Delights in Dubai

I think Dubai is brilliant; Glitz, decadence, extreme, gaudy and tacky all at the same time. The same, of course, can be said of Vegas, but Dubai does it in a different way. A lot of travelers are put off by these exact points, but an equal number love it for just those reasons.

When planning a trip to Dubai, you’ll need to decide exactly what it is you’re going for. Shopping is fantastic in Dubai so if that’s why you’re going then a hotel in the city should be completely sufficient and, quite honestly, less expensive. There are dozens of 4 and 5-star options at reasonable rates that will provide a decent base to get around from. Ideally, pick one that is close to the monorail to make your journeys easier. A lot of my clients enjoy the Grand Hyatt as there are numerous swimming pools, 14 restaurants, along with shops and spas. It’s like a beach resort without the sand.

The highlight of Dubai, for most, is Jumeirah Beach, but the choices can be confusing. Once, the main beach area to stay in was at the Madinat and the Burj Al Arab. These, along with The Jumeirah Beach Hotel are the icons that most would associate with Dubai before the Burj Khalifa was built. This group of hotels is still very popular but ‘the place to be’ is now Mina Seyahi; Just 3 miles or so to the south of the Madinat, this is home to the trendiest clubs and restaurants along with shopping outlets on ‘The Walk’. Hotel choices here range from the One & Only Royal Mirage to luxury apartment facilities such as the Oasis Tower. One way or another there is something for every taste but keep in mind that the beach hotels are more costly.

Atlantis was the first attraction on ‘The Palm’ a man-made island of epic proportions which extends 3 miles out to sea. The Atlantis resort is a great family facility with a huge water park, aquariums and groomed man-made beaches, couples may find it a bit out of the way unless you love water parks. The Palm is the area of Dubai where the rich and famous go to get away but isn’t limited to millionaires and Fairmont has just opened a new hotel with some very good rates. Keep in mind that getting back and forth to the malls and downtown is a bit more of an effort, and more costly, from The Palm.

If pure relaxation is what you’re after and you’ve already exhausted the shopping thing, then one of the resorts outside of Dubai should be considered. Jebel Ali, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujeirah all have beach resorts and offer the opportunity to include an all-inclusive package. The hotels range from a good standard to amazing and may even include an option for a private tent in the desert, but this isn’t your everyday camping.

Dubai is, really, about luxury and pampering, but it’s up you to decide what level you require and then up to me to arrange it. I have a good knowledge of Dubai and haven’t gone wrong with my clients yet when helping them make a choice.

A very simple relaxed resort, with access to excellent diving and a fabulous house reef, Biyadhoo’s easy informality is a rare and refreshing treat in the Maldives today. With all meals included, it is great value too.

All Inclusive option
Exclusive to Kuoni UK
Holiday with friends
Sun & Socialising

Airport transfer time:45 minutesRooms:97
In the South Malé Atoll, approx. 45 minutes from Malé airport by speedboat.
An air-conditioned restaurant serves international cuisine, and there is an al fresco bar offering snacks and drinks with weekly themed evenings and live music. Activities include badminton and volleyball, a PADI dive school, watersports including canoeing, windsurfing and catamaran sailing (all payable locally) and board games. Excursions to nearby islands and Malé are also available.
Accommodation information

97 rooms in two-storey blocks, located just a few steps back from the water’s edge. The rooms are fairly basic and simply furnished and have air-conditioning, minibar, tea and coffee facilities, shower and a balcony or terrace.
Restaurants & bars

• Palm Restaurant – International cuisine • Coconut Bar – Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks and snack menu
All Inclusive

ALL INCLUSIVE OPTION
• All meals, snacks, water, soft drinks, beer, wine by the glass, selected spirits
• Snorkelling and windsurfing equipment (no tuition)
• 1 sunset fishing trip.

Call 0114 3273436 to Book

There can be no more a striking cultural contrast than between bustling Vietnam and the tranquillity of Cambodia.  Embark the brand new for 2012 River Saigon and sail down the Mekong River from Ho Chi Minh City through the diverse countryside of Cambodia to Siem Reap, gateway to the ancient Angkor Wat Temple Complex.

