12 Top Destinations Under 7 Hours from the UAE
Jet, set, and go! From swimming in Seychelles’ sea to strolling by the French Riviera, Bazaar Arabia shares the ultimate spots that are just a quick flight away…
Sometimes, life calls for an escape — but not always a long-haul journey. Within just a few hours of the UAE lie some of the world’s most iconic destinations, blending history, glamour, culture, and island bliss. From the cobbled streets of Europe to the white sands of the Indian Ocean, here’s your guide to 12 unforgettable getaways, each perfect for a stylish mini-break.
London
Whether it’s enjoying aperitifs during a picnic in Hyde Park, or taking a stroll in the sun across the Thames — London is a city escape you absolutely cannot miss.
Where to stay: The Corinthia, London
A grand Whitehall address that blends historic elegance with contemporary glamour. Behind its Victorian façade lies one of London’s most indulgent stays, complete with palatial suites, crystal chandeliers, and the city’s most expansive spa.
Where to Dine:
We recommend Sketch for playful, art-led fine dining, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal for a culinary journey through Britain’s historic flavours, and Gymkhana for a Michelin-starred celebration of Indian cuisine in the heart of Mayfair.
Seychelles
Sail across the turquoise waters, snorkel with sea turtles, or take a helicopter ride over the dramatic granite peaks.
Where to Stay: L’Escale Resort Marina & Spa
Intimate yet refined, this boutique luxury resort is designed for travellers who want privacy with polish. Nestled between lush hills and the marina, it offers elegantly styled suites and villas, many with sweeping ocean views.
Where to Dine:
For ocean-facing fine dining, head to Curieuse Restaurant at Raffles. For something more intimate, private beach barbecues on secluded sands offer unforgettable memories. And for a taste of authenticity, don’t miss the local Creole eateries in Victoria.
Chennai
Located in the south of India, Chennai’s culture, serenity and picturesque views make it a strong contender for a weekend escape from the city.
Where to Stay: InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort
A serene beachfront retreat that blends South Indian heritage with contemporary luxury. Enjoy Ayurvedic-inspired spa rituals, private dinners under the stars, or day trips to the UNESCO-listed Shore Temples of Mahabalipuram in a stay that feels both cultural and indulgent.
Where to Dine:
Dakshin at Crowne Plaza sets the standard for fine-dining South Indian cuisine, while Peshawri at ITC Grand Chola offers award-winning North-West Frontier specialities. For a more casual but unmissable experience, take a street food tour to savour masala dosas, filter coffee, and local favourites.
Monte Carlo
The luxuriousness of the French Riviera is unparalleled. With its picturesque views, racing traditions, gorgeous palaces and street style — Monte Carlo is the perfect escape. And the best part? You can be there in under seven hours.
Where to Stay: Fairmont Monte Carlo
Overlooking the sparkling Mediterranean, the Fairmont is one of Monaco’s most iconic addresses, perfectly positioned between the legendary Casino Square and the Riviera coastline. Its sea-view suites and rooftop pool make it a favourite for those seeking Riviera glamour.
Where to Dine:
Discover Michelin-starred excellence at Le Louis XV and Blue Bay, and for iconic brasserie energy on Casino Square, Café de Paris is simply unmissable.
Cairo
Explore the famous Giza Pyramids, indulge in vibrant Middle Eastern cuisine and destress through traditional beauty rituals at the Egyptian Hammams — the city of Cairo has it all.
Where to Stay: Kempinski Nile Hotel Cairo
Nestled in the Garden City district along the Nile, this boutique luxury hotel offers an intimate atmosphere with panoramic river views. Its elegant rooms and suites are complemented by a rooftop pool overlooking the Cairo skyline.
Where to Dine:
Zitouni offers refined Egyptian cuisine, while 8 Restaurant presents contemporary Cantonese dining in a sleek riverside setting. For sweeping Nile views, Crimson Cairo delivers that rooftop allure.
Capri
It’s not called la dolce vita for nothing — and there’s no better place to embrace it than on the island of Capri. Spend your days lounging aboard a boat on the glittering sea, sipping exquisite limoncello, and exploring the island’s famed Blue Grotto.
Where to Stay: Jumeirah Capri Palace
Perched high above the Bay of Naples in Anacapri, this elegant retreat combines Mediterranean glamour with contemporary sophistication.
Where to Dine:
Head to Da Paolino for its iconic lemon grove setting, enjoy a romantic evening at Al Chiaro di Luna, or savour Michelin-starred cliffside dining with endless sea views at Il Riccio.
Edinburgh
Admire the town’s architecture, experience the Scottish nightlife in traditional pubs, and see the Ross fountain, just be sure to pack some waterproofs.
