4* Bali From £1,099 pp
A destination with a difference, Dubai effortlessly fuses old and new, modern and traditional, city and beach. In central Dubai, you can enjoy the peace and serenity of a religious temple before plunging into the streets of Downtown, where restaurants, bars and nightclubs entertain late into the night. Dubai’s marina is like a city in itself and plays host to hotels and restaurants which sit alongside residential apartments and shopping malls. Classy and cosmopolitan, chic and charming visitors can stroll ‘The Walk’, take in a movie or even take to the slopes – yes really – Ski Dubai in Mall of the Emirates is home to the only ski slope in the desert! To the east of Dubai Creek lies Deira, a more subtle take on the area’s normal pace of life. Here you’ll find the twisting streets of the souks, smaller independent shops and merchants, plus an abundance of cafés to while away the day and enjoy people watching. For those looking to soak up the sun, Dubai is home to some of the best beaches on offer. Jumeirah Beach is perhaps the most popular and iconic, with crystal clear waters and soft white sand it’s a desirable stop-off for rest and relaxation.
has more than 350km of beautiful coastal sand, so there’s plenty to ensure visitors can enjoy a stretch of secluded beach all to themselves. The rolling sand dunes of Abu Dhabi’s deserts are a sight to behold. Rugged and romantic, they house some of the area’s best hotels where traditional meets contemporary and a perfectly balanced blend of old and new emerges. For a taste of the ‘real’ Abu Dhabi, be sure to visit the ancient city of Al Ain. Here there are bustling markets, traditional forts and fascinating museums which offer a glimpse into the area’s rich history. Just a short drive from Downtown Abu Dhabi is the magnificent Saadiyat Island. Created to reflect the very best of traditional and contemporary culture, impressive architecture stands proudly on the horizon and the island makes no excuses for its opulent buildings, striking vistas and world-class facilities. If entertainment is the order of the day, look no further than Yas Island! Whether it’s Formula 1™, high impact rollercoasters, some of the region’s best shopping or fine cuisine from around the world – this jam-packed island is a must-see for anyone travelling in the area.