IN AL-BALAD, the historic center of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the chirping of sparrows mingles with the call to prayer from the 800-year-old minaret of the Al-Shafi'i mosque, as it has for centuries. But change is very much afoot. Workers in hard hats and high-visibility vests are busy at work on the coral stone buildings, cordoned off by aesthetically pleasing green temporary fences. A growing community of Saudi artists is moving into these narrow lanes, bringing modern energy to the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Most of the buildings here date back between 200 and 300 years, when Al-Balad was the main entry point for Muslim travelers arriving by sea on their pilgrimage to Mecca. In recent years the district has hosted Ramadan-related events, the Red Sea International Film Festival, and the Balad Beast EDM festival. Three heritage houses, each more than 100 years old and named for the family that formerly lived in them, have been converted into small boutique hotels, the first of their kind in Al-Balad.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
bubbling up
With its dramatic volcanic landscapes, intimate new stays, and evolving creative scene, Lanzarote―the easternmost of Spain's Canary Islands-is having a moment
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
In Dubai, ambitious chefs are fusing their personal stories with regional influences, forging a new vision for fine dining in their city
where it all began
From Mombasa on Kenya's southern coast to Lamu in the north, Selina Denman charts the story of this part of East Africa-as well as her own
carried away
Northwest Australia's untouched Kimberley region, newly accessible via a Seabourn expedition cruise, is about as far as you can get from everywhere else. But for Erin Florio, the place's very remoteness is a testament to the interconnectedness of all things
CARIBBEAN CALLING
It's that time of year when white-sand beaches, palm-studded resorts, and cruise ships that gleam against turquoise waters start to sound pretty damn fine. We've got all that for you here, plus a few surprises, to inspire your next vacation to the world's best place for soaking up the winter sun.
A Family Affair
On a visit to the Coppola family's low-key Belize retreats with botanical skin-care expert Athena Hewett, Arati Menon discovers what homegrown hospitality is all about
Warm Welcome
For travelers seeking a window onto everyday life in Hawaii, Honolulu's Chinatown awaits.
The Surf Is Their Turf
On the sun-drenched Filipino island of Siargao, a tight-knit community of wave riders is keeping it real in the face of change.
MAD LOVE, MADE EASY
A private-beach resort in Mexico gave Christina Hendricks and George Bianchini the ultimate wedding gift: freedom to rest
TAKE A BEACH BREAK
French Polynesian pro surfer Vaimiti Teiefitu on the best spots to surf, eat, and unwind around Tahiti
