1. CALL OF THE WILD
See gorillas in their natural habitat with a stay at One&Only Gorilla’s Nest in Rwanda. Cushioned in the foothills of the breathtaking Virunga volcano range, it is one of the luxury hotel group’s most enthralling properties, and a stay here gives you an exclusive front-row seat to observe endangered mountain gorillas in the wild. Mountain treks obviously steal top billing, but guests can also immerse themselves in the history and culture of Rwanda through a curated selection of experiences, such as hiking to spot golden monkeys, birdwatching all alongside calming yoga and outdoor movie screenings under the stars. With just 21 lodges and suites, each swathed in eucalyptus and volcano views, the Silverback Suite is the crowning glory of grandeur and privacy, with its rainforest setting, open-air lounge, and intimate fire pit overlooking a private pool.
2. CITY OF LIGHT
Immersed within the heart of rue Saint-Honoré just steps away from Place Vendôme, Mandarin Oriental Paris is where contemporary Parisian elegance blends with the hotel brand’s legendary service. Within easy reach of the capital’s most beautiful boutiques and illustrious French brands, and with the Louvre, Garnier opera house and Tuileries Garden your neighbours, culture vultures and fashion lovers will revel in equal measure. The hotel’s lush, landscaped inner gardens serve as a serene sanctuary away the bustling vibe of the City of Light, and is the perfect place come winter, under its outdoor heaters, to enjoy one of the hotel’s famed afternoon teas. The hotel’s Staycation by M.O. package includes daily breakfast for two, early check-in, late check-out, a bottle of champagne and hotel credit of Dhs645 when booking a room, or Dhs1,290 when booking a suite. To help guests make the most of their time in Paris, the hotel is collaborating with Helifirst, to offer personalised day trips from the city by helicopter, letting you explore favourite French monuments and landscapes such as the Loire Valley and the vineyards of Champagne in breathtaking manner.
3. COME ON, LET'S CELEBRATE
Having just celebrated its one-year anniversary, the award-winning Crossroads Maldives integrated resort has a special offer at both its Hard Rock Hotel Maldives and SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton. Guests will receive 40 per cent off best available rate for a stay before December 2020, with daily breakfast, a one-time dining experience, a confirmed upgrade, resort credit of up to US $200 for five night’s stay or more, and complimentary return transfer for seven night’s stay or more. What this all means is that you get to lay claim to your own little slice of paradise, because the Maldives really is as close as it comes. Both properties sit in the exquisite Emboodhu Lagoon, which is just a 15-minute boat ride from Male International Airport, with each offering myriad experiences, from cooking classes, sunset yoga and conservation to sailing, snorkelling and spa treatments. A whole new world awaits... We’ll see you there.
4. THE CAPE CRUSADER
Known as one of the coolest and cultural cities in the world, Cape Town is a must-visit for anyone wanting to combine the great outdoors with arts, culture and cuisine. A vibrant city that is stunning from sea to sky, there is much to do here – hiking, wine tours, dolphin and whale watching, mountain climbing and beautiful beaches. Radisson Blu Hotel & Residence Cape Town is a great starting-off point to experience it all. Positioned in the city’s central business district, its striking award-nominated architecture is a talking point in itself, as is the hotel’s jaw-dropping views of Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean. Close to favoured tourist attractions, such as Table Mountain, Clifton Beach, Camps Bay and Castle of Good Hope, you’ll spend the day exploring, but once back you can make yourself at home one of the three Presidential Suites, perfect for family bookings. Book your stay before October 21 for a stay until February 28, 2021, and you’ll receive a discount of up to 20 per cent at participating Radisson Collection, Radisson Blu, Radisson RED, Radisson, Park Inn by Radisson and Park Plaza hotels across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Radisson Rewards members can save an additional five per cent, too.
5. LITERARY. DECADENCE
Sitting in London’s literary heartland, The Bloomsbury has to be one of the capital’s most theatrical hotels – filled with a quaint pomp and circumstance blended with an electric, eclectic spirit. There’s art everywhere you look, each inch of the hotel curated to give its guests a cerebral workout. Walking distance from most of London’s West End shows, it certainly boasts a showstopping location, but inside the standing ovations continue.
Book one of the Luxury Studio Suites for their elegant yet lavish vibe, parquet flooring and soft playful touches courtesy of statement wallpaper, lantern lampshades and vintage-style upholstery. Warm and cosy, the suite is all earthy tones, but step inside the all-white Italian marble bathroom and feel a sense of serenity wash over you. Join the glitterati and book The Bloomsbury’s Make A Night Of It offer, for an overnight stay, upgrade on arrival, breakfast and Dhs355 credit on F&B.
6. FLY AWAY FROM IT ALL
Fly away with Argos in Cappadocia hotel to see one of the world’s most iconic adventures. The magical balloon ride over Cappadocia, with its distinctive fairy chimneys, honeycombed hills and mystical atmosphere, really is a once-in-a-life-time experience. Where better to do it from than Argos in Cappadocia hotel. Nestled on the ancient hilltop of Uçhisar, it was one of the region’s first transformation projects built in 1996 and set within a 2,000-year-old network of ancient ruins, caves and underground tunnels. With breathtaking views of the valley and the sky peppered with hot air balloons, it’s a pretty magical place to call home. Its ancient cave rooms and suites are carved into the historical structure of the region, each with their own twist. Book the hotel’s Luxury Package now, and you’ll get two nights’ accommodation, breakfast, dinner at SEKI restaurant, one private hot air balloon tour for two, a Cappadocia tour and massage.
