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    5 Quick getaways to book for the Eid-Al-Fitr long weekend

    Still wondering where to escape for the upcoming long Eid-Al-Fitr break? We’ve got you covered. From a majestic property in Rajasthan to a serene resort in Oman – check out our exclusive list of options to pick from.
    A garden oasis in India, a secluded beach house in Sri Lanka, an elephant camp and resort in Thailand and more – here, the Emirates Woman team shares the perfect destinations for Eid.
    Amanbagh – Rajasthan, India

    THE STAY
    Set in the Aravalli Hills lies the garden oasis that is Amanbagh. Utterly peaceful and consummately private the resort’s Mughal-inspired structures soar from the greenery, all the while feeling as regal as they do deeply cemented in ancestry.
    THE DINING
    Experience a true taste of authentic local fare, using Amanbagh’s herbal garden which harnesses the power of medicinal plants that are an invaluable biological resource.
    THE HERO EXPERIENCE
    Discover the peace of mind and sense of well-being hatha yoga and meditation can bring with a private sunrise session at the deserted Pratapgarh fort. You will return revived and rested having reflected.
    For more information, visit aman.com
    Joali Being – Bodufushi Island, Maldives

    THE STAY
    Encircled by crystal-clear lagoons and lush coconut palms, Joali Being is tucked away on Bodufushi Island with 33 beach villas and 35 water villas and a dedicated Jadugar (private butler) that can help you arrange virtually anything. This luxury resort is the perfect place to pause, gaze and embark on a transformative well-being journey that focuses on Mind, Microbiome, Skin and Energy. Unwind to the sound of tranquil waves and leave everything behind.
    THE DINING
    Dine at the most astonishing restaurants the island has to offer. From MOJO, the island’s tropical beach sanctuary and perfect sundowner spot to Ocean Sala serving incredible meat and seafood. Guests can also take tea lessons at Sai hosted by the resident tea sommelier or opt for a more bespoke dining experience with a private setting surrounded by endless ocean or jungle views.
    THE HERO EXPERIENCE
    Although Joali Being is focused on well-being and you can choose from an extensive list of spa sanctuaries, tranquil sleep, motion and yoga flow or wakeboarding.
    For more information, visit joali.com
    Ahu Bay – Colombo, Sri Lanka

    THE STAY
    Perched on Ahungalla Point is Ahu Bay, a newly opened and secluded boutique beach house that embraces a laidback and slow pace of living that the island embodies.
    THE DINING
    According to friends and insiders, a visit to Upali’s is a must to sample the best authentic Sri Lankan cuisine. The hero dish to try? The Hathmaluwa – a curry with a recipe that dates back 2,000 years.
    THE HERO EXPERIENCE
    The surfing lessons in Weligama are a popular choice for tourists and those looking to conquer the fear of open seas.
    For more information, visit thereverie.life/ahubay/
    Rooms Hotel Kazbegi – Stepantsminda, Georgia

    THE STAY
    Surrounded by the magnificent views which have inspired poets and artists for centuries, Rooms Kazbegi is recognized worldwide for its unique location, architecture, and design. Located in the mountain town of Stepantsminda, in the highlands of northern Georgia, the former Soviet resort has been reimagined mixing nature-inspired textured, timber interiors, vintage leather armchairs and sofas and colourful Georgian rugs. The spectacular landscape takes centre stage in the careful design of all rooms, with views over Mount Kazbeg and surrounding forests and woodland.
    THE DINING
    At Rooms Hotel Kazbegi, the cuisine honours traditional Georgian dishes inspired by the mountainous terrain alongside European fare. For a unique culinary experience, try the traditional borsch or the Georgian salad with home-baked khachapuri or the hero dish, trout with cauliflower puree and caramelized leek.
    THE HERO EXPERIENCE
    Hike to Gergeti Glacier on a clear day, with a stop at Gergeti Trinity Church, a 14th-century monument at the foot of Mount Kazbek. After the daylong hike, you can retire to the hotel’s subterranean wellness centre, which boasts a 30-foot heated pool with epic mountain views.
    For more information, visit roomshotels.com
    Six Senses Zighy Bay – Musandam Peninsula, Oman

