vultures, being situated in La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art.
Maintaining balance is the name of the game at La Fontaine — a mantra
reflected by the treatments, such as the warming embrace of hot stone
therapy, or a soothing milk and honey body wrap.
While high speed car racing might not seem relaxing to some, for any
speed enthusiasts visiting Manama in April a daytrip to Sakhir, home to
the Bahrain International Circuit and the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix
is the epitome of fun. Formula One came to Bahrain in 2012, and has
since become the social event of the calendar. The event takes place
from April 1 to 3 in 2016 and is the third race of the Formula One
season. The grandstand seats 70,000 fans, although big-spenders opt to
enjoy the on-track action from the VIP viewing tower.
18 ASCOTT LIVING
Cultural Intrigue
Saudi has no culture, you say?
Actually it is awash with history.
The city of Jeddah dates back
around 3,000 years. A turning
point for the city was in 647AD,
when historic records identified it as being an important
port destination — especially for
pilgrims on their way to Mecca.
Photo: Getty Images
Jeddah
Jeddah is the most exciting place in Saudi right now. A resort
destination in its own right, the waters of the Red Sea provide a rather
lovely backdrop to Jeddah’s ever-growing skyline, as well as supply the
city’s abundant selection of seafood restaurants.
The best way in which to get a feel of the city is to take a relaxing
stroll along (some of) the 35-kilometre Corniche. It’s a pleasure to
amble among the giant public artworks and sculptures.
Jeddah has become famous for its distinct array of sculptures.
As such, drop by the Jeddah Sculptures Museum in the Al Hamra
district. Also make an effort to seek out surrealist public pieces such
as Plumbline by Mustafa Senbel, Three Piece Reclining Figure No 1 by
Henry Moore, and the wonderfully crazy Accident! (Crazy Speed) by
Julio Lafuente. A 45-minute drive from the Jeddah Sculptures Museum
stands what will be the world’s tallest building. Kingdom Tower is still
under construction, but is nonetheless an impressive sight to behold.
The building is designed by American architect Adrian Smith (who
also designed Burj Khalifa in Dubai) and, when complete, will reach a
record-breaking 1,007 metres — making it the tallest in the world.
A more traditional taste of Jeddah can be enjoyed at the UNESCO
World Heritage site Al-Balad (a 10-minute taxi ride from the Corniche).
This 7th century old town once served as Jeddah’s city centre, and
while it no longer holds the bureaucratic importance it once did, it still
retains a quaint, historic charm that
is difficult to find almost anywhere
else in the whole region.
Check out the Al-Alawi Souq,
where the air is filled with fragrant
spices and incense, or visit Jeddah
landmark Al Naseef house, which
boasts breathtaking views of the
cluttered, colourful streets of AlBalad. Jeddah’s restaurant scene is
Offer
arguably the most exciting in Saudi.
High-end haunts such as Aromi on
While in Dubai, stay at Ascott Park
North Corniche Road and Sakura on
Place Dubai which is located on
Al Corniche Road sate the appetites
the exclusive Sheikh Zayed Road.
of the big spenders, while authentic
Book your stay 14 days in advance
and enjoy 15%* off Best Flexible
Saudi dishes can be sampled at Abu
Rates or book 3 days in advance
Zaid. For some top Jeddah seafood,
and enjoy 10%* off Best Flexible
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of Al Qalzam Fisheries.
Jeddah
Left: Powder white sands
and blue seas at Jumeirah
Beach add to a sense
of wellbeing in Dubai
For many, retail therapy is a pastime
more relaxin