The scorching heat hits you first, followed by the sultry scent of oud, and then the sight of those epic palace-style hotels – they don’t make them small in this part of the world. Neither do they scrimp on architectural marvels. The city’s leading Islamic mosque is hung with Swarovski chandeliers and covered with the largest Iranian carpet ever made and Yas Hotel’s colossal curved steel and glass LED canopy pretty much overlaps the renowned Formula One race track. We love Abu Dhabi holidays for the remarkable contrasts; fantastical dining and ostentatious shopping, Arabian desert, religious temples, and the most recent addition of world-class art – the new billion-pound Louvre Abu Dhabi, a futuristic filigree half sphere masterpiece museum, home to the world's most expensive painting, Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘Salvator Mundi’. There’s the haze of shisha smoke drifting from one lavish bar to another, coconut and sandalwood coming from opulent spas, and shimmering waters in meandering pools overlooking the Arabian Gulf. Buckle up at Ferrari World for a ride on the world’s fastest rollercoaster, swim across Corniche Beach with a backdrop of spectacular Abu Dhabi skyline and take afternoon coffee at Emirates Palace where cappuccinos are laced with 24-carat gold flakes. Middle Eastern tradition and culture also thrive – holidays to Abu Dhabi take you through hot springs and pools to some 500 tombs at UNESCO World Heritage Site Jebel Hafeet and to the Empty Quarter’s red hot desert sands filled with dune bashing, henna painting and sand boarding, ending with a sunset Bedouin dinner – tribute to the Arabia that came before the glossy resturants and lavish resorts. Call us and speak to your local Personal Travel Expert and we’ll help plan your Abu Dhabi holiday
7 Hotels, 1 cruise, 2 Experiences
A rare glimpse of the elusive Arabian oryx, Champagne dinners on white sands and trekking by Arabian horse through valleys and pools; Ras Al Khaimah holidays are for those inclined to discover lesser-known places. Imagine Middle Eastern style picnics on oriental rugs as you sink into oversized pillows on the beach, dune bashing out into the desert and kayaking through mangroves. This quieter emirate in the UAE has so far managed to keep its secrets away from the crowds but those in the know come here to go off-the-grid in blue skies luxury against a backdrop of dramatic Hajar Mountains. You can tick off the crazy on holidays to Ras Al Khaimah – zip line on the Via Ferrata’s one kilometre sky high route, quad bike over rolling dunes and climb the highest mountain in the UAE, but equally you can star gaze through telescopes, discover how Arabian explorers navigated the terrain and fall asleep under the stars to the night sounds of the desert. We love this part of the world for its mystique, romance and solitude – scorching days, cooler nights and unabashed indulgence. The beaches are a dream – miles of white sand sloping into brilliant blue seas, nomadic life of years gone by can be found in abandoned ghost towns home to perfectly preserved 14th-Century buildings, and frenetic souks, early morning fish markets and unique mosques ascertain where you are in the world. Just an hour’s drive from Dubai this under-the-radar emirate is making shapes to become a rather a special place.
2 Hotels
Uncover an authentic side to the Emirates in Ajman. A gem of culture, mangroves, superb high-end hotels and some of the best beaches you'll find in the country, Ajman is a brilliant option for an Arabian beach break or relaxing stopover.
4 Hotels
Abu Dhabi
Ras al Khaimah
Ajman
