World Traveller - May/June'21

INSPIRED BY

ISSUE 149 | MAY-JUNE 2021 | DHS 15

Produced in Dubai Production City

EID ESCAPES MADEIRA STAYCATIONS TRAVEL OFFERS

Greece is the word

Why the Greek islands should be on your mind this summer

BEST HOTEL INDIAN OCEAN ANANTARA KIHAVAH

WINNER

MALDIVES CALLING Rediscover tropical bliss in the Maldives, and indulge in a carefree island experience with a full range of meal plans to suit your every need.

Create unforgettable memories at Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives, a palm-fringed paradise with family-friendly accommodation and where up to two children stay and eat for free. Or restore your inner peace at the exquisite adults-only Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives in the North Malé Atoll, a short speedboat ride from Velana International Airport.

Enjoy peace of mind when staying with Centara Hotels & Resorts with the certified Centara Complete Care health and hygiene programme.

Contact your local dnata travel store for the best rates and offers.

Discover more at www.centarahotelsresorts.com

Welcome note

Essential travel is a phrase we’ve very familiar with in the current news cycle. Rules and regulations are still in place around the globe, and movement between countries, states and sometimes even households has been restricted to

Managing Director Victoria Thatcher Chief Creative Officer John Thatcher General Manager David Wade Content & Social Editor Hayley Kadrou Deputy Editor Sophia Dyer Art Director Kerri Bennett Digital Media Manager Muthu Kumar

‘essential’ only. But for the wanderlusters among us, the two words mean something else entirely; the globetrotting experiences we absolutely must undertake during our lifetimes.

Part three of our essential travel series (p18) includes watching the sunset over the ancient temples of Cambodia’s Angkor Wat, and encountering the Terracotta Warriors in China.

On the subject of bucket lists, if island hopping in Greece is on yours, flip to page 42 for the ten islands to tick off – and not the ones you’re probably expecting to see.

If Madeira has never featured on your list, turn to page 36 to discover why this misunderstood Portuguese region really should.

Future travel lists updated, now time to plan the long weekend. This Eid, we’re casting a vote for rediscovering the traditions of the UAE. Turn to page 50 for our round-up of the staycation spots around the Emirates – bedouin-style desert retreats to luxury resorts – that will help you reconnect with local culture.

Enjoy the read.

The World Traveller Team

FIVE THINGS WE LEARNED THIS ISSUE: 1

You can still travel across the river Nile ancient-Pharaoh style by sailing a traditional felucca boat harmoniously through the waters. p22

2

Atop Berlin's famous Brandenburg Gate stands the Quadriga statue – once stolen by Napoleon before being retrieved by Hitler. p31

3

High on the north-east shoulder of Madeira, Portuguese hamlet Santana is one of Europe’s most remote locations. p38

4

A nature reserve running off mostly renewable energy sources, Greek island Tilos hosts more goats than tourists – even when tourism is booming. p47

5

Al Seef Heritage Hotel located in Old Dubai has a vintage playground hidden within its stone walls. p52 INSPIRED BY

Photography credits: iStock by Getty Images, supplied Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from HOT Media is strictly prohibited.

HOT Media does not accept liability for omissions or errors in World Traveller.

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COVER IMAGE Zakynthos, Greece

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Contents May-June 2021 One&Only Portonovi

14

GLOBETROTTER

08

13

GLOBETROTTER

READER OFFERS

The destinations topping our list this month include the Sunshine State and the cradle of the pharaohs.

This month sees a slew of new hotels open up as restrictions lift, so say hello to the latest Mandarin Oriental and St. Regis properties.

It's time we sent you packing. Choose your next adventure, whether near or far, from our exclusive reader offers.

OH, THE PLACES YOU'LL GO

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regulars 64

SUITE DREAMS

We're taking you to Tuscany this issue, where we've fallen for a dreamy Pool House at the Bongo Santo Pietro boutique resort.

R AR E, INDIGE NO US , CAPT I VAT I NG Experience the alluring, golden desert landscape, the captivating silence of nature, the free-roaming wildlife in the reserve, all enjoyed from your private suite and pool. Indulge in a luxurious desert adventure with camel treks, horseback riding, falconry, archery, dune drives and more.

FOR RESERVATIONS, PLEASE CALL +971 4 832 9900 OR VISIT AL-MAHA.COM

BEST MIDDLE EAST HOTEL FOR SUSTAINABILITY

HI

GH

WINNER

DE

BEST MIDDLE EAST DESERT HOTEL

D

HOTELS THAT DEFINE THE DESTINATION

LY C M MEN O

CONTENTS

features 18

36

42

50

Part three of our writers' top travel experiences see us float down the Nile and dance in Cuba.

Is Madeira unknown?

No. Misunderstood?

Absolutely, says Chris Leadbetter as he scales its peaks.

The 10 most popular islands in Greece – and the quiet ones you should visit instead.

Can't travel as usual this Eid? Why not spend the long weekend reconnecting with Arabian culture?

ESSENTIAL TRAVEL

MADEIRA, MINE

IN WITH THE OUT CROWD

ARABIAN NIGHTS

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ESSENTIAL TRAVEL

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‫ﻋﺻﻳﺭ ﺗُﻔّﺎﺡ‬

‫ﻋﺻﻳﺭ ﻛ َ​َﺭﺯ‬

‫ﻋﺻﻳﺭ ُﺭ ّﻣﺎﻥ‬

‫ﻋﺻﻳﺭ ﻓﻭﺍﻛﻪ ﺃﻭﺭﻭﺑﻳّﺔ ﻣﻥ ﺯﺭﺍﻋﺔ ﻋﺿﻭﻳﺔ‬

‫ﺇﺳﺗﻣﺗﻌﻭﺍ ﺑﻌﺻﻳﺭ ﻓﻭﺍﻛﻪ ﻣﻥ ﺯﺭﺍﻋﺔ ﻋﺿﻭﻳﺔ‬

‫ﺷﻬﻳّﺔ‬ ‫ﻋﺻﺎﺋﺭ ﻓﻭﺍﻛﻪ ُﻣﻣﺗﺎﺯﺓ ﻭ َ‬

‫‪www.euorganicjuices.eu‬‬

‫"ﺍﻟﻠﺟﻧﺔ ﺍﻷﻭﺭﻭﺑﻳﺔ ﻭﺍﻟﻭﻛﺎﻟﺔ ﺍﻟﺗﻧﻔﻳﺫﻳﺔ ﻟﺣﻣﺎﻳﺔ ﺍﻟﺻﺣﺔ ﺍﻟﻌﺎﻣﺔ ﻭﺍﻟ ُﻣﺳﺗﻬﻠﻛﻳﻥ‬ ‫ﻭﺍﻟﻣﻧﺗﺟﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﺯﺭﺍﻋﻳﺔ ﻭﺍﻟﻐﺫﺍﺋﻳﺔ" ﻫﻲ ﻏﻳﺭ َﻣﺳﺅﻭﻟﺔ ﻋﻥ ﺃﻱ ﺇﺳﺗﺧﺩﺍﻡ ﺃﻭ‬ ‫ﺇﺳﺗﻬﻼﻙ ﻳُﻣﻛﻥ ﺃﻥ ﻳﺗ ّﻡ ﻛﻧﺗﻳﺟﺔ ﺃﻭ ﺗﺑﻌﺎ ً ﻟﻠﻣﻌﻠﻭﻣﺎﺕ ﺍﻟ ُﻣﺣﺗﻭﻳﺔ ﻓﻲ ﺍﻟﺩﻋﺎﻳﺔ‪.‬‬

‫ﻫﻳﺋﺎﺕ ﺍﻹﺗﺣﺎﺩ ﺍﻷﻭﺭﻭﺑﻲ ﺗﺩﻋﻡ‬ ‫ﺣﻣﻼﺕ ﺍﻟﺗﺭﻭﻳﺞ ﺍﻟﺩﻋﺎﺋﻳﺔ ﺍﻟﺗﻲ‬ ‫ﺗﻬﺩﻑ ﺇﻟﻰ ﺗ َﺭﺷﻳﺩ ﺍﻟ ُﻣﺳﺗﻬﻠﻛﻳﻥ ﺇﻟﻰ‬ ‫ﺻﺣّﺔ‪.‬‬ ‫َﻧ َﻣﻁ َﻣﻌﻳﺷ ٍﺔ ﺃﻛﺛَﺭ ِ‬

‫ﻣﻭﻟﺔ ﺑﺩﻋﻡ‬ ‫ﺣﻣﻠﺔ ﺗﺭﻭﻳﺞ ﺩﻋﺎﺋﻳﺔ ُﻣ ّ‬ ‫ُﻣﻘﺩّﻡ ﻣﻥ ﺍﻹﺗﺣﺎﺩ ﺍﻷﻭﺭﻭﺑﻲ‪.‬‬

OH, THE PLACES YOU'LL GO

Emily Jenkins, dnata Travel’s resident globetrotter, reveals the places to add to your must-go list

Rabat, Malta

At the centre of the Mediterranean Sea, located between Tunisia and Sicily, lies the Maltese island archipelago.

