When next you visit Marrakech look out for The Seven Saints, seven three-story towers located on the outskirts of the city that bear the tombs of seven saliheen (righteous men) from the 12th to 16th century.
If the thought of that long, uncomfortable flight or prospect of expensive accommodations is holding you back from your dream Abu Dhabi trip – book now! Etihad Airways (just named #2 for Top Global Airlines in the Condé Nast Traveler’sReaders’ Choice Travel Awards ) is offering free accommodations for any Diamond First or Peal Business Class passenger that books now until January 31, 2011.
Etihad’s first class totally trumps anything we offer stateside – enjoy their award-winning flat bed, personal Food & Beverage manager, and over 600 hours of entertainment on some of the widest screens in the sky.
After landing, stay at the luxurious Qasr al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara located just ninety minutes from the Abu Dhabi International Airport in the Liwa Desert’s Empty Quarter amongst some of the tallest sand dunes in the world. Diamond First Class flyers can stay for three nights free and Peal Business Class guests can stay for two – both give you plenty of time to take a camel ride through the desert and relax in the resort’s peaceful hammam.
It’s easy to cash in! Just book your ticket and then contact Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara to book your stay (you will have to provide your ticket number, so don’t get any ideas).
Race enthusiasts and coaster junkies alike can rev their engines and start the countdown to the new Ferrari World Abu Dhabi opening next week on Yas Island in the United Arab Emirates.
The two-million-square-foot indoor park will be home to the fastest roller coaster in the world (with speeds up to 149 miles per hour) and a water ride with a Ferrari 599 V12 engine. VROOM!
In fitting with the auto theme, the park is also located next to the Yas Marina Circuit racetrack, which his home to the annual Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in November.
Spend the night at Desert Island Resort &Spa by Anantara on the Sir Bani Yas Island. The resort is set in the middle of a wildlife reserve and is home to thousands of animals and birds. It’s an ideal spot to unwind after an adrenaline-infused day.
For those looking to add another adventure to their Abu Dhabi trip, check out Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara in the Liwa Desert for an out-of-city experience. Set ninety minutes outside Abu Dhabi International Airport in the middle of the expansive desert known as the Empty Quarter, guests can explore the legendary ochre sand dunes by camel or on foot.
There are so many wonderful travel destinations in the East – but sometimes the only thing holding you back is that inconvenient (and expensive!) airfare ticket. But now it’s time to grab your passport because now through the end of the year Etihad Airways is offering up to 40 percent off fares to popular travel hubs, including: Bangkok, Kuala Lumpar, Frankfurt, Munich and London.
This week’s rendition of AMPR FYI comes from Dena DiOrio. Hailing from the great state of Ohio, Dena has been with AMPR for two years.
Waiting for my flight to board at the Etihad gate at JFK felt like waiting for any other flight, although it was most definitely not. I was on my way to Abu Dhabi, capital city of the United Arab Emirates, in the Middle East. First time for me to the region, so I was extra psyched. The 13-hour flight was long, but bearable, with all the on-demand movies, music and games one could possibly want while cruising at 36,000 feet above cities like Trabzon, Erzurum, and Shiraz. (more…)
Ramadan officially started August 11th and marks the month-long period where Muhammad is believed to have composed the Quran. In honor of this holy month, Muslims around the world will focus on inner peace and cleansing from now until September 9th through daily fasts during sunlight hours and abstain from any harmful habits that introduce toxins to the body (like drinking or smoking).
Ananatara resident spa guru and unofficial Ramadan expert, Liz Smailes, shared her advice with us on incorporating the relevant messages behind the holy celebration into daily life. (more…)
The Top Suites list is out! And we couldn’t be more elated. Elite Traveler Magazine has just released its list of the Top 101 Hotel & Resort Suites worldwide. Because of their amazing locations, beautiful designs, and 5 star amenities and services, it is a no brainer why newcomers Park Hyatt Jeddah-Marina, Club and Spa, Anantara Lawana Resort & Spa, and Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara made the cut. Congrats to all three wonderful properties!
Celebrity sightings are all the rage these days, but let’s not forget about government’s royalty. In honor of Obama’s birthday, we’ve rounded up a few locales where you’re likely to run into an off-duty lawmaker or two. Who knows? Maybe you’ll get the chance to bend their ears about your political views over cocktails…
Bern, Switzerland
Bellevue Palace, in the capital city of Bern and right next to the Swiss Parliament, has long been a meeting place for politicians, royals, and dignitaries the world over. As the only 5-star hotel in Bern, the hotel’s luxury is renowned, as is its statesmanlike discretion, making it a natural host for world leaders. During WWII, Bellevue Palace was the picture of political neutrality, as was its famed restaurant, La Terasse, serving guests from Axis nations meeting in one half of the restaurant, and those from the Allied Powers in the other. (more…)
Hospitality Design, the premier New-York based trade magazine, has bestowed upon Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara two, count’em, two awards this year. The annual awards honor hotels and resorts that utilize new materials and innovation in their creative process.
Qasr Al Sarab, in Abu Dhabi’s Liwa Desert was awarded ‘Best Hotel Spa’ and ‘Best for Luxury Public Spaces.’
Built to resemble the traditional Emirati forts found in this expansive desert, Qasr Al Sarab is an explorer’s paradise. Arabian ritual and tradition are the inspiration for the design of the resort and it’s on-site Anantara Spa as well, incorporating natural elements of water, wood, and stone with rich, earthy colors. The treatment menu reflects this in its signature mix of Eastern and Western beauty and wellness rituals. The Spa blends the time-honored Middle Eastern cleansing bath, the Hammam, with tranquil Thai methods to promote wellbeing, balance, and serenity. Treatments utilize natural and indigenous ingredients, such as dates, sand, honey, and olives to produce unique spa journeys for guests.
At the beginning of the month, celebs took a break from their usual red carpet to attend the Elephant Parade charity auction, of which Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas is a strong supporter. Stars including Elizabeth Hurley, Goldie Hawn, and Princess Beatrice of York hit the grass to show their support of the protection and conservation of endangered Asian elephants. Despite the rough terrain, fashion did not suffer. Sporting colorful dresses and forever high wedges and heels, these celebs looked almost as good as the painted model baby elephants (all of which were on sale at the event, including Anantara’s own ‘Little Bird’). The auction marked the end of the Elephant Parade in London, which earned over $1.5 million dollars for this great cause!
Image from: egmcartech.com
