What does your ideal Eid al-Adha getaway look like? Are you seeking a cultured city stay rich in culinary, art and music attractions? Perhaps pristine tropical beaches are calling your name? Maybe you want to lose yourself in a maze of alleyways and exotic scents, or scale new heights with mountain hikes and fresh-air adventures? From laid-back to action-packed, we’ve rounded up 5 inspiring getaways within easy reach of the GCC for an unforgettable Eid al-Adha.
Vienna, Austria
Experience Vienna’s captivating history and contemporary elegance on a cosmopolitan Eid al-Adha escape. Just a short six-hour flight from Dubai, this stunning city offers a fusion of culture, cuisine, and leisure activities, making it ideal for couples, families, and solo adventurers seeking an extraordinary city getaway within easy access from the GCC.
Located in the heart of Europe, Vienna is the centre of art and culture. With over 100 museums and galleries, including the Museums Quartier and the Kunsthistorisches Museum, travellers can immerse themselves in the city’s rich cultural heritage. Dubbed the City of Music, once home to Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms, Haydn and more, Vienna also hosts a plethora of classical and contemporary performances throughout the year, from opera to open-air festivals.
Just as Vienna’s art scene is rich, varied and layered in history, so too is its dining culture. Immerse yourself in the fabled coffeehouse culture of Vienna, which has been added to the UNESCO list of intangible cultural assets. Other culinary treasures include the Wiener Schnitzel and Viennese sausages, both named after the city. Satisfy sweet cravings with a slice of Sacher-Torte, a rich chocolate cake layered with apricot jam, or flaky apple strudel.
Phuket, Thailand
A private paradise in Thailand, Banyan Tree Phuket is the ultimate summer escape for travellers who are seeking Thai-style villas with a private pool. Nestled between a tranquil lagoon, tropical gardens and the shimmering Andaman Sea, this luxurious Thai hideaway eases you into a sense of serenity from the moment you arrive.
Inspired by traditional Thai design, each of the chic villas features its own private swimming pool and outdoor bathtub. If you can pull yourself away from your aquatic sanctuary, you’ll discover the luxurious Banyan Tree Spa Phuket, offering a blend of ancient Thai healing rituals and modern treatments designed to create harmony and boost your vitality. For those wanting to explore further afield, world-class golf on the Laguna Course, Nature Discovery tours, kayaking, biking, and island daytrips await.
Back at the resort, indulge in innovative Thai cuisine at Saffron, sumptuous Phuket seafood at The Watercourt, and casual Thai and Western bites at Banyan Café.
Marrakech, Morocco
Immersed in the colours, sights, scents and sounds of Marrakech, Angsana Riads Collection is a feast for the senses. Take yourself on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure this summer, as you explore this mythical maze of alleyways and souks in the beating heart of Morocco.
A soothing sanctuary just steps from the marvels of Jemaa el-Fna square, Angsana Riads Collection welcomes you to relax and unwind in this enchanting boutique hotel. Housed within a collection of six lovingly restored riads, discover intimate guest rooms adorned with intricate Andalusian designs, quiet shady corners, and an award-winning Angsana Bab Ferdaus Spa, an atmospheric retreat offering a blend of Moroccan and Asian rituals.
Savour the rich culinary heritage of Marrakech at Si Said, the hotel’s charming patio restaurant showcasing authentic Moroccan flavours, before venturing out to discover the cultural delights of this captivating destination, where you can explore the Ochre City’s attractions on foot or via vintage sidecar.
London, England
London has long been a favourite summer destination for GCC residents looking to escape the heat while indulging in luxury retail, world-class dining, and the unmistakeable energy of a London summer. For travellers wishing to immerse themselves in an unrivalled London lifestyle – whether it’s for the Eid al-Adha long weekend or the whole season – The Other House South Kensington promises a home-away-from-home experience in the heart of the city’s most exclusive neighbourhood.
The Other House South Kensington pioneers the combination of home comforts with the pampering of a private club and the luxury amenities of a hotel, with their latest collection of Club Flats and premium Club Combos. These specially designed residences, ideal for multi-generational family stays, feature private flats opening onto communal spaces, allowing guests to connect or disconnect as desired. Each Club Flat combo has its own main front door for privacy, while internal doors can be left open for easy access.
The Club Flats, named after local residents, offer a colourful and ever-changing streetscape ambiance. The property also emphasizes sustainability by refurbishing historic buildings and prioritizing eco-conscious practices. With over 200 Club Flats and private amenities, The Other House South Kensington invites you to enjoy its thriving, dynamic ambiance.
Vaud, Switzerland
A vibrant Eid destination, the idyllic canton of Vaud in southwestern Switzerland is easily accessible from the GCC, thanks to regular flights into Geneva. Home to the culture-rich cities of Lausanne and Montreux Riviera, endless expanses of verdant fields, glassy lakes and cycling trails, Vaud offers a box-ticking blend of activities for all ages, backdropped by some of the Alps’ most dramatic peaks.
The Swiss canton of Vaud offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. Guests can pedal across Vaud’s pristine landscapes on numerous cycling routes and hike along the region’s 4,000 kilometers of marked trails, which offer breath-taking views and serene countryside experiences for nature lovers. Additionally, guests can discover Vaud’s captivating waterfalls, such as the Covatannaz Gorge and the Dard waterfall. Food enthusiasts can indulge in Swiss specialties and fresh cuisine at Casba Chalet. The canton of Vaud makes for an ideal destination for travellers seeking adventure, relaxation, and a true taste of Swiss hospitality.