Despite Malta’s compact size, the list of incredible beaches and historic sites to discover is sure to surprise you, and given their accessibility, it’s possible to take much in throughout a single trip. Travel from Malta’s vibrant capital, Valetta – a city built by knights and a UNESCO World Heritage Site – to the picturesque town of Rabat in its Northern Region. Rabat is best known for homing the historic ‘silent city’ of Mdina, a top tourist attraction, which sits atop a hill overlooking large parts of the island. Rabat offers a gateway to Mdina’s host of well-maintained, centuries-old buildings to be discovered, whilst the Old Town of Rabat is a pretty place to explore with colourful buildings full of character and lots of places to stop for local shopping and food, all surrounded by scenic woodlands.

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WISH LIST DESTINATIONS

Praslin, Seychelles

Located off of the eastern coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean, the Seychelles offers travellers the chance to experience some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, year-round good weather, outstanding hikes and dive sites, delicious Creole cuisine, and a range of unique, endangered species including the Aldabra giant tortoise. Land on its largest island, Mahé, and travel on by ferry (60 minutes) or air (20 minutes) to the second largest of the Seychelles’ public islands, Praslin. Here, the beaches are truly incredible, with powder-soft white sands, turquoise waters, lush greenery, and lined by majestic granite boulders. Don’t miss a trip to the beaches of Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette, whilst UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Vallee de Mai, offers a unique view of the famous Coco de Mer, the largest seed in the plant kingdom, formed from a palm tree once believed to have grown in the depths of the sea.

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Luxor, Egypt

Egypt is a land of colourful cities and incredible historic sites that take avid travellers back in time for a front-row view to its truly fascinating past. From an iconic Nile River cruise to the wonders of the Great Pyramids of Giza, most travel starts in the bustling capital, Cairo. Travel from there to Luxor (sail, for a unique perspective), for one of Egypt’s most spectacular settings and a unique view of life at the time of the pharaohs, with an unrivalled list of famous sights representative of ancient Egypt. Based on the river’s east bank in the country’s south, the city is based on the site of ancient Thebes, the capital for the pharaohs at the height of their power. Today, its eye into Egypt’s grand past surrounds two monuments – the Luxor Temple and the Karnak Temple. On the Nile's west bank lies the royal tombs of the Valley of the Kings, and the Valley of the Queens.

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WISH LIST DESTINATIONS

Key West, Florida

Also known as ‘The Sunshine State’, Florida lives up to its nickname, offering travellers approximately 237 days of sunshine a year. For most travellers, the first stop in a journey to Florida will take them to Orlando, the world’s theme park capital, while arts enthusiasts will travel straight on down to Miami. The ultimate Sunshine State road-trip can take you via these top cities down to Florida’s southernmost point, the island city and part of the Florida Keys archipelago, Key West. Lying north of Cuba, Key West is similarly known for its pastel-hued buildings, also its beaches and coral reefs, offering top locations for diving and snorkelling. Museums and other attractions are scattered across the islands, whilst the lively Duval Street in Key West’s downtown area offers a plethora of shops, restaurants, and world-famous nightlife and attractions.

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WORLD TRAVELLER X AMILLA RESORT AND RESIDENCES

Remarkable marine life, awe-inspiring natural landscapes, and space to spend the sun-soaked days unwinding in peace and privacy. That is what so much of the Maldivian archipelago offers to visitors near and far. But stay at Amilla Maldives Resort and Residences, and you can experience these signature Indian Ocean scenes in technicolour.

Located in the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, the aquatic landscape is especially vivid and vibrant. With only 67 contemporary accommodations features nestled with the 23.5 hectares of tropical landscape, the expanse of the island allows for an

unrivalled sense of privacy. Guests can enjoy self-contained luxury amenities such as pools, private beaches, and al fresco dining areas in a blissful bubble, whether they are floating above the glistening ocean or perched among the jungle canopies.

With over ten food and beverage outlets to suit every taste, a supersized infinity pool, a heavenly spa, and a dense portion of undisturbed natural landscape to roam amongst, guests at Amilla Maldives Resort and Residences will feel equally at home outside of their villa bubble, too.

Discover the fresh take Amilla – one of the Maldives' biggest islands – has on conscious and contemporary luxury for yourself, and be immersed in the playful Maldivian spirit as you explore natural landscapes, luxury accommodations and wellness-inspired amenities and cuisine.

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MAY/JUNE

Globetrotter Be informed, be inspired, be there

IDLYIC INVITATION Meaning ‘inviting’ in Greek, Kalesma Mykonos is beckoning travellers to nestle within the exclusive whitewashed walls of its 25 suites and villas. The luxury resort, opening on May 20, is situated in the town of Aleomandra, named after the sacred Delian stables which, according to ancient mythology, once sheltered the horses of Apollo. Though the suites and villas here will provide more than just shelter to the discerning guests that check-in to this paradisiacal spot. Four on-site restaurants will see visitors wined and dined on seasonal and local produce, while the private pool of each villa and suite boasts spectacular sea views to spark total rejuvenation.

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GLOBETROTTER Garden View Suite, The Rooster © Yannis Rizomarkos (photo), Anestis Michalis (styling)

OPEN DOORS

Three new hotels to visit for three different reasons FOR AN HOLISTIC ESCAPE A boutique hotel on the Greek isle of Antiparos, The Rooster is a wellness resort that’s been designed with slow living in mind.

Opening on June 1, there are 17 individual houses, each with a private garden and pool. With physical and emotional rejuvenation at the core of this resort, there’s a multidisciplinary focus on relaxation. Nourishing the body is ‘farm to table’ concept The Restaurant, which uses fresh, locallysourced ingredients to create healthy meals. The natural beauty of the island rejuvenates the soul, while The House of Healing spa uses ancient medicinal

treatments to refresh the mind, body, and spirit connection.

FOR LUXURIOUS EXPERIENCE Ultra-exclusive, the One&Only Portonovi brings lavish extravagance to Montenegro on May 1. Sat at the entrance of Boka Bay on the Adriatic coast, a mountainous area, a selection of groomed gardens and a 238-berth super yacht marina provides the backdrop to the indulgent Venetian façade of this hotel.

Elegance is the theme of each of the exquisitely designed guest rooms, suites and villas, with first class service as the silk

thread running between.

Epicures won’t be disappointed as Sabia

by Giorgio Locatelli will serve Riviera-style Italian fare, while pool club, Tapasake Club, will cook up a taste of Asia.

Mall, which boasts 140 shops, including Elie Saab.

If you tire of the retail outlets here, take The Palm Monorail to The Golden Mile Galleria or to The Pointe, a dining and retail destination which holds the Guinness World Record for the world’s largest fountain display. Female guests of the hotel will also be able to enjoy the ritual of afternoon tea in the ladiesonly lounge.

FOR A SHOPPING BREAK A 5-star hotel on the iconic trunk of Palm Jumeirah, The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm is set to open in May and is attached to Nakheel

ICONIC REVIVAL The 110-year-old Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid is reopening this month after a three-year restoration period. Located within the Golden Triangle of Art, and at the centre of Madrid’s historic area, this hotel calls to the culturally inclined and opens with a celebratory offer until August 31. Adhering to César Ritz’s original concept, the makeover has breathed new life into each of the 153 luxurious rooms.

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GLOBETROTTER

HOW I TRAVEL From top to bottom: Prague, Czech Republic; Portugal; Dubai

THE FIRST PLACE ON MY POST-PANDEMIC TRAVEL LIST IS… Paris. The European culture, nice weather, and the fine cuisine makes this a trip I’m happy to wait for.

MY FAVOURITE FOODIEDESTINATIONS ARE….

I cook Middle Eastern food, so I love travelling to the Middle East where the culture and flavours inspire me.

THE THING I LOVE MOST ABOUT TRAVELLING IS… As a chef, I love discovering new places and flavours. I believe that the local culture plays a huge role in shaping the way people prepare and eat food. I enjoy learning about a country through its cuisine.

I FIND THE BEST RESTAURANTS ON HOLIDAY BY…. My sister makes the best recommendations when it comes to dining abroad. She is a master of locating new and unique experiences.

THE STAMP IN MY PASSPORT I’M MOST PROUD OF IS… United Arab Emirates. The warmth and the amazing welcome I received here makes this place feel like home. I’ve always wanted to open my first restaurant outside of Turkey in Dubai, and it has been an amazing experience.

say about travel, that it builds your character: I’ve had very rich experiences in both these countries, not only as a chef, but on a personal and cultural level. I learnt a lot about myself and gained new perspectives.

Burak Özdemir Turkish chef, restaurateur and social media sensation CZN Burak (@cznburak) shares his favourite travel experiences

IF YOU VISIT TURKEY, YOU MUST TRY... CZNBurak Restaurants! We have six in Turkey, so make sure you pass by.

MY FAVOURITE DISH TO COOK IS… Kunafeh. It’s a traditional dessert which we share with many other Middle Eastern countries.

WHEN I TRAVEL, I PACK… I consider myself a light packer.

I don’t like to travel with many things. But recently I always make sure to travel with a hygiene kit, to be safe.

I KEEP MYSELF ENTERTAINED WHEN TRAVELLING BY… When on the plane, I enjoy playing the PlayStation, as it makes the time go faster.

