Goa Dubai
never see the bottom of their glass and never lift a finger unless they really, really want to. Pick the best hotel they can afford within their budget, and check whether they want a central spot near the buzzing Dubai Marina and malls, or a quieter getaway outside the city centre on The Palm or at JA
Resorts’ main
Jebel Ali complex.
Fun: Joanne Lowery, Dubai and Arabia destination specialist at Gold Medal, says: “It’s not only the weather that makes Dubai the perfect destination for a winter break. With theme parks, water parks, desert safaris and city tours, there is so much to see and do to keep active.”
One of the quickest ways to X xy xyx yxixyx KidZania
gain perspective is zooming to the 124th floor of the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, for unbeatable bird’s-eye views over the emirate (At the Top, from £25.56 through Gold Medal), or see it from the water on a dhow cruise departing from Dubai Marina (£36.67). If sunseekers can stand to be away from the beach a bit longer, suggest dune-bashing through the desert in a 4x4 or a camel safari (£93.33). For the kids: Choose an action- packed hotel with good on-site facilities – Atlantis the Palm is home to Aquaventure and the Lost Chambers Aquarium, while Wild Wadi Water Park is free to guests of Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Madinat Jumeirah and Burj Al Arab, with one complimentary visit for those at other Jumeirah properties,
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travelweekly.co.uk — 16 October 2014
or £46 for non-guests. If the sun gets too strong, head indoors to miniature world KidZania or gaming paradise Sega Republic, both in the Dubai Mall. Book it: Five nights at the four-star JA Ocean View Resort starts at £659 with Gold Medal, based on two sharing on a B&B basis, flying Emirates from Heathrow on December 3.
goldmedal.co.uk Or try: Neighbour Oman offers a bewitching mix of historic forts and ancient cities, rolling deserts with Bedouin camps, and phenomenal marine life around the Musandam peninsula.
l MAURITIUS: ISLE OF ADVENTURE Sun: With an 870-metre-long main beach, a list of all-inclusive cocktails as extensive as its all-inclusive dining, and 19 acres of tropical gardens, the 286-room Club Med La Pointe aux Canonniers has earned its credentials as a relaxing escape. Fun: Mauritius is the most active destination in the Indian Ocean – albeit among some of the most tranquil islands in the world – with a lush green interior offering everything from zip-lining and
quad biking to helicopter flights. Visitors who would rather
stay in-resort can still get their hearts pumping with a range of watersports. At Club Med, this includes lessons in waterskiing, wakeboarding and sailing; beginners’ tuition in tennis, snorkelling and pilates; plus free access to kayaks, water polo and beach volleyball. For the kids: Free clubs are provided six days a week for kids aged four or older, or at a supplement for younger tots, with activities ranging from sports and art to stage shows or songs. A teen-focused Junior Club Med runs on selected dates. Book it: A week at Club Med La Pointe aux Canonniers starts at £2,155 per adult and £1,155 per child over six (under-sixes stay free), with all-inclusive accommodation, flights from Gatwick, resort transfers and activities, departing February 15.
clubmed.co.uk Or try: Jumeirah Vittaveli shows how to tailor the rest of the Indian Ocean to suit any level of activity. The Maldivian resort offers the Talise Spa and new outdoor cinema for those who like a quieter life, or excursions to neighbouring
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