CheCk In Globetrotter
Lake Atitlán
MY BEST TRIP “Guatemala is my home away from home.” Saudi-based Sami Altokhais (@samialtokhais) is an official Fujifilm X-Photographer who has a swoon-worthy Instagram feed showcasing his captivating travel images. It was love at first sight for him when he visited Guatemala – since then, he’s returned numerous times to discover more.
Tikal
My first trip to the Mayan paradise of Guatemala was my favourite. It was to attend a friend’s wedding, which meant there was always going to be a wonderful connection to the place. I remember how the cobblestones of the Spanish colonial town of Antigua felt on my feet as I walked through its streets, while three giant volcanoes surrounded me. Swimming in the cold waters of Semuc Champey brought me back to life and I felt an intimate connection to Lake Atitlán and its surrounding villages. Walking around the amazing structures in Tikal, an ancient Mayan citadel brought everything into perspective for me as I discovered more about its history, people and culture. People often ask me about Guatemalan cuisine. It’s all about breakfast there for me. A typical morning meal includes eggs, black beans, fried plantains, cream, tomato sauce, cheese, bread and tortillas. It’s a feast by many standards. The country is also one of the largest producers of coffee in the world. Regions like Antigua and Cobán supply travellers with this elixir of life that is tasty and refreshing for the soul. “Guate” as the locals call it, is full of colour. From the traditional attire of the indigenous people to the local “chicken” buses or camionetas, the various hues blend naturally with the beautiful natural backgrounds. I recommend that any visitor ends their trip to this land by staying a few days at the dark-sand beaches of Monterrico where the Pacific waters come to bid you farewell until your next return.
Family-friendly festivities in Fujairah Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort, an ocean-side retreat that sits beneath the striking Hajar Mountains, is celebrating its 15th anniversary and guests staying at this property are in for a treat. As part of its 15 Weeks of Fantastic Fun, #AlAqah15 merriments, the property is inviting everyone to take part in a roster of events, offers, giveaways and various initiatives themed around specific areas of the resort such as the beach, pool, watersports club, spa, restaurant and recently renovated Duckventures Kid’s Club. lemeridien-alaqah.com
World Traveller 19