Eid escapes: A guide to relaxing holiday destinations in the Kingdom

KORBOUS, Tunisia: With a Mediterranean coastline, natural thermal springs, clement weather and affordability, Tunisia has become the world’s second-largest destination for seawater-based treatments known as thalassotherapy.
Now, it is setting its sights on overtaking France to claim the top spot.
“The main advantage of Tunisia is its coast and thalassotherapy,” compared with neighboring countries, said Mario Paolo, an Italian, at the Korbous thermal spa, perched on a hill an hour’s drive from the capital, Tunis.

A 78-year-old retiree who has lived in Tunisia for the past five years, Paolo said he frequently visits Tunisian thalassotherapy centers “to get back in shape.”
“Enjoying sea water and natural springs is not just leisure but also a therapy,” Paolo said after a thyme and rosemary oil massage.
Korbous, a coastal town on the Cap Bon peninsula, has historically been one of Tunisia’s hot spots for the therapy, which uses sea water and other marine resources.
Thalassotherapy is an “ancestral heritage” for Tunisians, “since hydrotherapy has existed in Tunisia since antiquity, at the time of the Carthaginians and the Romans,” Shahnez Guizani, the head of the National Office of Thermalism (ONTH), told AFP.

Other popular thalassotherapy destinations in the country include Sousse, Hammamet, Monastir, and Djerba, which Tunisian news agency TAP said was named the Mediterranean thalassotherapy capital in 2014 by the World Federation of Hydrotherapy and Climatotherapy.
Rouaa Machat, 22, said she traveled from France to Korbous for a three-day wellness retreat.
“I’m here to enjoy the types of water this beautiful town offers,” she said, referring to the use of seawater, spring water, and desalinated water for therapy.
“But I am also here for this,” she added, grinning and pointing to the Korbous sea and mountains.

Customers mainly come for the quality of spring water, said Raja Haddad, a doctor who heads the thalassotherapy center at the Royal Tulip Korbous Bay hotel.
Today, Tunisia boasts 60 thalassotherapy centers and 390 spas, 84 percent of which are located in hotels, according to the ONTH.
Tourism accounts for seven percent of the country’s GDP and provides nearly half a million jobs, according to official figures.
The sector has seen a decade of setbacks due to terrorist attacks and later the COVID-19 pandemic.

But it has been recovering again as the number of foreign visitors exceeded 10 million last year — a record for the country of 12 million people.

Guizani said thalassotherapy on its own draws about 1.2 million foreign visitors a year, with “70 percent coming from Europe, including 40 percent from France.”
The industry generates approximately 200 million dinars ($63 million, 60 million euros) per year, she added.
That compares with a French thalassotherapy market valued at around 100 million euros last year, according to market research firm Businesscoot.
At a luxury hotel near Monastir, a thalassotherapy center buzzes with customers despite the cold winter season.
Visitors have come from France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, among other countries.
“As soon as you arrive, you find palm trees and the sun,” said Monique Dicrocco, a 65-year-old French tourist. “It’s pure happiness, and it’s also worth your money.”
“Here the therapy is much cheaper than in France, with 1,000 euros a week all inclusive instead of 3,000,” she added.
Jean-Pierre Ferrante, 64, from Cannes, said he found “the quality of the water and the facilities just as good as in France.”
Kaouther Meddeb, head of the thalassotherapy and spa center at the Royal Elyssa Hotel in Monastir, said the number of clients has been growing lately.
Yet despite meeting international standards, the sector remains underappreciated in Tunisia, she said.
“There’s a lack of communication and promotion,” she added.
Experts say more investment is needed in infrastructure. This includes road improvements and air services, they say, as there are few low-cost flights.
But plans are already underway to develop eco-friendly thermal resorts in regions like Beni M’tir, a mountainous village in the northwest, and near Lake Ichkeul south of Bizerte, said Guizani.
“With all the advantages it has, Tunisia is poised to become the world leader in thalassotherapy,” she added.
 

RIYADH: Riyadh, the beating heart of Saudi Arabia, takes on a magical quality as the cooler months arrive, transforming into a playground of vibrant winter destinations.

