Traveling the World in Search
of Truly Enchanting Places
Middle East
Overview
From Andrew Harper
The notion of luxury travel in the Middle East may seem somewhat incongruous. But the region stretches from the Mediterranean to the Indian Ocean, and by no means is everywhere embroiled in conflict.
The friendly country of Jordan, for example, still welcomes American travelers who wish to visit its spectacular archaeological remains, in particular the famous city of Petra. Egypt’s great port city of Alexandria is currently undergoing a renaissance. To the east, the emirate of Dubai, (ruled for nearly two centuries by the Al Maktoum dynasty, famous as owners and breeders of some of the world’s finest racehorses) is in the midst of an extraordinary economic boom. Nowadays a favorite winter destination of affluent Europeans, its fashionable Jumeirah Beach is lined with dazzling new hotels. And picturesque Oman, with its dramatic mountains, ancient architecture and atmospheric trading-port capital of Muscat, is rapidly opening to the world, with first-class beach resorts such as the Evason Hideaway at Zighy Bay.
Hotels
All recommended hotels in Middle East
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Rocco Forte Hotel Abu DhabiNew high-rise hotel in the heart of Abu Dhabi, with three restaurants and a tea lounge. |
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One & Only Royal MirageExotically designed 450-room oceanfront resort built to resemble an Arabian palace, complete with tranquil courtyards, ornamental pools and landscaped gardens. |
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The Ritz-Carlton, DubaiMediterranean-style 138-room resort hotel amid landscaped grounds fronting the Arabian Gulf. |
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Four Seasons At Nile PlazaSumptuous property on the east bank of the Nile, located on the sixth to 30th floors of the Nile Plaza complex, with expansive views of both the river and the Citadel, 10 minutes’ walk from the famous Egyptian Museum. |
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The American Colony HotelHistoric and elegant 93-room mansion-style hotel within a walled compound in Arab East Jerusalem, long a favorite with the world’s press corps, celebrities and dignitaries. |
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The King DavidRenowned and ideally located 237-room luxury hotel in a parklike setting overlooking ramparts of Old City. |
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Hotel MontefioreStylish boutique hotel in a restored two-story 1920s mansion, steps from Rothschild Boulevard in the center of the city. |
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Four Seasons AmmanStylish 192-room property in a 15-story building in a spectacular hilltop setting overlooking the city. |
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Six Senses Zighy BayDramatic new resort on a headland of the northern Musandam Peninsula, set between rugged mountains and a broad, sandy beach 90 minutes by car from Dubai International Airport. |
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Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz-Carlton HotelRenowned and beautifully sited 250-room luxury resort hotel amid 200 park-like acres along a dramatic mountain-backed private beach outside the city. |
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- Private Beach St. John, Antigua - one of many beautiful entries in our photo contest: http://t.co/hhLnnudBAR ... 4 hours ago
My family and I will be travelling to Israel/Petra/Cairo next month. I am particularly interested in some wonderful restaurant recomendations in Jerusalam or Bethlehem. I had a memorable meal at "Ocean" about 15 years ago and also a small restaurant with a woman's name that I can't remember. We love fine dining and special places.
Please advise.
Hello,
It sounds like you have a fascinating trip planned! We checked with our travel partner based in Israel, and he sent us a number of restaurant recommendations.
In Jerusalem, consider dining at the following:
Arcadia (French/Mediterranean)
Chakra (Israeli / Mediterranean)
Darna (Morroccan style)
American Colony (International and local)
El pasha (Middle Eastern)
Ascadinia (International-Middle Eastern)
Chelo (Italian)
Katie's (French)
1868 (Gourmet)
The options in Bethlehem are not as sophisticated, and the best options are local-style barbeque restaurants. Our travel partner recommends Abu Shanab and Abu Eli.
We wish you a delightful trip with many excellent meals!
Best Regards,
The Travel Office