7. FALL HEAD OVER HEELS
One of North America’s most beautiful cities, Boston is a special blend of history, culture, cuisine and contemporary attractions. Offering something completely different to its New York neighbour, it has a vibe all of its own – something a little more laid-back, arty and unique. While during the winter months the cold can be biting, Boston does transform into a magical winter wonderland that makes it worth wrapping up for. However, before we get to the holiday season, a stay at Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street gives guests the opportunity to experience both town and country amid the city’s stunning fall foliage. The hotel’s latest experiential offer is designed to celebrate the iconic New England season, with a local’s guide to awe-inspiring hikes to charming apple orchards and the best spots for warm, hand-pressed cider. The Guest Experiences team will organise a picnic lunch, alongside a ‘leaf-peeping’ map for your tour, welcome drinks and nibbles, complimentary valet parking and an overnight stay.
8. BETTER LAKE THAN NEVER
Certainly one for the foodies amongst you, Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como, is offering a star-studded stay centred around gastronomic cuisine. The beautiful Lake Como bolt-hole only opened in April 2019, but fast became synonymous with more than just stunning views and its seductive blend of Italian style and oriental charm... It has become a destination choice for discerning food connoisseurs too. With that in mind, the hotel has launched its ‘Michelin-starred Stay’ offer (valid until November 15), which includes a souvenir note signed by Chef Vincenzo Guarino, a four-course dinner for two at L˜Aria with wine pairing, breakfast overlooking the lake, daily parking and complimentary minibar of snacks and soft drinks. Having raised the bar for fine dining in Lake Como, L˜Aria was awarded a Michelin star just months after opening, so you know you’re in for something pretty special. Add-ons include a Wine and Dine Between Land and Lake tour, which will whisk you out onto the water for a full-day boat tour of Lake Como, a guided wine-tasting experience, aperitivo and lunch for two in a local winery in Northern Lake Como.
9. ROYAL SEAL OF APPROVAL
A stone’s throw from Buckingham Palace with views over the Royal Muse, Hotel 41 is a boutique London property of just 30 rooms and suites. Its prime location makes it rich picking for those wanting to immerse themselves in London culture from the offing. A striking palette of monochrome black and white runs throughout, with the Conservatory Suite an opulent choice to lie back beneath the twinkling stars in split-level penthouse seclusion. Close to The River Thames, Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and the London Eye, your days will be filled with sightseeing, before your reward on return to Hotel 41 with a dinner at The English Grill, where you can dine like royalty. There’s also a 350sqm living wall and beehives on the roof, should you wish to nurture yourself in some nature. For something with the family, there is butler service, 24-hour room service, a Hotel Nanny to help with childcare, and the unique experience of having a private curated picnic in St. James Park for the ultimate British feast.
10. A WEALTH OF WELLNESS
A world of wellness awaits at Chenot Palace Weggis in Switzerland, where guests can unlock their potential, detox, energise and perform at their peak. With a des-res location at the foot of the Swiss Alps, surrounded by the beauty of Lake Lucerne, the views alone will put a spring in your step. But as Chenot’s new flagship, with 97 lake-view rooms, a state-of-the-art medical, diagnostics, spa and fitness centre, the property is, more than anything, a haven of health and wellness. Its seven-night programmes include one of the extensive Chenot Wellness Programmes, that take a science-based approach to wellness, integrating hydrotherapy to aid detoxing and boost immune performance, and reach optimal health. Outside of your daily wellbeing treatments, you’ll be encouraged (not a hardship, we promise) to take sunrise walks by the lake, spend lazy afternoons by the private beach, dip a toe Lake Lucerne’s waters and soak up some RnR time at the spa, letting you leave feeling rested and revived.
11. THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS
Following its announcement earlier this month that Rixos Sharm El Sheikh has transformed itself into an adult-only property, it makes a stay here perfect for this hoping to ditch the kids for a bit. Now open for +16, its appeal hasn’t lessened for young adults seeking a holiday adventure, and with its prime location on the coast of the Red Sea, you’ll find morning yoga, Pilates, work-outs in the open-air gym, beach volley ball, tennis, kite-surfing, scuba diving, spa treatments... The hotel’s ‘Tastes of the World: Stay At One, Enjoy At Two’ offer takes the best of Rixos Sharm El Sheikh and its neighbour, the family-friendly Rixos Premium Seagate, letting guests explore 16 à la carte restaurants across both properties, dishing up cuisine from Turkey, Brazil, France, Italy, Asia and others. For those staying at Rixos Seagate but wanting to relinquish responsibility for a bit, you can also use Rixos Sharm El Sheikh’ Rixy Kids Club, leaving them to enjoy the entertainment while you lie back in peace.