Eid Al Fitr 2019: From Georgia to India, 9 experiential last-minute escapes

Eid Al Fitr is on the horizon and if you haven’t booked a getaway yet, it’s time to turn your thoughts to some last-minute holiday planning. And organising your trip so late on doesn’t mean you will have to settle for a run-of-the-mill stay that won’t capture the imagination. Whether you want to explore the mangroves around a remote Thai island or go snap happy in Belgium, here are nine Eid holiday ideas worth considering.

If you have a few extra days to add to your Eid holiday, consider investing in your well-being with a wellness escape at Atmantan in Pune, Western India. This resort is a sprawling blend of modernity and spirituality, and serves up a host of remedies and treatments, including Ayurveda, massage, acupressure, aromatherapy, chakra work and balneotherapy, with the site nestled amid 42 acres of lush green valleys and the waters of Mulshi Lake. This Eid, when you book a stay of at least 10 nights, the resort will cover the cost of your three-hour flight from the UAE.

With Eid taking place in June this year, a visit to London makes perfect sense. Britain’s capital will be in full pre-summer mode, buoyed by the excitement surrounding the recent birth of royal baby, Archie. Indulge in regal celebrations on June 8 when Queen Elizabeth II marks her official birthday with the annual Trooping the Colour ceremony. Watch 1,400 soldiers, 200 horses and the massed bands of the royal household division on parade. You can also keep the royal theme going at the Corinthia Hotel London’s Royal Penthouse. It’s the largest two- bedroom luxury hotel residence in the city and overlooks the River Thames, with views of the heart of the city and the heritage sights of Westminster. If that’s not quite within your budget, there are several other stunning penthouses to pick from at the hotel, as well as some beautiful suites. All rooms will be filled with celebratory Eid dates and fruit baskets.

 

Capture every detail of your holiday with a stay at Hotel Amigo in Brussels. Set among the Belgian capital’s cobbled streets, the historic hotel fuses modern design with traditional touches – and this contrast will be clear in your holiday snaps. Guests each get their own retro Polaroid camera at check-in. Start your stay by spending time with the hotel concierge and creating your perfect day-trip itinerary. Make use of a hotel guide or head out on your own, armed with your customised itinerary, to explore Ghent, Antwerp or Bruges, and capture every moment with your camera. Before you head home, the hotel will gather your pictures into a souvenir photo album.

 

The capital of North Africa’s smallest country has a laid-back vibe and rich history. With a flight time of about seven hours from the UAE, Tunis is brimming with Maghreb culture, relics and historic souks. Check in to The Residence Tunis for an escape that is designed to leave you feeling fully restored. Stay for four days and you’ll enjoy a body scrub and bathing session, an ESPA marine body wrap, two massages, an oil body treatment and a life coaching session, all tailored to your personal wellness needs. You’ll also be treated to airport transfers, an upgrade to a seaview room and complimentary day trips to Sidi Bou Said town and Carthage, to the north-east of Tunis.