I usually write about something more serious for international women's month (see last year's post: https://www.sandcastlesinsaudi.com/post/avoiding-isolation-a-guide-for-expat-women) but lately, I've just been feeling so happy to have some wonderful women in my life and really valuing those times spent drinking coffee and chatting, processing the world together, and putting it to rights. Since planning trips is my love language, I figure that we should all be going on more adventures with our favorites. It doesn't have to be hard work, overly expensive, or complicated, especially if you go with the right friends. There are some people who are like a vacation personified anyway, just wonderful to hang out with and you leave feeling better for it.
So once you decide who you want to spend a girl's weekend away with, the next step is where to go and while there are lots of places suitable for a girl's weekend away in Saudi, I really love Jeddah. It just feels easy and seems to have all the ingredients that I need to really chill out. So this Women's month I'm focusing on self-care and friendships. Here are a few ideas on how to spend a really fun and relaxing girl's weekend in Jeddah.
Getting There:
Flynas or Flyadeal offer frequent low-cost flights to Jeddah from all over Saudi. From Dammam, the flight takes around 2 hours and the great thing about internal flights here is that you can check in in advance and just breeze through the airport, grab a coffee, and board the plane with very few queues or waiting around. It feels so easy.
If you are traveling from Makkah, Madina, or KAEC then the high-speed rail is the way to travel (https://www.hhr.sa/# ) or just a taxi from Makkah would do.
Where to Stay:
For vacation vibes with private pool:
Movenpick al Nawras Jeddah
For chalets for groups:
You can rent a chalet, some with private pools
For a budget:
Centro Shaheen Jeddah
A bit of luxury with sea views:
Park Hyatt Marina Club and Spa has awesome views of king Fahad fountain and an amazing lounge and terrace. There is also a spa for those of you that like that sort of thing.
My favourite:
Intercontinental Jeddah or the apartments is cheaper than Park Hyatt but you can walk there in the evening in under 5 minutes to visit the lounge and terrace.
Getting Around:
Uber is the easiest way to get around and avoids the need to explain directions or location if you and your driver aren't speaking the same language so download the app if you didn't already. You can just book when you are ready to go as there is rarely more than a 5-minute wait.
What to do:
Thursday night:
Head to Al Balad to check out the old buildings of Jeddah, soak up the hustle and bustle, eat local, and shop.
Friday morning:
Prebook a boat trip to Bayada island before you go for swimming and snorkeling in the sparkling blue sea. It is possible to organize private boats too.
Friday night:
Head out to Park Hyatt lounge and terrace for cocktails, shisha, and an amazing view of king Fahad fountain.
Saturday morning:
Depending on your accommodation you may want to enjoy a lazy brunch and time by the pool or on the beach before you have to leave. Alternatively, breakfast at blue ocean restaurant and walking along the corniche or around Fakieh aquarium may be a nice way to spend the morning before you head back to the airport.
If Red sea chill is not your thing then check out Riyadh for sights (https://www.sandcastlesinsaudi.com/post/48-hours-in-riyadh )
or Jazan for an adventure (https://www.sandcastlesinsaudi.com/post/4-days-in-jazan)
