Ireland has finally released its own “green list” of countries from where travellers no longer have to quarantine for two weeks.
Just 15 countries made the cut, but the UK wasn’t one of them.
Other popular European holiday destinations, such as France, Spain and Turkey, were also excluded.
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Apart from the 15 countries on the list, and those travelling from Northern Ireland, all other arrivals into the Republic of Ireland must continue to self-isolate and restrict their movement for 14 days.
The new Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he would be taking a “cautious approach” when it comes to foreign travel.
However, the publishing of a list of quarantine-exempt countries is sending “mixed messages”, claimed a spokesperson for former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, reports the BBC.
The Irish government is still advising against all non-essential international travel.
The Department for Foreign Affairs and Trade says on its website: “The Irish Authorities advise against all non-essential travel overseas until further notice.”
A statement from the Irish government said that, following the list’s publication, enhanced measures including an Electronic Passenger Locator Form, more rigorous follow-up procedures, a call centre operated by the Dublin Airport Authority, and a proposed testing regime for symptomatic passengers at airports and ports, would be introduced.
It follows Northern Ireland’s announcement that it would no longer require travellers arriving from 59 countries to quarantine from 10 July. Its list was the same as that of England and Wales.
Scotland released its own list, which was identical barring two omissions: Spain and Serbia.
Ireland’s list of “green” countries:
- Cyprus
- Estonia
- Finland
- Gibraltar
- Greece
- Greenland
- Hungary
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Malta
- Monaco
- Norway
- San Marino
- Slovakia
What are the special staycation packages that The Meydan Hotel has lined up for guests this season?
To celebrate our hotel reopening, The Meydan Hotel has launched the Lovin Meydan Summer Campaign which includes the following unbeatable getaway offers and activities:
Pool Day Use offer at Dh150 per person consisting of all day access to our Infinity Pool and Food and Beverage credit equivalent to offer price (Dh150). Applicable to bookings on Sundays through Thursdays.
Daycation offer at Dh249 for a family with 2 kids consisting of access to a Grand Superior Room from 9 AM till 6 PM and hotel facilities as well as 25 per cent discount on food and beverage.
Staycation offer at Dh399 consisting of an overnight stay for 2 adults and up to 2 kids with breakfast (In-room Dining or Farriers Restaurant) as well as 25 per cent discount on food and beverage. Guests staying 3 nights save 10 per cent and those staying 5 nights save 15 per cent.
Stay and Dine offer at Dh499 consisting of a staycation for 2 adults and up to 2 kids with breakfast (In-room Dining or Farriers Restaurant) and Dh200 credit fully redeemable towards Food and Beverage.
All these offers and more are available on our website and through direct calls to the hotel. Guests can also live chat with us via WhatsApp at 056 525 4040.
Are there any special offers that guests can avail if they book directly with the hotel, what are these benefits?
Guests booking directly with us can enjoy a complimentary upgrade to the next room category and free early check in and late checkout based on availability.
What are the safety precautions that the hotel has in place in keeping with the current health scenario?
The Meydan Hotel understands its responsibility to the community by taking extra measures to ensure the safety of all guests and staff alike and implement the highest levels of cleanliness and hygiene practices. Based on this, we have embarked on an alternative cleaning approach to reinforce the understanding of the ordinary hotel cleansing procedures and add to our already high-level cleaning standards.
The hotel also received the prestigious Bureau Veritas’ Safeguard label – to ensure high hygiene standards throughout the hotel. All staff have undergone professional infection control training equivalent to a hospital grade process. Enhanced and innovative disinfection technologies such as electrostatic sprayers, hospital grade chemicals, ultraviolet light vacuum machines, UV box sterilisers, steam cleaners and cold fogging machines will be used throughout the hotels.
