In need of a place where you can explore old ruins in the morning and spend time in a roof infinity pool by sunset? Welcome to the Middle East - a land where history is made on the street, and where luxury is a lifestyle.
Be it a culture enthusiast, a luxury traveler or the person who desires the best of both worlds, these 7 great cities will certainly impress you with their memorable combination of the old and the new. Time travel has never been so good.
1. Dubai, UAE – The City of Superlatives
Dubai does not merely practice luxury, it is luxury. Imagine gold-dipped cappuccino, skyscrapers of the world, indoor ski resorts in shopping centers. However, scattered amidst them all is a rich history: wind-tower houses in Al Fahidi, classical dhow cruises, and desert safaris that make you feel part of Bedouin culture.
Best for: Luxury lovers who still want a taste of tradition.
2. Istanbul, Turkey – Where Continents and Cultures Collide
Istanbul is a living breathing thing. Wander the Byzantine charm of Hagia Sophia, go on a royal shopping spree in the Grand Bazaar, and then cross the Bosphorus to contemporary cafes, rooftop bars and smooth boutique hotels.
Why go? Since this is the only place on earth you can drink Turkish coffee in a centuries-old courtyard and then party in a rooftop lounge with two-continent views.
3. Doha, Qatar – The Middle East’s Rising Star
Doha is slowly emerging as one of the most appealing luxury destinations in the region. It is a city that glorifies the past and the future, with its dazzling structure of the Museum of Islamic Art, to the high-end retail paradise of The Pearl.
A Middle East Holiday package that includes Doha will provide you with all the benefits of desert glamping and Michelin star restaurants.
4. Jerusalem, Israel – Ancient Streets, Modern Treats
Jerusalem is holy, beautiful and unpredictable. Of course, it is one of the most spiritual places in the world, but a contemporary city with luxury boutique hotels, stylish cafes, and wine bars behind stone walls.
History buffs and style seekers, rejoice. This city was made for you.
5. Amman, Jordan – Rome Meets Arabia
Imagine Roman theatres, colourful bazaars and a modern setting that is rapidly expanding in one. Amman is not a city that has been in the limelight yet it is gradually emerging as a favourite among travellers who desire authenticity with a twist of luxury.
It has art galleries, rooftop lounges, spa resorts, which should not be missed out, particularly when combined with a Middle East holiday package that includes Petra and the Dead Sea.
6. Muscat, Oman – Understated Elegance by the Sea
The best kept secret of the Middle East is Muscat. It is a more relaxing and sophisticated form of luxury, with its gorgeous coastline, grand mosques and rough mountains. Here, the slow travel is combined with the Arabian hospitality.
In this case, the sunset and the Gulf in a private beachfront villa is your five-star-moment.
7. Beirut, Lebanon – The Comeback Queen
Beirut is adventurous, lovely, and vibrant. One second you are strolling along Roman ruins and the next you are tinkling glasses at a rooftop bar along the Mediterranean. Although it has its moments, this city still dazzles with its grit, glam and unbeatable spirit.
It is the ultimate destination full of tourists, who enjoy their history with a dose of espresso martini.
Conclusion
The Middle East is not a single narrative, it is several thousand years of narratives in the form of luxury, culture, and adventure. These seven cities are a testament to the idea that there is no need to decide on what to do either in the past or living it up in the present when you can do both and still make it fit perfectly.
So, when you are willing to wander history by day and dine by night, it is time to reserve that Middle East holiday package and enjoy an environment where every moment is a remembrance - and in first-class style.
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