Escape into Summer

Everyone’s favorite season is here! It’s summer at last, and it’s time to slow down, take a break, and spend some quality time with family and friends. After working hard all year, you’ve earned some relaxation, a bit of pampering, some adventure and a whole lot of fun! Whether your dream getaway is a fabulous trip to Paris, a refreshing stay in the Alpine mountains, a flurry of outdoor activities, or simply a luxurious weekend in a hotel in town, we’ve rounded up some of the hottest destinations for you to help you decide where you spend your summer break. We also give you a rundown of a few great destinations where you can enjoy the holy month of Ramadan, with delicious Iftars and Suhours, and many unforgettable nights. All you need to do is pack up and get ready to enjoy the summer of a lifetime!

Chalet N

An Alpine Winter Wonderland comes to life in the Summer

Chalet N in glamorous Oberlech, Austria is an exclusive luxury chalet set in a breathtaking landscape in the heart of the Alps. With eight royal suites, a lavishly equipped spa and wellness area, a private cinema and a team of over 20 staff, Chalet N will enchant you with its alpine architecture and design, comfort, sumptuous culinary delights, and personalized service. The fresh Arlberg summer offers an inexhaustible variety of activities and several hiking and mountain trails that provide endless possibilities for hikers, mountain bikers and other fans of high altitude sports. Indulge your senses in the fragrance of fresh greenery and blooming meadows, and feel your spirits soar with the spectacularly scenic mountain panoramas, far away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

The quickest escape from the rigors of daily life is offered by Chalet N’s generous spa and wellness area. Here, you can de-stress and devote your time to relaxation and to your wellbeing with various spa treatments, all carried out by professional therapists, or enjoy time in the hay sauna, Finnish sauna or salt-cave steam bath, followed by a peaceful nap in one of the comfortable quiet rooms. Enjoy the pool area with its outdoor whirlpool, or get into top shape at the beauty area and the modern fitness room.

The team of chefs at Chalet N will use all their culinary skills to spoil you in the restaurant with freshly prepared menus that are tailor-made to suit individual tastes, whether it be international delicacies or local traditional dishes. The Walser Stüberl caters for fondue fans and specialties from the grill are served outside. The butler service ensures that you can enjoy exactly what you like anywhere in the chalet. Chalet N is an A-list destination, for those wishing to regenerate and above all, indulge with family and friends. The chalet is an hour-and-a-half drive from Zurich airport, Switzerland, and a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Munich, Germany.

Alila Jabal Akhdar

The Peak of Tranquility in the Green Mountain of Oman

The luxurious Alila Jabal Akhdar resort was one of the most anticipated openings in 2014 for the region. This destination resort draws guests seeking a top-of-the-world experience combined with its ultimate location in the dramatic mountainous region of Al Jabal Al Akhdar in Oman. Only a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Muscat, Alila Jabal Akhdar is dramatically perched on a mountainside overlooking a stunning gorge with sensational views of Al Hajar Mountains.   

  
A haven for the adventurous, nature lovers and those seeking an escape from the desert heat, at the Alila Jabal Akhdar you will benefit from specially crafted Alila experiences covering cultural learning, conscious living, culinary arts and couple celebration, encouraging a discovery of the region and connecting guests with ‘surprisingly different’ authentic destination experiences—from private palm-shadowed picnics to sensational star-lit dinners.

 
In keeping with its philosophy of community involvement, Alila Hotels & Resorts will celebrate the opening of Alila Jabal Akhdar with a ‘Gift to Share’ Program focusing on benefitting the local community. Designed as an introductory privilege for local and GCC residents, guests booking one night’s stay in a Mountain View Suite will receive a complimentary second night in return for a donation to Musahamatee, a local charitable organization supported by the resort.

The ‘Gift to Share’ Program includes the following benefits:

-Two nights Mountain View Suite accommodation in return for a donation for Musahamatee at check-in.

-Daily breakfasts at the Juniper Restaurant.

-Complimentary resort activities based on a weekly schedule, Wi-Fi connection, gym and pool access.

Package is valid till July 24, 2014.

The ethereal beauty of the Green Mountain is now brought to your doorstep at Alila Jabal Akhdar, combining a host of surprisingly different personalized services for an unparalleled, magical vacation.

Family Fun at the Alpina Gstaad

Opened in December 2012, The Alpina Gstaad is the first newly built five-star hotel in Gstaad in 100 years. Located in an exclusive hilltop area in Oberbort, it includes a hotel, 14 private apartments and two private chalets. The Alpina Gstaad hotel offers 56 rooms and suites with magnificent views of the Bernese Alps and the Saanenland. The Alpina Gstaad has been awarded a Five Star Superior Hotel rating by Hotellerie Suisse and is a member of the Preferred Hotel Group and Virtuoso’s.

