Jetsettersblog

Discover the contrasting scenery of Oman’s Wahiba Sands, Hajar Mountains and Muscat’s dramatic coastline on a new camping and private yachting adventure with luxury travel specialists, Scott Dunn.

Brand new for 2012, this new itinerary begins with a night at each of the new luxury tented camps in Wahiba Sands and in the Hajar Mountains, followed by a night on a private yacht, dropping anchor at uninhabited islands with powder white sand beaches.

The first part of the adventure begins by visiting the old domed mosque at Jalan Bani Bu Ali near the town of Al Kamil before exploring the depths of the Wadi Bani Khalid, clambering over giant boulders or swimming in the crystal clear waters of the wadi. Guests can climb the lonely mountain tracks where they will find no signs of civilisation other than a distant Bedouin tending his camels.

Whilst at the new Wahiba Sands camp, guests can watch the setting sun from the stylish Majlis or ‘meeting’ tent which is luxuriously furnished with low hand-carved Arabic furniture, cushions and traditional hand woven rugs. Lamps and candles are lit in preparation for nightfall when binoculars and maps of the night sky are provided for budding stargazers.

Following the desert, the adventure continues northwards into the Hajar Mountains. Stopping en route at the old settlement at Mizfa near Ibra, guests can make the rest of the journey into the mountains on foot. This journey takes in the deserted village of Birkat Al Mawz and ruins of Tanuf before finishing the ascent at the new Tanuf Mountain camp located at 1,000m with views towards Oman’s highest peak, Jebel Shams.

The next day, guests will set sail on their very own private yacht. Sailing highlights include the islands of Sawadi, the world-class Marina Bandar Al Rowdha, turtle-shaped Fahal Island and the picture-perfect Damaniyat Islands, offering a treasure trove of secluded bays and shallow reefs of vibrant colours where guests can snorkel with tropical fish, rays and even turtles. The itinerary concludes at Shangri-La Barr al Jissah Resort and Spa for three final nights of luxury.

Guests can also extend their holiday with a few nights relaxing in the Maldives with easy connections with Oman Air from Muscat to Male.

Luxury travel specialists, Scott Dunn can arrange seven-night tailor made itinerary including one night at the Chedi Muscat on arrival, one night luxury camping in Wahiba Sands, one night in the Hajar Mountains, one night on a private yacht charter and three nights at the Shangri-La Barr al Jissah Resort and Spa from £2,245 per person including Oman Air flights and transfers.

For more information on Scott Dunn’s tailor-made holidays to Oman call 020 8682 5075 or visit www.scottdunn.com

Officially Appointed by UAE National Olympic Committee

DUBAI, UAE -29th November 2011: MMI Travel has been officially appointed by the UAE National Olympic Committee to sell tickets and packages in the UAE for the Olympic Games 2012.

Next year, millions of people will visit the city of London to watch this amazing sporting extravaganza as top athletes from around the globe compete in world-class sporting events in some of London’s iconic venues. MMI travel, one of the Middle East’s leading sports travel management companies will enable sporting enthusiasts from our region to be part of this unforgettable experience.

From those simply wanting to purchase a ticket, to customers who would like to have a complete tailor-made travel package, MMI Travel can help as they have been selected to be the region’s “Authorised Ticket Reseller (ATR) in UAE for Olympics 2012″. Complete packages include flights, hotel accommodation and game tickets, with the added convenience of transfers too.

For sports fans are looking to have an extra special visit to the Olympic Games, MMI Travel has a second option. As “Authorised Marketing Agent of Prestige Ticketing in UAE for sale of Official Hospitality packages for Olympics 2012″ they offer travellers a top notch experience with hospitality access at the venue.

“This appointment recognises MMI Travel as the leading sports travel management agency in the Middle East. It emphasises the value that MMI Travel has provided to the Sports Industry and its considerable experience in arranging specialist sports travel packages”, said Abdulla Tawakul, Senior Vice President for MMI Travel.

“The UAE National Olympic Committee has entrusted MMI Travel with this responsibility based on our credible experience in sports tours management. As the Authorised Ticket Reseller we will be the selected retailer for all event tickets as well as the ‘Prestige Experience’, which promises exceptional food, service and hospitality within the official Games venues. The hospitality, combined with great accommodation, flights and transfers makes this a truly premium product and give customers a day they will never forget,” said Mayank Dhingra, MMI Travel’s General Manager.

