Take a Short Haul Flight of Fancy This Long Weekend

Ras Al Khaimah

Escape to Ras Al Khaimah this long weekend for an adventure-packed getaway. Begin with a heart-pounding safari across the rolling dunes. For an aerial view of the emirate, hop on a gyrocopter flight ride. No visit is complete without a trip to Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest peak, where you can soar down the world’s longest zipline at speeds of up to 120 km per hour. Dive into fun on the largest floating water park at Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island, and choose your thrill with parasailing and jet skiing.

Average Flight Duration: 3.5 Hours

Visa: e-Visa

Maldives

Spend your long weekend in the Maldives, where adventure and leisure go hand in hand. Start with snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters of Haa Dhaalu Atoll around Hondaafushi Resort to discover an extensive house reef and marine life. For an adrenaline boost, hop on a Jet Ski and zoom around the island, or take a leisurely island-hopping tour to discover traditional Maldivian houses made from local vegetation, thatch, and coral stones. Try your hand at big game fishing on the open sea, or experience the traditional Maldivian hand-reel bottom fishing during a night fishing trip under the stars.

Average Flight Duration: 3.5 Hours

Visa: Visa-on-arrival

Oman

For a long weekend, Muscat offers the perfect blend of exotic experiences and serene landscapes. Explore bustling souqs and enjoy fresh seafood at local eateries. Enjoy dolphin-watching and whale shark expeditions in the Gulf of Oman. Immerse yourself in the essence of Oman with the guidance of the emirate’s first and only Frankincense sommelier Khalid and savour authentic Omani delicacies at Turath Café at Shangri-La Muscat. Join a Turtle ranger to witness the turtle hatching at the resort’s private beach, one of the nesting sites for endangered turtle species.

Average Flight Duration: 3.5 Hours

Visa: e-Visa

Sri Lanka

Explore the vibrant city of Colombo, where colonial houses and art deco buildings stand alongside modern waterways and charming cobbled precincts. Just a 30-minute drive away, discover the coastal town of Negombo, known as Little Rome with Gothic churches, a lagoon and a network of old Dutch canals. Wander through coconut and pineapple plantations. Stay at Wallawwa by Teardrop Hotels, carved out of 18th century manor house to enjoy gourmet food and a dip in a jungle pool.

Average Flight Duration: 3 Hours

Visa: Visa-on-arrival

Azerbaijan

Begin your journey in Baku’s Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the 15th-century Shirvanshahs Palace and marvel at the city’s iconic Flame Towers, the Carpet Museum, and Heydar Aliyev Centre. Immerse in the local culture at vibrant bazaars, and try traditional Azerbaijani breakfast with fragrant tea. Venture beyond the city to Gobustan’s ancient rock carvings for stargazing, the lush mountains of Guba and Gabala, and the charming village of Sheki.

Average Flight Duration: 5 Hours

Visa: e-Visa