Ras Al Khaimah, nestled in the United Arab Emirates, stands as the perfect winter sun destination for those seeking a warm and rejuvenating escape. With its year-round sunshine and pleasant temperatures, this Emirate offers a respite from colder climates. The pristine white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters of the Arabian Gulf provide an idyllic setting for relaxation and water activities. Moreover, Ras Al Khaimah boasts a captivating blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage, with its rugged mountains, desert dunes, and ancient historical sites. Whether it’s exploring the vibrant souks, embarking on thrilling desert safaris, or indulging in luxurious resorts, Ras Al Khaimah promises an unforgettable winter getaway that combines sun-soaked days with rich cultural experiences.
The winter season is the perfect time of year to explore Ras Al Khaimah’s remarkable heritage dating back to the Bronze Age. The Emirate is dotted with historical sites including ruins and forts, of which four locations – Julfar, Shimal, Al Jazeera, Al Hamra, and Dhayah – were recognised by UNESCO, on its tentative list of Global Heritage Sites. You can also immerse yourself in Ras Al Khaimah’s rich history at Suwaidi Pearls, the region’s first cultured pearl farm.
At an imposing height of 1,934 metres, Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest peak, is the crowning glory of Ras Al Khaimah. Known as the adventure hub of the Middle East, Jebel Jais offers a diverse range of experiences for adventure seekers of all ages such as Jais Flight, the world’s longest zipline, Jais Sky Tour, a series of six exhilarating ziplines stretching 5km and Jais Sledder, the region’s longest toboggan ride.
For outdoor enthusiasts, the Bear Grylls Explorers Camp promises a thrilling mountain experience where you can learn practical and extreme survival techniques. After a day of adventuring, indulge in unique outdoor gastronomy experiences at the UAE’s highest restaurant –1484 by Puro, offering breathtaking mountain views.
A 5 night stay at Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island on B&B basis for 2 adults flying out from London Heathrow in January and staying in a Deluxe Island Sea View Room from £709/pp, bookable at Destination2.
Wildlife and Wellness Winter Sun for the Eco-Conscious Couple at Nova Maldives
For a strong eco-friendly sanctuary with a commitment to sustainability, opt for Nova Maldives, located on the South Ari Atoll with excellent marine life and a soft luxury concept. Nova focuses on wellness and wholesome holidays, offering once-in-a-lifetime experiences including the chance to swim with whale sharks, manta rays and other marine creatures, and fluro-snorkelling in the dark. Be swooned by the call of the sea in one of the resort’s 76 overwater villas and be pampered by Nova’s very own range of curated spa treatments inspired by “Dhivehi Beys” rituals, and contribute to the environment by planting your own coral frame in Nova’s coral garden.
Expect nothing but warm sunshine and breathtaking marine life year round in this wildlife and wellness haven, a most fitting choice for an out-of-the-world getaway for couples looking to celebrate special occasions together and those who are looking for some down time to unwind and recharge and leave the world behind.
Package price – A 7 night stay for 2 adults staying in a Beach Villa on all-inclusive basis, flying out from London Heathrow in January from £3,129/pp, bookable at Destination2.
Sunny Adventure and Festive Family Fun at Kandima Maldives
Escape the gloom and embrace a winter paradise in the Maldives, where sun-kissed beaches, crystal-clear waters, and tropical bliss await, while the UK shivers in the cold. Set on a 3-kilometer long island in the Dhaalu Atoll, Kandima is a playful and responsible resort specialising in affordable luxury escapes, with a wide range of watersports and aquaholics on offers, such as parachuting, jet-skis, banana boats and diving lessons, an art studio for guests to try their hand at canvas painting and unleash their inner Picasso, the EsKape Spa to pamper guests with signature treatments, destination dining experiences by the sea with the freshest catch, and romantic movie screening nights under the star.
This holiday season, the resort’s Holoworld carnival will take the island by storm with dazzling light installations and music performances that blend fantasy with reality, alongside Pizza Bakes, Kandy Kane Hunt and Gingerbread Cookie Party for parents and little ones to enjoy.
Package price – A 7 night stay for 2 adults 2 kids staying in a Sky Studio on Dine Around All Inclusive basis, flying out from London Heathrow in January from £1,584/pp, bookable at Destination2. Special speedboat transfer offers up to 40% off included!
Oceania Cruises, the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, has announced that its 1,250-guest ship Riviera will explore the continents of Africa and Asia at the end of 2024, and into 2025 with three brand new itineraries.
The jewel of these itineraries is a once-in-a-lifetime 59-day Grand Voyage, which offers guests the opportunity to discover the truly off-the-beaten path ports across Africa and Asia. Riviera will sail from Barcelona and call at the Canary Islands, before heading down the western coast of Africa with days at sea punctuating enticing ports in Senegal, Gambia, Ghana, and an overnight stay in Walvis Bay, Namibia. At the journey’s most southern point, guests will enjoy an overnight stay in Cape Town before heading up the eastern coast via Madagascar, for an overnight stay in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania; and then across to the Seychelles, Maldives, Thailand, Malaysia, before the journey culminates with two nights’ in port in Singapore.
