Stunning holiday destinations just a stone’s throw from the Gulf

Sri Lanka is a must-visit for anyone seeking lush tropical greenery. (Photo courtesy: @hmaaripuu)
Updated 04 April 2017
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Stunning holiday destinations just a stone’s throw from the Gulf

DUBAI: With the summer holidays almost upon us, many avid travelers are scouring the Internet to find the next destination on their travel list.
For those who simply can’t secure enough time off, read on for a list of the world’s most beautiful locations, just a hop, skip and a jump away from the Gulf.
Sri Lanka
This beautiful island is a must-visit for anyone seeking lush tropical greenery. From the colonial era town of Galle to its famous tea plantations, Sri Lanka’s diverse offerings make it well-worth a visit.
On the southern coast at Yala, the island’s second largest nature reserve is ideal for safari enthusiasts.

Jordan
The capital city Amman’s cultural highlights include snaking your way around the winding paths of its old city and viewing the ancient ruins of a Roman amphitheater. Visitors can also visit the Dead Sea, famous for its saltiness, and Petra, the capital of the Nabatean Kingdom which dates back to around 300 BC.

Window into life #ShareYourJordan #WadiRum Photo Credit @taylormichaelburk

A post shared by Visit Jordan (@visitjordan) on

Croatia
Croatia’s medieval city Dubrovnik is the reason so many people flock to this coastal country. Taking on a starring role as the ‘King’s Landing’ in hit series “Game of Thrones,” the old town is circled by ancient city walls which have defended it from attack for more than 900 years.

Azerbaijan
Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, is no longer a dreary post-Communist outpost but a colorful city full to the brim with nightlife options. It is also known for its medieval walled old city, which contains a vast royal complex and the iconic stone Maiden Tower.

Mauritius
Mauritius is a stunning an Indian Ocean island nation, known for its beaches, marine life and volcanic craters. Capital Port Louis has an old colonial feel but visitors are recommended to stay at one of the island’s many beach hotels due to crystal clear waters, an abundance of dolphins ready to be watched and its unique Indo-French cuisine.


Rixos Obhur Jeddah sets new benchmark for all-inclusive luxury in Saudi Arabia

Updated 19 February 2026
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Rixos Obhur Jeddah sets new benchmark for all-inclusive luxury in Saudi Arabia

  • This resort is an impressive contribution to the Kingdom’s global tourism ambitions

JEDDAH: From the moment you arrive at Rixos Obhur Jeddah, it’s clear this is not just another beachfront resort — it’s a statement. Billed as the first all-inclusive luxury experience “of its kind” in Jeddah, Rixos Obhur signals a shift in how hospitality is being represented in Saudi Arabia. It is a breath of fresh air — both literally and conceptually — introducing a global resort model while remaining rooted in regional culture.

The Kingdom has long been associated mainly with business travel and domestic tourism. But it is now positioning itself as a lifestyle destination for international travelers. Rixos Obhur actively contributes to that change, offering an experience that competes confidently with established upmarket resort destinations around the world. During my stay, it was impossible not to notice the wide range of international visitors alongside Saudi families and regional travelers.

The property is expansive, polished, and unmistakably luxurious. I stayed in a three-bedroom villa designed to accommodate up to six guests. The attention to detail throughout the space was immediately noticeable.

Rixos Obhur Jeddah also excels in its culinary and entertainment offerings, which are central to the all-inclusive concept. (Supplied)

The interiors are modern, sleek, and thoughtfully designed, striking a balance between contemporary aesthetics and warm, welcoming comfort. Everything feels new, curated, and intentional — from the furniture selection to the lighting and layout.

What truly stands out, though, is just how elevated even the smallest details feel. The bathroom amenities, including the shampoo and personal care products, are of exceptional quality — a small but telling detail that separates a luxury resort from a standard beachfront chalet experience. This is not the kind of stay where you feel you’ve “settled” for convenience; it’s one where indulgence is built into every element.

Rixos Obhur Jeddah also excels in its culinary and entertainment offerings, which are central to the all-inclusive concept. One of the highlights of my stay was the dinner and live show experience. Guests are treated to an open buffet that goes far beyond expectations, featuring premium cuts of steak, rich Turkish specialties, Arabic classics, and indulgent desserts — including Turkish Delights that live up to the brand’s heritage.

The food selection is impressively diverse, catering to an international audience while still celebrating regional flavors. This thoughtful balance ensures that every guest, regardless of background, finds something familiar and something new to enjoy. The live entertainment — including dancers and a live band — adds an energetic, celebratory atmosphere that transforms dinner into a full evening experience rather than just a meal, while the range of expertly crafted mocktails on offer further enhances the resort’s appeal.

Another standout feature of the resort is how seamlessly outdoor spaces are integrated into the overall experience. (Supplied) 

Service throughout the property is warm, attentive, and polished, creating an environment where guests feel genuinely welcomed rather than simply accommodated.

Another standout feature of the resort is how seamlessly outdoor spaces are integrated into the overall experience. Even during warmer weather, the presence of outdoor air-conditioning allows guests to enjoy open spaces comfortably — a thoughtful adaptation to the local climate. The beach, too, is immaculately clean, well-maintained, and clearly designed with families in mind.

Rixos Obhur Jeddah offers a vision of Saudi Arabia as a competitive global tourism destination, capable of delivering world-class hospitality experiences without compromise. It successfully highlights what an all-inclusive resort can look like in the Kingdom, blending international standards with regional identity in a way that feels authentic and forward-looking.

If this resort is a glimpse of where Saudi tourism is headed, the future looks both exciting and impressively refined.