FEATURED ARTICLES
BLOG
Travel Overview – Beirut
Beirut is the vibrant, exciting and modern capital of Lebanon. The city is made up of several districts each with their own unique character, soul and energy. The people are friendly and love welcoming travellers to their city, the nightlife is amongst the best in the Middle East. Getting in and Getting Around Beirut Rafik Hariri International Airport is the countries only international airport and the hub for national carrier Middle East Airlines which is well connected to most major...
A Trip to the Paradise Called Maldives with Tasmai Dave
White sand beaches, lush palms, and crystal clear waters are but a few words that can describe the paradise called Maldives. As a Senior Writer for Travel & Hospitality Awards, I had the opportunity to stay at West Sands on the tiny island of Ukulhas. Clear blue skies and the light mist of the ocean welcomed me as I stepped out of the airport. A short 45-minute ride in a speed boat brought me to Ukulhas. Soft duvets, cozy lighting, and a washroom that seamlessly blended with the tropical...
Thai Massage | A Global Sensation
The Thai approach to massage is a global sensation, in 2019 was added to the UNESCO cultural heritage of humanity list and is popular with many people all over the world. Practitioners and centres specialising in Thai are amongst the most common nominees for the travel and hospitality awards and come from all corners of the globe. Indeed, winners profiled in this chapter come from far afield as Peru, Germany and Canada. A Thai massage is a traditional practice originating from Thailand and is...
TEFL – Teaching English as a Foreign Language
What is it? Teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) basically refers to teaching English to students where English isn’t their first language. TEFL can take place in an English-speaking country or abroad and TEFL teachers don’t necessarily need to be native speakers. Certification To teach English as foreign language certification is usually required by schools and language institutions. In some countries you won’t be considered unless you are certified. This however isn’t always the...
Teaching Abroad
Teaching abroad can be a truly special experience for teachers. The act of teaching abroad offers a great opportunity to travel, learn about new cultures, give something back, learn a new language, make friends and most of all round yourself as human being. We’ve put together a few tips for those of you who decide you’d like to give teaching abroad a go. Be Prepared This may seem like an obvious one but there is a fair bit of preparation involved. Not just before you travel but also when...
Sharjah | UAE’s Hidden Gem
Much of the tourism to the UAE is focused around Dubai and Abu Dhabi, both cities are grand, elegant and offer much in the way of entertainment. However, the UAE is comprised of seven emirates in total and the third biggest Sharjah is unquestionably a hidden gem waiting to be explored. Sharjah is the only emirate to have land on the Persian Gulf coast and the Gulf of Oman. It is easy enough to reach from Dubai via bus or taxi. The Heritage area is a great attraction and will provide more than...
Sauna Six – Reasons to Enter
Both Saunas and steam rooms are built on the concept of using heat to encourage wellness. For thousands of years sauna’s and steam rooms, they have been utilised by mankind for their health benefits. 3000 years ago, Mayans used sweat houses to recover and help cure ailments. Japanese bathhouses have a rich history of using natural hot spring steam baths to help the sick. Traditional Turkish steam rooms, more commonly known as hammams, are famous for using a moisture filled heat and a post soak...
Riyadh | An Underrated Capital
The Middle East is home to some truly special capitals such as Abu Dhabi, Doha, Beirut and Amman but one city that certainly shouldn’t be discounted from your holiday plans is the capital of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh. Riyadh is one of the wealthiest cities in the world and a true hidden gem. Even within Saudi Arabia the bulk of the tourist numbers are to the more glamorous coastal city of Jeddah, historic city of Tabuk and religious pilgrimage to Mecca & Medina. So, it is understandable as to...
Qatar | Jewel of the Middle East
The Middle East is home to some truly amazing destinations you’ve got historic hubs such as Lebanon and Oman, emerging destinations like Saudi Arabia or Erbil in Iraq and of course cities of the future in Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. However, nothing quite matches up to the state of Qatar. Qatar provides the perfect blend of old-world hospitality and contemporary luxuries. You’ll be spoilt for choice with attractions namely museums, galleries, shopping centres, parks, desert safaris...
Oman | Top Five
Oman is a sleeping giant on the Middle Eastern tourism scene. Its stock has been steadily growing over the last few years, but tourist numbers haven’t quite hit the same high’s as its more glamorous neighbour the UAE. The country offers year-round sunshine, beautiful landscapes and rich history. There’s more to do here than you might guess, we’ve taken the liberty of picking our top five. Explore Nizwa Nizwa is an ancient city and was at one point the capital of Oman. Its generally considered...