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Have fun on The Rig

When regular theme parks start to feel as thrilling as stale airline pretzels, that’s when you know it’s time to jump on a plane and head out to The Rig.

Anchored 40km off Saudi Arabia’s coast in the Arabian Gulf, this floating mega-destination takes the industrial muscle of oil platforms and flips it into something wildly fun and unapologetically extra. It’s not a theme park; it’s literally an experience made of steel and sea.

Spread across more than 300,000 m² (yes, you read that right), The Rig packs three hotels, 800 beds, 11 restaurants and over 70 attractions: think less office cubicles, and way more adrenaline.

Flying over the waves by seaplane, helicopter or fast ferry is just the warm-up. Once you arrive, there’s everything from extreme sports parks to splash zones, immersive theatres and even underwater thrills.

It’s a project with serious ambition, designed to pull nearly a million visitors a year and celebrate Saudi Arabia’s oil heritage in a way that is both cheeky and visionary.

Imagine go-karts chasing sunlight on floating decks by day, epic eats with ocean views by night, and stories that start with “Remember that time we…” for decades.

Ngl, in a world full of cookie-cutter resorts, The Rig feels like the one that actually understands adventure. And we’re here for it.

Nammos Resort Amaala

Hold on to your Aperol spritz, Mykonos just had a baby with the Red Sea, and its name is Nammos Resort Amaala. That’s right, the legendary Greek brand behind glittering beach parties and €30 salads has decided to unpack its Louis Vuitton in Saudi Arabia’s Triple Bay. Because apparently, camels and kaftans weren’t luxe enough.

Brought to you by Red Sea Global (a.k.a. the people turning sand into pure gold), Nammos Amaala is taking over Hijaz Island like a stylish superyacht on a mission. We’re talking 110 ocean-gawking rooms, 20 “you’ll-never-leave” private residences, and views that scream ‘Instagram me’. There’s a spa for when your chakras need tuning, a gym to pretend you work out, and a kids club (because little Hugo and Allegra need their own VIP space too).

And don’t you worry, they’ve thought about the dining. There’s not one, not two, but four restaurants where you can dramatically sip rosé and judge other people’s resort wear. And yes, the Nammos Beach Club is making the jump too, bringing with it chilled beats, seafood so fresh it’s practically still swimming, and vibes hotter than a July afternoon in Jeddah (really fecking hot).

It’s the eighth and final resort in Amaala’s first phase, which is basically the Saudi version of saying, “We’ve completed our glow-up.” Also, it’s all about regenerative tourism, so you can party guilt-free.

Move over Monaco. The Red Sea is ready to flex.

Join Much Better Adventures on a cycling tour in Kyrgyzstan

Tired of the same old bike rides past suburban hedges and nosy neighbours? Upgrade your handlebars to something worthy of legend with Much Better Adventures’ cycling tour through Kyrgyzstan: the land of nomads, sky-scraping peaks, and zero Starbucks (hell yeah).

We’re talking mountain passes, alpine lakes, yurt stays, and more sweeping landscapes than a David Attenborough voiceover. You’ll pedal across the Tian Shan mountains, cruise beside the glittering Issyk-Kul Lake (which is basically the sea, but cooler and inland), and pass through villages where time forgot smartphones and found hospitality instead.

Nights are spent under the stars or in cozy yurts with local families, possibly rethinking your life choices in the best way. Days are spent conquering terrain that makes your thighs scream and your soul sing. There are also horses, hot springs, and so many photogenic vistas your phone might overheat out of sheer gorgeousness overload.

Why go to Kyrgyzstan, you ask? Because it’s underrated, unspoiled, and unburdened by crowds. It’s like cycling through a Tolkien novel, but with more fermented mare’s milk and less orc activity.

If you’re on the fence, hop off, grab your bike (or borrow theirs), and saddle up. This is the kind of adventure that turns “where’s Kyrgyzstan again?” into “you HAVE to go.”

Join Wild Frontiers on a group adventure in Iraq

If your idea of adventure is sipping lattes in Paris or snapping selfies at the Colosseum, it’s time to level up. Wild Frontiers’ new 15-day “Iraq: Babylon & Beyond” tour is here to shatter your travel expectations and possibly (probably) your comfort zone.

Temper your expectations, this isn’t your average holiday. You’ll kick things off with a boat ride through the Mesopotamian Marshes, home to flamingos, pelicans, and the Marsh Arabs: people who live in reed houses and herd water buffalo like it’s no big deal. From there, you’ll explore the ancient ruins of Uruk and Ur, cities so old they make Rome look like a teenager. You’ll stand in Babylon, where Saddam Hussein once tried to outdo Nebuchadnezzar by building a palace atop the ruins.

