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4 destinations to escape to this winter

From tropical to cold locations, take your pick.

By Sekka Team

With the winter break underway almost everywhere in the Gulf region, we have compiled a list of five destinations to travel to, and escape the hustle of the everyday life in.

1. Velaa Private Island, The Maldives

Velaa Private Island is the ideal resort to relax in this month in The Maldives. Image: Velaa Private Island.

For those of you looking for an ultra-luxury private holiday with a Michelin Star dining experience, or to rejuvenate your mind and body amidst the gentle sounds of the Indian Ocean waves, Velaa Private Island in The Maldives, a “beyond luxury” exclusive boutique island hideaway, is the perfect escape this winter season. 

Guests at the resort can enjoy their own private paradise and have their every wish fulfilled. This month, guests will also be able to enjoy performances by Heather Holiday, Carlo Colombo, DJ Brian, and a few more artists who are some of the most sought after fresh talents in the industry.  For those who love to golf, the island has its own golf academy.

Left: The resort has its own golf academy. Right: bird’s eye view of Velaa Private Island. Images: Velaa Private Island.

Guests can also be sure that saying farewell to 2019 at Velaa Private Island will be done in a unique and spectacular fashion that will create a lifelong memory to be cherished by every person present, child or adult alike.

Velaa Private Residence. Image: Velaa Private Island.

2. Montreux Riviera Ski School, Switzerland

Carte Blanche offers a personalised experience for skiers. Image: Montreux Riviera.

For those looking to enjoy the Montreux Riviera, ski school service Carte Blanche, promises to offer the most personalised skiing experience in Switzerland. The entire experience is arranged for every guest, from transport to equipment to restaurant bookings. The ski instructor is also the mountain concierge who takes care of all the details of the skiing holiday. With the exceptional concept of the Carte Blanche service, one has to only choose the resort for the stay and clarify his or her skiing objectives, while all other logistics are taken care of by the professional instructors.

3. Avani + Riverside Bangkok, Thailand

The rooftop infinity pool at Avani + Riverside. Image: Avani + Riverside.

From candle-lit dinners to private cruises and extravagant feasts to spectacular rooftop views, Bangkok is undoubtedly one of the best places in the world to enjoy New Year’s Eve this winter. The property offers beautiful views of Bangkok’s skyline, overlooking the Chao Phraya River and an Instagram-worthy infinity pool on the 26th floor that will make your friends at home jealous.

Seen Restaurant at the hotel. Image: Avani + Riverside.

4. The Merchant House, Bahrain

Shots from the Merchant House Hotel in Bahrain. Images: The Merchant House Hotel.

The Merchant House, an all-suite boutique hotel in Manama is curating special menus guaranteed to put guests in a cheerful mood throughout the winter season. The Chef and his team will be laying out a delectable selection of dishes to delight every palate. On New Year’s Eve, the boutique luxury hotel is offering a lavish five-course set dinner to end the year in style. Guests will enjoy a sophisticated evening accompanied with live music from 11 pm onwards. Besides, the winter season is the ideal time to explore Bahrain’s historic capital on foot, exploring the traditional Manama Souk, and attractions right next door.


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