspired as walking around Petra: sunscreen,
you are intrigued. We stayed hat, water and comfortable
in the Mevenpick Resort, one walking shoes are a must. Flip
no of Petras largest hotels. There flops are not advised, as the
Its passport is no shortage of restaurants, journey is rocky and dusty.
Trisara ! required a relaxing pool to enjoy some Make sure you bring cash for
resort
The gorgeous
uket, Just deserts! Indulge your sun and a lush rooftop bar the entrance fee as they do not
overleaf is in Ph asr Al Sarab which is the perfect setting for a accept cards. expert ancient engineering. golden mountains and blue sky.
Thailand inner bedou in at Q
picturesque sunset. The journey continues deeper Connecting rooms, no smoking
ExpLoring pEtra You have into the city. You can climb rooms, balconies and terraces
DIsCounts In Location The hotel is ideally a choice to take the journey via into the mountains where the are available. Currency exchange,
located at the entrance of the camel, donkey, horse or on foot. steps (eventually) flatten out laundry and ATM are in the lobby.
the Desert
Book a summer stay at Qasr Al historical Petra site, which means A sandy path takes you across to a tabletop which flaunts an
Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara you can visit the site by day, and Wadi Musa where you pass astonishing 360 degree view of gEtting thErE Although
and get Dhs300 credit back for return in the evening for one of magnificent sandstone structures the mountain ranges. there are no direct flights to
each night booked in a Deluxe the magical candlelight concerts, and Nabatean tombs. You can also head toward Petra, many connect Amman and
room. The resort sits in a valley of where an oud player tells stories You shortly arrive at the Siq the the Monastery, via through the the UAE. The cheapest options
rolling red sand dunes with views in near-darkness as the audience entrance into the ancient city ancient structures. Either way, are Fly Dubai or Air Arabia (from
across the endless desert. Just sips on Turkish coffee. down a tunnel, carved from it is hard to see everything in Sharjah). A 2.5 hour taxi can
a few hours drive from Dubai or various shades of red and golden one day, so choose your path cost around 70 Jordanian Riyals,
Abu Dhabi, the resort is themed Eat Inside the hotel, Al Saraya stone. Its wide enough to fit a carefully if you have limited time. depending on how good your
to perfectly complement its Restaurant offers a large horse and cart (if youre feeling Back at the base of the ancient negotiating skills are. The hotel
Stay 4, pay 3 in phuket surroundings. Bedouin artefacts breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet lazy) but small enough to block city is a modest restaurant, where can also arrange a driver to pick
like silver knives, tea and coffee with everything from chicken out most of the sunlight, enabling you can enjoy a cold drink and you up. Rental cars are also
indulge your inner beach baby at this beautiful boutique resort in phuket.
pots, jewellery and even bullets shawarma to pasta to desserts. a cool walk into the ancient city. take in the views. available at the airport if you wish
Stay for four nights but pay only three, and get an upgrade to the next
adorn the lobby and library of this If youre looking for something Then, with a sharp turn back to drive yourself.
available room category. While youre here, you can do beach yoga, learn
magnificent low-rise property, more casual, try the Al Multaqa into the sunlight, there is the SLEEp anD amEnitiES
the secrets of thai cooking and enjoy heavenly spa treatments, before
while the rooms are rustic, with atrium lounge, which provides sudden appearance of the The rooms at the Mevenpick ratES Rooms start from
retiring to your private villa with its own pool overlooking the oceans.
From Dhs3,965 per person, including airport transfers, breakfast and two massage treatments. earth tones and natural materials a comfortable resting area with Khazneh a breathtaking temple are quite cosy, modern with around Dhs800 per night. See
see www.trisara.com for current offers and prices reflecting the dramatic scenery snacks and drinks. The more carved into the edge of a cliff a traditional feel. Free WiFi is www.moevenpick-hotels.com or
outside. Call 02 886 2088 or email formal Al Iwan restaurant is face. The intricacy of the details available. The view from the phone 962 3 2157111 for room
infoqas@anantara.com opened for dinner only and offers leave you marvelling at such room is spectacular, overlooking reservations.
128 Good Taste Good Taste 129
 FInD your
shanGrI-La
We love the Shangri-La
Qaryat al Beri. From the
fabulous restaurants, to the
uber-comfy double beds,
everything here is luxurious,
stylish and a treat for the
senses. This summer, enjoy a
discounted room rate starting
from Dhs555 including
breakfast, or check into the
sister hotel Traders Qaryat
Al Beri right next door, and
get an even more wallet-
friendly price of Dhs325.