THE COUNTRY THAT INSPIRED ME THE MOST WAS … Czech Republic and Portugal. It’s true what they worldtravellerme.com 15

Crossroads Maldives offers a three-in-one experience

Crossroads Maldives Elevate your Maldivian escape by exploring the largest lifestyle hub in the archipelago, Crossroads Maldives, that brings together luxury resorts with unique entertainment like nowhere else

T

hree islands, two resorts and endless experiences – Crossroads Maldives is a one-of-a-kind holiday destination. The stunning Indian Ocean location is the first multiisland, fully integrated leisure destination.

Nestled between the breathtakingly exotic Kaafu Atoll and Emboodhoo Lagoon lies not one, but two luxury resorts. The heart of the hub is SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton, which boasts contemporary design, a playful style and a long list of adrenaline-pumping adventures. Meanwhile, soul is served at the iconic Hard Rock Hotel Maldives – instantly magnetic, and youthful yet nostalgic in spirit.

Whichever resort calls out to guests, they can still stimulate mind and body by crossing over to The Marina @ CROSSROADS that unites the collection of islands with entertainment options – over a dozen dining choices, two luxury spas, and 16 worldtravellerme.com

a series of shopping outlets – that ensure there's never a risk of boredom for guests at Crossroads Maldives. Head to The Beach Club which oozes European chic, dine in the iconic Hard Rock Cafe, set sail over the glistening waters from the Yacht Marina, or expand your mind at the country's first Marine Discovery Centre. Little ones? A trip to the enigmatic Koimala & Maalimi’s Junior Beach Club and Camp will have them bursting with joy. So there's only one choice to make – which luxury resort to opt for?

SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection

by Hilton The tropical scenery that surrounds this resort instantly qualifies it as a playful retreat from the everyday stresses of urban life – perfect for couples and families alike.

In true Maldivian style, villas stretch along the waters like a village street, but with corals rather than cobbles lying beneath the thatched roof accommodations. Traditional

A day at The Beach Club is a must for guests at both resorts

exteriors hide fresh, contemporary interiors within, whether you decide upon a 360-sea view in the Water Villas or opt for the Beach

WORLD TRAVELLER X CROSSROADS MALDIVES Contemporary interior design leads the way at SAii Lagoon Maldives

Villa to see the shore, too. Outside of each beautiful accommodation – which we admit might be hard to leave – aquatic adventures await, such as diving into the deep blue and taking to the waves on a jetski. By nightfall, strolling to the luxury marina for a host of activities and change of scene is just a bridge away.

Hard Rock Hotel Maldives If SAii Lagoon is the heart, then Hard Rock Hotel Maldives is certainly the soul of Crossroads Maldives. Here, you can take all the five stars the Indian Ocean luxury promises and mix them with nostalgic rockstar style for a truly unique experience.

As for accommodation, options include the likes of the Rock Star Villa – which boasts private boat docking, a tuk-tuk bar, infinity pool, Jukebox, large outdoor deck with loungers for sun-soaking, outdoor and indoor dining areas and butler room with a service pantry. Not to mention Fender

Book in for a treatment at the Hard Rock Spa for a well-deserved break

Hard Rock Maldives' Rock Star Villa complete with ocean views

guitars and Crosley record players available to jam with, should music-inspired décor get your creative juices flowing. For further inspiration, just head to the Hard Rock Cafe Maldives for memorabilia galore.

To find out more visit crossroadsmaldives.com

Soak in sea views at SAii Lagoon Maldives

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Essential Travel: Part 3 Continuing to countdown our the 100 favourite travel experiences of our writers, here’s where they recommend once the time is right to travel…

This page, left to right: Angkor Wat; Salalah

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ESSENTIAL TRAVEL

Wander the historic site of Angkor Wat Cambodia

So important is Angkor Wat to this Asian country that it appears on the national flag. A must-witness for earlybirds is to experience the beauty of a sunrise like no other, as you watch light creeping over Cambodia’s ancient temples. Dating back to the twelfth- century and hidden by jungle for hundreds of years, this remarkable monument boasts a hand-carved wall which took over 100 years to construct, using mountainous rocks delivered by boat. If you want to beat (some of) the crowds, head to the site past dark for the night tour, where the monuments are lit up beautifully.

Stay in Salalah during summer

Oman

As the rest of the Gulf region swelters around 45°C, the coastal town of Salalah offers gorgeous climes and lush greenery. In Oman’s second largest city, coconut-fringed beaches and banana plantations wait to greet you, while the surrounding mountains attract the monsoon blowing in off the Indian Ocean. The town itself is a sprawling expanse of whitewashed, low-rise buildings and Al Hosn Souk is a definite highlight; stop by to pick up a souvenir of frankincense for which the region is famed. Be sure to also visit Al Baleed Archaeological Site on the east of the city – a UNESCO World Heritage Site of citadel and grand mosque ruins.

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ESSENTIAL TRAVEL

Drive The Atlantic Road Norway

For a unique twist on that old American favourite, a road trip on the Atlantic Road is a must-do. Built on several small islands and skerries, it’s one of the most scenic drives anywhere, with stunning open views on both sides. Teetering along the edge of the sea, the 8km of curved road dips and arches over the brutal waves of the Norwegian Sea, with ocean spray soaking the road during high winds. Linking Molde and Kristiansund via eight breathtaking bridges, the road is peppered with viewing platforms from which you can often spot whales and seals. When the weather turns gloomy, this road is a veritable photographer’s dream.

These pages, clockwise from above: Norway, New Zealand, Croatia

Feast on Michelin star fare Hong Kong

Want a world-class dining experience where the memories linger on your lips rather than your credit card?

Hong Kong is your hero. At Tim Ho Wan, you’ll secure simplistic yet classy cuisine on your plate, and savour it against an unassuming backdrop: this is a venture for the true gourmand who cares about specialist dim sum, not interior-design razzmatazz.

Testament to the quality of the restaurant (well, more ‘hole-in-thewall eatery’) is that most of its patrons are locals, un-awed by the star status and here for the flavours. Founder Mak Pui Gor raised standards but not the prices; it will set you back around USD10. Another serving, please.

Glide through Milford Track New Zealand

Regarded ‘The best walk in the world’, the Milford Track route was pioneered in 1888. Traversing the heart of New Zealand’s wild-country through the Fiordland National Park, hikers who take a five day/four night walk from Queenstown get up close to birdlife such as indigenous parakeets, bellbirds and kiwi. On fine days the deep lakes, luxuriant forest and sheer granite canyons define the landscape, but experienced hikers claim the sight of rain cascading off the mountains makes for the best views. We 20 worldtravellerme.com

recommend tackling the hike in March – the weather is more settled, and fresh mornings, sunny days and cool nights are the norm.

Sail the Dalmatian coast Croatia

There are around 1,000 Dalmatian islands off the Adriatic coast of Croatia: set sail from Split in a southwesterly direction to come across Krknjasi Blue Lagoon on the east coast of Drvenik. Then, taste Croatian glamour by berthing alongside gleaming superyachts in the port of Skradin. From here, Kraka National Park’s magnificent waterfalls are just a short journey away. Sail on

to Vis Island – the most mysterious in Dalmatia thanks to years of isolation, and famed for its thriving fishing traditions. For the party vibe, make a beeline for Hvar and Korcula, while Miljet offers lush greenery and inland lagoons. You won't want to leave.

Never sleep in New York USA

NYC is the ideal USA-intro for the first-timer – it’s on the east coast, some 4,800km closer to the Middle East than LA, making direct flights much more manageable. The iconic skyline greets visitors from both of its major airports (JFK in the southeast or LaGuardia to the north), and

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ESSENTIAL TRAVEL

beyond the sightseeing must-dos like the Empire State Building, The High Line and the Statue of Liberty, there are countless other unforgettable experiences to be had in The Big Apple. Sip coffee in Brooklyn, shop the big brands on Fifth Avenue and unwind in sprawling Central Park; you'll feel you’re at the centre of the world.

trip option that takes riders through Ventoux the Alps and Paris itself.

Come Tour-time, there are even be-spoke VIP packages for you to spectate and then partake (once the competition-primed riders have departed, of course). It won’t secure you the coveted yellow jersey, but it’s a trip that will leave your sport-loving friends green with envy.

Retrace the Tour de France France

Dine under the stars at Ayers Rock

There are a multitude of cycling vacations available around the globe, but why not test yourself against the most prestigious route of them all?

Thomson Bike Tours allows just that, including a King of the Mountains Cycling challenge (with Extreme and Hardcore intensity options) or a

Now known as Uluru, Ayers Rock is much easier to imagine than to actually get to. The 300-millionyear-old natural wonder is almost 3,000km from Sydney, across brutal, unforgiving outback desert. Australia’s main airlines both fly to Ayers Rock

These pages, from left to right: Egypt; Australia

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Australia

Airport, and luxury coach transfers can be taken from Alice Springs. Once there, The Ayers Rock Resort offers a breathtaking ‘Sounds of Silence’ experience. Canapés and sparkling drinks are served as the sun sets over the ancient monolith, turning it fiery red, gold and finally a deep purple as night falls. As the stars twinkle into life, a bush-tucker inspired buffet entertains the tastebuds.

