5 Hotels for Spectacular Weekend Getaways in the Middle East and Africa

If all you have is a weekend to unplug, worry not. Spending a few days at these special hotels in spectacular spots across the Middle East and Africa is bound to rejuvenate you in unexpected ways. From the hustle and bustle of Marrakesh to Dubai's high-octane energy and the shimmering waters of Abu Dhabi, a short weekend trip might just be the change you need.

JW Marriott Hotel Muscat in Oman 

Sitting in the shadow of the Al Hajar mountains, JW Marriott Hotel Muscat offers guests a chance to luxuriate in exquisitely laid-out grounds and gardens. Combining Omani aesthetics with contemporary design, the rooms and suites exude an understated elegance and charm.

Wellness lies at the core of the JW Marriott ethos, so visit the fully equipped fitness centre for a workout or book a treatment at Spa by JW. With an outdoor pool, lap pool and children’s pool, getting into the water never looked better.

There are also five exciting dining options to choose from. Enjoy a relaxed meal in Kitchen 7 as you watch chefs whip up delectable dishes right in front of you in the open kitchen. Or discover why fire-cooking is all the rage at Pink Salt, a restaurant that features a dry-ageing refrigerator and an oyster bar – choose your style of cooking, cut of meat or fresh seafood, and get ready for a next-level dining experience.

Al Samriya, Doha, Autograph Collection in Qatar

A stay at Al Samriya, Doha, Autograph Collection is a horse lover’s dream (Photo: Marriott International)

On the outskirts of Doha, Qatar, and set on a working farm, Al Samriya, Doha, Autograph Collection is bound to surprise and delight. As you explore the property, you’ll find walls made of hewn rocks, high ceilings and rich wood accents. Head outside with family or friends and bond in tranquil settings where peacocks roam free and oryx graze on the local flora.

To delve deeper into Qatari history and culture, walk to the Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum, also situated on the Al Samriya estate. A private collection, the museum houses specimens from the Jurassic age, Islamic art, coins, swords and more.

You can also visit the nearby Al Samriya Equestrian Centre to spend time with regal Arabian horses or sign up for riding lessons with an instructor guiding your way; no previous riding experience is necessary.

Le Méridien Abu Dhabi in United Arab Emirates

At Le Méridien Abu Dhabi, enjoy dinner with a view of the Arabian Sea (Photo: Marriott International)

The landmark hotel Le Méridien Abu Dhabi, inaugurated by Sheikh Zayed and Queen Elizabeth II in 1979, has been witness to the growth of Abu Dhabi and the metamorphosis of the UAE over the years. The hotel has undergone extensive renovations, and its current iteration has a contemporary, stylish look.

When you check into your room, you'll be met by a soothing colour palette, punctuated with bright statement pieces that infuse an element of fun. Le Méridien Abu Dhabi's dining options are one of the hotel's stand-out features – visit Le Méridien Village to savour global flavours from six restaurants and bars. Tuck into pasta, pizza and other modern Italian dishes at Méridien Plaza. Sip on a range of craft beer and tuck into English pub grub at the lively Captain’s Arms.

To add to this, the hotel’s unbeatable location right in the centre of Abu Dhabi ensures you are in close proximity to the city’s cultural highlights, shopping and entertainment.

AnaYela, Marrakesh, a Member of Design Hotels in Morocco

Step into the open-sky courtyard at AnaYela, Marrakesh, a Member of Design Hotels (Photo: Marriott International)

Step into another world at AnaYela, Marrakesh, a Member of Design Hotels, an impeccably restored 300-year-old palace right in the heart of Marrakesh, Morocco. With just two suites and three rooms, it doesn’t get more intimate and exquisite than this.

Like all riads – traditional Moroccan homes – AnaYela, Marrakesh, a Member of Design Hotels features a central courtyard, the beating heart of the property. With its stunning limestone pool and the sun streaming through the gaps of the awning, the courtyard is the perfect refuge on a hot day. And at night when the lights come on, it glimmers like gold.

Every part of AnaYela, Marrakesh, a Member of Design Hotels celebrates the best of Moroccan craftsmanship. The hotel name translates to “I am Yela,” and the interior narrates the story of a girl named Yela who lived in the palace. You’ll find snippets of this tale hammered into the doors by an expert calligrapher.

When the sounds and smells of the medina beckon, head out and explore the twisting alleyways leading to it, before returning to your oasis of comfort. Relax with a glass of sweet mint tea on the ground-floor lounge or catch spectacular views as darkness descends over the city from the atmospheric terrace.

Chef Kahdija, of AnaYela Restaurant, serves up an array of Moroccan dishes prepared with the finest of local ingredients. The best part? You can choose where to enjoy your meal within the hotel.

Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah, Dubai in United Arab Emirates 

You won’t tire of the views at Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah, Dubai (Photo: Marriott International)

Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah, Dubai leaves no stone unturned to impress. Located on the iconic Palm Jumeirah islands, facing the buzzy Palm West Beach, it’s a coveted address in this opulent city.

The hotel’s expansive rooms offer captivating views of the waterfront area known as Jumeirah Beach Residence (also called JBR) and Ain Dubai, the famous Ferris wheel. Step out of Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah, Dubai and onto the beachside promenade that draws crowds for its views and endless dining options. But with ten restaurants at the hotel and additional lounges, there’s plenty to choose from in-house. You can feast on contemporary Japanese dishes at the award-winning OKKU Dubai or, for some serious Miami vibes, head to MYAMI, where an expert mixologist crafts on-point cocktails. You might journey to Italy at the rustic trattoria, Cucina, that serves handmade pastas and pizzas, or savour Korean flavours at Smoki Moto, a Korean steakhouse that turns up the heat.

If you’re in the mood for pampering and relaxation, slip away to the Saray Spa, which offers everything from facials and hair treatments to individual and couples’ massages.

For families, the cherry on top is the Kids Club. A games room, outdoor play spaces and curated educational programmes all make the Kids Club a place for little ones to revel and learn. Don’t forget to grab an M Passport to encourage kids to explore the resort and collect stamps for completing activities.

Published: October 07, 2024