Bargainous weekends
away never looked local
this good! getaway
For reservations call
02 509 8630; www.

editors
shangri-la.com

pick
the BeaCh
house, goa great
deal!

Ramadan is a time of detoxing your life, says our consultation would be scheduled (margarine: its one molecule
inspirational Dedra L Stevenson on page 26, and if individually, and wed have to away from being a plastic), to
youve always wanted to learn more about fasting self-administer enemas, which starting each day with hot water
and its myriad health and spiritual implications, why werent nearly as frightful as we and lemon youll come away
not take some time out this summer to give yourself first feared. Wed all meet again with dozens of small things you
the best gift you will ever receive; a complete for lunch, which was a raw salad, can do to be healthy, balanced
wellness and detox overhaul that will leave you usually chick peas, sprouts, or and full of beans. Oh, beans,
mentally recharged, physically and emotionally grated carrots and beetroots youll eat a lot of those, too.
cleansed and a bonus no woman will ever say no (they tasted much nicer than it
to a few kilos lighter at the end of it? sounds). After lunch we might WorSt BitS The daily Desert PaLm
have a few hours to sunbathe superfood shots we nicknamed
What iS it? The Beach regimen of power food shots, and read, before reconvening for pond shots werent too popular, Visa taking a while to process?
House in Goa offers retreats vitamins and nutrients, fruit and an afternoon exercise session, while a soul-searching sofa Scared of flying? Fear not, for
between three and 14 days vegetable juices, raw salads more juices, and finally an session with the trained therapist you too can enjoy a luxurious
that focus holistically on your and almond milk. The diet is evening meal of broth. ended in tears, but, as they spa break over Ramadan or Eid,
overall wellbeing. Their Weight complemented by daily enemas, explain, you need to let go of without leaving Dubai. The lush
Management Retreat starts massages, yoga, one-on-one Who can go? Anyone! past traumas to be able to move retreat at Desert Palm is number
from 45,000INR (Dhs3,692) for consultations with a doctor, When Good Taste went, guests forward. Deep stuff. one on our secret Dubai haven
three days. On arriving at the nutritionist and therapist, and included a Goan schoolgirl list. If you want to get away from
boutique resort, which sits on group meetings where the suffering from obesity, a frazzled thE vErDict I came back it all without checking in luggage,
the oceans edge in sleepy South experts do their best to instill in mum of three from the UK, and from Goa 1.5kg lighter, absolutely why not check out this cool offer:
Goa, youll be given a top-to- you the incredible power of food a health-conscious 23 year energised and revitalized, get three nights in a pool villa with
toe assessment, including fat to keep you healthy and happy. old who had fasted before and with a renewed awareness of a Lime Spa massage for two and
heaD to BanGkok
percentage, bone density and Our daily routine began each wanted to improve her wellbeing. healthy choices and how what round trip transfers to the mall. If
blood pressure. Youre then, morning at 7.30am with a hot I eat defines me. Ive stopped The City of Angels is a mighty Tower in the heart of Bangkok. marble bathroom, and free youre rich enough to be treating
scarily, told your biological age, water and lemon. After an hour of BESt BitS You learn so much! smoking, kept the weight off and metropolis to get to grips This opulent, majestic hotel Wi-Fi and Internet access as visitors to this gorgeous little
the age you are in health terms. yoga, we had breakfast (yummy From the benefits of using bought a juicer! with and merits some serious dominates the smoggy skyline well as access to the fitness deal, Desert Palms limo will even
juices, smelly vitamins, cider virgin coconut oil (you can eat Return fares from Sharjah and Goa exploration. You cant do and its rooftop bar is far and centre and pool, starting from pick them up from the airport.
WhatS it LikE? The resort vinegar and honey.) A morning it, cook with it and moisturise start from Dhs1,336; much better than a Tower Club away the best in the city. Enjoy Dhs1,100 per person. From US$1,050 (Dhs3,856); www.
offers a pure, organic nutritional talk, spa treatment, or personal with it) to avoiding certain foods www.thebeachhousegoa.com Suite at the Lebua at State three nights in a suite, with www.lebua.com desertpalm.ae
130 Good Taste Good Taste 131

Maldives
aLL-InCLusIve DeaL
If you havent yet treated yourself to a maldives
holiday what are you waiting for?
