The festive season is upon us, and with it, comes the chance to spoil and be spoiled in return. Whether you’re looking for something special for yourself, or in search of the perfect gift for your travel-loving loved ones, we’ve curated the perfect editor of Christmas gifts for travel lovers, ideally suited to elegant globetrotters. Read on to discover the Near+Far Christmas gift guide for discerning GCC travellers.

Aman gift card

Founded in Thailand as the pioneers of tropical modernism, ultra-luxury brand Aman now operates 35 hotels around the world in 20 countries, from palazzos in Venice and quiet luxury chalets on the slopes of Courchevel, through to its iconic jungle-covered retreats in Indonesia, Sri Lanka and many more (including three planned for Saudi Arabia). Treat your loved ones to a taste of the world’s most elite and discreet hotel group with an Aman gift card, which comes encased in a stylish soft leather luggage tag giving a gift to be cherished for years after the stay. Starting from USD$1,000, the recipient also receives a digital counterpart, and can be spent on stays – including the inimitable Aman New York and Amanyara – but also dining experiences, spa treatments, retail (including Aman Essentials) and activities.
aman.com

Aesop’s 2023-24 Gift Kits

New for 2023, Aesop’s gift kits are inspired by waves of sound that touch the skin and uplift the spirit, with five available each named after the five qualities that five music its magnetism. Collectively entitled ‘Resonant Gestures’, each kit pays homage to the power of song, creating an immersive experience through its fragrant products, visual boxes and accompanying playlists (found on the site). Choose from gifts such as Rousing Rhythms – featuring enlivening notes of Geranium Leaf, Mandarin Rind and Bergamot Rind – and, perfect for staying hydrated while travelling, Fabulous Forms – the antidote to busy schedules with an evocatively scented hand balm, buoyant body cleanser and nourishing lip salve.
From around AED300, aesop.com

Nappa Dori steamer mini sling

Known for its impeccable leather accessories inspired by the craft and heritage of India’s artisans, Nappa Dori offers some of the best pieces for travel, and its new Steamer Mini Sling is the ideal Christmas gift for the travel lover in your life. Available in green, black or brown, each bag is handcrafted by skilled artisans, with adjustable and detachable straps for versatile styling. The bag itself is ideal for keeping items secure while on the go, perfectly completing the brand’s existing range of Steamer Luggage – a chic, vintage-inspired range.
AED1,150; nappadori.ae

Maria Tash

Maria Tash has quickly made a name for itself across the Middle East for its beautifully designed fine jewellery pieces and highly skilled piercing services, and this season, the New York City-based brand has unveiled its new Holiday Collection. The new collection blends timeless elegance with contemporary flair, with plenty of sparkle and unique designs- the ideal addition to that festive outfit, or a thoughtful gift for a loved one.
Available online and instore (stores across the UAE and GCC)

Ancient Greek Sandals shearling

It can be hard to find the right footwear for travel, one that’s stylish, can be easily slipped off and on for flights, and one that can be worn when you’re actually enjoying your holiday. Ancient Greek Sandals has nailed this brief, bringing out a range of chic shearling sandals perfect for both cosy cold and winter sun escapes this season. There are three styles available – the Anilio,’ ‘Latria,’ and ‘Vasilitsa’ – crafted from from soft Crosta leather and fully lined with natural shearling, being warm, but also cool and breathable. ‘Anilio’ features a stylish criss-cross design, drawing inspiration from Greek ski resorts, while the ‘Vasilitsa’ boasts a closed-toe style, for extra protection from the winter chill. The third style, ‘Latria,’ is a winter version of the brand’s two-strap bestseller, adding a seasonal twist to a beloved classic.
From AED1,350; ancient-greek-sandals.com

Fujifilm Instax SQ40

Elevate your, or your loved ones, photography game while travelling this festive season, with the latest Instax camera, the Square SQ40. Make each photo memory while travelling more special by giving your phone a break, capturing the essence of the trip with double exposure, bulb mode, and macro mode, allowing the user to experiment with creativity – whether capturing people or landscapes. What’s more, it’s light, small and easily packable, making for a great gift for travel lovers this festive season.
AED699 (including one free film), instax.com/sq40

An Ithara experience

Give your travel-loving loved one the gift of memories, not things, this festive season, with an experience at Ithara.ae, the UAE’s dedicated experience gifting platform. Shoppers are able to choose from a wide range of activities, including spa & beauty treatments, food & drink adventures, thrilling desert experiences, water activities, arts & crafts workshops, and more. Top experiences include a taste of Emirati Hospitality and a sunrise Hot Air Balloon, with the option to deliver the voucher in a fight bok. Handy filters such as ‘gift for couples’, and ‘gift under AED500’ all help you select the ideal gift – and all come with a 12-month window, so there’s plenty of time to make the most of it.
Ithara.ae

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