In Baghdad, you’ll visit the National Museum, sip tea in atmospheric cafés, and discover a surprisingly vibrant dining scene. Then it’s off to the holy cities of Najaf and Karbala, followed by the rugged mountains of Iraqi Kurdistan. You’ll even visit Al-Qurnah, believed by some to be the site of the fabled Garden of Eden.

Yes, Iraq has had its share of challenges, and a lot of Foreign Offices around the world still advise against travel there. But for the intrepid traveller, this is a chance to experience a land rich in history, culture, and resilience. Plus, Wild Frontiers plants ten trees for every traveller and supports local community projects, so you can feel good about your impact.

So, if you’re ready to trade tourist traps for ancient wonders and unforgettable experiences, pack your bags. Iraq is waiting.

Shebara

There’s no other way to say it; Shebara is the overwater resort you didn’t know you needed to stay in. ‘Til now.

If you’ve ever dreamed of staying in a place so out-this-goddamn-world, that place is Shebara. Nestled in the crystal-clear waters of Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea, this place is like the love child of an architectural masterpiece and a social media influencer’s content-creating dream.

Its sleek, modern villas float in space-like capsules not even Elon Musk could replicate, with open-plan, bedroom-to-private-pool interiors that scream ‘I’ve got money, and I’m not afraid to spend it,’ (*cries in poor*).

And there are several to choose from, so whether you’re all over the overwater luxury vibe or prefer your own beachfront villa for the feeling of sand between your toes morning, noon and night, Shebara’s got it. There’s even a ‘royal’ villa, complete with its own infinity pool, double daybed, sunken lounge and outdoor shower for when Kate and Wills come to stay. Or you, if you’ve got that kind of coin (hahaha, give us some).

To be expected, the dining is next level. There’s sleek restaurants featuring modern Japanese-Nikkei cuisine, ones that celebrate the best flavours of the Mediterranean and traditional Arabian dining experiences that don’t skimp out on the spice.

And just when you thought you might get bored with all that, Shebara offers a range of water-based activities, from snorkelling, diving and private yacht cruises to windsurfing and e-motoring.

So there you have it, this place is the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, all wrapped up in a jaw-droppingly gorgeous bow.

Surf Abu Dhabi

You ever wanted to catch a wave and ride it all the way to the shore? But then realised sharks, giant squid and blue whales live in the ocean and that maybe floating on a polyurethane foam board in the shape of their food isn’t the best idea? Well, do we have a surfing solution for you.

Surf Abu Dhabi has created the world’s most advanced, man-made wave tailored to absolutely everyone, from the I’ve-never-tried-surfing-in-my-life-ers to those of us with Kelly Slater skills.

Not only can you forget all about your thalassophobia, but you can flex your abilities (or lack thereof) and find your perfect wave in an exclusive and inspiring experience you’ll want to repeat over and over. But what makes the wave so magnificent? We’re glad you asked.

The experience uses cutting-edge technology to set up the epic barrels and long rides of your wildest surfing dreams, and there’s professional surf coaches on site if you’re lacking a little in the confidence department.

Once you’ve had your fill, sit back and relax in the sun with a cold drink and some seriously good food—think coastal flavours and top-notch ingredients.

But before you hop on Skyscanner and start searching for return flights to the UAE, this experience opens in October, which is actually fine considering going to the Middle East any earlier guarantees you have a 99% chance of bursting into flames (read: it’s hot hot). And it also means you still have time to practice your turn, paddle and stand.

Images: Surf Abu Dhabi Facebook.

English pub in Muscat

An English pub that features some of the biggest sporting events on their screens – but make it in Oman.

Muscat, the capital of Oman, is quite the hot spot – and we don’t mean just in temperature. Social media has certainly helped more people around the world see the beautiful attractions like Mutrah Souk and Mutrah Fort plus Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque to name a few and put the city on their bucket list. Outdoor adventurers also love exploring the wadis that are an easy drive from the city.

But what if you’re enjoying your holiday in town at the same time a huge sports match is on? Never fear, Duke’s is here. Located within Crowne Plaza (IHG Hotel), it is one six dining areas and by far the one with the best view (for screens and sunsets). Renovated in 2022, Duke’s has become a well-known favourite for locals and tourists alike and has been the place to be during global sporting events, particularly with the FIFA World Cup.

Being an English-style pub, you can count on classics like bangers & mash, steak & Guinness pie as well as fish & chips being on the menu, the latter being very popular. You’ll find Middle Eastern flavours throughout the menu too, with dishes like the Omani Spiced Kingfish Fillet. We also recommend the baked camembert to share – or not share – depends on the mood you’re in.

If you’re at Duke’s in the coolers months between October – February, look up when sunset is and lock in a reservation on the terrace for that time to take in one of the best sunsets in town.

when 24 hours isn’t enough

You’re staying at a hotel, you’ve got a bit of downtime, you’re looking for something to do.