“These longer, destination-immersive voyages offer curious, well-travelled guests the chance to explore some of the most off-the-beaten-path ports in the world, all from the elegant surroundings of Riviera. Sailing from Europe to Asia, via both coasts of Africa, is a true bucket list journey, combining iconic cities and unknown gems, with our incredible onboard service and the best value in luxury cruising, these voyages are hard to resist,” stated Frank A. Del Rio, President of Oceania Cruises.
Offering the largest standard staterooms at sea and home-away-from-home residential-style luxury, Riviera will explore bucket list African locales such as Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Walvis Bay and Dar Es Salaam, as well as stopping in the iconic Asian ports of Phuket, Penang, Colombo and Malé. Her new itineraries range from 27 to 59 days, travelling from Europe across Africa and Asia.
Riviera will also take guests to smaller, more niche destinations across the globe, stopping at Antsiranana in Madagascar, Hambantota in Sri Lanka, Sao Tome and Lome in Togo. Travellers will have the opportunity to delve deeper into the natural wonders and local cultures of these destinations, with more than 400 shore excursions to choose from.
Riviera’s New Itineraries:
A Tale of Five Seas, 59-day voyage departing 14 November, 2024 from Barcelona, and arriving in Singapore on 12 January, 2025.
Ports of call: Seville, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Arrecife, Mindelo, Dakar, Banjul, Abidjan, Sekondi-Takoradi, Lome, Sao Tome, overnight stay in Walvis Bay, Luderitz, overnight stay in Cape Town, Mossel Bay, Port Elizabeth, Maputo, Nosy Be, Mayotte, overnight stay in Dar Es Salaam, Antsiranana, Mahe, overnight stay in Male, Colombo, Hambantota, Phuket, Langkawi, Penang, Melaka, Kuala Lumpur, finishing with an overnight stay in Singapore.
West African Rhythms, 27-day voyage departing 14 November, 2024, from Barcelona, and arriving in Cape Town on 11 December, 2024.
Ports of call: Seville, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Arrecife, Mindelo, Dakar, Banjul, Abidjan, Sekondi-Takoradi, Lome, Sao Tome, overnight stay in Walvis Bay, Luderitz, finishing with an overnight stay in Cape Town.
Colonial Crowns, 32-day voyage departing on 11 December, 2024 from Cape Town, and arriving in Singapore on 12 January, 2025.
Ports of call: Mossel Bay, Port Elizabeth, Maputo, Nosy Be, Mayotte, overnight stay in Dar Es Salaam, Antsiranana, Mahe, overnight stay in Male, Colombo, Hambantota, Phuket, Langkawi, Penang, Melaka, Kuala Lumpur, finishing with an overnight stay in Singapore.
All guests sailing on these itineraries benefit from Oceania Cruises’ simply MORE™ offering, which includes a generous shore excursion credit of up to $1,400 per stateroom, in addition to free Champagne, wine and more during lunch and dinner; free soft drinks and speciality teas and coffees; free gourmet speciality dining and free unlimited WiFi – for the best value in luxury cruising.
Beautifully re-inspired, Riviera offers unparalleled experiences to curious world travellers. Her incredibly spacious standard staterooms measure an astounding 291 square feet and all categories of staterooms have been stunningly reimagined with luxurious furnishings, thoughtful design touches and larger showers. With 800 officers and crew for 1,250 guests, service levels are second to none and guests receive a friendly welcome at every turn.
Boasting one chef for every 10 guests, travellers can savour sumptuous dishes at seven open-seating gourmet restaurants as they marvel at the turquoise sea in Thailand, or relax after a day’s safari in Tanzania.
Whether guests choose from an array of international and Continental dishes at The Grand Dining Room, the ultimate steakhouse experience at Polo Grill, bold Pan-Asian fare at Red Ginger, masterfully prepared Italian dishes at Toscana, delectable French cuisine at Jacques, hallmark Chef’s Market Dinners and ever-changing menus at Terrace Café or handmade pizzas at the new alfresco pizzeria at Waves Grill, every meal aboard Riviera becomes a memorable culinary experience.
Riviera, Re-inspired
Riviera had a sweeping rejuvenation with all suites and staterooms being restyled with new custom furnishings, wood finishes and designer accents radiating Oceania Cruises’ signature essence of elegance. Some notable highlights of the reimagined vessel include:
Concierge Level Veranda Staterooms and Veranda Staterooms are the largest standard staterooms afloat at 27 square metre
All Penthouse Suites and staterooms are beautifully redesigned, bringing a chic, warm and comforting sense of home with sleek restyled bathrooms in Italian marble
Riviera’s public spaces have all been elevated with plush new carpets and leather-covered armchairs
All the convivial lounges and bars, and decadent dining venues have been elegantly restyled, elevating social and epicurean experiences while maintaining the home-away-from-home ambiance
The Grand Dining Room reflects a renewed sense of grandeur that radiates from the glistening chandelier, plush carpets and butter-soft leather armchairs
Dining alfresco in the evening has been completely revamped with a delightful new pizzeria and trattoria, featuring an array of handmade pizzas, succulently grilled Italian specialties, spicy chicken wings, tantalizing salads and indulgent desserts every evening
For additional information on Oceania Cruises’ small-ship luxury product, exquisitely crafted cuisine, and expertly curated travel experiences, visit OceaniaCruises.com, call Oceania Cruises on 1300 355 200 (Australia), 0800 625 691 (NZ) or speak with a professional travel advisor.