Set amongst perfect, unspoiled
islands and the unforgettably
blue waters of South Ari Atoll in
the Republic of Maldives, the
Centara Grand Island Resort &
Spa Maldives features 112 luxe
suites and villas. Once youve
checked in, check out the
where east
meets west
Get a four-night package at the
Istanbul Marriott Hotel Asia from
Dhs3,520 per adult, with kids
paying Dhs1,690. With views
over the Marmara, the hotel is a
great place from which to explore
Istanbul. www.dnata.com
132 Good Taste
stunning diving and snorkeling,
which includes an excellent
house reef complete with a
dedicated sunken ship wreck.
The resort is also within easy
reach of other top dive spots in
the Maldives. Until October 31,
enjoy a full, all-inclusive package
anImaL
attraCtIon
Explore East Africa and visit
Giraffe Manor, Nairobis most
iconic historical building,
dating back to the 1930s.
While the building itself
resonates with the past,
very much present is the
herd of nine giraffe who visit
the manor to greet guests
and sniff out snacks, before
venturing back into their
140-acre sanctuary. This is an
incredible destination to be
one with nature (and eyelash
batting giraffes!)
Giraffe Manor Nairobi; www.
thesafaricollection.com
that includes accommodation
in a Beach Suite, three meals
and an open bar service, from
USD620 (Dhs2,277) per night.
This also gets you a daily buffet
breakfast and all meals during
your stay. You can dine at the
Reef restaurant, Lotus Thai
restaurant or Azzuri Mare, which
features Italian classics.
3 nIGhts stay In a
moksha suIte
Moksha Himalaya Spa Resort
is designed to ensure travelers
seeking a luxurious, tranquil, or
even spiritual experience have
the freedom to enjoy a wide
range of services and facilities.
Get breakfast, lunch and dinner
daily as well as welcome
refreshments, daily in-room
fruits and mineral waters at this
unique Himalayan resort. Choose
one spa experience per day
and be pampered, rejuvenated
and restored in the stunning
surroundings of the Indian
Himalayas. The spa experiences
are designed to focus on your
seven energy centres and to
enable a renewed sense of
wellbeing. Moksha Himalaya
Spa Resort, Centara Boutique
loves
Collection comprises 15 colonial
inspired buildings, all within a
few minutes convenient walk of
all guest areas. Moksha guest
Afternoon tea and an
afternoon childrens ice cream
station, a pre-dinner snack
service, and all-day soft drinks
and mineral water are all also
included in the deal.
Email reservations@chr.co.th
for more info, or visit www.
centarahotelsresorts.com/package/
InternetRateMaldives.asp
take the FamILy to maurItIus
Book four nights and get three
nights free at Anahita Mauritius.
The resort is set in the middle
of a tropical island paradise,
framed by lush mangroves,
green mountains and the
stunning, rolling Indian Ocean.
Theres water sports galore to
SAVE! save
Holiday makers can
the ir sum me r ho liday
10% on
vel ling on selected
packages when tra
airline s includ ing Em ira tes, Austrian
tic, Air France, Air
Airlines, Virgin Atlan y
Airlines, KLM, Catha
Mauritius, Malaysia . Bo okings
ys an d Gu lf Air
Pacific Airwa
to 15th July
must be made prior
20 11 . ww w. dn ata travel.
com; 80 0 81 18
suites are tastefully furnished in the surroundings. This special taxes and service charges. It
natural wood and stone finishes, summer offer is valid between starts from Dhs3,080 per person.
reflecting the harmonious July until October 31, 2011 and See www.centarahotelsresorts.
relationship with nature and includes return airport transfers, com for more information
so
euroPean
romantic!
Getaway
Schloss Velden, Capella Hotel
is the perfect place to unwind in
elegant surroundings infused with
history. Surrounded by breathtaking
scenery, the 400-year-old chateau
has been transformed into a
hotel. This summer, why not leave
this magazine page open for
your other half to see, with a big
arrow pointing to this deal? Yes,
husband, thats you were hinting
be enjoyed in the still waters of gold on the Ernie Els designed to! Be enchanted by a romantic
one of Mauritius largest lagoons, course. Plus, the family can be deal that includes two hours of
the perfect place for kids and fed and watered with a daily private spa time, champers, a
teens to explore. Wind surfing, breakfast and a three course massage and a five-course dinner
kayaking and snorkeling are all evening meal as part of the for two. The price per person in
on offer, while mums can relax package. For more information, a standard double room starts
with a good read on the pristine see www.fourseasons.com/ from EUR 415 (Dhs2,178). www.
beach. Dads will love the free mauritius/rates_and_reservations schlossveldencapella.com
Good Taste 133