Indian Ocean & Arabia 14/15 4 / \ 5 Indian Ocean & Arabia Indian Ocean & Arabia CYPRUS SYRIA IRAQ AFGHANISTAN IRAN JORDAN PAKISTAN QATAR SAUDI ARABIA EGYPT UAE INDIA OMAN BURMA Contents YEMEN ARABIAN SUDAN SEA Maldives 6 SOMALIA Mauritius 40 ETHIOPIA SRI LANKA Seychelles 62 MALDIVES UGANDA Sri Lanka 78 KENYA RWANDA Dubai, Abu Dhabi BURUNDI SEYCHELLES & Ras Al Khaimah 84 TANZANIA INDIAN OCEAN Oman 102 Jordan 110 MOZAMBIQUE MAURITIUS Airline Information 118 MADAGASCAR ZIMBABWE Booking Conditions 120 Indian Ocean & Arabia DISTANT ARCHIPELAGOS BLESSED WITH ENCHANTING PALM-FRINGED BEACHES, VERDANT ISLANDS EXUDING CULTURE AND CHARM, OPULENT DESERT LANDS GLITTERING WITH ARABIAN SPLENDOUR. Maldives challenges of courses designed by top names such as Gary Player this vivacious island hides a wealth of history and culture, from Dutch Oman Amid white sands and whispering coconut palms, high end resorts and Bernhard Langer. Take to the ocean for activities ranging from fortifications and old cinnamon trade routes to ornate Buddhist Unwesternised and unspoilt, Oman offers a touch of Eastern glamour. promise blissful relaxation beside cobalt seas. Whether you are snorkelling to deep sea fishing. temples and dagoba shrines. Few places in the world can offer such a Explore the ancient souqs and thriving fish markets of Old Muscat; seeking refined luxury or kick-off-your-shoes escapism, the world’s remarkable combination of stunning landscapes and unique revel in the opulence of the chic resorts which dot the shimmering Gulf leading hotel brands oblige magnificently; from fabulous glass-floored Seychelles experiences. Explore tea country and mountain lakes, relax on pristine shoreline. Take to the azure seas for the excitement of whale and overwater bungalows to expansive butler-serviced beach villas. The Barefoot beachcomber islands, exotic tropical vegetation and a laid- beaches or take in the captivating cultural heritage. Enjoy Sri Lanka as dolphin watching, or simply enjoy a romantic coastal sunset cruise. food is world-class, the diving is spectacular. It really is just about as back approach to life epitomise the seductive lure of the Seychelles. a dedicated single destination or as part of a multi centre touring holiday. close as you can get to paradise. Marine reserves teem with tropical fish and turtles; world class resorts Jordan exude Seychellois charm. The cuisine is as much of a fusion as the Dubai, Abu Dhabi & Ras Al Khaimah Surprisingly diverse, Jordan’s appeal stretches far beyond the Mauritius culture, blending the best of African, European and Asian influences, Together on the map yet each decidedly different, these three United Arab astonishing remains of Petra, carved into the pink rocks over 2000 Sun-filled days beckon on this verdant island with its jagged-peaked with any number of perfect beachfront bars from which to watch Emirates have broad appeal as a convenient stopover or single centre years ago. Trek the ancient caravan trails and cross the wind-sculpted interior and pristine shoreline, a favourite playground of pleasure sunsets as colourful as the cocktails. holiday. Dubai’s souqs burst with gold and spices as its skyline rises at Wadi Rum; explore vibrant Amman or slip away to Aqaba on the Red seekers. Relax on pristine beaches shaded by casuarina trees, in resorts dizzying speed, while Abu Dhabi is a little more low-key and busy shaping Sea to snorkel the shallows or scuba dive in the teeming marine park. that offer the last word in laid-back luxury. Michelin-starred cuisine Sri Lanka itself as a centre of culture. For a quintessential Emirati experience amid A desert kingdom like no other. and fashionable eateries abound; golf enthusiasts will appreciate the Beyond the white sand beaches flanked by palms and bamboo groves, mountains and wadis, a stay in Ras Al Khaimah is highly recommended. 6 / \ 7 Maldives Maldives Maldives Best Experiences Our Pricing AN ARCHIPELAGO OF IRIDESCENT ATOLLS, WHERE TURQUOISE * Enjoy a romantic private dinner or sunset cocktails on a sandbank Our pricing aims to give an indication of the prices in low and high WATERS LAP AGAINST STILTED VILLAS AND ATTENTIVE STAFF in the middle of the Indian Ocean season. Low season for Maldives is generally between the months of * Stargaze from an observatory for unhindered views into the starry sky May to October, high season runs from November to April. Prices are CATER TO EVERY WISH AND WHIM. * Charter your own private yacht or dhoni for a relaxing cruise or big based on 2 sharing (unless otherwise indicated) and include return game fishing economy flights from London. Regional departures, child prices and Imagine diving deep amongst coral reefs courted by rays and parrotfish. Watch a black tip reef shark * Snorkel with turtles, accompanied by a marine biologist single supplements are available on request. Date restrictions, terms glide by, or a whale shark in all its spotted glory. Private diving safaris and colourful snorkelling trips * For the ultimate indulgence, experience a massage in an underwater spa and conditions apply to our special offers, please call for details. are a popular way to pass the blissful days in the Maldives. Unhurried and unspoilt, these impossibly * Assist with marine conservation by participating in a coral beautiful islands in the Indian Ocean promise a stay of utter tranquillity and luxury. While most are propagation and plantation project GMT +5 hours small enough to walk around, to explore some you may need to borrow a bicycle, but why stray from Flying Time your stilted water villa where you can relax on a daybed with the waters lapping below and slip down When To Go London to Malé: 10 hours. the private steps into the warm sea. Expansive beach villas, many served by private butlers, come The Maldives has a hot, tropical climate with sunshine all year round. complete with their own exclusive stretch of sand. Cruise the atolls in a traditional wooden dhoni or The most popular months to visit are between November and April escape to a sandbank in the middle of the ocean for a romantic private dinner or sunset cocktails. It is during the north-east monsoon when it is dry with very little wind. Island Hopping even possible to dine in an underwater restaurant and have spa treatments in the undersea realm. Whilst there may be rain during some of the summer months, with Whilst many visitors choose to visit a single island, Maldives is also Further indulgence arrives on a plate, Maldivian cuisine features a profusion of crab and seafood ever-changing weather patterns and excellent offers, this is becoming an an ideal island-hopping destination where two contrasting or similar increasingly popular time to travel. islands can easily be combined with a short seaplane flight or boat tapas prepared by some of the world’s leading chefs. Honeymooners could want for nothing more, yet transfer. families too love these isles. Several resorts have excellent children’s clubs with first class facilities and imaginative activities – whilst the children are being royally entertained the adults can slip away. Visa Requirements Paradise is not lost after all. Visas are provided free of charge on arrival for British passport holders. 8 / \ 9 Maldives Maldives Blu Beach Al Barakat Restaurant Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru ~ Baa Atoll Hotel Information A scenic seaplane flight brings you to the remote Baa Atoll UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, where Four Seasons has created a 102 bungalows, villas and suites. 30 minutes by seaplane from Malé Airport. hideaway offering unspoilt privacy in a pristine environment; the island’s forty four acre interior is flanked by white sand beaches and Guide Price a two kilometre lagoon. Contemporary thatched accommodations Prices from are located on the beach or over the lagoon: features include spacious £3585pp in low season gardens, private pools, outdoor living rooms and sea-viewing lofts. £5595pp in high season There are also dedicated Family Bungalows and Villas. Water Villas including flights, 7 nights accommodation and Suites enjoy a jetty setting to maximise the views of sunrise and with breakfast and transfers. sunset, whilst the two bedroom Land and Ocean Suites bring the best Room Upgrades of both worlds – living on the island and sleeping over the sea. Dining Water Villa from £80pppn choices are superb, with four restaurants serving Arabian, Asian, Family Beach Villa with Pool – Indian and Italian specialities, each with Ayurvedic options plus four 4 persons from £80pppn lounges including the lagoon-based Seabar. Special Offers Free Nights, Complimentary The award-winning Spa and Ayurvedic Retreat offers all inclusive Half Board, Honeymoon, Family Ayurvedic Immersions and Chakra Blessings, whilst the Marine – contact reservations for details. Discovery Centre runs pioneering coral propagation and manta ray projects. Also on offer are yoga, tennis, a PADI dive centre plus Kids’ Club with pool and pirate adventure ship. Beach Villa with Pool Contact your specialist Travel Agent, call 0161 491 7660 or visit www.carrier.co.uk 10 / \ 11 Maldives Maldives One&Only Reethi Rah North Malé Atoll Located on one of the largest islands in the North Malé Atoll, Hotel Information this octopus-shaped resort encompasses an extraordinary six 130 villas. kilometres of coastline. Here, in beautiful landscaping by the 75 minutes by yacht from Malé Airport. turquoise bays, lie discreetly placed villas, each with its own Guide Price secluded piece of sugar white shore or private deck with direct access to the lagoon. These are some of the largest resort villas in Prices from £3210pp in low season the world, boasting high, airy ceilings and generous exterior space £4860pp in high season ranging from private verandas to private pools with large decks. including flights, 7 nights accommodation with Keynote for dining is island-chic. At Reethi Restaurant floor-to breakfast and transfers.