Thursday March 28th, 2024
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9 Regional Hotspots for Your Valentine’s Baecation

‘Tis the season for the romantic getaway. We’ve rounded up some of the sexiest stays across the region for an unforgettable Valentine’s weekend…

Farah Ibrahim

9 Regional Hotspots for Your Valentine’s Baecation

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, we say it’s time for a baecation. These stunning stays from across the region make for a totally loved up weekend getaway…


ARTHAUS BEIRUT | Lebanon


The walls of this hotel melt seamlessly into its surroundings, using the same brick walls that line up the streets of Beirut. With its age-old arches and curves, tucked beneath the greenery of the Lebanese capital, Arthaus Beirut sits just around the corner of some of the city’s most popular destinations like Gemmayze Street, Place des Martyrs and Monot Street.


Travellers to Lebanon must present a negative PCR test from a lab certified by the Lebanese local authority that is no older than 96 hours, and must take another test upon arrival.


WADI RUM BUBBLE LUXOTEL | Jordan


This bubble hotel is a surefire way to wow your significant other whilst you’re in Jordan. Picture staring up at the starry night sky out in the vast desert, yet enclosed in a small kingdom of your own, or watching the sun set over the sandy horizon while soaking in the warmth of a private hot tub.


Travellers to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan will need to fill out the relevant form at visitjordan.gov.jo, and present a negative PCR test conducted 72 hours prior to departure.


MANDARIN ORIENTAL, BODRUM | Turkey


This spot truly reigns supreme amongst Bodrum’s offerings. Nestled in the city’s idyllic Paradise Bay, this hotel offers guests two private beaches, a range of gourmet restaurants and extensive gym facilities. The highlight is of course the Balinese and Japanese-inspired spa with in and outdoor pools as well as traditional Turkish hammam treatments rooms.


Travellers to Turkey must complete an online form 72 hours at the most before travelling, and all arrivals into Turkey will be subject to a medical evaluation for symptoms of COVID-19, including temperature checks.


VILLA BELLE EPOQUE | Egypt


One of Egypt’s very first boutique hotels, this hotel is situated in the heart of Maadi, one of Cairo’s greener suburbs. Villa Belle Époque allows visitors to relive the comfort and elegance of a bygone era while enjoying every modern amenity, entirely themed after the early 1900s. This cosy stay features an outdoor pool and decadent cuisine, making it the perfect staycation for Cairenes.


All travellers entering Egypt must provide proof of a full course of vaccination or a negative PCR test not older than 72 hours.


LA MAISON DE TANGER | Morocco


Boasting a neo-Moroccan decor, this destination is just two kilometres from the beach, overlooking a panoramic view of Tangier Bay. Rustic, homey, and filled with greenery, this spot invites nature into its walls, creating a luxury experience that sets itself apart from the seemingly-inescapable reach of modern life.


Visitors travelling from countries on Morocco’s A-list must present evidence of vaccination upon boarding, while visitors from countries on the B-list must present a negative PCR test taken no longer than 48 hours before boarding.


XVA ART HOTEL | UAE


Situated in the heritage neighbourhood of Al Fahidi, this art hotel stands in stark contrast with the urban, skyscraper-filled bulk of Dubai. An intimate 13-room boutique inn, the XVA Art Hotel was once the home of the luxury watch dealing Seddiqi family. Its interiors are filled with Persian details, borrowing from the architecture and design of its surroundings.


Travellers into Dubai must present a negative PCR test not older than 48 hours and do a second PCR upon arrival.


ANANTARA SAHARA TOZEUR RESORT | Tunisia


In Tunisia’s Tozeur, this stay merges traditional Arab design and sleek modernity, and is firmly planted in an ancient desert location. A luxurious gateway to the majesty of the Sahara Desert, wake up to desert sunrises from the privacy of your pool villa or drive through the dramatic Atlas Mountains to the abandoned villages of Chebika, Tamerza and Mides. Return to the resort for poolside bliss, hammam spa rituals, and dining under the stars.


Travellers entering Tunisia must present a negative PCR test not older than 48 hours as well as vaccination proof.


ALILA JABAL AKHDAR | Oman


Perched on the edge of the Al Hajar Mountains, 2000 metres above sea level, Alila Jabal Akhdar is one of Oman’s most beautiful wilderness retreats. Almost entirely constructed from wood and stone, its design hints at Oman’s mediaeval heritage. The hotel offers dawn yoga and morning walks to neighbouring villages, encouraging visitors to not only take in the marvels of nature but travel back in time. When you aren’t soaking in all the greenery, take a dip in their multiple pools or visit their holistic spa.


Travellers to Oman must present proof of vaccination as well as take a PCR test upon arrival.



HABITAS ALULA | Saudi Arabia

A new arrival in Saudi’s captivating desert terrains, Habitas AlUla is something between a natural escape and a trip to Mars. Its stunning architecture is surrounded by what can only be described as colourful orbs scattered into the desert-scapes, along with trampolines built directly into the ground. The hotel features several kinds of villas, and is host to many art and culture events, musical performances, wellness classes, rituals, and adventure excursions.


To visit Saudi Arabia, travellers must have a valid tourism visa before arrival and a negative PCR test taken no longer than 72 hours prior to departure, as well as COVID-19 insurance.