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Hotels Bookmark This: 20 Awe-Inspiring Stays In The Middle East
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Bookmark This: 20 Awe-Inspiring Stays In The Middle East

From an eco-lodge in Egypt to restored 10th-century caves in Cappadocia, here is a guide to the most unique luxe stays in the Middle East.

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By: Shrimayee Thakur  Published: Nov 18, 2022 06:04 PM IST

Bookmark This: 20 Awe-Inspiring Stays In The Middle East

From an eco-lodge in Egypt that is illuminated by candles to restored 10th-century caves in Cappadocia, here is a guide to the most unique luxe stays across the Middle East. By Shrimayee Thakur 

20 Awe-Inspiring Stays In The Middle East:

1. Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai

Middle East

Nestled between the calm turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf and the majestic Dubai skyline, Atlantis, The Palm is the crown of the world-famous Palm Island in Dubai. This stay in the Middle East offers signature suites that look out into a huge aquarium with tens of thousands of marine animals, two-bedroom suites with private jacuzzis, menus crafted by renowned chefs like Gordon Ramsay and Nobu, and Atlantis Aquaventure, a haven for thrill-seekers. Children will love spending time in Atlantis Kids Club, where they can play, create, and explore fun activities. This year, on the occasion of New Year’s Eve, the resort is hosting a magnificent party featuring performances from special guests like singer Kylie Minogue. Doubles from INR 60,621

2. Alila Jabal Akhdar, Oman

Middle East

Sitting 2,000 metres above sea level and surrounded by the lush Al Hajar Mountains, Alila Jabal Akhdar has an exposed stone exterior inspired by ancient forts and built with local stones using traditional Omani construction techniques. The contemporary villas and suites at this stay in the Middle East have magnificent mountain views. During your stay, explore Jabal Akhdar, the fruit bowl of Oman, famed for its walnuts and pomegranates. Take a walk through the rose terraces where Oman’s famous damask roses bloom from March to May, and are harvested to make rose water, a staple in Omani households. There are a lot of activities at the resort to keep you engaged. Pick up the butterfly trail markers outside the lobby to enjoy a three-kilometre walk without leaving the resort. Or enjoy a private dinner in the arbour beside the shimmering waters of the infinity pool or on the stargazing deck. Away from the rush of city life, Alila Jabal Akhdar is the perfect springboard for a dive into the region’s culture, it is surrounded by old, uninhabited villages, rugged mountains, and caves and canyons. Visit the nearby UNESCO-protected Bahla Fort, along with numerous others, or wander into the cities of Nizwa, Bahla, and Ebri for a taste of Omani hospitality. Doubles from INR 55,440

3. Mysk Kingfisher Retreat, Sharjah 

Middle East

Get up close and personal with nature at Mysk Kingfisher Retreat, a natural retreat set on an island off the east coast of Sharjah. A private boat ferries you to the island, where are greeted by the friendly staff and taken to one of the 20 private tents, each almost a full-fledged home with a plunge pool, wood furnishings, and a gorgeous view of the Indian Ocean. The mangroves nearby teem with myriad species of birds, gazelles, turtles, and crabs. Play with green sea turtles in the wetland of Khor Kalba, and partake in the Kingfisher Retreat nature walk where experts introduce you to the local wildlife. Teach your little ones to care for the environment with a beach clean-up, and chase sprinting ghost crabs on the way home. End your night with a bonfire in the privacy of a tent, with snacks and beverages of your choice. Doubles from INR 58,408

4. Habitas AlUla, Saudi Arabia 

Middle East

Sustainable luxury finds a home at Habitas AlUla, nestled in AlUla’s Ashar Valley. Surrounded by spectacular sandstone cliffs, it has three kinds of sustainably-designed villas—the spacious Celestial Villas, with areas for lounging and entertainment; Alcove Villas, which have private terraces looking out into the sandstone canyons; and Canyon Villas that are surrounded by cliffs. Tama, meaning ‘here and now’ in Aramaic, is Habitas AlUla’s regionally-inspired restaurant, which combines global and Middle Eastern flavours to make exquisite dishes with fresh local ingredients. Go on a guided ride through AlUla’s sandstone mountains, narrow canyons, across challenging terrains and high sand dunes. Learn more about Bedouin culture of the Middle East on the back of a camel, with folk dances and a falcon show. Spend serene nights under the stars in Gharameel that is said to have the best view of the night sky in the region. Doubles from INR 63,481

