travel
A month on from the 6.8 magnitude earthquake which rocked Morocco, official reports are showing its full catastrophic impact. We’ve put together some ways to support Moroccans and to help with the country’s recovery, from beautiful artisanal products made in the Atlas to buy to wonderful places to stay to support communities as they rebuild.
Welcome to The Grapevine – a monthly series from Pink Jinn where we pass the mic to artists, thought leaders, influencers and pioneers from across the Middle East, North Africa and the global diaspora. They’ll be sharing their top arts, culture and lifestyle picks with all of us – from the books and podcasts shaping the way they think, to the music, food, places and brands that bring magic to their everyday. This month, the fabulous best-selling author and journalist Alya Mooro is sharing her insider secrets and hot tips with us, from the book she couldn’t be without to the women who inspire her.
If you’re anything like us, some of your favourite parts of travelling are the incredible food and drinks you get to taste along the way, especially in the Middle East and North Africa! From the heady scent of cardamom and the succulent taste of slow roasted lamb to the delicate fragrance of rose and orange blossom water, the joy of burning your fingers as you rush to tear off a piece of khubz fresh out of the oven, or the glorious sweetness of a cup of sage-infused tea sipped by a campfire in the desert, the tastes of the Middle East and North Africa are some of our most precious memories of travelling in the region.
Set between sprawling white sand beaches, ancient ruins and a freshwater lagoon, the Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Ananatara is perfectly placed for the ultimate Salalah getaway. On the shores of the Arabian Sea, Salalah is Oman’s tropical paradise. This beautiful city is famed for its blissful coastline, unending supply of fresh coconuts, and of course the novelty of monsoon rains in the desert – Salalah’s khareef season! Immerse yourself in Arabian hospitality, history, and incredible food in the Land of Frankincense – and stay in the lap of luxury at the Al Baleed Resort for the trip of a lifetime!
If you’re looking for a luxurious Middle Eastern escape, look no further. The Alilu Hinu Bay Resort in Mirbat, Oman is the perfect place to relax and restore. From incredible food to indulgent spa treatments, you won’t even need to venture outside of the hotel to have a blissful holiday, but if you’re looking for a touch of adventure, there’s plenty to explore in this stunning corner of the Omani coast.
Travellers from all across Oman, the Gulf and much further afield flock to Salalah during the Khareef season to witness this transformation, but did you know just how stunning this region is during the rest of the year? The unique draw of the monsoon rains doesn’t just bring stunningly verdant vistas – they also bring huge numbers of tourists and higher prices at hotels and attractions. Visiting at other times of the year can ensure a more sedate holiday as well as being kinder to your budget, but never fear, there’s still plenty to do and see in this gorgeous coastal city. Here’s some ideas for a truly unforgettable trip to Salalah at any time of year!
Here it is – Part Two of our list of the best Instagram accounts to follow if you’re learning Arabic! Instagram can be the perfect way to incorporate Arabic into your daily routine and this list of accounts will help you put your scrolling habit to good use!
Dubai-based blogger Keri Hedrick of Our Globetrotters shares her top recommendations for family-friendly travel in the Middle East, with the destinations chosen by the globetrotters themselves – her kids!
White saviorism is profoundly arrogant, racist, and violent. It is also indicative of deep ignorance and a lack of any real cultural understanding. While some of these yoga teachers may in fact have good intentions, they are missing the point and the opportunity to honestly interrogate their actions.