Whether you are looking for an immersive Wild West experience, serene luxury surrounded by nature, or retro charm under the stars, the capital offers a diverse tapestry of escapes.

Locals and tourists alike are drawn to Southwest Village, The Groves, Dakkah Winter, and the retro-styled Ammariyah Motel, each providing a distinct blend of entertainment, relaxation, and culture.

On the outskirts of Riyadh lies Southwest Village, a meticulously designed attraction that brings the American Wild West to life. Wooden storefronts reminiscent of 19th-century frontier towns line the streets, while horse-drawn carriages and cowboy-clad performers transport visitors back in time.

From families with children to history buffs, the village has something for everyone. The centerpiece of the village is its 6D Cowboy Theater, where interactive shows captivate audiences of all ages.

Guests find themselves immersed in the drama and adventure of the Wild West, with state-of-the-art effects that bring every scene to life. “It’s like being part of a movie,” says Salem Al-Qahtani, a frequent visitor. “The energy, the performances, and the attention to detail are outstanding.”

By night, the village comes alive with the glow of warm lights illuminating its bustling Route 66-inspired street. Visitors can explore food stalls serving hearty barbecue dishes, shop for souvenirs in rustic boutiques, or simply take in the atmosphere.

Children can run through haystack play areas while their parents enjoy an evening of live performances and cowboy-themed music.

It’s like being part of a movie. The energy, the performan- ces, and the attention to detail are outstanding.

Salem Al-Qahtani, Southwest Village visitor

For those seeking a more sophisticated escape, The Groves in Al-Rafiah offers a tranquil yet luxurious retreat. Nestled among lush greenery and centered around the serene Groves Lake, this destination combines fine dining, boutique shopping, and carefully curated entertainment to create a memorable experience.

At the heart of The Groves is its iconic bridge, leading visitors to a 360-degree stage that regularly hosts live performances. The soft glow of lights reflected on the lake adds a touch of romance, making it a favorite among couples and families alike.

“We came for the performances, but it’s the atmosphere that keeps us here,” said Rania Banaser, who visited with her family. “Every corner feels like it’s been designed for relaxation and beauty.”

Culinary offerings at The Groves are varied: from Vida Vera’s fusion of Italian and Japanese flavors to Hawanem’s Middle Eastern-inspired dishes, every meal is an experience in itself.

For pet owners, the Luca Park dog area provides a safe space for the animals to play. “It’s rare to find a place that caters to everyone, including pets,” said Banaser.

Dakkah Winter has quickly become a favorite among families looking for a relaxing yet engaging destination. With its softly lit palm trees, boutique shops, and cozy food stalls, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming.

One of the most praised aspects of Dakkah Winter is the thoughtfully designed seating arrangements. Guests can choose between open-air settings under the starry skies or private tents surrounded by the warmth of fire pits, making it a perfect spot for intimate gatherings.

Families often gather around the crackling firewood, enjoying the serene environment and the crisp winter air.

“I think this place is really nice. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a place like this,” said Malak Hassan. “The price range is really good because it's not a typical spot where you can hang out. You can come with family and friends and it’s such an enjoyable place.”

Parents can unwind over a cup of steaming Arabic coffee while children enjoy the supervised play area, designed to keep them entertained for hours.

Sabah Al-Qahtani, one of the visitors, said: “I was surprised by the location. I liked the entrance and the sitting area and everything is amazing and I will definitely come again.”

For a dose of nostalgia mixed with adventure, Ammariyah Motel is the place to go. With its vibrant orange and red hues and 1950s-inspired decor, the motel offers visitors an engaging escape from the ordinary.

Upon arrival, guests are greeted by retro signage and colorful seating areas, setting the stage for an evening of fun. The activities at Ammariyah Motel cater to both the adventurous and the more relaxed.

Guests can test their skills at paddle tennis, or simply sit back under the stars. Dining is a highlight, with the pizza bar serving freshly baked pizzas and the outdoor grill offering gourmet burgers that draw praise from visitors.

From the immersive Wild West charm of Southwest Village to the upscale elegance of The Groves, the cozy retreat of Dakkah Winter, and the retro-inspired fun at Ammariyah Motel, a unique experience that captures the spirit of the season is offered to those visiting.