Few regions can provide as varied and memorable a family holiday as Gstaad and the Saanenland. This year, The Alpina Gstaad has added new outdoor adventures and experiences to the wide range of activities available, while private nannies and activities suitable for all ages can be planned in advance at the Tree House Club. The hotel will be open for summer from June 6 to September 28. The nanny will be at the hotel from June 16.

Make the most of a long weekend or midweek break with a Deluxe Family Holiday—a four-night stay for four in two Deluxe Rooms. The holiday is inclusive of a three-day ‘Gstaad Easy Access Card’ to experience the Saanenland, Zweisimmen and Pays-d’Enhaut by cable car and public transport. Free daily activities for children and a varied weekly program are supervised by the hotel’s nanny at the Tree House Club. There’s also a uniquely conceived indoor adventure playground for children from the minute they tumble through the stable-style door.

Along with popular activities such as paragliding, river rafting and cycling the 280 kilometers of signposted mountain routes, local guides have put together some ‘hiking musts’ to discover the beauty of the Bernese Oberlan. For those ready for a challenge, hikes can be arranged up the ‘Gummfluh’ region in search for the rare animal Steinbok. The Schonrieder mountain guide, Willy, will be happy to share his passion for the flowers on the nature trail on the Hornberg. Only a few kilometers from Gstaad is the unspoiled scenery at Lauenensee; it’s not only a popular destination for relaxation but also the starting point for mountain tours and high altitude hikes to the Geltenhütte nature reserve to view the impressive landscapes of rock and ice.

At The Alpina Gstaad you will experience a traditional Alpine Hut surrounded by endless mountain meadows. Spend a day, or a few hours learning how the farmers look after their animals in the summer and make cheese on wooden fires. All the activities and hikes can be adapted to your wishes in regards to the length, difficulty and experience.

Enjoy a Parisian Escape in Ramadan at Le Royal Monceau - Raffles Paris

The Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris reopened in 2010 as a next-generation palace, after a dramatic and complete two-year transformation by designer Philippe Starck. The hotel has 149 luxurious rooms and suites and is just minutes from the Arc-de-Triomphe and the Champs-Elysées in Paris' 8th arrondissement. At Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris, art is omnipresent, with an exclusive service of Art Concierge, an Art Bookstore, a private Art Gallery, a 99-seat cinema theater and an impressive private art collection. Food and drink are an art form here too—from the buzz of the Long Bar on the ground floor to the two Michelin-star restaurants, ‘La Cuisine’ for gourmet French food and ‘Il Carpaccio’ for the best Italian in Paris.

This year Le Royal Monceau - Raffles Paris offers you the chance to make Ramadan extra special with an escape to the heart of Paris. It is the perfect choice for families wanting to escape the summer heat and looking for a picturesque summer holiday as the hotel celebrates the holy month of Ramadan with its guests. Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris understands the importance of Ramadan and therefore is offering its guests the opportunity to celebrate the holy month with them with all needs catered for.

An oasis of wellness awaits you at the Spa My Blend by Clarins with unique and enjoyable treatments. Female guests will be offered special makeup/hair sessions in reserved spa cabins, done by experienced female beauty therapists.

As Iftar is a celebrated time of Ramadan and a time when families come together to break their fast, Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris will be dishing up a large selection of culinary options welcoming guests to embrace the traditions of Arabic hospitality. You can also enjoy your Suhour or breakfast with the special ‘Oriental Breakfast’ menu with an extensive selection of cold mezze and fresh salads. Complement your Suhour with pastries, breads, milk, fresh juices, omelets, cereals, dried fruits, seeds and more.

Each of the 149 luxurious rooms and suites boast stylish interiors and cutting-edge technology, providing guests with a comfortable rest before or after Iftar including:

-Arabic TV channels in all suites and rooms

-Nuts and dried fruits in addition to usual in-room amenities

-Qurans, Kiblas, praying mats with the schedule of prayers, as well as the schedule of prayers in the main mosques in Paris

-Majlis, a traditional seating area on request in rooms and suites

-Arabic brochure dedicated to the presidential suites and Arabic breakfast menu are also available

Rooms during Ramadan start from €750 a night with complimentary airport transfers.

