The Great Escape Magazine

From tropical coastlines to vibrant cities, here are ten stays that reflect a more mindful way of travelling where the experience goes hand in hand with care for the places that make it possible.

Active sitting introduces continuous movement through posture variation and micro-mobility habits. Performing these easy exercises helps promote blood circulation, encourage spinal alignment, reduce stiffness during travel and improve focus while working.   Neck rolls: Lower your chin to your chest and roll your head in slow circles. Shoulder shrugs: Raise your shoulders to your ears, hold for a few seconds then roll them down. Arm stretches: Pull your shoulders back and stretch your arms above your head. Seated spinal twists: Gently twist your upper body to one side. Repeat on the other side. Thigh presses: Place your palms on the outside of your knees and push your knees against them for 10 seconds. Leg extensions: Lift one leg parallel to the floor, hold for a moment and lower. Repeat with the other leg. Calf raises: Alternate raising your heels and toes off the floor while sitting. Ankle rotations: Rotate your ankles in both directions. 

Best for: central family base   Novotel World Trade Centre Dubai is a convenient choice if your weekend plan revolves around Dubai Mall. The hotel is a two-minute walk from World Trade Centre Metro station and runs complimentary shuttles to Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa, putting Dubai Aquarium, KidZania, and the Dubai Ice Rink within a single morning's reach.   You'll find family rooms with sofa beds and a kids' play area on-site. The outdoor pool gives you somewhere to cool off between outings, and the buffet breakfast has enough options to keep even the pickiest 4-year-old fed.   Our recommended weekend itinerary: Friday afternoon: check in and head straight to the pool. Friday evening: dinner at Embers Dubai, the hotel's signature grill, or order in-room dining if the kids are already in pyjamas. Saturday morning: take the complimentary Novotel shuttle to Dubai Mall for the aquarium, KidZania or the ice rink, then lunch at the mall. Saturday afternoon: back to the hotel pool to wind down before heading home.

Coordinated by Earthday.org, Earth Day is vital to our future thanks to its ability to raise pan-global awareness of environmental issues – it’s an annual reminder that we can act collectively to counteract our impact on our planet. Due to the sheer numbers now involved in each event, it’s also seen as a powerful political tool for driving environmental education and policy change at the highest governmental level. But don’t underestimate the power of the individual here… for everyone can show their commitment to conservation.

Sharjah Expo Centre events promise great cultural experiences year-round, and Novotel Sharjah Expo Centre puts you right in the heart of it all.