DESTINATIONS WINTER MIDDLE EAST
the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which is popular because it’s such an opulent piece of architecture, and the Formula One race track on Yas Island, where visitors can drive around the track themselves. The island is also home to Ferrari World and Yas Waterworld, while back in the centre, the Louvre Abu Dhabi opened last month, so that’s creating a lot of buzz. Hotels tend to be quite corporate but the leisure options are growing. The Emirates Palace is an attraction in itself. It might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but people are intrigued to see what one of the most expensive hotels ever built looks like. There’s gold everywhere you look; even your coffee is served with gold leaf. It’s set on the coast and is ideal for families, as well as couples, with extensive kids’ facilities and two pool areas. The hotel is also conveniently located for visiting the Grand Mosque, shopping malls and other attractions. The top-end suites are big enough for families, but they’re also great for honeymooners. One of the most unique properties, though, is the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, located outside the city in the Rub’ al Khali desert. The hotel itself has a huge spa and is at the top end of the market. Recommend one of the royal residences for couples
RIGHT: Sheikh Zayed Grand
Mosque BELOW:
Ritz-Carlton Ras Al
Khaimah
after something a little special with in-room spa treatments and other extras. If you combine that with a stay at the Emirates Palace, you have a really luxury break in the city.” Book it: Three nights’ half-board in a Coral Room at the Emirates Palace combined with three nights’ bed and breakfast in a Deluxe Garden Room at Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara starts at £1,585 per person, including a half-board upgrade. The price is based on two sharing and includes private transfers and BA flights from London in April.
lussotravel.com
w THE ACTIVE BREAK: DUBAI AND THE DESERT Iain Raeper, product manager for Arabia, Indian Ocean & Thailand, If Only
“From water parks, theme parks and tobogganing in the Snowdome to golf, fishing and dune-bashing, there are plenty of adventures on offer in Dubai, making it an ideal destination for those who prefer to be active. Adrenaline junkies can even do a tandem sky dive over The Palm Jumeirah or try the XDubai zipline over the Dubai Fountain. For a really active experience, I’d suggest heading out into the desert.
72
travelweekly.co.uk 7 December 2017
We’ve seen an increase in clients enjoying a twin-centre holiday combining city and beach or city and desert
The new Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert resort offers activities including archery, biking, falconry, fishing, bird-watching walks, nature drives, stargazing, horse riding and yoga, making it ideal for adventurous clients. This year, we’ve seen an increase in clients enjoying a twin-centre holiday within Dubai and the UAE, combining city and beach or city and desert.” Book it: Three nights’ bed and breakfast in an Al Rimal Pool Villa at the Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah starts at £1,169 per person, based on two adults sharing. The price includes flights from Gatwick with Emirates, private transfers and airport taxes, and is valid for stays from January 7 to February 15, 2018, when booked by December 31.
agents.ifonly.net
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