La Cigale Ramadan Tent

An Oasis of Delicious Delights

Named the 2010 and 2012 Qatar Leading Hotel and having won the 2012 World’s Ultimate Service Award in Hospitality by the World Travel Awards, La Cigale, a member of the Leading Hotels of the World, is one of Qatar’s most prestigious hotels. An oasis of luxury and comfort lies within the stunning ultra-modern 20-story building. An ideal haven for families and business travelers, at La Cigale you can relax, refresh, rejuvenate and reconnect with yourself or loved ones.

For the holy month of Ramadan, La Cigale brings you a wonderful treat with its Ramadan Tent that has distinguished itself throughout the years as Doha’s most popular tent. Carefully customized to reflect a unique combination of contemporary and sophisticated style where family and friends can unite in a magnificent ambiance during the holy month of Ramadan, you can experience an exceptional Suhour atmosphere around the sparkling indoor swimming pool, with live Arabic entertainment, flavorsome shishas and the inviting aromas in the air.

The La Cigale Ramadan Tent offers a world of culinary delights on a lavish Suhour buffet with a wide variety of traditional Arabic and international dishes, live cooking stations and a daily themed cuisine zone, as well as refreshing drinks and succulent sweets. If you are looking for a private lounge, you can head to the majlis and relax in the renowned Ramadan Tent.   

Sharq Village and Spa

Delicious Culinary Weekend Retreats

Operated by The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, Sharq Village and Spa is an opulent beachfront property overlooking Doha Bay and only 15 minutes from the city center. There, you can immerse yourself in an air of luxurious tradition as the resort is modeled after a traditional Qatari village. The resort consists of 174 rooms and blends authentic Arabian architecture with the very latest in modern comforts and amenities. 

Services and facilities include restaurants and lounges serving Middle Eastern and Western cuisine with outdoor dining options, a cigar lounge and a rooftop shisha terrace; a 6,500-sqm Six Senses Spa with 23 treatment rooms, private ladies’ areas, and two outdoor pools.

Adding to the vibrant gastronomic mix of Doha’s culinary scene, Sharq Village & Spa introduced themed weekends with Sundowners and Hide Out Sessions every Thursday and Friday at Al Dana Terrace, ideally located on the water’s edge.

If you can’t go on holiday, escape to the heart of culinary extravagance and enjoy the Chef’s mouthwatering special menu that will tantalize your taste buds starting with exotic dishes to the impressive range of classical cocktails, fancy cocktails, and tropical drinks. These weekend getaway sessions are available every Thursday and Friday from 4:00PM to 1:00AM.

Escape to Luxury with the Presidential Suite at the Ritz-Carlton, Doha

Soaring 115 meters above Qatar’s sea and desert landscape, The Ritz-Carlton, Doha is an impressive symbol of the nation’s emergence as a destination for travelers to the Middle East. The 374-room, five-star hotel fuses contemporary styling with classic Arabic and European design. Located on its own exclusive island in the prestigious West Bay Lagoon district, the hotel has sweeping views, which overlook the turquoise blue waters of the Arabian Gulf.

For some lavish pampering, and summer rest and relaxation, stay at the Ritz-Carlton’s redefined Presidential Suite—a unique experience that combines efficiency, comfort, exclusivity and the renowned Ritz-Carlton personalized service. Enjoy the pleasure of relaxing in a spacious and elegant suite, a spacious balcony overlooking distinctive views of Qatar, and a luxurious living room.

Exquisitely designed and beautifully furnished, the Presidential Suite is large and incredibly luxurious, with a spacious bedroom that features a king-sized bed swathed in Egyptian cotton linens, a walk-in closet, and an adjoining spa bathroom that boasts a Jacuzzi bathtub.

Spend an intimate evening with friends and family in the sumptuous dining room with seating for 10 people, quietly catch up on your reading in a separate study, or just hang out in the cozy living room that will make you feel at home. A secret bonus is available to you when you stay at the Presidential Suite! The chef will pay you a visit to customize a menu based on your wishes and needs! Does it get any better than that?

True Luxury at Laucala Island Resort

Searching for the perfect holiday destination? Look no further than Laucala Island. Located in the South Pacific archipelago of Fiji, self-sustainable Laucala is rated among the top three luxury island resorts in the world and is the eco-chic destination of the decade.

Laucala Island offers the perfect summer escape for families large and small. The exclusive tropical hideaway boasts 25 luxuriously appointed Fijian-styled villas set over 1,400 hectares of coconut plantations. Each villa offers complete privacy, peace and quiet, with expansive views of the surrounding cerulean sea. For the ultimate family hideaway, you can exclusively book the Hilltop Owner’s Residence. The property consists of a spacious master residence and two guest villas both offering stunning 360-degree views of the South Pacific Ocean.