Take a Nile cruise Egypt

Think you’re not the cruising type?

Think again – because the Nile is one of the world’s most atmospheric boating destinations, where millennia of rich history are intertwined with myths and legends. Opt for a felucca, a traditional Nile vessel, to glide down-river in

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ESSENTIAL TRAVEL

Pharoah-esque style, gazing out over restless waters beneath vast white sails billowing in the breeze. Of course, one of the highlights of cruising the Nile is the opportunity for adventures on land. You’ll disembark to discover the ruined glory of the Valley of the Kings, colossal statues of Ramses II, and the crumbling Temple of Karnack.

Island hop from Boracay to Palawan, and beyond Philippines

The search for the best beach in the world leads countless travellers to the Philippines. White sands, electric blue water and waving palm trees are most people’s idea of paradise, and Boracay, Palawan and Linapacan

have them in abundance. The clearest waters in the world are found in the Linapacan area, halfway between El Nido and Coron. There are countless boat operators happy to take you on a voyage between the islands in privacy, for the right price, or you can take the public ferry from San Fernando – just be wary of the waves, which can be difficult to navigate in February time.

Encounter the Terracotta Warriors in Shaanxi China

They lay undiscovered for 2,000 years, took 720,000 builders to create, and each is unique down to its hairstyle – the Terracotta warriors are a feat of

history and an experience not to be missed. It will take you at least half a day to explore all three vaults and the exhibition hall, so visit in the afternoon when there are fewer groups of tourists. For the impressive finale, start at the smallest pit and work your way up to the biggest – the size of an aircraft hangar. If quirky souvenirs are your bag, don’t miss the gift shop, where you can get a warrior statue personalised with your own face.

Take-in the Taj Mahal India

The image of this iconic structure is no doubt already burned into your brain, but its majesty should be seen to be fully appreciated. Whilst the palace

These pages, from left to right: Philippines; China

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ESSENTIAL TRAVEL

is obviously a sight in itself, it’s the magical atmosphere and romantic back story which adds to the aura – Mughal emperor Shah Jahan built it in memory of his wife. Like most wonders of the world, get there early (it opens at 6.30am) to avoid the crowds, and behold the morning sun glinting off the stunning white marble – you simply must experience seeing it in real life. Take refuge from the midday heat across the road from the East Gate exit, where you can grab coffee and bask in air conditioning.

Dance the night away in Havana Cuba

Outlawed from America since the 1960s, the island of Cuba has been preserved like a living museum – its colonial cities crumbling gently, its old-fashioned cars spluttering in the street, and its mambo music unheard by all but the most intrepid travellers.

The easing of travel restrictions with the US in 2016 sparked fears that the old Cuba would be lost forever, but such fears have proved largely unfounded. Head first to Havana, where those Cuban characteristics have flourished, creating a surprisingly vibrant capital city: a land of hand-rolled cigars, palatial hotels, and jazz quartets jiving in the streets.

Soak-in summer on the Côte d’Azur France

The French Riviera is a daydream come to life. The playground of the Med, it’s 70km of hills, islands, harbours, blue waters and the coast.

Its secluded villas; yachts who’ve dropped anchor for occupants to explore landside; a cultural region where Picasso, Matisse, Renoir and others have brushed a legacy; where a meander down the Riviera takes in the major cities of Nice, Monaco and Marseille, unspolit Îles d’Hyères, and regions like Grimaud and Provence.

It’s lazy days lounging on the beaches of St. Tropez, or exploring the history of Provence, noseying in vineyards and taking postcard-perfect snaps. In short, it’s luxurious laid-back bliss.

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Cuba

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ESSENTIAL TRAVEL

Watch for giant turtles while following in Darwin’s footsteps The Galápagos Islands

The Galápagos are ruled by animals – make no mistake. Sure, they’ll let you sail through the waters, pose for you on soft sandy beaches, and even swim alongside you while you’re snorkelling.

But those who call this place home – giant turtles, rainbow-coloured iguanas, blue-footed booby birds, seals and more – rule the roost. They’ll barely bat an eyelid at your presence, leaving you free to explore the spectacular volcanic islands, stepping over sunbathing lizards and treading the path of Sir Charles Darwin, who in 1839 called the Galápagos archipelago “a world within its own.”

He wasn’t wrong.

with the scent of coffee dancing on the breeze. It feels the whole city is yours alone.

Walk the Great Wall of China (maybe not the whole thing) China

Given the sheer size of this behemoth, tours are split up into sections.

The most tourist friendly are the Jinshanling to Simatai routes and the section around Badaling, popular due to their immaculate restoration and family friendly conditions, which equate to large crowds. More adventurous types

Join the Mardi Gras in New Orleans USA

New Orleans has put the terrible effects of Hurricane Katrina behind it and the annual Mardi Gras parade 28 worldtravellermagazine.com is now a triumphant celebration of togetherness, as well as an excuse for an almighty party and parade. The next Mardi Gras runs from March 1, 2022, when the weather is comfortably cool. The origins of Mardi Gras can be traced back to medieval Europe, when celebrations took place through Rome and Venice in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. New Orleans was established by European colonists in 1718, who imported the revelry.

Lose yourself in the heart of Venice Italy

Venice deserves a list all to itself.

From reclining in a gondola to crossing the Bridge of Sighs, and gawping at the golden treasures of the Doge’s Palace… we’d have to write a whole guidebook to do justice to this sumptuous city. But one of the greatest pleasures of visiting Venice is actually putting away your map and manual, and getting lost for the sheer thrill of it. One moment you’ll be amid the crowds, but the next you’ll be wandering through the most ornate backstreets you’ve ever encountered, 28 worldtravellerme.com

These pages, clockwise from above: China; Italy Galápagos Islands

often head to the Jiankou or Zhuangdaokou sections, where they're faced with dangerous and difficult terrain, but rewarded with wonderful scenery. The middle ground is Jinshanling or Huanghua Cheng, offering a smattering of souvenir shops, but marginally less busy and moderately easy to hike.

Tread in the footsteps of giants Northern Ireland

Giant’s Causeway is sheer otherworldliness: a jagged promontory of almost 40,000 neatly-packed columns of polygon

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The Maldives

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ESSENTIAL TRAVEL

basalt rocks, created some 60 million years ago. The result of a massive subterranean explosion, the site is steeped in mythical folklore, with its name stemming from the fable of Irish giant Finn MacCool and his arch enemy Benandonner in Scotland.

Legend has it the causeway was created as a path for the giants so they could fight, and that it was hastily torn up as the Scottish giant ran back across the water. The almost-perfect hexagon tubes are actually an epic legacy to lava – the precision of them beggars belief.

Stay in an overwater villa The Maldives

Ah, the Maldives. The iridescent ocean, that cream coloured sand, those sunsets which allow the sky to show off every shade between yellow and red and, topping them all, the iconic overwater villas. Nothing says you’re in the Maldives quite like stepping from your veranda and seeing an uninterrupted expanse of sea. Resorts with overwater villas to-die-for include the wonderful Soneva Fushi, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa (be sure to book the one with the infinity pool), and the all-inclusive Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa, Maldives. The bungalows at Cocoa Island, meanwhile, are designed to look like traditional dhoni boats.

See the Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Germany

Stimulating, creative and oh-so-cool, Germany’s Bohemian capital is a city of many faces. A magnet for history buffs, frequented by partygoers, a hub for business and an increasingly family-friendly city, it’s without a doubt a European all-rounder.

Fittingly, its iconic Brandenburg Gate has served as the backdrop to some of the most significant moments in modern European history. The eighteenth-century sandstone arch clocks in at an impressive 26m, and is topped with the Quadriga statue, which was stolen by Napoleon before being retrieved by Hitler. The gate stands as testament to peace, as a symbol of unity.

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ESSENTIAL TRAVEL

Take a cruise between Grand Cayman, the Bahamas and beyond The Caribbean

Strewn across the sea like a necklace of glittering emeralds, the rainforestcovered Caribbean islands have entranced travellers for centuries – and as soon as you set foot on them, you’ll understand why. For the best experience, take to the waves in a liveaboard boat or yacht charter: you’ll ease into local life, with fresh fish on tap and great bonhomie between sailors. Each sun-drenched island has its own character, from all-natural Grenada and wild child 32 worldtravellerme.com

Dominica, to the lavish resorts of St Lucia and the unrivalled luxury of the Bahamas. Pinch yourself: you’re in paradise.

sky-skimming suites providing an unrivalled vantage.

Book a suite at the world’s tallest five-star hotel

Brace the sub-zero temperatures, don your cashmere, and immerse yourself in a Moscow winter. Witness The First Throne at its best and most authentic, see the storybook Red Square aglow with twinkling lights, then warm up with a spot of ice skating. A city where even the shopping malls have Instagram-worthy architecture, take in some Stalinist history while you browse, then continue the culture trip in one of the capital’s many museums.