5. Kempinski Summerland Hotel & Resort, Lebanon 

Middle East

Located in Beirut, one of the oldest cities in the world, Kempinski Summerland Hotel & Resort Beirut is an exclusive five-star beach resort that has a modern approach to luxury with its many pools, pool bars, 153 lavish rooms, outdoor gardens, and private jacuzzi bungalows. Renowned for its private beach and marina, the resort is an ideal getaway for city dwellers. The modernity of the resort is offset by the rich history of the city it is in. Beirut, known as the party capital of the Arab world, is also home to the famous Raouché rock and Roman baths. Visit the National Museum in Beirut to browse the collection of artefacts that offer an insight into Lebanon’s history. After a day of exploring the city, pay a visit to the famed European luxury Resense Spa at the resort, which offers customised treatments and massages. Romance Package with in-room dinner and massage starts from INR 38,651

6. Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi 

Middle East

Pamper yourself at Emirates Palace, located on a private beach in Abu Dhabi. Choose from city, garden, or sea-facing rooms—all of them ooze luxury with plush furnishings and 24-hour butler service. This Middle East hotel’s eight dining venues will leave you spoilt for choice with cuisines whipped up by renowned chefs. Take a stroll in the bountiful gardens, or unwind at the spa with a Bastien Gonzalez ‘Fire & Ice’ treatment, which blends cooling and warming sensations that will leave your legs silky smooth. While your little ones busy themselves with a myriad fun activities at the kids’ club, or go for a refreshing swim in one of the two temperature-controlled pools, explore the vast desert on a safari, or test your sea legs on a chartered superyacht. Doubles from INR 39,546

7. Assila, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Jeddah 

Middle East

Exemplifying opulence in every possible way, Assila, A Luxury Collection Hotel in Jeddah is a masterpiece. One can spot tokens of Saudi’s rich art, history, and culture in various nooks of the hotel. The suites are flawlessly furnished with hand-woven rugs and tapestries. If you’re looking for an exclusive retreat, Royal Suite at the property is the perfect spot. With three lavish rooms, opulent furnishings, and modern amenities, the suite is not only a visual delight but also an oasis of calm. Head to the Argentinian restaurant Pampas for its top-quality Angus steaks and meat cuts. At TwentyFour, the international buffet restaurant that lies on the 2nd floor, you can enjoy a buffet breakfast along with a view of AlTahliya street. If you’re in the mood to simply unwind, Assila Spa is the place to be; it offers a sauna, steam room, Moroccan bath, massage experts, and a variety of beauty and skin treatments. Doubles from INR 42,842

8. Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa, Kuwait 

Middle East

Located 10 minutes away from Kuwait International Airport, close to Kuwait city’s business centre and major shopping malls, Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa offers everything from classic sea-facing rooms to a magnificent fivebedroom villa with a plunge pool and a fully-equipped kitchen perfect for a vacation with friends and family. The resort’s five culinary experiences offer authentic cuisine from around the world, which you can savour in a private cabana next to the beach. Head to Talise Spa for customisable treatments, ranging from ancient Arabian rituals with detoxifying za’atar spice to the ancient Chinese art of cupping; or relax by the poolside with a chilled cocktail. Doubles from INR 24,969

9. Bubble Luxotel Petra, Jordan 

Middle East

Live in your own happy bubble, quite literally, at the Bubble Luxotel Petra. Located in a remote spot in Petra’s protected area, this stay in the Middle East offers the penultimate glamping experience. Watch every sunset and count stars from one of the hotel’s 20 bubble suites—transparent domes complete with a kingsized bed, bedside tables, lamps, and shelves for clothes and other items. There is an attached opaque dome that serves as a private bathroom—King Bubble, Twin Bubble, or Bubble Family, depending on the size of your party, each with its own hot tub and sun deck. Admire a unique view of the famous Petra mountains, and don your Indiana Jones hat as you leave the safety of your suite to explore the pink carvings of the Rose City. Doubles from INR 26,719

10. Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, Abu Dhabi 

Middle East

A gleaming green jewel in the midst of the world’s largest continuous sand desert—the Empty Quarter, Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara lies on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi. Aside from spacious, comfortable rooms with private balconies and garden terraces, the resort also has on offer villas with private plunge pools for a dreamy vacation with friends and family. Get your fill of the golden sands on the back of a camel or on a sightseeing tour led by experienced local guides; try your hand at archery, a sport held in great esteem by the Bedouins; and design your own menu with a personal chef. End the day in a Moroccan hammam at the award-winning Anantara Spa, or indulge in a revitalising Arabian desert rose ritual. Doubles from INR 66,538

