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 Dhabi New high-rise hotel in the heart of Abu Dhabi, with three restaurants and a tea lounge. |
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One & Only Royal Mirage Exotically designed 450-room oceanfront resort built to resemble an Arabian palace, complete with tranquil courtyards, ornamental pools and landscaped gardens. |
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Ritz Carlton Dubai Mediterranean-style 138-room resort hotel amid landscaped grounds fronting the Arabian Gulf. |
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Four Seasons At Nile Plaza Sumptuous 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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Mena House Oberoi Pyramids, 10 miles outside Cairo. Rooms, many with private balconies, have wood floors and high ceilings and include dining tables and armoires. |
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King David Renowned and ideally located 237-room luxury hotel in a parklike setting overlooking ramparts of Old City. |
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The American Colony Hotel Historic 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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Hotel Montefiore Stylish 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 Amman Stylish 192-room property in a 15-story building in a spectacular hilltop setting overlooking the city. |
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Six Senses Zighy Bay Dramatic 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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