Halal tourism, catering specifically to Muslim travelers, has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years. From accommodations to entire destinations, “halal-friendly” establishments offer segregated amenities such as pools and spas, accessible prayer facilities, and serve halal food. Faiza Khan, a marketing lecturer at University College Birmingham, explored this phenomenon in her 2016 paper The Halalification of Tourism, highlighting its evolution. She notes, “Four to five decades ago, Muslim travel was primarily for pilgrimage or visiting family. Today’s globally connected youth aspire to explore beyond borders while honoring their faith. Halal travel means that one does not have to worry about the food consumed at hotels, prayer facilities within reach, and most importantly, a shatafa is always on standby.”
For the more religious, adherence to Islamic principles shapes itinerary choices, so it’s hardly surprising that the halal tourism market is currently booming as it ensures worry-free dining, accessible prayer spaces, and the assurance of adhering to religious dietary laws. While this new form of traveling can be traced back to the emergence of large Halal resorts in Turkey, this trend has since spread to even non-Muslim countries such as South Korea or Japan, which have quickly established themselves as some of the most highly ranked destinations for Muslim-friendly vacations. In fact, the municipality of Málaga was the first to create a “halal tourism guide” and was recognised for the best halal tourism marketing campaign at the third Halal In Travel Global Summit in Singapore.
With Eid Al-Adha and summer break just around the corner, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to curate a selection of the best halal-friendly getaways– From serene cruises along the Gulf to rejuvenating retreats on Sicily’s scenic coast.
Resort World Cruises
Resort World Cruises, now homeported in Dubai, offers a variety of halal-friendly cruises catering to Muslim travelers. Passengers can enjoy flexible itineraries, combining destinations to tailor their cruise experience. With official OIC/SMIIC Standard Halal-Friendly Cruise Ship certification, guests can indulge in certified halal offerings onboard, ensuring a comfortable and culturally sensitive voyage.
Women’s Sanctuary
Womens Sanctuary is a women-led retreat rooted in Islamic tradition, centering around Islamic principles with the aim of offering guests an opportunity to reconnect with their spirituality. The next retreat titled Plants of the Quran will take place from June 17-22 in Sicily.
Sakina Retreats
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Sakina Retreats, based in Sydney, Australia, offers Muslim-led getaways designed to bring guests a sense of inner peace and tranquility. With a diverse range of activities including guided hikes, art workshops, and therapeutic sessions, travelers are invited on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual rejuvenation in breathtaking Australian locales.
The Maldives
In addition to being a honeymoon hotspot, The Maldives has also emerged as a prime destination for Muslim couples and families seeking a serene getaway. With Islam as the official religion and a Muslim-majority population, the Maldives has ramped up its Islamic tourism efforts, attracting visitors from around the world who are looking for a halal island escape. Halal food is easy to find, with many resorts offering halal options or fully tailored experiences. While there are no officially designated halal resorts, every resort can cater to Muslim guests, making it a go-to destination for those seeking a halal vacation. May we suggest the Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort and Spa? Situated on the private island of Furanafushi, guests can choose from a range of villas and bungalows offering breathtaking views of the pristine white-sand beaches and blue lagoons.
Bali
A tropical paradise, Bali is fast becoming a top choice for halal-friendly holidays. As a part of Indonesia, a country with a Muslim-majority population, Bali offers an increasing number of resorts and restaurants offering halal food and services so Muslim travelers can enjoy a worry-free escape. From stunning beaches to serene temples, Bali offers both relaxation and adventure while ensuring your dietary and spiritual needs are met.
The Albanian Riviera
With a rich Islamic heritage, Albania is fast becoming a tourist hotspot for Muslim travelers. The Albanian Riviera, a stretch of coastline along the Ionian Sea, is known for its stunning unspoiled sand beaches, turquoise waters, and breathtaking mountain landscapes.