There’s a 500-plus vinyl collection on the first floor, or a Walkman station if cassettes are more your vibe. Maybe you want to go for a drive, so you rent one of the hotel’s MINIs or cruise ride around on one of the Schindelhauer Bikes that are hanging around the hotel.

Fancy the movie ‘Ghost’? Have a crack at pottery making (hopefully without cracks, but hopefully with a Patrick Swayze-like hunk guiding your hands) in the pottery and artist studio. Got an idea for a podcast? Record it in the podcast studio.

If you’re wondering if a hotel offering all this exists – it does. The 25hours Hotel Dubai One Central packs a lot in – and we mean a lot.

What’s incredibly cool about this joint is how extra it all is – in many ways a reflection of its location. The sheer breadth of activities available to each person is so OTT, and so Dubai.

There’s a Farmstay Suite (including hammock and double rainfall shower). The Medium Bedouin draws influence from when Bedouins once resided in Dubai. On top of a luxurious king-size bed there’s a unique rainfall shower in the middle of the room (wtf?) and a hanging chair to kick back and chill.

For true Dubai glam you’ve got to experience the Hakawati Suite. Hakawati means storyteller in Arabic and while that theme features throughout One Central, it’s in this suite that it goes to another level. There’s the “Sheikh-sized” TRIPLE king bed, a double bath, two bars, 10-seat dining area, fireplace and for when it’s time to party – a DJ corner and dancefloor. The suite also interconnects with two additional bedrooms through a secret staircase. Yes, all in one suite. This is Dubai after all.

There’s obviously a rooftop pool with a Pool Bar, and even more obviously a cinema. Tough to leave when the suite is that good. You can request to have a trunk delivered to you with old-school VHS tapes, vinyls, a typewriter and polaroids to help you really disconnect and tap into your creative side.

MAGIC CAMPS

There are sand dunes, and then there are the mighty kahunas you’ll find in Oman.

Like the Ramlat Jadilah, a 455-metre peak that’s the tallest in the world.
Magic Camps is the closest to an oasis you’ll likely ever get. And by that we mean a luxury glamping experience in a world-renowned location NOT meeting the Gallagher brothers somewhere in the desert.

You can choose to stay at the permanent campsite in the Wahiba Sands region, or opt for an even more intrepid experience by choosing your own location to explore. Pretty cool.

Price available on request.

Click for MAN, OMAN

Top 5 from Saadiyat Island

Wealth and skyscrapers are probably your first thought when it comes to Abu Dhabi, but Saadiyat Island is proof that there’s heaps (read: HEAPS) more to it than this.

Think epic beaches, stunning wildlife, world class restaurants and a museum to rival some of the world’s best. All on the one island!

Bet you didn’t know that?

Here’s get lost’s top five from Saadiyat Island:

1. Take it really easy on Saadiyat’s pristine, white beaches

One thing that a lot of people don’t understand about Abu Dhabi is that the beaches are absolutely elite. None better than Saadiyat Beach, which has a well-deserved reputation as one the best beaches in the Emirates, accessed via a wood boardwalk in order to protect the beach’s native wildlife.
It’s also home to an uber cool beach club https://www.saadiyatbeachclub.ae/home

2. Unwind at Nurai Island

Alright, Nurai Island might technically be a different island to Saadiyat, but it’s so close, and so damn beautiful, that we have to include it. It’s only a ten-minute boat ride over calm waters, and we doubt you’ll ever stay anywhere more romantic than this private island. This is Emirati opulence meeting romance.
https://www.nuraiisland.com/

3. Marvel at the wonderful wildlife

Saadiyat Island is a protected haven for wildlife and marine life. The island is home to animals you’ve never heard of, like the Arabian gazelles, graceful beasts that are as cool as their name would suggest, and are often spotted just cruising about the gaff, as if on a Sunday stroll, every day. If you’re lucky you might spot a Hawksbill turtle which seasonally nest on Saadiyat’s pristine beach. By the beach, bottlenose dolphins make frequent appearances and there is a kaleidoscope of vibrant birds to be spotted, if you are of a more aviary sort of inclination.

4. Get a bite at Mamsha Al Saadiyat

Mamsha Al Saadiyat is a beachfront community with a wide array of restaurants and cafes stretching across a beautiful promenade with breath-taking views of the Arabian Gulf. They say don’t eat places with a view; Mamsha absolutely blows this out of the water. This is THE place to eat on Saadiyat.
https://visitabudhabi.ae/en/where-to-go/marinas-and-plazas/mamsha-al-saadiyat

5. Visit the iconic Louvre Abu Dhabi

Saadiyat Island is home to the iconic Louvre…no not that one. With stunning architecture and a thought-provoking collection of modern art, the Louvre Abu Dhabi is understandably drawing people from all over the world. It takes a lot for a building to do that but you’ll get why when you walk through the doors of this place.
https://www.louvreabudhabi.ae/

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region: Middle East