UAE

Dubai has set many a world record, but in the travel-stakes it’s a fact that this skyline is home to the world’s tallest hotel – any traveller has an eagerness to tick this one off their list of must-stays. On the fringe of Downtown, the 76-storey, 355m-tall JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai enjoys fine views across the city, with

Explore Moscow Russia

These pages, from left to right: Caribbean, Russia

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Extend your journey with World Traveller magazine by heading online to read more inspirational and exclusive travel content and take advantage of upto-the-minute hotel and holiday features

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MADEIRA p36 GREECE p42 EID GETAWAYS p50

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These pages: Sunrise at Ribeira da Janela

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MADEIRA

Madeira mine Is Madeira unknown? No. Misunderstood? Absolutely, says Chris Leadbetter as he scales its peaks

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n many senses, Delicias da Bia is not the best of adverts for the idea of social distancing.

There is a queue of sorts in this cafe-bakery, but it sprawls and spills, shuffles and shifts; conversations bouncing back and forth around the room while people 'wait' to be served.

It takes me 20 minutes to inch all the way to the counter. It is not that the service is slow, nor that there is any overt favouritism towards locals over random strangers – more that half of Madeira seems to be here in these vague minutes of an ordinary Sunday morning. Children scurry, groups of young men loiter over coffee, matriarchs stand still and unsmiling, eyeing the loaves of bread on rear shelves that are disappearing with every satisfied customer. At a corner table, a priest is forking at a slab of cake, still in uniform, even though his duties at the church up the lane have been completed. My own order – pasteis de nata with a bica of hot dark caffeine, is – when it arrives – worth the 'delay'.

In other ways, though, Delicias da Bia is a definition of keeping oneself to oneself. It sits in one of Europe’s most remote locations – high on the north-east shoulder of Madeira in a hamlet, Santana, that is over 20 miles from the island's only real centre of population, the capital Funchal. As I step out of the cafe, a chill gust barges in off the Atlantic, grey-blue and sullen, down on my right. In terms of getting away from it all, this is a fine start.

Madeira spent much of 2020 falling on and off the running tally of prohibited destinations but is now open to travellers who can present either a vaccination certificate, or proof that they have recently recovered from Covid-19 (while those who have escaped the virus and those yet to be vaccinated can enter via a free test on arrival). The reunion will be one of mutual joy.

It seems strange, amusing, even, for the island to have been deemed a trouble-spot. Some might say it has the world's least problematic image problem. It is often damned with faint praise – soft-soaped as a hub for genteel weekends in pleasingly pretty Funchal; for afternoon tea at Reid's Palace hotel; for the aroma of orchids

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MADEIRA'S PENTHOUSE SUITE STILL COMES WITH A HEIGHT AND A GRADIENT THAT SNAGS THE SINEWS. JAM, SCONES, EARL GREY? NOT UP HERE

at the Quinta da Boa Vista estate. Not that this is an unfair portrait, but it misses a wider point. That this outcrop off the west edge of Africa – 450 miles beyond Morocco and its Saharan sands – is a beast, born of lava and tectonic seabed pressure. It rears and it rises, all serrated shards and raw basalt, braced against the ocean's anger. Is it unknown?

No. Misunderstood? Absolutely.

Then again, perhaps a hint of something more daring has always been there. In which other city, for example, can tourists launch themselves seawards on a wicker sledge – as they do on the exhilarating Monte toboggan run down the hill in Funchal?

Certainly, there is an air of the exhilarating about the path in front of me. I have driven up from Santana, along a cobra-coil of curves – and now PR1.2 is sign-posted from the point where the road runs out. It will funnel me towards the island summit – a distant place indeed. True, in the context of the broader Atlantic, Pico Ruivo is no peerless Everest – Mount Teide, the docile monster of Tenerife, raises the stakes to an incomparable 12,198ft (3,718m); Pico, the most visibly volcanic piece of the Azorean jigsaw, jabs the sky at 7,713ft (2,351m). But, at 6,106ft (1,861m), Madeira's penthouse suite still comes with a height and a gradient that snags the sinews. Jam, scones, Earl Grey? Not up here.

Striding ahead of me, Fabio Castro – a guide for activity specialists Madeira Adventure Kingdom – is confident that we will have crested the final metre within an hour. He is an optimist, and I am not a goat-limbed peak runner. But if he will be disappointed that our hike takes twice as long as he had expected, he does not show it. He is too busy being enamoured with his surroundings. “I was born here; I grew up here,” he says.

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MADEIRA These pages, clockwise from left: mountain view over the island; trekking from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo, Porto Santo; Camara de Lobos

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MADEIRA

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CHILDREN SCURRY, GROUPS OF YOUNG MEN LOITER OVER COFFEE, MATRIARCHS STAND STILL AND UNSMILING, EYEING LOAVES OF BREAD THAT ARE DISAPPEARING WITH EVERY SATISFIED CUSTOMER

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overlooked cragginess. Although it is not just visitors who fail to take note of this essential fact. It seems remarkable that mountain-biking company Free Ride Madeira was only set up in 2011 – and, even then, only after three local riding aficionados realised they had tackled lots of trails in mainland Europe, but neglected the terrain on their doorstep.

Riding with them – negotiating a tricky route which unravels below the hamlet of Poiso, 10 miles north of Funchal – is an exercise in bumps, bangs and bruises.

When I fall off for the third time, I glance back up the slope, and console myself with the thought that it is easier to go down than it would be to go up.

At least, it looks that way. I will be dissuaded of this notion the following morning. Nuno Freitas reveals little when he picks me up just after breakfast. It quickly becomes evident that the day will present challenges.

The clues are there as we approach the north-west coast, where the island becomes almost entirely inhospitable to traffic – the road being forced through tunnels, and veering so close to the Atlantic near Seixal that spray splashes the camber. But then, spray will be a dominant feature of the next five hours. “On Madeira, people will walk many miles in the levadas [manmade irrigation channels] to see the waterfalls,” Nuno says, with a grin. “But today, we will walk in the waterfalls”.

He isn't joking – although the key word is less “walk” than “abseil”. The walking comes as we set off, 40 minutes through the laurel forest of Madeira

Natural Park (the biological reserve that covers almost two thirds of the island), to a spot where the Ribeira das Voltas begins a crash course down 10 waterfalls of varying sizes but similar degrees of mossy treachery. I have to learn fast; not just how to feed the rope through my harness, or where to put my boots as the river buffets my face and arms – but that peering at my feet for a preview of what is coming is to be avoided. In the case of the seventh drop – a 92ft (28m) giant – ignorance and denial are bliss. Each lurch for the bottom feels like it must be the last, only for flat ground to elude me for another few nervy seconds. By the time I am finally gazing up from the base of this colossal cascade, I am exhausted – but energised.

That, you would think, would be enough spray for one day. But the combination of water and adrenaline is addictive. Having dried off and returned south, I spot the unheated pool – a basic bowl of concrete underneath the cliff – with which the Hotel Albatroz likes to “tempt” its guests. This property is a lonely soul – pitched, by itself, near the airport; planes bugging the heavens above. But even a jet-engine growl cannot compete with the ocean's roar as I dip into the shallow end – the Atlantic frothing on the other side of the barrier, as if my impudence at swimming just out of its reach has taunted it to fury. Due east, the horizon is empty – and the sense of isolation, again, feels gloriously appropriate.

To book a trip, call 800 DNATA or visit dnatatravel.com

Credit: Jeremy Lazell/The Sunday Times Travel Magazine/News International

“I lived in Lisbon for a while, for four years – I suppose a lot of young people on the island do. But as soon as my company opened an office on Madeira I knew that I wanted to come back.”

It is not difficult to comprehend this love of home. PR1.2 demands admiration. It ascends through a realm where humanity has struggled to bend rock to its will. Other trails cling to cliffs, barely there in their helter-skelter routes in all directions – the sweat-toil efforts, Fabio says, of labourers who clambered to these reaches in the 19th century to cut heather and broom for charcoal production. Other proof of man's incursion is less subtle. The fires which ravaged the interior in 2016, the fruit of an errant spark, still cast a spell – trees and bushes turned to clawed hands. But there is a weird beauty to them, these silver ghosts. Fabio smiles. “They look even more dramatic when the mist comes around them.”

When PR1.2 hands over to PR1 for the last gasp upward, the show really starts.

The west coast wobbles in the heat; the east holds a line of green against the ocean's white-flecked vastness; the north revels in remoteness, villages Sao Jorge and Ponta Delgada perched above the abyss. Only the south is a refusenik, Funchal lost to cloud and the obstacle of Pico das Torres, Madeira's second tallest mountain (6,079ft/1,853m).

Fabio takes a breath that seems to go on forever. “I've seen this view many times,” he says. “I never tire of it.”

Our altitude is apparent, again, as we descend – the wind suddenly mean and persistent, as if attempting to throttle Pico Ruivo in a fit of jealousy, or dislodge us from its side in an act of petty violence. But by the time I am back in Santana, summer has reasserted itself – the terrace at hotel-restaurant Quinta do Furao dozing in warmth. A mushroom risotto and a poncha cocktail (rum, honey and lemon) appear on the table; the property's vineyard whispers gently beyond. Thirty miles to the north-east, Porto Santo waves hello.

