Luxury touring holidays in Arabia & the Indian Ocean

Skylines of iconic proportions  

Sitting along the coastline of two neighbouring Emirates are a pair of cities pretty much everyone has heard of. An urban pioneer of futuristic proportions, Dubai’s first impression shows ambition and unabashed indulgence; requiring a dive-right-in approach to the city that aims to be a cut above the rest. Further along looms Abu Dhabi, a contemporary capital with a strong connection to the past. Comprised of several islands (a fact not many know), the city is divided into districts dedicated to particular interests, including the culture hub on Saadian Island, Sir Bani Yas Island with its wildlife park and the thrill-a-minute Yas Island. 

The desert is calling 

Practically a hop, skip and jump from the Emirates, waves of apricot sand beckon from across the border in Oman – here, the mountains, dunes and sea collide. In an area of exhibitionism, this country takes a step back to let its heritage and extraterrestrial scenery take centre stage, so breaking out of the hotel shell is a must here. Annual festivals celebrate art, Jebel Akhdar puts on its world-renowned display of blooming roses, and the world’s most expensive perfumery and Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque tell the tales of life both past and present. 

Idyllic isles 

Unrivalled bliss. Those are the two words that spring to mind when thinking of the Maldives. Every direction conjures the delightful dilemma of capturing the scene on camera or letting the eyes keep it to themselves. Expect an air of carefree living with most islands adopting a ‘no news, no shoes’ rule, inviting guests to tune out the outside world and flex their toes on the soft sand. Think leaf-hidden cabanas, intimate torchlit banquets and taking over a private islet for a sleepover under the stars. This is why the solitude seeking duos flock here for privacy.