LuxeBook September 2022

W e all love the idea of visiting Paris, but who wants to be interrupted by herds of tourists under the Eiffel Tower? Or, the quiet beauty of Santorini, ruined by the chaos of people trying to get a picture against the blue-and-white backgrounds of the island. Thanks to social media, every single destination you love has quite possibly been congested by herds of tourists trying to get their next candid click, even prompting Instagram vs Reality posts, which show the possible chaos of popular holiday destinations. And forget about getting a picture next to the building you’ve grown up admiring, finding your foot in the crowd becomes the real challenge, ruining a holiday at times. Fret not, for there are cities that are as beautiful as these well-known locations. Not only are these almost similar, but some are also highly underrated gems that are less crowded, far less expensive and have just as much to offer as your favourite destination. If you’re tired of the overcrowded streets of Barcelona or the clashing boats in Venice, here are some alternative destinations to visit instead. Doha instead of Dubai in UAE Dubai is one of the most commercialised cities in the world, and the most populated in UAE. It’s where you can find the best in terms of luxury tourism, dining, shopping experiences, cultural travel, and more. More importantly, Dubai is known as the city of superlatives, with the tallest building in the world (Burj Khalifa), the second largest mall in the world (The Dubai Mall), the largest aquarium in the world (Dubai Aquarium), the world’s biggest man- made island (Palm Islands). These are some of the most popular attractions in this city for thrill-seekers. But given the city’s over-commercialisation, Dubai can be crowded almost all throughout the year. After Dubai, Doha is regarded as one of the best cities to visit in the Middle East. It does share a few similarities with Dubai. However, it still stands on its own as one of the most charming cities in the Middle East with plenty of cultural and architectural wonders. The Pearl Monument which pays homage to Qatar’s history in the pearling industry is one of Doha’s most famous attractions. Doha also features more cultural activities such as the popular Museum of Islamic Art, housing a range of art dating back to the 7th century. It is also home to the National Museum of Qatar which dives into Qatar’s history and heritage. While Doha offers more traditional attractions which relate to Qatar’s local culture, the nightlife which Dubai is known for can be experienced in Doha as well. Shisha, also known as hookah is a common indulgence in the Middle East, and The Shisha Terrace at the Four Seasons Hotel is touted as one of the best spots in Doha. It offers gorgeous views of the city and sea. But if it’s a party you are looking for, then Society Lounge at Hilton Doha is the place to be. One of the top nightclubs in Doha, Society Lounge sits on the rooftop of The Hilton Doha, giving guests a sweeping view of the skyline, with soft purple lighting, laser shows and lively music. Those with a preference for a classier space with mellow music and vibe might prefer PURE Lounge at Double Tree by Hilton Hotel Doha. It is known for its signature cocktails, a classic lounge setting and panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf and West Bay skyline. But nothing beats the stunning Doha skyline, which has the most impressive night- time view from Doha Corniche. And finally, you cannot leave without memorabilia. Souq Waqif is probably one of the only souks that comes alive when the sun goes down. Here you can find anything, right from traditional garments and historical architectural masterpieces to local handicrafts, spices, and souvenirs. Gili Trawangan instead of Bali in Indonesia Post Covid, Bali and Maldives became two of the most visited destinations in the world. Their exotic location, natural landscapes and relaxed aura called to people from across the globe. Bali especially has so much to Souk Waqif offer in terms of natural landscapes – hills, mountains, coastlines, beaches, vibrant rice fields and volcanic hillsides. But if you feel like you’ve seen it all, it’s time to travel a little further. As compared to Bali, Gili Trawangan or Gili T as the locals call it, has a much more relaxed vibe, and is the perfect holiday destination for those looking to unwind. And oh, the beauty of the beaches. Pure white sand, turquoise seas, coral gardens, and hectares of lush palm trees stringing along the coast completes this holiday island. It is possible to relax in many of the beach clubs with a front-seat view of Bali’s active volcano, Mount Agung across the ocean. Diving in Gili Trawangan Gili Trawangan Air Lombok Gili Dive, the Nest by Jason Decaires 46| L U X E B O O K | S E P T E MB E R 2 0 2 2 S E P T E MB E R 2 0 2 2 | L U X E B O O K |47