With a combination of dramatic rainforest-laced landscapes and white sandy beaches, Laucala Island is the perfect location to reconnect with nature and your soul. Organic wellness treatments and outdoor activities ensure guests focus on total relaxation and rejuvenation. Play a round of golf on the 18-hole par 72 championship course, go horse riding along the beach or choose from a vast array of water activities including snorkeling, coral reef diving, jet skiing, windsurfing and deep sea fishing in a traditional Fijian Camakau sail boat. Children are more than welcome at Laucala, with a great variety of water sports activities and an excellent kids club.

The Laucala Spa, set on Nawi Hill, enjoys stunning views stretching down to the white sandy beaches and blue South Pacific Ocean. Each of the four spa suites has private changing pavilions secluded in the lush gardens while enormous alfresco stone baths are concealed behind dense foliage.

Dining at Laucala is an event in itself. The island boasts the freshest seafood caught by local fishermen, and organic meat, fruit and vegetables and herbs grown on the island farm. From poolside lunches, teppanyaki barbecues to seven-course degustation menus or private moonlight dinners on the beach, each dining experience on Laucala is beyond compare.

Service on ultra-exclusive Laucala Island is unparalleled with 320 staff catering to a maximum of 50 guests. The island is accessible by boat or private jet and, for those who prefer to keep this treasure all to themselves, Laucala Island can be booked exclusively. 

Six Senses Zighy Bay

Six Senses Zighy Bay is located on the northern Musandam Peninsula in the Sultanate of Oman. The setting of 82 village-inspired pool villas is a spectacular bay, guarded by the dramatic Hajar Mountains and private sandy beach.

Adventures start with a paraglide arrival into Zighy Bay and allow guests to experience the culture of Oman with the buzz of a chic lifestyle.  Dhow cruises, trekking, mountain biking or rock climbing and customized tours suit both the active guest and those who prefer to sit back and relax, taking in all that this rich and vibrant culture has to offer.

Guests have a diverse selection of memorable dining experiences. Sense on the Edge, a contemporary fine dining restaurant, is located on top of the rugged mountains 299 meters above sea level and features breathtaking panoramic views. The resort welcomes the summer season by unveiling a new lobster menu by Chef de Cuisine, James Knight-Pacheco, which showcases the season’s quintessential flavors. Guests can also enjoy regional specialties at the Shua Shack and Spice Market. For a change of pace, in-villa dining is an intimate and most enjoyable experience, which personal butlers will be pleased to arrange.

With the increased demand for authentic and millennia-old healing practices that deliver the optimum body and mind balance, Six Senses Spa at Zighy Bay launched a series of new yogic programs.  The spa is a refuge for mind and body; a sanctuary of ultimate wellbeing committed to delivering integrated wellness experiences.  It combines peace, tranquility, fitness and health with ancient and modern holistic treatments from expert in-house and visiting practitioners.

Shangri-La's Villingili Resort & Spa 

Shangri-La's Villingili Resort & Spa in the Maldives occupies a beautiful island with a colorful past as a British Naval Base during the Second World War.

As you stroll along the resort’s edge, the vast Indian Ocean stirs a sense of awe deep within you. Like a pearl in its oyster, you’re embraced by the soothing ambience of the resort. Relaxing in your villa on a brilliant tropical afternoon, you enjoy the stunning view where the azure waters meet sapphire-colored skies. Built on stilts in the resort's lagoon, the private haven is connected to the island by a timber walkway, over waters teeming with marine life.

The turquoise lagoon whispers the beauty of its shoreline as waves lap against the beach, beckoning you. From somewhere, the rich aroma of coffee wafts towards you. You soak in the local vibes over a delectable lunch served on your villa deck, hoping the moment lasts forever.

 When night falls, you can enjoy a sumptuous themed dinner outdoors where open-flame torches are your sole illumination, or indoors at a finely-adorned table. From tasty appetizers to sizzling barbecued specialties, the dinner is perfect, right down to the local-dessert finale.

The Maldives is traditionally associated with white sand and turquoise blue sea, but little do people know that beyond Villingili beaches, British history is waiting to be uncovered. Within the Addu Atoll, the picturesque island of Gan played host to a British Naval base, RAF Gan, during the Second World War. The Shangri-La Villingili Resort & Spa is running a historical tour year-round, where guests depart the resort via speedboat for Gan to visit various sites, including the British Memorial Site. To go one step further, qualified scuba divers can dive on the wreck of the British Loyalty, a British tanker torpedoed twice by the Japanese and then by a German U-boat during the war.  The resort offers other extraordinary adventures, including an expedition to the equator on a two-mast luxury yacht or a game of golf at the resort’s golf course.