This vision in horizon-level haze is a rebuttal of a second popular misconception about Madeira – the belief that it is an island, not an archipelago. By the time I have finished lunch, I am back to the first – its

MOROCCO

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GREECE This page: The pool at Amanpuri

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GREECE

IN WITH THE OUT CROWD

The 10 most popular islands in Greece – and the quiet ones you should visit instead

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We all have an idea in our heads of the perfect Greek island holiday. For many it will essentially boil down to having lots of fun in an upbeat resort, with plenty of lively bars, tavernas, distractions and day trips. The country’s most popular holiday islands are all well set up for this.

But if Greece does one thing exceptionally well – better in fact than anywhere else in Europe I can think of – it is to offer exactly the opposite: peace, quiet and sense of escape – both physical and mental – from the everyday.

So if you want to relax and recharge away from the tourist hotspots, lie on a beach without the bars, stay in a town where there are as many locals as tourists in the tavernas, where you can watch the sunset in glorious isolation and forget about pandemics and the demands of your iPhone, you will find some wonderful options among the myriad islands of the Aegean and the Adriatic. The only problem is choosing which one.

We have had some fun swapping 10 of Greece’s best-known destinations with a nearby alternative which will offer you a complete contrast. It’s amazing what a difference a short ferry ride can make.

Previous pages, from left to right: traditional Greek food; Karpathos These pages, clockwise from inset: Tions; Koufonisia; Folegandros

Who needs Mykonos when there’s Tinos?

Mykonos is a place for posing and pouting, an island of infinity pools, hen-dos and hashtags. There are designer boutiques.

There’s even a Starbucks, for heaven’s sake. It’s fast, it’s fun, but it is hardly traditional Greece. Hop on the ferry, however, and in as little as 20 minutes you’ll enter a world of empty landscapes and time-warp villages untouched by mass tourism – indeed, barely touched by tourism at all. Tinos is twice the size of Mykonos and one of its closest neighbours. It offers everything that makes Greece such a perennial favourite with holidaymakers. Laid-back lifestyle, fresh, simple cuisine, glorious beaches and rugged scenery, but without the crowds. A week there and you’ll wonder why anyone bothers with Mykonos at all.

Ignore Santorini, try Folegandros

In normal times, there are queues to take photos at Santorini’s most scenic spots.

It is certainly extraordinarily beautiful, especially during one of its spectacular 44 worldtravellerme.com

Clockwise from top left: Sunset falls on La Rivera beach; traditional drummers bring the beat to the street; a colourful hut between coconut palm trees on Boipeba Island; capoeira played on the beach

GREECE

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SPEND A WEEK IN TINOS AND YOU’LL WONDER WHY ANYONE BOTHERS WITH MYKONOS AT ALL

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sunsets, and it has some lively beach life too. But it also gets much more of its fair share of tourists. So escape instead to Folegandros, a one-hour ferry ride to the west. Here you will find similar volcanic landscapes, sugar-cube architecture, some lovely quiet beaches and sunsets which are just as beautiful.

It gets only 47,000 annual visitors compared with Santorini’s 5.5 million.

Thinking of Ios? How about Koufonisia instead?

Ios’s reputation as a party island isn’t wholly deserved. Avoid the Chora and neighbouring Mylopotas beach in peak season and you’ll find unspoilt hamlets, dumpy windmills and wild beaches. But even less frequented is neighbouring Koufonisia, which is among the least visited of the Cyclades. “The twin islands of Ano (Upper) and Kato (Lower) Koufonisi are a castaway dream,” says Greece expert, Rachel Howard. “Ano Koufonisi is small enough to walk around in a day. The coastal path from the pocket-sized port peters out at Pori, the largest of the island’s milky blue beaches. Kalofego is a laid-back beach bar where the owner, a musician, often stages impromptu jam sessions with his friends. On Kato Koufonisi, the only inhabitants are goats and the Venetsanos family, who run a wonderful taverna.

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Symi

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Tilos

Karpathos

GREECE

Skopelos

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THE TWIN ISLANDS OF ANO (UPPER) AND KATO (LOWER) KOUFONISI ARE A CASTAWAY DREAM Crete is lovely but Karpathos is special

Crete each year is Greece’s most important holiday destination – about one in six of all visitors to the country head for its biggest, most southerly and most sun-soaked island. And its size means that, although there are some tourism hot spots (Malia for example), there are plenty of quieter corners. Indeed, most of the south coast is pretty much undeveloped. But for a more consistent experience of traditional island life, you could do no better than to head for Karpathos, a little to the east of Crete.

It’s the most remote of the Dodecanese group and travel writer Robin Gauldie, who has spent many years exploring Greece and its islands, has always kept an eye on the island. “It has been in and out of the holiday brochures for years and never quite hit the big time,” he explains.

“As a result, it’s a haven for peace-seekers, with pretty beaches and coves (some accessible only by boat), good walking in dramatic scenery, and quirky villages.”

Skip Rhodes and visit Symi

Two million tourists visit Rhodes in a good year – it’s one of the busiest and liveliest of Greece’s holiday islands. But only a small fraction of those take the one-hour ferry over to neighbouring Symi and nearly all those that do go just for a day trip. Travel expert Nick Trend sees it as a strong contender for Greece’s most romantic island. “It has a wonderfully picturesque harbour town, crowded with pastel-coloured houses which stack up on the slopes around the port, and lots of tempting tavernas. In the evenings you’ll have it all to yourself, and during the day there are lots of pretty beaches that you walk to or reach by boat.”

Kos? No, head for Tilos

Another party island, with a bigger tourist industry than Zakynthos, Kos still has plenty of quiet corners, but if you want to get away from it all, you would be better off taking the two-hour ferry ride south to Tilos, where goats outnumber tourists. Travel writer Peter Hughes

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is a particular fan. “When I first went to Tilos more than 20 years ago there was a group of rather bookish Britons determined that the island should never find its way onto a tourist map… Now this tiny place, midway between Kos and Rhodes, is gaining recognition, not for tourism, but for its exceptional green credentials. The entire island is a nature reserve and it is on the verge of using nothing but renewable energy sources.

The unspoilt beaches are attractive, too.”

Give Skiathos a miss and go to Skopelos

Skopelos, in the Sporades Islands, is twice the size of neighbouring Skiathos and has – arguably – better landscapes and prettier towns. But it gets far fewer visitors.

Why? Because Skiathos has an airport and Skopelos doesn’t. So you can escape the crowds by heading straight from the arrivals lounge to the ferry port for the one-hour crossing. Don’t miss Glossa, with its whitewashed houses, steep slopes and fine views (be sure to eat at Agnanti), worldtravellerme.com 47

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MEGANISI IS ALSO CREEPING ON TO THE CELEBRITY RADAR: JACOB ROTHSCHILD IS DEVELOPING A PRIVATE ENCLAVE

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GREECE

Lefkada

the chapel of Agios Ioannis, which perches precariously atop a 100-metre rock, and the beaches of Hovolo, Ftelia and Neraki, accessible only by boat (you can hire one cheaply in the town of Panormos).

Corfu? Meganisi is cooler

Corfu offers an extraordinary variety of holiday options, from the smart villas along the north-east coast to the clubs and pubs of (very) lively Kavos down on the southern tip of the island. No wonder it attracts almost two million visitors a year. If you are looking for a more discerning option, however, what about heading a little further south to Meganisi – which, pleasingly, has a similar reversed-comma shape to Corfu’s but is virtually unknown to mass tourism.

“Though its name translates as ‘Big Island’, this tiny Ionian isle is anything but,” says Rachel Howard. “Part of an archipelago that includes Scorpios (once owned by Aristotle Onassis) and Oxia (owned by the emir of Qatar), Meganisi is also creeping on to the celebrity radar: Jacob Rothschild is developing a private enclave. Pretend to be a billionaire for a week by hiring a motor boat to explore the hidden coves along the coastline.”

Credit: © Oliver Smith / Telegraph Media Group Limited 2021

Forget Kefalonia, head to Lefkada

beach of Shipwreck Bay in the north, made famous by travel brochures and Instagram. But if the party scene isn’t for you there’s a little-visited Ionian island to the north where tourism is much less developed and the atmosphere altogether more peaceful. Ithaca, which according to myth was Odysseus’s home island, and where his wife Penelope spent 10 years waiting for him to come back from the Trojan wars. At least she could enjoy this lovely lush and verdant island. Now it also

has a pretty capital (Vathy) with its houses painted pale cream, yellow and pink. And you can hike through wonderful forests of pine trees and cypresses to half-empty villages like Kioni and Anogi. Discover deserted pebble beaches, churches and monasteries and then dine at Ageri, in the little port of Frikes, a contender for the best restaurant in Greece.

Inspired to travel? To book a trip, call +971 4 316 6666 or visit dnatatravel.com

Ithaca

Captain Corelli’s Mandolin made Kefalonia famous, and it certainly has lots to offer holidaymakers – big enough to escape the crowds and, in Fiskardo, a seriously civilised and attractive port town. But if you’re already familiar with this, the largest of the Ionian Islands, how about trying Lefkada, instead? A little to the north of Kefalonia and connected to the mainland by a long causeway, it has some glorious unspoilt beaches along its western shore. Egremni, in particular, stands out. Meanwhile, traditional village life continues in the sleepy Sfakiotes region.