“We selected MMI Travel for this appointment due to their excellent reputation and considerable knowledge in the region” said Saeed Abdulghaffar Hussain, Secretary General. “This is the first time in the history of the UAE National Olympic Committee that an official travel agent has been appointed to manage ticket sales and inclusive packages, for the general public. We felt that MMI Travel was the perfect company for us to partner with for the Olympics 2012″.

Ticket and package sales are on sale now and are subject to availability. For more information please contact MMI Travel’s expert planners on +971 4404 5859, e-mail sports@mmitravel.ae  or visit www.mmitravel.com

British world record-breaking adventurer, Adrian Hayes, has embarked on the ‘Footsteps of Thesiger’ expedition which will see him recreate the 1940s journeys of legendary British explorer Wilfred Thesiger. The expedition team will be travelling on camels and foot across the Arabian Desert. Earlier this week the team left the historical city of Al Baleed in Salalah, Oman, to begin their trek to Abu Dhabi via Liwa and Al Ain.

The expedition team were waved off by the Oman Under Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Miss Metha Al Mahrouqi; senior dignitaries and hundreds of well-wishers. Travelling a total distance of more than 1,500km, the team will make their way towards the green hills of the Al Qara Mountains through to the Nejd landscapes of southern Dhofar, before reaching the sands of Rub’ Al Khali (Empty Quarter) and finishing their epic journey in Abu Dhabi.

The expedition team will rely on basic provisions, nature and Bedouin hospitality to survive the 45 day trek. They will aim to reach Abu Dhabi by mid December 2011.

Hayes, the former British Army Ghurkha Officer and UAE resident, who is currently listed in the Guinness World Records 2012 for his 2009 Greenland Quest expedition, commented, “the Footsteps of Thesiger expedition has been a thought of mine for more than 20 years, and after two years of planning I am thrilled to commence this exciting journey along with my Bedu companions. I’m looking forward to experiencing the desert environment, wadis, mountains and the people which we will encounter along the way.”

Between 1945 and 1950 ‘Mubarak Bin London’ (as Thesiger became known) crossed the desert of the Empty Quarter (Rub’ Al Khali) twice with his two Bedu companions. Today, and supported by the UAE Armed Forces, the Footsteps of Thesiger expedition will see Hayes, an experienced desert operator who served in Southern Oman during his military career, travel with two Bedouins. Experienced camel-handlers, Saeed Rashed Al Mesafry and Ghafan Mohammed Al Jabry, will accompany Hayes as they cross some of the toughest desert terrains, where sand dunes can reach more than 250 metres in height and the hyper-arid environment temperatures can reach more than 50 °C.

Abdulla Butti Alqubaisi, Director of the Communication Department Abu Dhabi Culture and Heritage (ADACH,) is delighted the Footsteps of Thesiger expedition is underway. “The expedition is a key way to promote the rich heritage and culture of Abu Dhabi and we wish the team the very best as they commence their trek. With the co-operation and valued support from the Oman Ministry of Tourism Board we look forward to welcoming the team safely back to Abu Dhabi this December.”

An Abu Dhabi Media commissioned documentary will be filmed by the UK award-winning documentary producers, TwoFour Arabia. The documentary will focus on the modern day re-inaction of Thesiger’s (“Mubarak Bin London”) original journey, whilst taking a closer look at the cultural heritage of the desert region.

Eissa Al Mail, Head of Abu Dhabi Al Emarat, commented, “we are extremely proud to be involved in this project which records the UAE’s unique history and recognises the significant achievements of this explorer. Abu Dhabi Media’s exclusive “Footsteps of Thesiger” documentary will capture the journey step by step from Oman all the way to Abu Dhabi, complete with detailed historical references and explanation of the region’s culture and heritage.”

The Footsteps of Thesiger expedition would not be possible without the support of the Patron and Presenting Partner – ADACH Official Expedition Partners include the UAE Armed Forces, Motivate Publishing; Abu Dhabi Media; Twofour Arabia; Thuraya, Xtralink and Oman Abela. Oman Ministry of Tourism are supporting the expedition in Oman.