Shurooq launched the Sharjah Collection by Mysk, a boutique hotel concept, as part of its ongoing strategy to promote the Emirate as one of the region’s leading cultural tourist spots. Mysk by Shaza through The Sharjah Collection unveils the soul of Sharjah and reveals the essence of this Emirate through the balance of luxurious accommodation, heritage and a unique ecosystem, Arabian culture and hospitality. Consisting of the Mysk Kingfisher Retreat, Mysk Al Badayer Retreat and Mysk Al Faya Retreat, the Sharjah Collection by Mysk is a group of distinctive boutique hotels, ecoretreats purposefully located in key locations throughout Sharjah.
Mysk Kingfisher Retreat
Located on Sharjah’s east coast, arrive at the resort on a private boat that takes you to your private island with a modern tent and its own private pool designed to provide comfort, privacy and amazing views of the Indian Ocean.
Experience With exclusive access to a pristine ecosystem that embraces its Arabian heritage, Kingfisher Retreat provides you with a world-class luxurious experience. Enjoy unique and remarkable team building activities, workshops and small conferences with its intimate meeting room that can seat upto 20 people.
Activities Learn and practice an ancient craft at the archery range, savour the tranquillity as you kayak through mangroves, watch sea turtles hatch, nest and swim, and catch a glimpse of many rare bird species and the wildlife that all define Khor Kalba as a globally important wetland. Inhouse guests get to enjoy diving, kayak excursions, stand-up paddle boarding, nature walks all along the Watchtowers trek, cycling Wadi Helo or across Kalba, and visiting the Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre or the Kalba Bird of Prey Centre.
Tents Kingfisher Retreat consists of 20 luxurious tents, each designed to provide comfort, privacy and amazing views of the Indian Ocean and that come with a private plunge pool and barbecue.
Dining It’s a healthy organic culinary experience in store for in-house as well as walk-in guests at the Kingfisher Retreat, with all-day dining. On offer are some exceptional dining experiences including picnic at the beachm a romantic cabana dinner and self-BBQ at the tent.
Mysk Al Faya Retreat
Mleiha is home to significant sites including Bronze Age tombs, historical caves and pre-Islamic forts. A wealth of fascinating artefacts, from camel skeletons to pottery and iron tools have been discovered here, with many on display in the outstanding Mleiha Archaeological Centre. The foothills of sandy mountains play host to one of the region’s most unique hotels with the Mysk Al Faya Retreat rising out of the enchanting dunes that surround it.
Activities Offering a boutique experience like no other Mysk Al Faya Retreat presents guests the opportunity to explore the true beauty of the Mleiha region, which was nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Rooms With just five rooms, Al Faya Retreat’s contemporary feel masterfully combines aspects of originality, blended together with luxe modernity. Bedrooms feature a skylight for stargazing at night with a fire pit primed for recapping the day’s many adventures.
Dining The roadhouse type concept of the Rock Restaurant at Mysk Al Faya Retreat provides an intimate and private setting, with a seating capacity of approximately 40 guests. Guests can enjoy contemporary à la carte menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with dishes including mohalla, khoboz khameer and mezze platters.
Spa A private sanctuary only available to in-house guests, the spa at Mysk Al Faya Retreat is based on the element of salt. The 118sqm spa offers thermal and relaxation experiences that touch on the five senses. Facilities include a salt inhalation room, a shower walk, herbal sauna and a 128sqm outdoor saltwater pool.
Mysk Al Badayer Retreat
Close your eyes and imagine a caravanserai coming along the Silk Road. That would be the perfect example of what the Mysk Al Badayer Retreat presents. A picturesque desert stop set against the sweeping dunes of central Sharjah.
Activities Spend the day lounging as you enjoy the sun’s kisses on your skin, experience the art of henna or go on an adrenaline-fueled adventure exploring the desert’s gems with desert safaris, sand boarding, dune bashing, stargazing and falconry displays.
Tents and rooms Choose between staying in a fully equipped, luxurious tent or in a room depending on the journey you would like to foster.
Dining
Al MADAM With a seating capacity of 88 guests, Al Madam is characterised by a contemporary design and interpretation of a modern-day eatery with elements of local charm. It offers a buffet breakfast, either buffet/prefixed menu for lunch/dinner and an à la carte menu covering international and regional fare.
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