The Ultimate Guide to a Bachelorette in the Middle East
Your nearest and dearest should be there when you walk down the aisle… of a plane headed to your bachelorette adventure!
May 22, 2024
Ah, marriage. The beginning of a new adventure and the moment you transform from a solo-traveller to a forever-travel-buddy. But before you take the plunge and celebrate finding your one true life (and travel) partner, how about one last trip with the original loves of your life?
These are the people that walked with you down the (let’s admit – often scary) path of singledom, who steered you through the rough seas of questionable decisions (of which there were plenty), who warded away the wandering creeps and cheered you on at all the important milestones. With so much change on the not-so-distant horizon, a bachelorette party with your go-to gals is the perfect opportunity to cherish the friendships that stay the same through it all.
And, the best excuse for a trip, which everyone here at SceneTraveller always thinks is a good idea.
If you’re an adventurous bride looking for one last journey with the girls before you walk down the aisle, then you’re in the right place because we’ve put together a list of some of our favourite bachelorette travel ideas across the Middle East.
Cruise Out of Singledom With a Trip Down the Nile
📍Egypt📅October – April
Before you set sail into matrimony, set sail down the Nile.
Gather your girls and let the Egyptian countryside roll by as you lounge on the sun-drenched deck of a lavish cruise ship. But it’s not all lounging – these cruises feature expeditions to many historic destinations, often accompanied by an Egyptologist and trained guides who can show you around these incredible locations. Popular stops include Abu Simbel, the Valley of the Kings, and the Karnak Temple Complex near Luxor.
The best news? There’s no shortage of Nile cruises to choose from. For a cruise full of Victorian-era refinement, hop aboard the Steam Ship Sudan. In this ship’s rooms you’ll find brass beds and vintage telephones, and on deck you’ll be able to see the original pistons and paddle wheels of the circa-1885 vessel.
For a more modern trip, the luxurious Oberoi Philae offers a temperature-controlled swimming pool, two restaurants, multi-pressure showers, a movie theatre, as well as a salon and spa treatment rooms.
With a whole fleet of cruises available, a bride of any budget will be able to find a trip that works for her and her besties.
Wine and Dine Your Way Through Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley
📍Lebanon
📅March – June, October – November
If you’d love a trip to wine country, where you and your girls can sip (or full on chug) some sweet potent potables, then we have an exciting bachelorette suggestion for you.
One of the world’s best wine countries is hidden in Eastern Lebanon – Bekaa Valley has been known for its wine for thousands of years, and the wineries here have had plenty of time to perfect their product. So, get your booziest bunch of friends together, grab a glass, and prepare to gallivant through the hills of Lebanon.
Verdant fields, picturesque mountain views, and romantic temples provide the perfect backdrop for this unforgettable adventure – and sampling the valley’s Carignan, Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Ugni Blanc, Clairette, or Chardonnay wines is sure to make these views even sweeter.
Have An Instagrammable Getaway in a Marrakech Riad
📍Morocco
📅March – May, September – November
If you’re looking for elegance with a touch of history, then a stay in one of Marrakech’s riads could be the perfect pre-wedding getaway. These historic homes-turned-boutique-hotels give you a peek into 11th-century luxury with their lush courtyards, iconic tiles, and intricate woodwork. Located in Marrakech’s old city, many riads are on the smaller side, often offering fewer than 10 rooms or suites, making them perfect for a private party with your closest friends.
Another point in favour of these gorgeous guesthouses? Their food. A stay at a riad isn’t complete without sampling its kitchen, where you will find elaborate spreads that are sure to leave you and your girls more than just a little satisfied. And when you’re done lounging around this gorgeous haven, you can spend your time exploring the historic city of Marrakech, where you take a stroll through Majorelle Garden or maybe check out Morocco’s famous hamams.
Relax and Reset at Dubai’s Spas
📍The UAE
📅November – April
What’s more stressful than planning a wedding? No, really. What’s more stressful than planning a wedding? We’ll wait.
With all the new family dynamics, planning seating arrangements, and touring venues, a chill bachelorette party probably sounds like a dream, and a trip to Dubai’s spas could be just the thing to have you relaxed and ready to walk down the aisle.
Why Dubai? This city boasts top-tier spas – such as the Talise Ottoman Spa at The Palm Jumeirah, the Anjana Spa at Rixos the Palm, and The Spa at Palazzo Versace Dubai – that feature top-of-the-line treatments and procedures, as well as traditionally-styled hammams.
Additionally, Dubai has plenty of other qualities that make it perfect for an indulgent girls’ trip. Think shopping, luxurious hotels, views of the Gulf of Arabia, fantastic food, and beaches where you can soak in the sun, after you soak in your spa treatments.
Go Glamping with Your Girls in Wadi Rum
📍Jordan
📅October – April
Outdoorsy brides might be reluctant to rough it right before their big day. So, for a dose of natural beauty without the risk of scars, sunburns and sandy hair, consider a glamping trip to Jordan’s Wadi Rum.
This iconic destination features gorgeous sunsets, shifting golden sands, and night skies full of sparkling stars. It’s also full of accommodations that promise to give you all the timeless beauty of the desert while cocooning you in all the conveniences of modern life.
Need some recommendations? Check out Sun City Camp, whose spacious structures feature kitchenettes and wall-to-wall windows. You can also look up the Wadi Rum Bubble Luxotel, a glampsite bursting with dome-shaped tents. The Memories Aicha Luxury Camp also features domed dwellings, with interiors that take inspiration from traditional Islamic architecture. And for a little more adventure with your luxury, check out the Zeina Desert Lodge.
Set Sail From Jeddah on a Private Yacht
📍Saudi Arabia
📅November – March
Okay, okay, we know. Weddings are already expensive. And private yachts are also expensive. But – and hear us out – they’re also really cool.
Picture it: you, your girls, the open water of the Red Sea, the feeling of embarking on a voyage (which, metaphorically, you and your fiance are about to do!), the wind in your hair, the sun on your face…
If you aren’t going to splash out for your bachelorette party, when will you?
We recommend that you begin your voyage in Jeddah, an established Middle Eastern yachting hub that will give you plenty of opportunities to charter anything from superyachts to sailboats to jetskis. Expect to see tiny islands, open water and vibrant coral reefs as you cruise with your tightest crew over smooth turquoise water.
Remember, whatever you choose…
Let’s be real. Where you go on your bachelorette trip is not the biggest commitment you’ll be making in the near future. And, just like on your wedding day, the most important thing won’t be the pictures you take or the aesthetics of your surroundings – it will be the people who are with you as you start the next chapter of your new life.
That said, you should start looking at flights.
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