Marriott has just opened the Makkah Marriott Hotel, the company's first flagship brand in the Holy City. The 426-room property sits on the hilltop of Mecca. The property boasts spacious rooms, all furnished with modern conveniences. From the hotel, guests can comfortably travel to Al Masjid Al Haram, the Sacred Mosque, by shuttle bus. Rooms start from Dh612 per night, including taxes. For more information, visit www.marriotthotels.com.
Get your teeth into a festival treat in Kandy
Each year, the tranquil hill station of Kandy, Sri Lanka, comes alive with the Esala Perahera Festival, and the OZO Kandy is offering a special package to coincide. One of the oldest and grandest Buddhist festivals in the world, the Esala Perahera is a series of evening parades with performances from a variety of dancers. Just down the road from the Sri Dalada Maligawa, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, where the processions take place, OZO Kandy will give guests front-row seats. The Esala Perahera Package starts from Dh3,640 for a three-night stay in a "Sleep" room, including taxes, breakfast, two festival tickets and a half-day city tour, for stays from August 20 to 30. For more information, visit www.ozohotels.com/kandy-srilanka.
Go Solo with a stay at Le Gray in Beirut
Singles holidays are becoming more and more popular, and Le Gray Beirut has an offer tailored to the solo traveller. The Go Solo package gives the opportunity to explore one of the world's oldest cities in style. Guests booking a deluxe room at the hotel will be upgraded to an executive suite and can pamper themselves with breakfast at Indigo on the Roof, a swim in the infinity pool, followed by an oxygen brightening facial at the PureGray spa. The hotel's concierge team will also help tailor an itinerary to explore Beirut. The package starts from Dh1,616 per night, including taxes, for stays until December. For more information, visit www.legray.com.
Pass the time for less in Dubai this summer
If you don't want to be cooped up inside in the UAE this summer, grab a Dubai Summer Pass. The pass is available online, as well as at each of the attractions that it covers at Dubai Mall – KidZania, Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, Reel Cinemas, the Dubai Ice Rink and Sega Republic – giving you up to 45 per cent off. Passes, which cost Dh250 each, can be used anytime between now and September 5. Emirates NBD debit or credit-card holders will get an extra 15 per cent off. For more information, visit www.dubaisummerpass.com.