India: A Night in Clark Shiraz - the Oldest 5-Star Hotel in Agra

Our last night in India was spent in one of the oldest 5-star hotels in Agra, Clark Shiraz. The hotel stay with breakfast is a part of our Golden Triangle tour package from Gets Holidays. 

Whenever we book a budget-friendly tour package, I usually don't expect much on the accommodation as I don't want to spend the night with disappointments. I have always thought that if the tour is good and complete, then the accommodation would be compromised. I think it pays not to have high expectations as I was caught in a pleasant surprise when we were ushered to Clark Shiraz's lobby.     

Clark Shiraz is an old yet well-maintained hotel in Agra. It has been awarded as the Best Leisure Hotel in North India Travel Awards 2014. Location-wise, it is in the heart of the city; close to souvenir shops and restaurants. The Taj Mahal, the main tourist destination in the country, is only a few kilometers away. 

Clark Shiraz in Agra, India

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Al Murjan in Oceanic Hotel: Buffet Dining with a View

While on a sweet escape in Oceanic Khorfakkan Resort and Spa, Ed and I were treated to a fabulous buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner at Al Murjan. The restaurant's name sounds Arabic, but it's actually a trendy International buffet restaurant located at the hotel's ground floor. 

As Oceanic Hotel is situated in a magnificent spot in Khorfakkan, I had a strong feeling that Al Murjan is a perfect place to dine with a view. Perhaps, a restaurant where I can sit back, relax and satiate my senses. 

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A True Escape in Oceanic Khorfakkan Resort and Spa

The weekend alarm sounded a bit early. Half awake, I tried not to hit the snooze button for an extra five minutes in bed. The Husband immediately offered me a piping hot coffee. Perhaps, he was as excited as I am. That day, we were scheduled to stay in Oceanic Khorfakkan Resort and Spa!

At 11 in the morning, we left the bustling city of Dubai on board an intercity bus bound to Fujairah. Khorfakkan is a part of Sharjah, but tucked between downtown Fujairah and Al Aqah. We traversed the concrete road built in the midst of a dramatic desert landscape and the rugged beauty of Hajar mountains. 

After a scenic 2-hour bus ride from Dubai to Fujairah, plus the 30-minute taxi ride from Fujairah to Khorfakkan, we finally arrived at Oceanic Khorfakkan Resort and Spa. We were both a little groggy from the long road trip, hence we jumped off the cab and readily succumbed to the weekend indulgence         

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Weekend Staycation at Centro Capital Centre

Now that our annual vacation is over and my passport is still the terribly damaged passport, I couldn't see myself flying out the desert anytime soon. I had too much of the travel drama, so I'm not leaving until I get my hands on my new passport. But how about the itchy feet and the constant longing for sweet escapes? Well, I'll rely to my trusted and proven alternative to a pricey trip abroad: staycation!     

Staycation is a relaxing break from the daily routine. It can be done in the comforts of home or in a hotel or resort nearby. I found it the best way to unwind without the long travel time and most importantly without depleting the funds! We actually had a good one at Centro Capital Centre recently. 

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Mini Vacation at Radisson Blu

I consider mini-vacations as one of my anti-stress medicines. I need to have a dose every now and then to keep me going. Early this month, in time for Ed's birthday, we went to Yas Island for a weekend break at Radisson Blu. I was so glad to be away from the hustle and bustle of the big city for two days. 

Radisson Blu is located at the prime spot of Yas Island. Tourist attractions like the F1 circuit and Ferrari World are near the hotel. It is one of the top hotels in the island, and we were lucky enough to book our stay on a promotional rate. 

Here's our weekend of rest and relaxation in a 4-star hotel at half the price.  

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