Ditch Zakynthos in favour of Ithaca

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CROATIA Chedi Al Bait

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EID ESCAPES

Arabian nights If you can't travel far and wide this Eid, then select a destination across the Emirates that boasts authentic Arabic design, hospitality and, of course, cuisine

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ith shorter working hours and a long weekend on the horizon, it's prime time to book a weekend break. In the years previous, you may have spent Eid weekend jetting off around the world to get a taste of an entirely new culture – even just for a few days. But in 2021, things are different. Although not quite so stringent as last year, many of us are still choosing to stay put for the next few months. So why not spend the Eid weekend reconnecting with traditional Arabian culture, instead? Whether you'll be celebrating or not, here are the destinations in the UAE to consider staycationing in over Eid weekend.

THE CHEDI AL BAIT, SHARJAH Stone-hued courtyards, mashrabiyastyle patterning and lanterns for lighting; this Sharjah hotel mimics the design and architecture of the historic Arab world, despite its relatively short existence. Yet it's already become a must-visit – helped by the launch of the UAE's most lavish couple's package which includes yacht transfers, a private island picnic and personalised engraved jewellery for the pretty price of AED250,000. But you can easily enjoy a much more down to earth (and affordable) staycation here, being sure to soak up the local culture by visiting nearby museums of heritage, calligraphy, Islamic civilization and more.

AL SEEF HERITAGE HOTEL DUBAI With the Burj Khalifa – the symbol of modern, globalised Dubai – in the skyline, it's hard to imagine that a pocket of pre-industrialised Emirati identity lies just 10 kilometres away.

If you want to reconnect with Arabic culture this Eid, then head down to Old Dubai to explore aged structures, authentic gold souks and dhow boats essential to the region's pearl diving tradition. Make it more than a day trip by staying at Al Seef Heritage Hotel Dubai; bring the whole family (there's a vintage playground and connecting rooms on offer) and dine in Saba, which serves up Emirati-inspired dishes with an option of traditional majlis seating. Ideal for evening iftars.

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These pages, clockwise from inset: Al Seef Heritage Hotel; Bedouin Oasis Desert Resort; Qsar al Sarab; Al Maha

AL MAHA, A LUXURY COLLECTION DESERT RESORT AND SPA, DUBAI Connecting with the rural landscape of the UAE – the luxe edition. That's what Al Maha, A Luxury Collection Desert Resort and Spa, Dubai is serving up, and we definitely want a slice. Because for those who love the idea of feeling the warm sand between their toes and the sounds of peaceful wilderness

filling their ears – but not the notion of sleeping bags and portable loos, this is the resort for you. Luxury accommodation, an incredible spa, and service that outshines the rest make for a worthy weekend away.

BEDOUIN OASIS DESERT RESORT, RAS AL-KHAIMAH Get back to basics with a little Bedouinstyle living. The word references the

EID ESCAPES

nomadic Arabs who lived in the desert, and is a rich part of the history of the UAE. For a little taste of what that life might have been like, head out to this camp to experience it for yourself – even if just for the weekend. Deemed luxury in the middle of nowhere, (okay, so the experience might not be the exact same) the campsite has tent options for different party sizes, plentiful desert activities, and an evening barbeque for guests to enjoy together.

QASR AL SARAB DESERT RESORT

BY ANANTARA, ABU DHABi Located 90 minutes from the city centre, this makes for a genuine departure from daily life as you settle in for the long weekend. Several accommodation options on offer, but the pool villas are the wow factor at Anantara Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort, Abu Dhabi. Standing apart from the courtyards that host the rooms and suites, the villas face the sunset to allow guests to enjoy the golden hour in their private plunge pool. By day, the wellness and meditation centre is a must; healing is brought to the mind

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IF YOU WANT TO RECONNECT WITH ARABIC CULTURE THIS EID, THEN HEAD DOWN TO OLD DUBAI

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These pages, clockwise from inset: Al Badayer Retreat; Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa; The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert

and body via traditional Middle Eastern remedies combined with Thai expertise.

By night, the varied dining option (as far as desert destinations go) will keep your tastebuds tantalised all weekend ARABIAN NIGHTS VILLAGE, ABU DHABI Just the name of this resort summons dreamy visions of evenings spent among the sandy dunes under the stars… and that's exactly what you'll get if you book a night at this Abu Dhabi resort.

Rather than tents, however, traditional Emirati-style dwellings are enclosed within the desert pocket marked by two tall turrets – replicating the historic architecture of the region – that greet you on arrival. Arabic hospitality is best presented at Al Maqam, the authentic dining area serving up local as well as international cuisine.

THE RITZ-CARLTON RAS AL KHAIMAH, AL WADI DESERT Farmhouse, the rustic restaurant with recipes showcasing wild meats and homegrown vegetables. Moorish, the Morocco-inspired eatery serving national classic with a Mediterranean twist. Kan Zaman, the home of grilled meat and endless mezze options cooked al fresco. Moon Bar, the only place to sip the golden hours away, perched above the treetops. Kaheela, à la carte and buffet fare from the Middle East and India – the Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert is the luxe desert offering with the foodie options to match. Enjoy the Bedouin-style oasis without ever feeling the need to leave – with room comforts, desert activities and dining options galore.

TELAL RESORT AL AIN Once home to the nomadic Bedouin tribes of the Emirates, this resort on the outskirts of Al Ain is another luxury desert offering. With only seven heritage rooms, three heritage suites and 14 tentstyle private villas, there's an intimate, boutique-y feel here. On site, soak up sunrays in the shallow outdoor pool, dip into the sunken pool in the Desertology Spa, or browse digital and print books in the on-site library. To quench your thirst for historical insights, head to 54 worldtravellerme.com

nearby Zaman Lawal Heritage Village, (which translates to mean 'old times') complete with a traditional Emirati souk, a restaurant serving Arabic cuisine, and miniature museums detailing the importance of date palms and pearl diving to the region.

AL WATHBA, A LUXURY COLLECTION HOTEL, ABU DHABI All the wonders of the local landscape, but with the best sand-set pool about. Stretching out through the resort towards the open desert, swimming between the palm trees and ceramics displays is sure to relax mind and soul. For those who are in want of a spa weekend, this is the desert resort for you. The Saray Spa is inclusive of 11 treatment rooms with indoor and outdoor relaxation areas, saunas, steam rooms, plunge pools, salt rooms, snow caves, an ice-cold bucket room, a traditional Turkish hammam and a whirlpool, with signature facial, massage and Hammam treatments. Bliss.

EID ESCAPES Palm trees line the beach at Labengki Island in Sulawesi

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FAMOUS FOR ITS DESERTOVERHANGING INFINITY POOL, THAT'S JUST THE TIP OF WHAT BAB AL SHAMS DESERT RESORT HAS TO OFFER AL BADAYER RETREAT, SHARJAH Located near one of the biggest sand dunes in the region, the desert lifestyle soon engulfs you upon arrival.

Tents or luxury hut, this grounding staycation experience brings you closer to Emirati traditions without stripping you of all the comforts of modern living – high-speed WiFI and cable TV is readily available, after all…

But when not fixated on your tech, spend the days enjoying the wellness facilities, swimming in the indoor pool or riding horseback in the desert.

On-site restaurant Nizwa has a menu comprised of cuisines influenced by destinations from the Silk Route.

UNDER THE STARS WITH PLATINUM HERITAGE DESERT SAFARIS, DUBAI Visitors and residents of the UAE alike; a desert safari is a tick-box activity for anyone moving through or residing within the United Arab Emirates.

But if you're going to do it, you might as well do it right… Book the Under the Stars experience with Platinum Heritage Desert Safaris and actually

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make a weekend of it. Spend an evening camping on Royal Desert Grounds, and revel in your authentic Bedouin tent – each comes complete with everything you need for a night in the desert. Enjoy your evening barbecue meal either on the majlis with the rest of the camp or on your relaxing outdoor private patio attached to your accommodation.

BAB AL SHAMS DESERT RESORT, DUBAI Famous for its desert-overhanging infinity pool, that's just the tip of what Bab Al Shams Desert Resort has to offer. Arabian flair comes in the form of yellow-washed courtyards with archways to walk through and ceramic pots readily on display, suites with oriental rugs, metal bathtubs, hanging lanterns, and majlis-style seating, and of course rooftop restaurant, Al Sarab. An evening spent there is a must – work your way through mezze, listen to traditional music by a live performer and watch the desert skies darken. This hotel is especially great for keen cyclists, as Al Qudra Cycle Track is right on its doorstep. worldtravellerme.com 55

WORLD TRAVELLER X SOFITEL DUBAI THE PALM

STAYCATION

Sofitel Dubai The Palm For a staycation that feels like a holiday, escape to this Polynesian paradise this winter THE ROOMS & SUITES With a dozen options for where to rest easy at night – including multi-room apartments and opulent villas – the choice here is exhaustive. Let us take the strain by recommending the fabulous Prestige Suite. Comfortably large enough for a family of four, it bestows perfect Palm views from its sun-kissed balcony and enormous bathrooms, replete with decadent circular bathtubs.