SEVENXP, the lifestyle marketing division of Professional Sports Group, will be coordinating the media platform of the expedition which will deliver international PR coverage worldwide.

Savings of more than $2100 per person are now available on a nine-night New Year’s Eve cruise/land package around the fascinating Arabian Gulf region on the Costa Favolosa in December 2012, when you book by November 30 this year.

Celebrate the beginning of 2012 on this round-trip itinerary from Dubai which involves port visits to the Omani capital Muscat, the emirate of Fujayrah, Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, and the port of Khasab in Oman.

The new low price of from $3119 per person twin share (was $5289) also includes return economy airfares from Sydney and Melbourne, all taxes, on-board gratuities, two nights at Raffles in Dubai and a 4wd desert safari with dinner and a belly dancing show.

Children aged up to 18 cruise for free (except for port charges) sharing a cabin with two adults.

Costa Favolosa has a choice of five restaurants and 13 bars, swimming pools and Jacuzzis, casino, shopping centre, video arcade and a Formula One Grand Prix simulator.

More details from ecruising.travel on 1300 369 848 or check-out their new website www.ecruising.travel.com

1. IF YOU LIKED KENYA…TRY MADAGASCAR

WHY: From ring-tailed lemurs to baobab trees, Madagascar is a biodiversity hotspot: over 80% of its plant and animal species are found nowhere else on Earth!

BOOK IT: Unique Madagascar with World Expeditions (10 days) has six departures from May-October 2012, from £1,250 per person.

2. IF YOU LIKED JORDAN…TRY IRAN

WHY: It may not have iconic landmarks such as Petra but Iran is home to one of the world’s oldest continuous major civilizations, with historical and urban settlements dating back to 4,000BC!

BOOK IT: Best of Iran with World Expeditions (11 days) departs on 24 October and 7 November with further departures in 2012, from £1,590 per person.

3. IF YOU LIKED MOROCCO…TRY OMAN

WHY: Traditional souks, Bedouin settlements, rugged mountains, desert dunes and a rich history of wealth and power in a country which as recently as 30 years ago was closed to foreigners.
BOOK IT: Oman Adventure with World Expeditions (9 days) has seven departures until the end of the year, from £1,490 per person.

4. IF YOU LIKED: CAMBODIA…TRY: MYANMAR

WHY: They may not be as famous but the Temples of Bagan in Myanmar are just as iconic as the spectacular Angkor Wat complex.
BOOK IT: Highlights of Myanmar with World Expeditions (12 days) has departures every month, from £1,290 per person.

5. IF YOU LIKED NAMIBIA…TRY ETHIOPIA

WHY: More than a land of natural contrasts (from some of Africa’s highest mountains to some of the world’s lowest points below sea level!) Ethiopia is a mosaic of cultures: one of the first Christian countries yet with evident influences from Islam and tribal African cultures.
BOOK IT: Ethiopia Explorer with World Expeditions (16 days) departs on 18 November and 16 December with further departures scheduled for 2012 to coincide with the Timket Festival, from £2,190 per person.

6. IF YOU LIKED NORWAY…TRY THE NORTHERN RUSSIAN ARCTIC

WHY: Rugged and off the beaten track, the Russian Arctic and Far East is a region that was until recently ‘off limits’ to western visitors.

BOOK IT: Across the top of the world – Northern Russian Arctic with World Expeditions (15 days) departs on 25 July and 8 August 2012, from $7,150 (£4,606) per person.

7. IF YOU LIKED THE AMAZON…TRY PAPUA NEW GUINEA

WHY: Just as Amazon is one of the planet’s enigmas, Papua New Guinea remains one of the world’s least explored countries, both culturally and geographically. With over 850 indigenous languages, it is the world’s most diverse nation linguistically!

BOOK IT: Cruise Papua New Guinea with World Expeditions (13 days) departs on 2 April 2012, from £3,790 per person for a quadruple cabin.

8. IF YOU LIKED ALASKA…TRY PATAGONIA

WHY: A mix of glacial lakes, towering granite peaks, impressive glaciers, secluded lakes, beech forests and rolling grasslands, Patagonia is one of the most dramatic regions of the world.

