Find space, solitude, culture and adventure at our picks of where to go for Eid.
While the upcoming Eid al-Fitr holiday boils down to sighting the crescent moon, it seems a little lunar luck is on the horizon — we’re likely in for a five-day break, so now’s the time to plan a getaway that’s easily accessible yet allows a true escape. And while the vibrancy of big cities like Bangkok, Cairo, Istanbul and Nairobi never gets old, we’re turning the spotlight on destinations that not only take you away from hordes of tourists, but also belong on any travel bucket list.
Bahrain
Bahrain is not your typical island getaway. Not only is it the only archipelago in the region, but it’s only a mere 70-minute flight away. And between its UNESCO World Heritage Sites, trendy eateries, old-school souks, cultural institutions, and endless island-hopping opportunities, it’s also seriously underrated — especially if a quick trip is all you can manage. Start at The Merchant House, a contemporary property that boasts beautifully appointed suites, a lush rooftop terrace, and an eclectic collection of artworks. It’s also ideally placed in the always-vibrant Bab Al Bahrain area, taking you back in time as you browse shops specialising in everything from jewellery and antiques to calligraphy, handpainted room dividers, embroidered poufs and more.
The country’s culture scene is constantly evolving, and Muharraq is the definitive place to discover it. Start by taking a walk down the Pearling Path, a 3.5km trail that snakes through its storied alleyways, rehabilitating this urban centre of yesteryear while introducing contemporary infrastructure to match modern-day lifestyles. Most people don’t realise that Pearling Path includes 17 public squares dotted along the different neighbourhoods that the path crosses, with strategically placed lamp posts guiding visitors through the streets. For an optimum introduction to Bahrain’s pearling era, start at the Pearling Path Visitor and Experience Centre, which hosts rotating exhibits on pearling history alongside a café and an auditorium. Alternatively, you can begin at the trail’s southern starting point, Bu Mahir Fort (from where boats used to set off for oyster beds) and its glass-walled visitor centre.
Georgia
Most tourists from the region never make it beyond the trendy neighbourhoods and ancient landmarks of Georgia’s capital, Tbilisi — but should. We recommend enjoying Georgia’s cultural and geographical diversity by heading to Kazbegi, a small valley town steeped in ancient mythology and officially named Stepantsminda. Here await opportunities to soak in hot springs, hike across gorges, and essentially bathe in nature. History buffs will love the 14th century church Gergeti Trinity Church that is located at an elevation of 2,170 metres and boasts Mount Kazbek – a now-extinct volcano – as its backdrop.
Book a stay at Rooms Hotels Kazbegi, where you’ll wake up to stunning views of the surrounding woodlands and spend your evenings stargazing. The likes of local carpets, fireplaces, and plenty of sofas and bookshelves collectively create a rustic-chic aesthetic, as do natural materials such as worn brick and reclaimed wood. Elsewhere, laps in an indoor heated pool with mountain views followed by a soothing massage more than justify the journey. Bonus: UAE residents are eligible for a visa on arrival in Georgia, so those all too familiar with the woes of tourist visa applications can bypass all the tedious paperwork that makes it impossible to travel on impulse.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s bountiful south coast remains a highly coveted holiday destination, but with its popularity comes soaring accommodation prices, plenty of tourists, and relentless comparisons to Bali (read into that what you will). The teardrop-shaped island’s east coast, in contrast, remains idyllic and untouched by mass tourism. And while the likes of Weligama and Ahangama draw surf enthusiasts from around the world, the east coast is also dubbed one of Asia’s best places to hang ten — with their iconic breaks and massive swells, its beaches are renowned among pro-surfers who prefer the relatively low crowd factor. Divers, meanwhile, can explore a number of shipwrecks – including those of British fighter planes from World War II – around Trincomalee and Batticaloa.
It’s not all about chasing adrenaline on the east coast, though. Sun Siyam Pasikudah makes for the ideal base for anyone ready to break free from the city grind. Housing only 34 suites, this intimate boutique resort in the coastal town of Kalkudah invites travellers to discover what makes Sri Lanka so special: tropical beaches and world-class hospitality. Whether you choose to while away the hours lounging by its expansive pool or snorkelling around the rainbow coral reef just a short distance away, Sun Siyam’s beachfront location is the perfect place to recharge in solitude before embarking on excursions to the island’s other wonders — wild elephant spotting at Minneriya National Park and hiking to the summit of ancient rock fortress Sigiriya included.
The Maldives
Unlike most travel destinations, the islands of this South Asian archipelago are blissfully devoid of crowds, but where you stay is downright crucial — it will make or break your trip. And while the well-heeled are spoilt for choice when it comes to luxury resorts in the Maldives, few properties are as progressive as The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands. Proudly preserving its time-honoured traditions, the circle of island life is embraced throughout, ranging from the spherical villas to the local sunset ritual that entails Bodu Beru drums and a flaming ceremony. And because luxury is no longer limited to physical offerings, unparalleled service comes by way of an ‘Aris Meeha’. Translating from the Dhivehi language to ‘first confidant of the royal family’, this personalised butler service is about tailoring a journey of meaningful moments and offered to guests at each of the resort’s villas.
Travelling with the kids in tow? Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives is ideally suited to families, recently opening its doors in North Male Atoll to rave reviews. An underwater world-themed retreat rooted in family-centric activities, it features everything you’d want to keep all ages entertained — a vast water complex with multiple attractions for starters. Here await multiple pools, a water playground, and a meandering lazy river mere steps from its private white-sand beach. And with the younger ones occupied, a trip to the acclaimed SPA Cenvaree is time well-spent. Between flower-scented body scrubs, tailored facials, and traditional spa rituals from Thailand, the menu here spans treatments that pamper from top to toe. Even better: Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives is part of The Atollia, granting guests access to the elegant Centara Grand Lagoon Resort for a broader tapestry of culinary and recreational amenities.
Turkey
The average tourist will hightail it out of Izmir as soon as they’ve crossed the archaeological site of Ephesus off their bucket list, never taking a day or two to explore the ‘Pearl of the Aegean’ — well, that’s just wrong. Turkey’s most liberal city is one of those places where life happens on the streets, whether you’re dining in the bohemian district of Alsançak or immersing yourself into local culture on Synagogue Street, so you’ll gain plenty of insights in no time. If panoramic views of the city are what you’re after, the Asansör (Turkish for ‘elevator’) offers them for free. Built in 1907 by a philanthropist, it first came to life in order to assist elders and pregnant women grappling with the staircase between Mithatpaşa Street and Halil Rifat Quarter.
Izmir Clock Tower is another historic landmark worth visiting. Built in 1901 and standing 25 meters high, it’s widely considered the symbol of Izmir and leads nicely to what can arguably be described as the city’s most popular tourist attraction: Kemeraltı. This iconic bazaar dates back to the 17th century and continues to have it all — shops, synagogues, mosques, traditional coffeehouses, artisan workshops, and enough dining outlets to leave you feeling overwhelmed. Make a beeline for Ayşa Boşnak Börekçisi, which ranks amongst the top ten restaurants in all of Turkey and serves some of the best mezes you’ll ever eat. Those looking to further immerse in the action can check into L’agora Old Town Hotel & Bazaar, a four-stay property housed within a 300-year-old building and beloved for its atmospheric courtyard.
Discover: Five holiday destinations perfect for an Eid getaway.