River Saigon is the NEWEST and most intimate ship on the Mekong River. Beautifully handcrafted colonial style, the River Saigon boasts just 30 deluxe staterooms, all of which feature lovely French-doors that open onto a spacious promenade.

Titan’s VIP Home Departure Service®
7 nights cruise, 7 nights in hotels, 2 nights in-flight
Scheduled Cathay Pacific or another leading airline flights.
Transfers to and from airport, hotel and ship.
Complimentary fine wine served with dinner onboard
Included shore excursions
All port taxes, airport taxes, UK APD and fuel surcharges

To Book Call 0114 3273436

The world’s longest river within a single country, the Yangtze has played an essential and inspirational role in Chinese life since the dawn of that glorious civilisation. It unites regions diverse in landscape, language and culture, links cities ancient and modern – thus presenting an engaging timeline of Chinese history – and offers the most scenic means of traversing this vast country.

This superlative tour of China’s myriad highlights reveals the imperial treasures of Beijing and Xi’an along with the vibrancy of Shanghai, and includes a 6-night Yangtze river cruise aboard the state-of-the-art Victoria Sophia, taking in the awe-inspiring Three Gorges en route.

6 nights cruise on Victoria Sophia and 10 nights in hotel (accommodation as specified or similar)
39 Meals: 16 breakfast, 11 lunch and 12 dinner (breakfast on days 3-18, lunch on days 3, 4, 6, 8, 9 11-16 and dinner on days 2, 4, 5, 7, 9-15, 17)
Captain’s Welcome Cocktail Party and Farewell dinner
Titan’s VIP Home Departure Service®
Check-in service by Titan staff with porterage
Services of an experienced Titan tour manager, plus local guides

To Book Call 0114 3273436

There is something quite special about the villages, towns and cities along the Rhine during the festive season as their Christmas markets begin at the end of November, and these lovely 4-day and 5-day cruises provide the perfect short break to discover the magical markets, including Cologne, one of the largest with six separate markets.

The appeal of Christmas markets is much more than the opportunity to purchase local and unique crafts, decorations and gifts – for many people it is a stimulation of the senses; the smells of freshly baked gingerbread, tasting local wines and coffees and seeing local artisans, singers and musicians.

3 or 4 nights cruise on Royal Crown
8 meals (4-day cruise): 3 breakfast, 2 lunch and 3 dinner (breakfast on days 2-4, lunch on days 2-3 and dinner on days 1-3)
11 meals (5-day cruise): 4 breakfast, 3 lunch and 4 dinner (breakfast on days 2-5, lunch on days 2-4 and dinner on days 1-4)

To book Call 0114 3273436

A Douro River Cruise On The ‘Royal Barge’ – With A Few Days In Historic Portuguese Pousada

3-night cruise on The Spirit of Chartwell, 4-nights in Pousada (accommodation as specified or similar)
17 or 18 meals
Spirit of Chartwell benefits
Titan’s VIP Home Departure Service
Services of an experienced Titan Tour Manager
All airport taxes, security charges and applicable fuel surcharges

One of the many highlights of 2012 and the Jubilee celebrations was the magnificent Thames Pageant, led by Her Majesty The Queen aboard the luxurious ‘Royal Barge’ – The Spirit of Chartwell. Now making new history, she will sail in the sparkling waters of the beautiful Douro River in northern Portugal. Exclusively chartered by Titan, you are invited to experience a taste of what it might have been like for the Royal Party, on a 3-night cruise along the verdant Douro valley. To enhance the experience further, each cruise is coupled with a 4-night stay at a stunning and royally connected Pousada, located close to the ‘green terraced paradise’ of Peneda Gerês National Park. This unique experience promises a very special, historic, relaxing and inspiring holiday. Dates and availability are limited so do not delay in booking your place.

Call 0114 3273436 to Book