BOOK IT: Patagonia Parks and Wildlife with World Expeditions (18 days) departs on 19 November and 16 December with further departures scheduled for 2012, from £2,990 per person.

9. IF YOU LIKED CUBA…TRY VENEZUELA

WHY: Buying and selling cars is the latest development in the rapidly changing Cuba; head to Venezuela instead for a better feel of ‘socialist revolution’.

BOOK IT: Venezuela – The Lost World and Angel Falls with World Expeditions (15 days), departs on 16 December with further departures scheduled for 2012, from £1,990 per person.

10. IF YOU LIKED CHINA…TRY TAIWAN

WHY: With frozen relations between the two countries until recently and lack of direct flights for nearly 60 years, Taiwan has maintained a more authentic experience compared to mainland China.

BOOK IT: Hike and bike Taiwan with World Expeditions (10 days) departs on 16 November with further departures scheduled for 2012, from £1,790 per person.

For more information and bookings please visit www.worldexpeditions.co.uk or call 0800 0744 135. World Expeditions’ all-inclusive policy ensures there are no local payments. Prices do not include international flights, however these can be arranged on request.

Oman’s newest boutique four-star hotel, The Sifawy, opened its doors to welcome its first guests on 16 September 2011.

The new property is located in Jebel Sifah which is less than an hour’s drive from the capital city of Muscat and Oman’s international airport, making it very convenient for international visitors.

The Sifawy, meaning those “from Sifah”, offers 55 guest rooms, including 30 suites, and each room has a private balcony, is equipped with all the essential amenities and services to cater to the most discerning traveller. The Marina Suite guests are provided with a personal butler who will look after all aspects of guest stays. The property features a large swimming pool, outdoor Jacuzzi, fitness centre, treatment room, in addition to a wide range of activities and excursions.

Jebel Sifah is fringed with sandy white beaches and turquoise waters of the Arabian Sea and has the Hajjar mountain range as a majestic backdrop making it extremely picturesque. Guests looking for authentic regional and international dining experiences can dine at the hotel’s restaurant, Al Sabla, or the beautiful beach restaurant, As Sammak, which offers fresh, locally-fished seafood.

Ideally located in the heart of the picturesque marina town, close to the main entertainment hub with restaurants, cafes, shops and buzzing night-life, the hotel is the first opening in Oman for the Egyptian-based property company, Orascom Development.

Orascom and Muriya (a subsidiary of Orascom Development) hopes to develop Jebel Sifah further resulting in a premier leisure destination, matching the Egyptian sister resorts of Taba Heights and El Gouna which offer four and five star hotels, shopping complexes, restaurants, a marina and golf courses.

Families looking for a free, educational and fun activity these school holidays need look no further than the Oman Cultural Days from 26-29 September at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre in Sydney (SCEC).

During the free, four day event, the Bayside Grand Hall will be transformed into a traditional ‘souq’ or market place from 10am to 6pm each day, giving children and parents the chance to experience another fascinating culture without leaving Australian shores.

Visitors will be able to wander through the exhibition and relish the sights and sounds of Omani culture, taste traditional treats like Omani coffee, dates and halawa, take part in interactive activities and view a huge range of artefacts and art works, shipped all the way from Oman.

Renowned international sand sculptor, Dennis Massoud will also create enormous sand sculptures in Darling Harbour, of Jabrin Fort, Nakla Fort and a Dhow boat and will be running sand sculpture workshops throughout the day for children.

Kids can take part in a range of other free activities such as having temporary henna tattoos applied, dressing up in traditional Omani outfits for a photo and watching while a script writer creates a personalised traditional script to take home.

There will also be live Omani folklore music, live dhow boat construction presentations, textiles, jewellery on display and vivid fashion parades showcasing elaborate Omani fashion throughout the day.

For those who want to learn more, there will be guided tours each day where friendly Omani people will share insight into their beautiful culture, history and country. Inspired visitors will also be able to enter the draw to win a trip to Oman.

The event is being held by The Consulate-General of the Sultanate of Oman and aims to help build strong, positive relationships between Australia and Oman by providing insight into the culture, heritage and lifestyle.