Where to Stay: The Witchery
Enjoy one of Edinburgh’s most atmospheric stays, this gothic hideaway sits at the gates of Edinburgh Castle. With just nine lavishly designed suites, each adorned with rich tapestries, antique furniture, and flickering candlelight, The Witchery is unapologetically dramatic.
Where to Dine:
For Michelin-starred Scottish dining, The Kitchin is a must; for refined cuisine showcasing local ingredients, Number One at The Balmoral sets the standard. For something a little more theatrical, Rhubarb offers fine dining in a dramatic baroque setting.
Tbilisi
Take a stroll down Tbilisi’s pastel streets, soak in a sulphur bath, or escape to Kakheti for wine tasting among the vineyards.
Where to Stay: Stamba Hotel
Once a Soviet-era publishing house, this striking property has been transformed into one of Tbilisi’s most iconic boutique hotels. Its raw brutalist architecture is softened by lush greenery, vintage furnishings, and playful design details, creating a space that feels both edgy and romantic. Beyond its suites and rooftop spaces, Stamba is also home to one of the city’s best restaurants, making it as much a culinary destination as it is a design landmark.
Where to Dine:
Barbarestan serves heritage Georgian recipes with a fine-dining twist, Café Littera offers a contemporary oasis in a garden setting, and Shavi Lomi brings modern Georgian flair to a stylish, art-filled space.
Amman
Wander Amman’s citadel, shop the boutiques of Rainbow Street, and make day trips to Petra and the Dead Sea.
Where to Stay: The St. Regis
You can’t go wrong with this five-star address, where regal interiors meet panoramic views of the city. Spacious suites are dressed in elegant, modern design, evenings can begin with signature cocktails at the St. Regis Bar before retreating to a private terrace to watch the city lights shimmer across Amman.
Where to Dine:
For authentic flavours and scenery, Sufra, set in a charming heritage villa — is a must. Fakhreldin remains the city’s iconic address for fine Levantine dining, while Cantaloupe Gastro Pub offers contemporary cuisine paired with sweeping skyline views.
Larnaca
Swim in crystal-clear waters, wander the Larnaca Salt Lake with flamingos, and explore the 9th-century Church of Saint Lazarus.
Where to Stay: Lordos Beach Hotel
Set along Larnaca Bay, this beachfront resort combines Cypriot warmth with modern comfort. Enjoy the sea-view from their suites, unwind by the palm-fringed pools, or stroll directly onto the golden sands. With its blend of Mediterranean charm, multiple dining options, and easy access to Larnaca’s lively promenade, Lordos Beach makes for an unmatched island escape.
Where to Dine:
To Kazani Traditional Tavern delivers authentic Cypriot dining in a warm, traditional setting, while Ammos pairs beachfront glamour with fresh seafood and sushi. For a change of pace, Maqam Al Sultan brings refined Middle Eastern flavours to the heart of the old town.
Zanzibar
Snorkel in turquoise waters, wander Stone Town’s spice-scented alleys, and take a traditional dhow at sunset.
Where to Stay: &Beyond Mnemba Island
Just off the northeast coast of Zanzibar, this private island sanctuary feels like a true castaway escape, but with every luxury at hand. With only a handful of beachfront villas, it’s barefoot luxury at its finest.
Where to Dine:
The Rock Restaurant offers an iconic overwater experience with panoramic ocean views, while Emerson on Hurumzi serves rooftop dinners in a beautifully restored merchant’s house. For something more casual yet unmissable, Lukmaan delivers authentic Swahili flavours beloved by locals and travellers alike.
Vienna
Attend an opera at the Vienna State Opera, stroll through Schönbrunn Palace, and linger in grand coffeehouses for that imperial romance.
Where to Stay: Hotel Sacher Wien
A Viennese institution, Hotel Sacher blends imperial grandeur with timeless elegance. Located opposite the State Opera House, it places you at the heart of the city’s cultural life. Opulent rooms and suites are adorned with chandeliers, silk wall coverings, and classic antiques, while the hotel’s world-famous Sacher-Torte is a sweet ritual not to be missed.
Where to Dine:
Onyx, a Michelin-approved restaurant, offers a sleek, contemporary setting with creative fine dining and panoramic city views, while Café Central provides an atmospheric step back in time with its grand architecture and classic pastries. For an intimate evening, ef16 delivers modern Austrian cuisine in a romantic, candlelit setting.
From Capri’s sun-drenched cliffs to Zanzibar’s spice-scented shores, and from the imperial elegance of Vienna to the modern pulse of London, these 12 destinations prove that adventure is never far from reach. Under seven hours from the UAE, each offers a perfect mini-break — whether you crave history, glamour, island bliss, or mountain charm.
Lead image from Harper’s Bazaar Interiors Spring 2021 issue.