By Isabel Tapp, Founder of Luxury Communications Council, GCC Chapter

As the weather heats up, so does the temptation of diving into a cool infinity pool or taking a trip to somewhere with cooler climes. But while many will look to European destinations to provide the relief, here are five ways to escape the heat in the GCC.

Discover the natural beauty of Salalah

Check in to a pool villa at the first and only luxury pool villa resort among Salalah hotels, Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara. With one, two or three bedrooms, the pool villas come with an enclosed garden or beachfront terrace, access to a sublime spa and three restaurants. Explore World Heritage Sites, mountains and desert as you discover this beautiful area of Oman. The weather from June to early September offers the perfect time to visit because, although classed as monsoon season, temperatures range from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. If you really want to get away from it all, Alila Hinu Bay is a stunning beachfront resort offering all the hallmarks this hotel brand is known for - innovative design and luxury in unique locations. Here you can take in the waterfalls of the Wadi Darbat valleys, stand in awe over the Tawi Atair Sinkhole, and visit Khor Rori, the largest nature reserve in the area.

https://www.beautifulsalalah.com/salalah-places-to-visit/

Chill out in a private cabana in Dubai  

Summer in Dubai wouldn’t be complete without a dip in the pool with a drink in hand and an iconic backdrop to send to your friends. One for your Dubai bucket list, SAL Beach Club at the iconic Burj Al Arab is the epitome of a luxury pool experience. The premium Panoramic Cabana comes with incredible views of the Arabian Gulf and of course the world-famous hotel. It is just steps aways from the refreshing saltwater infinity pool and can accommodate up to six people for AED 10,000 with AED2,000 food and beverage credit included. If you want to escape to the indoors for a while, the UAE is, believe it or not a great place to visit in the summer with plenty of indoor attractions such as Museum of the Future, SeaWorld and Saadiyat Cultural District, to curate a short, fun-filled summer break. 

Get adventurous in Jebel Jais, Ras Al Khaimah

During the summer months, temperatures at the Jebel Jais summit reach a moderate 31 degrees Celsius in the daytime and 29 degrees Celsius in the late afternoon, so outdoor adventures are very much possible. The highest peak in the United Arab Emirates and an area of outstanding natural beauty, Jebel Jais offers the world’s longest zipline experience, a family-friendly ride which will see you hurtle down the Hajar mountain range at speeds of up to 40 miles an hour, and the Bear Grylls Explorers Camp. If all of that has got your adrenaline pumping, why not head to the highest restaurant in the country, Puro, which at 1,484 metres above sea level, is a great setting for an ice cold mocktail or a refreshing afternoon tea.

Explore Jeddah and the Red Sea coast

Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Coast offers fishing, snorkelling and scuba diving in its unspoiled waters and is becoming a much sought-after destination. When the mercury rises, visit one of Jeddah’s many beach clubs for a touch of luxury and the chance to cool down in one of their temperature-controlled pools. OIA beach, inspired by the beautiful Greek islands of Mykonos and Santorini is a hotspot to see and be seen. Designed to offer an escape and a tranquil gateway from the city, the resort includes restaurants with international cuisine, a Sushi Bar and Café, a micro gym, cinema room, event room, pool and more. It also includes guest houses reserved only for OIA members and their guests.  

Embark on a path to serenity in Qatar

Located in Al Ruwais, north Qatar, which is a 90-minute drive from Doha, Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som is the largest wellness resort in the Middle East. With 60 tranquil rooms and suites, and a further 120 rooms catering to families at Zulal Discovery, it offers everything you need for a relaxing and rejuvenating break. Traditional Arabic and Islamic Medicine (TAIM) is utilised to nurture guests’ health and spiritual wellbeing, with Qatari culture and customs woven throughout every experience. The resort is perfectly set up for the heat with separate plunge pools for men and women, an outdoor pool and a private pool for Watsu therapy. With wholesome food options across five restaurants and various retail boutiques across the resort, there’s no need to leave the resort at all.