11. The Chedi Muscat, Oman 

Whether you prefer the mountains or the sea, The Chedi Muscat has you covered. Enjoy gorgeous panoramic views of the majestic Al Hajar mountains, or dip your toes in the blue waters of the Gulf of Oman at this 21-acre, five-star beach resort. The Chedi Muscat offers 158 spacious guestrooms and suites with stellar views of the mountains, sea, and gardens. The resort’s central location creates a rare chance to truly experience Muscat’s culture. Wander through the outskirts of the city for a whiff of one of the world’s most expensive perfumes, Amouage, which has been handcrafted there for generations; play with the turtles at Ras al-Jinz Turtle Reserve; or head to the weekly livestock market at Nizwa for social-media-worthy pictures. After exploring Oman’s capital city, satiate your appetite at any of the resort’s six restaurants, which offer cuisines from around the globe, or relax by the 103-metre pool with refreshing cocktails. Stroll into one of the largest spas in Muscat—located in the resort—which blends ancient wisdom with modern techniques in treatments and restorative baths tailored to your needs. Doubles from INR 49,511

12. Rixos Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt 

This adult-only resort in the Middle East has 660 rooms, all with either a terrace or a balcony, open to just families and couples. Nestled in Nabq Bay, where the shores of the desert meet the Red Sea, the resort has breathtaking views of the Gulf of Aqaba and Titan Island. Ten restaurants offering a range of cuisines ensure that you never run out of new dishes to sample. Don’t forget to try Ottoman cuisine and the Turkish-inspired buffet at Lalezar Turkish and Ottoman Rest, with the Red Sea in the background. Thrill-seekers can dive into the crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea, or partake in the range of water sports available. For those who wish to stay dry, games like billiards and volleyball are available. Doubles from INR 26,496

13. Hilton Salwa Beach Resort, Qatar 

Luxury meets adventure at Hilton Salwa Beach Resort, an exciting venue in the Middle East that combines a private beach and marina, spa, sumptuous accommodation, and an adventure park. The Desert Falls Water and Adventure Park has 18 attractions, with 56 rides and slides. Challenge your friends at the Whizzer Mat Racer, manoeuvre your way through the Inner Tube Slide, try your hand at go-karting, and whizz around the entire adventure park on the Spinning Rapids. At the resort, choose from guest rooms, spacious suites, and private luxury villas with direct access to the beach. Among the dining venues, Levantine offers Arabian food with a twist in an outdoor setting. Chinese cuisine is available at Miss Wong, while The League offers a varied gastro-pub menu. Discover the soul of Italy at Dane Cucina Italiana or, if you prefer the privacy of your own room, Wi-Deliver will bring piping hot food to you in a flash from any of these restaurants. Doubles from INR 58,255

14. Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, Dubai 

A private, guest-only oasis nestled among the lush palm groves, emerald canopies, and sand dunes of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa offers 42 suites ranging from the cosy Bedouin Suite to the palatial Presidential Suite. All of them come with their own private pools and are furnished with rare, exquisitely crafted Arabian antiques and artefacts. Venture on a desert safari to see the elusive Arabian oryx; or if you prefer a relaxed time, opt for a ride on the ship of the desert to watch the sunset with a glass of champagne. Equestrians can also take a horse out into the vast reserve. Finish up with an al fresco dinner on the veranda at Al Diwaan. Doubles from INR 1,12,260

15. Adrère Amellal Eco-Lodge Siwa Oasis, Egypt 

A unique eco-lodge in Siwa Oasis, Adrère Amellal Eco-Lodge Siwa Oasis exists in a no-internet zone. Disconnect from the outside world and the rush of urban life in one of the 40 hand-built rooms, all of which are illuminated by the flickering glow of candles. The furniture has been carefully crafted by locals, with utmost respect for the environment. All the food served is grown on the premises. Try the lodge’s signature dishes—date cigars, hibiscus risotto, and tomatoes stuffed with peas. Known as the abode of the Oracle of Amun, whom Alexander the Great visited before embarking on his mission to conquer Persia, Siwa is home to Temple of the Oracle, dotted with stunning rock formations and approximately 230 freshwater springs. Doubles from INR 43,140

