With Eid Al-Fitr right around the corner and travel restrictions continuing to ease, international travel is back on the agenda. According to a recent survey by Marriott Bonvoy, less than 4 in 10 people from the UAE and Saudi Arabia have travelled abroad since the start of the pandemic, however, over 70% of travellers from both countries have started to plan their holidays. 

For the undecided, Marriott Bonvoy, the award-winning travel program from Marriott International, points out some of the most iconic destinations to discover within Egypt, Turkey and the United Kingdom for a last-minute trip.

Egypt
Emerging as one of the top destinations to visit, Egypt is a diverse country that has something for every type of traveller. With its winning combination of historical trips to pyramids in Giza, vast deserts for adventurers and world-class diving at the picturesque Red Sea for divers, the country artfully merges its ancient heritage with modern luxury.

The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo
With a rich legacy of tradition and luxury, The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo overlooks the Nile River, offering travelers an opulent retreat in the heart of Cairo. The elegantly appointed 331 rooms and suites are designed to pamper the senses with the finest amenities, and the resort offers more than nine distinctive restaurants and lounges for guests to choose from, as well as a lavish spa with signature treatments that promises a rejuvenating experience. In celebration of Eid Al-Fitr, the iconic resort invites guests to a memorable Eid experience featuring live entertainment on the second and third day of the Islamic holiday across the resort including the popular Nox rooftop lounge, in addition to an exquisite Eid Brunch at the hotel’s all-day-dining restaurant, Culina, with a live Jazz Band with activities for the children.

Renaissance Sharm El Sheikh Golden View Beach Resort
Nestled between the beauty of the Sinai Mountains and the flourishing turquoise blue water of the Red sea, Renaissance Sharm El Sheikh Golden View is impeccably crafted with 384 guestrooms for a pampered, all-inclusive family escape. The beachfront resort offers six restaurants and lounges serving astonishing dishes, including its all-day-dining outlet with a lively open kitchen and stunning view of the Red Sea, Coast International Restaurant, an authentic Italian Street Restaurant, Ristorante La Casa Pizza & Pasta, as well as on of destination’s premier beachfront restaurant, Calamari Seafood Market Restaurant. The resort also features a diving center with a host of water sports activities to enjoy including parasailing, snorkelling and diving as well as an exciting submarine excursion to experience the beauty of the Red Sea’s coral reefs and colourful fish.
 

Turkey
A melting pot of cultures sitting at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Turkey is widely regarded as one of the most popular destinations for vacationers from the Middle East. From heritage sites to delectable food, bustling city bazaars to picturesque beaches, Turkey offers a unique blend of culture with Asian, European, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences. 

Sheraton Istanbul Levent
Centrally located in Istanbul’s business district, the newly renovated 5-star Sheraton Istanbul Levent features connecting rooms, perfect for a family Eid escape, and children are welcomed with sweet treats and painting kits when checking in. A metro directly in front of the hotel offers easy access to anywhere in the city and two shopping malls are within walking distance from the hotel. For an exciting day with bumper cars, rollercoasters, giant swings and much more, ‘Isfanbul’ Theme Park is fun for the whole family and features 'The Breathtaker' rollercoaster which reaches speeds of 110 km/hr in just 3 seconds! Eastern Mediterranean cuisine can be enjoyed in the hotel’s iconic Levantino Restaurant, while Goblet & Cup’s all-day menu offers a delightful selection of coffee and tea. For overall wellbeing, guests can relax at the hotel’s full-service Shine SPA which features an indoor pool and 24/7 state-of-the-art fitness center.
 

Caresse, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Bodrum
With captivating views of the Aegean Sea, Caresse, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Bodrum offers contemporary rooms, suites, and residences, each with its own private terrace or balcony. The resort offers an unforgettable culinary journey with an array of dining options that serve Mediterranean and Asian flavors. Buddha-Bar Beach Bodrum is the resort’s exclusive beachside restaurant, while the iconic Barbarossa Bodrum serves a menu inspired by the Greek island of Paros, with different combinations of aromas and tastes. Nestled amid the serenity of the resort, Spa Caresse provides a unique series of treatments and enchanting experiences, featuring locally sourced essentials and the prestigious ESPA® Skincare line. Guests can rejuvenate during their time at the resort with the 'Dharma' detox program, which enhances physical and mental well-being after undergoing the program. Guests can enjoy sailing to the renowned turquoise bays and islands of the Aegean Riviera organised by the resort, as well as visit nearby historical sites that span centuries, including the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
 

United Kingdom
For travellers looking to escape the heat, the United Kingdom is the ideal destination for an extended vacation with its rich history, global culinary flavours, unique fashion scene and iconic landmarks. Holidaymakers can enjoy the cooler weather of the British Isles, exploring the green countrysides and historic sites as well as enjoying remarkable homegrown arts and culture events. 
 

The Westin London City
Marking the debut of Westin Hotels & Resorts in the UK, The Westin London City sets a new standard for well-being in the heart of the capital. The 222-guestroom hotel boasts a prime riverfront location in the heart of London, benefitting from panoramic views over the River Thames. Led by British architects, Dexter Moren Associates, the hotel’s design aims to increase connectivity to the natural environment. Amplifying London’s gourmet scene, Hithe & Seek, a riverside bar that invites guests to enjoy unobstructed views across the river, the Tate Modern and beyond, and an all-day dining restaurant, Mosaic, offering an extensive choice of nourishing dishes focused on Westin’s philosophy of ensuring guests ‘Eat Well’ while travelling. Offering a relaxing haven in the heart of the city, the Heavenly™ Spa has been designed to prioritise wellbeing, with six treatment rooms, and a 12-metre indoor pool that has been carefully constructed around the archaeological remains of the Huggin Hill Bathhouse below. The Westin London City will encourage guests to explore the local area with the renowned RunWESTIN™ programme offering specially created running routes that will take advantage of the soon-to-be-completed final part of the Thames Path, connecting Embankment and the Tower of London. 
 

St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel London
This season, guests staying at the historic St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel will enjoy a quintessentially British experience in the heart of London. The 245-room hotel houses 38 Chambers Suites all boasting Victorian splendour as well as a tranquil underground spa, exclusive Chambers Club which serves complimentary refreshments daily for VIPs, The Hansom lounge which offers traditional afternoon tea and a newly renovated restaurant, Booking Office 1869. The hotel’s restaurant design is a reimagining of the station's original, 19th-century ticket hall and the new menu is designed to highlight classic dishes finished with a modern twist.
 

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About Marriott Bonvoy®
Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s award-winning travel program and marketplace, gives members access to transformative, eye-opening experiences around the corner and across the globe. Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary brands offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable destinations in the world. Members can earn points for stays at hotels and resorts, including all-inclusive resorts and premium home rentals, as well as through everyday purchases with co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for experiences including future stays, Marriott Bonvoy Moments, or through partners for luxurious products from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques. With the Marriott Bonvoy app, members enjoy a level of personalization and contactless experience that allows them to travel with peace of mind. To enroll for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy, visit marriottbonvoy.com. To download the Marriott app, go here. Travelers can also connect with Marriott Bonvoy on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.