    THE STAY
    With just a two-and-a-half hours’ drive from Dubai, Six Senses Zighy Bay is in Oman’s dramatic Musandam Peninsula, where mountains blend into the emerald waters, across a powdery sand beach. The village-inspired villas, suites and beachfront retreats are unexplored private sanctuaries for guests to unwind in.
    THE DINING
    Set across the most picturesque backdrop on a private terrace, the resort’s signature award-winning restaurant sits 293 metres above the azure waters of Zighy Bay, overlooking the exquisite Omani landscape. Serving a Kaiseki-style dinner, Sense on the Edge tells the story of Executive Chef Sébastien Pinson’sculinary journey and personal travels from land to sea.
    THE HERO EXPERIENCE
    Set Sail on the Dhahab, for its latest unusual escapade. The recently refurbished Dhahab –meaning gold in Arabic – now offers one-or two-night voyages for the ultimate sea-hotel adventure. Guests can navigate the coastline and fjords of Musandamon a traditional, handcrafted Omani dhow. Explore quaint fishing villages in the morning, afternoons cruising the azure waters and evenings watching the sunset flicker over the Hajar Mountains, there’s never a dull moment on board.
    For more information, visit sixsenses.com
    Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort – Chiang Rai, Thailand

    THE STAY
    Perched on a ridge in northern Thailand, Anantara Golden Triangle immerses you in once-in-a-lifetime experiences. It has 40 rooms and 15 perched on a jungle hilltop, with a spread of valley, river and grazing elephants below. Lose yourself in the most stunning of natural settings, with a private balcony and exquisite Thai daybed. With a scent of lemongrass, guests can take a break and experience a massage in a lush setting.
    THE DINING
    Dine in the most extraordinary of settings at the restaurants in Chiang Rai – overlooking three countries, out in the rice paddies, or in the comfort of your room or suite. Visit Sala Mae Nam to explore a buffet of international favourites, tropical fruits and live cooking stations. For a refined dining experience, Elephant Bar and Opium Terrace allows guests to sip on one of the world’s rarest coffees in a setting reminiscent of a hunting lodge.
    THE HERO EXPERIENCE
    Discover the elephant outside your room. Spend an unforgettable night observing Thailand’smajestic elephants in their natural habitat from the comfort of your very own, fully furnished, transparent Jungle Bubble. Perched on a wooden deck above the forest, your luxurious bubble offers uninterrupted views of the gentle giants, as well as the stunning starlit sky above.
    For more information, visit anantara.com
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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    GCC residents can now enter Oman visa-free

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    2 hours ago

    For those thinking of hassle-free escape, Oman’s visa rules have now been updated for all GCC residents.
    Per an official announcement by Oman’s airport authority, all GCC residents have the right to enter the Sultanate for commercial professions without a visa.
    GCC residents in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates can pay for visas on arrival for a more seamless travel experience.

    The circular issued by the Directorate General of Passports and Residence regarding the visa of residents stated.

    All residents of the GCC countries have the right to enter the Sultanate of Oman for all commercial professions.
    It is not required for people to come from the country of residence. For example, a resident of any GCC country is not required to arrive directly from that GCC country to avail of this facility.
    It is permitted at any time and from any destination they arrive from.
    For the application of what is stated in items 1 and 2 above, it is required that the residence visa be valid in the GCC for a period of no less than three months.
    The procedures mentioned above referred to are applied, taking into account the importance of following the policy of granting visas to restricted nationalities.

    Known for its bustling hotspots, the country attracts tourists all year round to visit some of its most fascinating sites including Musandam, Wahiba sands, Jebel Akhdar and more.
    Implemented to boost tourism in Oman, the new visa scheme will now allow enhanced corporation between states in the region marking a new era of travel.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram @visitoman  More

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    In pics: Oman’s Sultan and wife attend Crown Prince’s military graduation

    Lifestyle

    by Olivia Morris
    1 minute ago

    The Sultan of Oman, Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, and his wife Sayyida Ahad bint Abdulla bin Hamad Al Busaidiyah proudly watched on as their son, Theyazin bin Haitham Al Said, the Crown Prince of Oman, graduated from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the UK over the weekend.
    As a guest of honour at the ceremony, Sultan Haitham inspected the line of graduates, which included his son and also his nephew.

    In official photographs shared on the Oman Royal Family Instagram account, the Crown Prince had a huge smile on his face as his father passed by him in the line-up.
    Other portraits were also shared of Sultan Haitham, Sayyida Ahad bint Abdulla, Crown Prince Theyazin and his brother, Sayyid Bilarab bin Haitham Al Said who was also in attendance.
    For the ceremony, Sayyida Ahad bint Abdulla wore a stunning blue abaya and shayla set by Omani designer Amal Al Raisi.

    The Crown Prince of Oman was one of 103 graduates from Sandhurst and was one of nine international cadets who underwent the rigorous eight-week training course.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Oman Royal Family Instagram  More