16. Gamirasu Cave Hotel, Turkey 

Located in the heart of Cappadocia, in the Ayvali village, with its 35 cave rooms, it is the first rock hotel in the region, and started service in 1999. The hotel offers a chance to stay in painstakingly restored, luxurious caves, with the largest being the Byzantine King Suite, a sprawling space carved in the 10th century. It has a jacuzzi, sauna, Turkish bath, and a spectacular view of the valley. Used as a monastery in the Byzantine era (330–1453 AD), the hotel and its surrounding village are pristine as it is unknown to many tourists. With its inherent spirituality and peaceful countenance, Gamirasu Cave Hotel is perfect for those seeking to recharge. Visit the 11th-century Byzantine Orthodox church inside the hotel, enjoy quiet meals in the ancient dining hall, and take a dip in the heated swimming pool that is designed to look like the Roman pools in Cappadocia. Price for Byzantine King Suite starts from INR 73,665

17. The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain 

Offering seclusion and tranquillity with a private beach, lagoon, and marina, The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain interprets luxury as a space to oneself, along the bay in Seef in Bahrain’s capital city of Manama. With culinary offerings spanning continents, and a spa with treatments that fuse modern with traditional techniques, the resort is perfect for those seeking an escape from the rush of urban life. Explore the 14 dining venues, test your skills at the Royal Golf Club with an 18-hole course, and find your new favourite treatment at the sea-inspired spa with minerals from the Dead Sea. It also has thalassotherapy and plunge pools. The expansive suites overlook both the garden and the sea, while the seafront villa offers exclusive access to a private beach. Doubles from INR 34,036

18. Wadi Rum Night Luxury Camp, Jordan 

With five luxury tents set up against the dramatic backdrop of Wadi Rum in southern Jordan, Wadi Rum Night Luxury Camp offers the experience of a lifetime. Go on your own Lawrence of Arabia journey in the desert, surrounded by glittering sand and red sandstone. The region bears the marks of the multiple civilisations that have inhabited it over time, including that of Nabataeans (a nomadic Bedouin tribe), in the form of inscriptions and temples. The tents at the Wadi Rum Luxury Camp are the perfect place to rest your tired bones after a long day of exploring. The Bubble Tents offer you the opportunity to sleep under starlit sky in bubble rooms with endless views of the Wadi Rum desert landscape. Satiate your hunger at this stay in the Middle East with traditional Jordanian food made by the camp’s private chef, and end your day outside your tent in a relaxation area. Price for Bubble Tents start from INR 28,000 

19. The Vera Hotel, Israel 

A charming boutique hotel with a penchant for everything local, The Vera Hotel in Tel Aviv offers a delightful immersion in the region’s culture. Everything, from the staff to the complimentary wines on tap are sourced locally. The hotel partners with various local providers for hotel amenities, such as Arugot, a boutique workshop for organic skincare that provides artisanal bath products for the hotel’s lavish bathrooms; and designers Ohad Benit and Tomer Nachshon for many of the design pieces and furniture in the lobby, rooms and public spaces. Beds covered in 400-thread Egyptian cotton sheets, hand-woven hemp rugs, and oakwood interiors line their modern rooms. Unwind with bespoke aromatherapy massages at the in-house spa, or opt for yoga and Pilates sessions in the morning on the roof. Doubles from INR 26,456

20. The Cove Rotana Resort, Ras Al Khaimah 

Middle East

A five-star beachfront property in the Middle East, Cove Rotana Resort in Ras Al Khaimah is hidden away in an inlet, and appeals to both leisure travellers looking for the perfect staycation, or business travellers and corporate groups. Choose from 349 rooms, or, if you are looking for a family vacation spot, choose one of the 43 spacious villas with one, two, or three bedrooms. The resort’s design has Nubian influences (an ethnic group indigenous to what is now northern Sudan). With two infinity pools, a private beach, children’s pool, water sports facilities, and a kids’ club, the resort ensures there will never be a lack of entertainment during your visit. The seven dining venues here offer a range of experiences—from fine dining at Basilico Mediterranean Restaurant; a huge buffet at Cinnamon, the all-day dining restaurant; and refreshing drinks at the numerous cafes. Doubles from INR 17,916

Make sure to check out these stays in the Middle East.

Related: 12 Best Places To See The Northern Lights Around The World

Written By

Shrimayee Thakur 

Shrimayee Thakur 

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