THE FOOD Just like the rooms, choices abound when it comes to dining here. The World Eatery, as its name suggests, does myriad dishes exceptionally well; Maui offers up the best power bowls in the city; while choice cuts sourced from across the globe are always grilled to perfection at Porterhouse Steaks & Grills. Round off dinner here with a flambéed-at-your-table baked Alaska.

THE ACTIVITIES A veritable paradise for kids, who will love to make a splash at the Palm's first floating bounce park and scream for joy as they hurtle down slides in their own dedicated pool, it's also somewhere grown-ups will adore. There's a superb swathe of beach and an exceptional spa, where treatments – such as the Polynesian Taurumi massage – deliver that instant holiday feeling.

To find out more, call +971 4 455 6677 or visit sofitel-dubai-thepalm.com 56 worldtravellerme.com

WORLD TRAVELLER X LE MÉRIDIEN AL AQAH BEACH RESORT

STAYCATION

Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort Scenic natural beauty meets wholesome family-fun at this Fujairah based hotel THE ROOMS & SUITES With the resort set to a backdrop of the Hajar Mountains and floor-toceiling windows exhibiting impressive Indian Ocean views, a stay here is a reconnection with nature. If a balcony is desirable, the Superior Room is a sound choice, or if you’re after an exclusive experience a Royal Club room or suite comes with express check-in, and access to the Royal Club Lounge.

THE FOOD With eight restaurants and bars to choose from, variety is the spice of a staycation here. Taste offers up the flavours of Thailand served in a stylish environment, while the Gonu Bar & Grill is your go-to for grilled meats and alfresco ocean-side dining. Italian dishes and ambiance are on the menu at Sapore, with Baywatch Beach Bar cooks up fresh Mediterranean dishes on the sand.

THE ACTIVITIES Al Aqah beach calls with its various ocean-based activities; those with a PADI Certification can explore a wreck close by and meet the local marine life. Or get even closer to the fish – including tuna and barracuda with a Fly-Fishing experience. Those looking to recharge should head to Spa Al Aqah for an extensive rejuvenation experience including Ayurvedic treatments.

To find out more, call +971 9 244 9000 or visit marriott.com 58 worldtravellerme.com

Renowned for its outstanding international cuisine, beach-side setting, guaranteed spacious sea view rooms, Spa Al Aqah, kid’s club, sizable swimming pool and adrenalin fueled watersports, Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort provides a scenic setting of the Indian Ocean for a fun filled getaway. Located amongst the Hajar Mountains in Fujairah, this resort is the ideal location for romantic getaways, weekend breaks, anniversaries, and family holidays.

Guests looking to book their ultimate beach getaway can call +971 9 244 9000 or visit our website lemeridien-alaqah.com

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INSPIRED BY

Reader offers Great deals to get you packing

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FOUR FANTASTIC HOLIDAYS CYPRUS ROAD TRIP AYIA NAPA, LIMASSOL,PHAPHOS

6 nights starting from USD770 per person Includes: 2 nights stay at NissiBlu Beach Resort, Ayia Napa; 2 nights stay at The Royal Apollonia, Limassol; 2 nights stay at The Elyseum Hotel, Paphos; Breakfast daily; 7 days car hire including unlimited mileage.

Valid: until 30 September 2021 60 worldtravellerme.com

CROATIA ISLAND HOPPING

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BLACK SEA, TURKEY ZORLU GRAND HOTEL, TRABZON

3 nights starting from US290 per person Includes: 3 nights stay at Zorlu Grand Hotel with breakfast daily; full day city tour of Trabzon, including Boztepe Hill & Ataturk Koscu Museum; excursion to Cal Cave,including Hidirnebi National Reserve; private return airport transfers.

Valid: until 31 August 2021

DNATA TRAVEL OFFERS

WEEKEND ESCAPES

Andaz Dubai The Palm

UAE SLS DUBAI 1 night starting from USD 115 per person Includes: stay 1 night in a Signature Room with breakfast.

Valid: until 30 June 2021 JUMEIRAH ZABEEL SARAY 1 night starting from USD 255 per person Includes: stay 1 night in a Superior King Room with breakfast.

Valid: until 30 June 2021

SLS Dubai

ANDAZ DUBAI THE PALM 1 night starting from USD 80 per person Includes: stay 1 night in an Andaz Deluxe Sea View Room with balconly, with breakfast.

Valid: until 30 June 2021 FAIRMONT BAB AL BAHR, ABU DHABI 1 night starting from USD 95 per person Includes: stay 1 night in a Fairmont Room with Breakfast and dinner.

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The Oberoi Beach Resort Al Zorah, Ajman

THE OBEROI BEACH RESORT AL ZORAH, AJMAN 1 night starting from USD 215 per person Includes: stay 1 night in a Premier Room with Garden, with Breakfast.

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Valid: until 30 June 2021 RIXOS BAB AL BAHR, RAS AL KHAIMAH 1 night starting from USD 130 per person Includes: stay 1 night in a Classic Room on all-inclusive basis.

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How to book

By calling dnata on 800 DNATA

By stepping into a dnata outlet or by visiting dnatatravel.com

On the website you can also sign up to the dnata newsletter and receive more offers direct to your inbox. T&Cs apply.

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H D IT DE W LU LS INC EA D RS P FE TO NS A TR

INDIAN OCEAN BEACH ESCAPES

STAYS, TRANSFERS AND MEALS INCLUDED dnata Travel’s experts have sourced some unmissable beach holidays – with loads of added extras and exclusives – taking you to paradise islands in the Indian Ocean.

3 nights from

USD 490 per person

Club Med Kani Maldives

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Includes

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Special Offer

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3 nights from

USD 990 per person

The Residence Zanzibar

• Stay in a Superior Room • All-Inclusive • Daily entertainment • Return speedboat transfers • Medical insurance with COVID-19 cover

Special Offer

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The Residence Maldives Falhumaafushi

Includes

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3 nights

Special Offer

• Early check-in and late check-out

from

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Banyan Tree Vanbinfaru Maldives

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Includes

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• Benefits for honeymooners

per person

4 nights from

USD 1,890 per person

• Valid for stays and bookings until 30 June 2021 • Rates are per person and subject to availability at the time of booking • All hotels operate and abide by health and safety standards set by their respective governments • Terms and conditions apply

To book an Indian Ocean beach escape, visit dnatatravel.com, call or WhatsApp 800 DNATA (36282), or visit our travel experts in-store Follow us on

speedboat transfers

USD 1,440

per person

from

• Stay in a Beach Villa • Breakfast daily • Return domestic flight and from

USD 675

3 nights

Includes

• Stay in a Beachfront Villa • All-Inclusive • Return seaplane transfers Special Offer

• Kids stay and eat FREE • Benefits for honeymooners

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Win a two-night stay with breakfast at Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort, Fujairah Need to step out of the city for the weekend? You're in luck, as this month we've teamed up with Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort to offer our readers the chance to win a relaxing beach break in Fujairah. You and a guest will spend two nights at the resort and enjoy a freshly cooked breakfast both mornings, before making the most of the resort's Indian Ocean location. To find out more information and to enter the competition, head to worldtravellerme.com

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Join us on our website for exclusive content, including the breaking travel news and tips on travelling during the pandemic…

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INSPIRE ME Inspiration from the places we can travel to now and those on our postpandemic list.

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TRAVEL NEWS Learn the latest on air-travel, plus breaking stories from the resorts here and around the world.

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HOTELS & RESORTS Your go-to when deciding where to stay in the Middle East and beyond.

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Suite dreams Our monthly finish with a flourish, delving into a suite that has a character and style all of its own

LA CASA DEI FIORI BIANCHI POOL HOUSE Bongo Santo Pietro, Tuscany

Tucked away behind double rod-iron gates, this stone-walled villa has its own 36 m2 saltwater pool with jacuzzi and water cascade. Situated on the Pilgrims' Path, this secluded suite within the Bongo Santo Pietro boutique resort, pays homage through art to the Knights Templar who protected medieval pilgrims. Sequester yourself under the high beamed wooden ceiling living areas of the one-bedroom suite, or spill out onto the stone patio of the terrace complete with Moroccan day beds - total privacy is assured.

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EXPERIENCE THE BEST OF

CYPRUS

A Mediterranean island gem, Cyprus is known for its beautiful beaches, world-class diving, and historic sites. At only a four-hour flight time from Dubai, escape the desert heat on a golden beach, in a picturesque village or lively city centre. dnata Travel’s Cyprus holiday packages start from AED3,995 per person, inclusive of a five night, five-star hotel stay and return flights.

For more information, visit dnatatravel.com, call or WhatsApp 800 DNATA (36282), or visit our travel experts in-store Follow us on

Book now

Inspiration. Expertly crafted.

Comprising of two iconic towers, the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai is centrally located beside the Dubai Water Canal and offers a spectrum of facilities and services for a memorable experience. The hotel offers 1,608 elegant guest rooms and suites, over 12 exceptional restaurants and lounges, the award-winning Saray Spa featuring traditional hammams and a state-of-the-art health club.

JW Marriott® Marquis® Hotel Dubai marriott.com/DXBJW Sheikh Zayed Road, Business Bay, PO Box 121000, Dubai, UAE | T +971.4.414.0000 | jwmarriottmarquisdubai.com