4 Fab Pampering Breaks For Mama

Pamper breaks without the hubby and the kids are a guilty indulgence, but after the school holidays we think you deserve it. Travel Counsellor Adele spills the beans on a few options…

Some mamas are spoiling themselves on a short breaks with friends. Or then, if you are fortunate enough to have parents around looking after the munchkins, you can always invite your other half to be your pamper partner!

I’ve chosen four destinations easy on the pocket (after the big summer holiday spend) and easily accessible from Dubai.

Chiang Mai, Thailand

The second largest city in Thailand, Chiang Mai is also known as the capital of the former Lanna Kingdom. In contrast to the hustle and bustle to Bangkok, Chiang Mai has its own appeal of culture, mountains and Lanna hospitality. The Saturday and Sunday night markets will tick the retail therapy box. Make sure you go with an empty suitcase.

I recently had the privilege to visit Chiang Mai on a wellness trip, and would love to share what I experienced. From making Panang curry from scratch, to receiving a foot massage by ex-prisoners, I felt refreshed on my return.

Pamper packages to Chiang Mai
Starting from AED 4,250 per person*, inclusive of the following:
Return flights (via Singapore), 3 nights at Ratilanna Riverside Resort & Spa in deluxe room including BREAKFAST, return airport transfers, Half Day Baan Hongnual Cooking Class, 2 hour Rose of Ratilanna Spa treatment.

Abu Dhabi, UAE

Keeping it local if you only have 2 nights – visit Abu Dhabi. Spend your days next to the terraced pool overlooking the mangroves. Or if you wish to explore your horizons – Abu Dhabi is a cultural hub with plenty to see and do. Visit the Grand Mosque, do a mangrove tour, or indulge in shopping at the new Yas Mall.

Breakaway packages to Abu Dhabi
Starting from AED 1,275 per person*, inclusive of the following:
2 nights at Anantara Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa in a deluxe balcony room including BREAKFAST plus a 60 min Oriental foot reviver treatment.

Istanbul, Turkey

The city that spans over 2 continents, Istanbul left an impression on my soul. Whenever I think of this beautiful historic city, I see whirling Dervishes and the mighty Bosphorus. I taste a fresh Simit and smell Turkish delight and coffee. I hear the barter in the Grand Bazaar. It is a city stimulating the senses.

Other than the popular sights like Sultahahmet Mosque or Hagia Sofia, I also enjoyed a stroll through the tree laden gardens of Topkapi palace and the spice bazaar. A ride on the tram is great fun, but not for those that try to avoid crowds.

Revive packages to Istanbul
Starting from AED 4,260 per person*, inclusive of the following:
Return direct flights on Turkish Airlines, 3 nights at Levni Hotel & Spa in a standard room including BREAKFAST, return airport transfers, Half Day Cooking Class, 80 min special Turkish Hammam treatment.

Seychelles

With a less than a 5 hours flight away, Seychelles is the most visited island in the Indian Ocean from this region. Not hard to see why. It is also one of the most popular choices for A-listers and Royal families when it comes to their honeymoons.

Another benefit is that you don’t need to adjust your watch – a good thing to remember when to Skype the kids. Enjoy long lazy days on the beach or next to the pool with a book. Visit the quint town of Victoria to enjoy the Creole cuisine among the locals.

Bliss packages to Seychelles
Start from AED 8,710 per person*, inclusive of the following:
Return direct flights on Emirates, 4 nights at Constance Ephelia in a junior suite including BREAKFAST, return airport transfers, 1 hour Rejuvenate massage treatment plus 2 copies of the latest bestselling books in hard copy!

*All breaks are priced for the month of October for 2 adults to share (twin or double), subject to availably at the time of booking. If this sounds like a perfect gift for a friend, gift certificates are also available on request.