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DESERT TRACKS IN OMAN

MIDDLE EAST FEAST IN AJMAN

tour would include a visit to the Grand Mosque, the markets and souk in Muttrah and the Sultan’s Palace, which is flanked by the Portuguese forts Jalali and Mirani, before finishing with a visit to the Bait Al Zubair Museum for a look back in time at Oman’s past. Oman’s cuisine is also topnotch, whether fine hotel-based dining or more humble street food. Gold Medal (goldmedal.co.uk) has three nights at the five-star Al Bandar at Shangri La Barr Al Jissah, staying in a deluxe room on a B&B basis, including return economy flights with Oman Air from Heathrow and the Muscat City Tour. Prices start from £906pp, up to September 30. Alternative Option: The tiny, oil- and gas-rich nation of Qatar is gradually increasing its cultural offerings, including various art galleries and the National Museum of Qatar. The client asks for an action-packed beach holiday in the Mediterranean…

... You suggest Ras Al Khaimah

Ras al Khaimah, or RAK, is fast-becoming the adventure capital of the Gulf. The Jebel Jais Flight zipline is 1.76 miles long and takes adrenaline junkies on a three-minute ride over spectacular rocky terrain. RAK is the northernmost emirate and the nearest to Oman. If your client wants

an idea of how Dubai was 30 years ago suggest here. It has the desert and beach but without the high-rises and traffic. It also has a burgeoning luxury hotel scene, with a focus on eco-resorts. Next year sees the opening of The Anantara Resort in Mina Al Arab. An eco-sanctuary, It will have 300 rooms, suites and over-water villas in sthe style of a property in the Maldives. An InterContinental is also due to open in Mina al Arab, followed by eight more hotels in 2021. If Only (ifonly.net) has five nights at the five-star deluxe Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah, in a Classic Room, including complimentary half-board and return flights with Emirates from £939pp.

“The Gulf has performed fantastically well as an overall destination since the beginning of 2019” Iain Raeper, If Only

…You suggest Dubai

a warm climate, a golf destination, some interest for foodies and lots of activities for young adults. She says: “They were thinking Caribbean but I quoted four hotels in Dubai and they liked the new Mandarin Oriental best. This option is perfect for them as they have a huge choice of golf courses and packages which I can pre-book for them. They are also keen on racing so I’m looking in to a day at Meyden race course for them. “There are endless suggestions for activities and days out for the adult sons, from a snow dome to water parks and dune buggy excursions.” Lusso Travel (lussotravel.com) is offering six nights at the Mandarin Oriental Dubai for four people, half-board with transfers, and return economy flights with Emirates for £3,415pp, departing in December 2019.

Compared to the Caribbean, Dubai involves a shorter flight and often more competitive deals for flights and hotels. Sheryl Makin, Director of the Luxury Travel Boutique, was asked to find a beach holiday for a family with musts including

Alternative option: Ajman is also worth considering for a fly-and-flop holiday with hotelbased activities. It’s easily accessible from Dubai, just a 40-minute drive along the coast, but still relatively unknown. 

Alternative Option: Neighbouring Oman is even less developed, especially in the rugged Musandam Peninsula, and is world famous for its spectacular scuba diving. The client asks for a luxury break in the Caribbean with lots of activities for the kids…

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