With Saudi National Day around the corner, a few well-placed days of leave are all it takes to turn the occasion into a proper escape. For those looking to stay closer to home, Fujairah’s mountain-backed beaches and Muscat’s clifftop calm offer an easy change of pace, while Marrakech and Seychelles promise the feeling of travelling much further. Whether the mood calls for a quick regional break or a complete change of scene, we’ve rounded up four stays worth travelling for.
For those looking to stay close to home
A Clifftop Adults-Only Retreat at Al Husn Hotel Muscat, Oman
Just two hours from Riyadh, Al Husn Hotel Muscat feels worlds away without the long journey. Perched above the Gulf of Oman along the Barr Al Jissah coastline, the adults-only retreat pairs complete privacy with a rich sense of place. Translating to “The Castle”, its fortress-like entrance and Arabesque architecture lead into interiors shaped by carved teak doors, mashrabiya screens and subtle Islamic geometric details.
At Al Husn, the outside world falls away quickly. Mornings linger beside the infinity pool or on the secluded private beach, before a treatment at Luban Spa rooted in Oman’s ancient wellness traditions and frankincense. Muttrah Souq is less than 30 minutes away for an afternoon of wandering, giving the stay an easy balance of coastal stillness and Muscat’s character.
A Family Adventure Between Mountains and Sea at Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort, Fujairah
Set between the Hajar Mountains and the Indian Ocean, Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort captures the more energetic side of Fujairah’s east coast. Recently refreshed rooms and suites are washed in soft coastal tones, with uninterrupted sea views filling the windows. Below, palm-filled gardens spill towards the pool and beach, placing the water at the centre of the stay.
Al Aqah is at its best when the whole family is outside. A morning might begin with tennis in the mountain light, move underwater to coral gardens and sea turtles, then slow over lunch at Gonu with the shore only steps away. Le Méridien Family Kids Club gives younger guests a world of their own, while the Spa offers parents a quieter pause. Close enough for an easy GCC break, the resort fits a proper family holiday into just a few days without ever making the stay feel rushed.
For those looking to travel a little further
A Garden Escape Beneath the Atlas Mountains at The Oberoi, Marrakech
Beyond the colour and movement of Marrakech’s medina lies a quieter side of the Ochre City. Set within 28 acres of citrus orchards and centuries-old olive groves, The Oberoi, Marrakech reveals itself through grand Moroccan architecture, still water and views stretching towards the Atlas Mountains. At its heart, a courtyard inspired by the 14th-century Medersa Ben Youssef opens onto a 120-metre canal, creating an arrival that immediately slows the pace.
Marrakech is best enjoyed through contrast: a morning wandering the medina’s souks and secret gardens, followed by a traditional hammam at The Oberoi Spa or a long afternoon beside a private pool. Jemaa el-Fna is just 25 minutes away, yet returning to the gardens feels like stepping into another world – close to the city’s spirit, but entirely removed from its rush.
A Family Island Escape on Mahé at Canopy by Hilton Seychelles Resort
Family escapes feel wonderfully uncomplicated at Canopy by Hilton Seychelles Resort. Just 30 minutes from Mahé’s airport, the resort sits along the calm, shallow waters of Anse La Mouche on the island’s quieter southwest coast, with direct beach access, three pools and light-filled rooms, suites and residences that give everyone space to settle in.
Here, everyone can find their own version of the holiday. Younger guests can head to Bounty Seekers Kids and Teens Club for crafts, games and outdoor adventures, while parents retreat to the mangrove-framed Afloya Spa or linger over Creole and French flavours at Avocet, the resort’s all-day dining restaurant. With snorkelling just off the beach and Jardin du Roi Spice Garden ten minutes away, family time feels full without ever needing to be over-planned.
