Directory: Summer 2015

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The Bulgari Resort, Bali

The Bulgari Resort, Bali, located on the Bukit Peninsula, has just launched five new exclusive, Balinese-inspired mansions. Each villa – ranging from three to five bedrooms – includes a living room, dining room, powder room, fully-equipped kitchen, patio and terrace. Moreover, every villa has its own two-tiered heated swimming pool, gazebo, sun deck and private garden. Guests who book into one of the new mansions will also have access to the resort’s services including the spa and gym, the two on-site restaurants and beach club.

• Prices for the mansions start from US$8,000 (Dh29,383) per night, including breakfast and taxes (bulgarihotels.com)

Corinthia Hotel, London

If London is calling for you this summer, consider taking advantage of the Suite Life package by Corinthia Hotel London when visiting the British capital. Travellers who book in for two or more nights in select suites and penthouses will receive complimentary daily English breakfast, butler service, complimentary upgrade upon arrival and a one-way airport transfer from London Heathrow or Gatwick. Complimentary use of the hotel car within Zone 1, tour of the Burlington Arcade, access to the thermal floor at ESPA Life at Corinthia and 24-hour gym access are also available.

• Package starts from £1,320 (Dh7,448) per night, including taxes (corinthia.com)

Jumeirah Bodrum Palace, Turkey

To celebrate its May 1 opening, the Jumeirah Bodrum Palace is offering guests two opening summer packages. The Earn an Extra Night offer allows travellers to stay for four nights, while paying for three. A complimentary buffet breakfast, use of the fitness and spa facilities, and a 20 per cent discount on all food and beverages are also included. Prices start from €337.50 (Dh1,363) per night, including taxes. The Turkish Delight package is also available for those who wish to explore Istanbul during their visit. Guests who book in for a four-night stay at Jumeirah Bodrum Palace will receive two additional nights at Pera Palace Hotel Jumeirah in Istanbul. Prices start from €450 (Dh1,817) per night, including taxes.

The Earn an Extra Night and Turkish Delight packages are both available to guests until June 30 (jumeirah.com)

Swiss Rail Spectacular

Take to cooler climes this summer and head off to Switzerland for the Swiss Rail Spectacular holiday. The 10-day package offers travellers a tour through the country’s mountainous landscapes. The train will first depart from Zurich and head towards St Moritz and the Bernina Line to Tirano, Italy, where travellers will explore the Valtellina Valley. From there, the train will depart for Andermatt for a journey through the Rheinschlucht Gorge and a visit to the St Gotthard Pass Fortress. A day crossing the Furka Pass will be followed by a journey past the Matterhorn. The train will then depart for Interlaken where travellers will have a chance to explore the highest railway station in Europe, the Sphinx Terrace and the Ice Palace. A visit to the town of Brienz and Brienzer Rothorn Bahn will be followed by a cruise on Lake Lucerne and a farewell gala dinner before heading back to Zurich.

• Departing on June 18, prices for the holiday start from £9,495 (Dh53,586) per person, based on a double share, excluding flights, including accommodation and taxes (goldeneagleluxurytrains.com)

Niyama, Maldives

The Maldives-based beach resort Niyama has launched its new Explorers Kids Club, offering parents time to themselves. The tailor-made programme is open to children aged between 12 months to 12 years, and is open all year round, seven days a week. With qualified staff from the United Kingdom and a fully trained local team, kids will spend their time immersed in activities including introductions to the local flora and fauna, coconut painting and treasure hunts. Off-site dolphin-watching trips, wall-climbing sessions and visits from Niyama’s resident marine biologist are also included. Attendees will receive lunch and snacks with provisional nappies (including swim nappies) during club hours. Children 3 years and older can attend free of charge, while the price for children younger than 3 is $60 (Dh220) per child, including taxes. Those travelling with their little ones can also take advantage of the Family Fun Offer.

• From now until December 27, children can fly, stay and eat free when you make your booking with Scott Dunn, subject to availability (scottdunn.com)

Country Holidays Amankora Journey, Bhutan

The travel company Country Holidays recently opened in Dubai and residents can now take advantage of a number of luxury itineraries, including the Amankora Journey through Bhutan. The nine-day itinerary takes guests through some of the country’s most historic sites and impressive landscapes. Departing from Dubai, travellers will first visit the Pangri Zampa, two 16th-century buildings that now house a monastic training school for astrologers, followed by a hike to the Cheri Goemba monastery. Drive over the Dochula and explore the Gangtey Goemba, and then go hiking through Longtey village. A day in the Punakha Valley will be followed by a walk through the village of Talo. Travellers will also explore some of the valley’s oldest and holiest religious monuments and pay a visit to the 17th-century Paro Rinpung Dzong (the fortress of the heap of jewels), before heading back to Dubai.

• Prices start from Dh22,630 per person, based on two people sharing, including accommodation, flights and taxes (countryholidays.ae)

Desert Palm Resort by Per Aquum, Dubai

Treat your family this Ramadan with Desert Palm Resort by Per Aquum’s Ramadan offers. Book three days in advance and receive a 50 per cent discount off the best available rate. Polo suites start from Dh678 per night, including taxes, while the Pool villas start from Dh1,290 per night, including taxes. Guests will have access to the hotel’s many amenities including several on-site restaurants, tennis and squash courts, a fitness centre and the Lime Spa.

• On-site cooking tutorials and horse-riding lessons are also available (peraquum.com)

Oberoi, Dubai

Consider a staycation this summer at The Oberoi Dubai, located in Business Bay. The DTCM Weekend Offer provides a complimentary upgrade to a Burj Khalifa view suite with a private balcony for any guest who books in for a minimum of two nights. Complimentary transfers to Dubai Mall and World Trade Centre, 20 per cent off on spa services, 20 per cent off on dinner at any of the three restaurants, buffet breakfast, and high-speed wireless internet are also included.

• The offer is valid until September 1, Thursday to Saturday. Rates start from Dh1,420 per night, including taxes (oberoihotels.com)