The Consul General of the Sultanate of Oman, His Excellency Mr Hamed Al-Hajri said, “While the Oman Cultural Days event is definitely a fun day out for the family, it’s also a great way to start introducing the next generation to a very different culture. The more they see and experience as children, the deeper their understanding and appreciation of different cultures will be as they get older.”

The Oman Cultural Days will be free to attend and will take place at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre in Darling Harbour from the 26 – 29 September 2011 from 10am-6pm. For more information visit www.omanculturaldays.com.au  or search Oman Cultural Days on Facebook.

Indus Tours, the tailor-made holiday specialist, has expanded its exclusive selection of escorted tours to include an extraordinary 10-day odyssey to the Sultanate of Oman to discover The Spirit of Frankincense.

The new Oman – the Spirit of Frankincense tour departs in February 2012 and follows ancient trading routes across this unspoilt, entrancing country on a journey combining history, nature and contemporary luxury. Highlights include visits to bustling souks, peaceful groves of frankincense trees, as well as world-class archaeological sites and castles to uncover the secrets of frankincense – the fragrant incense whose mystical connotations made it one of the most valued treasures of the ancient world. As with all Indus Tours, this comprehensive, small-group itinerary is carefully planned and meticulously executed, with the price (from £2,124 per person) including all flights, five-star accommodation, sightseeing excursions, as well as some meals, the services of local guides and a dedicated tour director throughout – plus of course the high levels of quality, service and value for money for which Indus Tours is renowned.

Indus Tours’ selection of escorted tours has evolved from its highly acclaimed programme of tailor-made holidays to India, South-East Asia, the Middle East and beyond. These individually-themed group holidays encompass a huge range of experiences across thirteen different countries, each itinerary exclusive, exotic and entrancing.

As an almost undiscovered jewel in Arabia’s crown, Oman makes an obvious ‘next step’ in the continued expansion of Indus Tours’ portfolio of imaginative escorted holidays, perfectly complementing the existing destinations in the programme and providing an insight into this fascinating country.

The tour is themed around the story of frankincense, the aromatic resin that was so highly prized in the past that it was famously presented to the infant Jesus by one of the three Wise Men as a gift as valuable as gold, since it symbolised divinity. Frankincense is produced by collecting the gum resin from a particular species of tree that thrives in arid regions of Oman, Somalia and Eritrea. It has been exported from the southern Arabian peninsula for more than 5,000 years and Oman has long been at the centre of this trade as the main source of the “pearls of the desert” and due to its historical prominence as a seafaring nation. Today, much of the world’s best frankincense is still produced in the Sultanate and its value remains deeply embedded in contemporary Omani life, as well as an important ingredient in the modern international perfumery industry.

In order to uncover the secrets of frankincense culture, the itinerary follows in the footsteps of the ancient camel caravans that once crossed deserts and mountains taking in some of the most important historic sites associated with the use and trade of this valuable commodity. What’s more, the tour is led by Juliet Highet, an internationally renowned frankincense expert whose infectious enthusiasm for Middle Eastern heritage and culture is guaranteed to make this tour an experience to remember.

Oman is particularly noteworthy for its incredible scenery, authentic and well-preserved traditions and truly outstanding cultural and historic attractions – elements that have all been incorporated into this intriguing and well-paced adventure. The journey begins in Muscat, the modern capital of Oman, with a luxurious Frankincense and Rose spa treatment to help set the tone for the experience ahead. Muscat is a sophisticated, elegant city, full of character, whose attractions include historic forts, excellent museums and architecturally outstanding mosques and public buildings, plus of course the opulent palace of Sultan Qaboos himself. Particular highlights here will be the visit to the Amouage perfume factory manufacturing “the most expensive scents in the world” to discover how frankincense oil is distilled from the raw resin, followed by a chance to barter for exotic ornaments, kaftans and ornate incense burners at Muttrah Souq, a thriving, atmospheric market in Muscat’s picturesque old city.

From Muscat, the tour continues to Salalah (in the south of the country, source of frankincense) to visit the Al Balid archaeological complex (a UNESCO World Heritage Site whose port was once a major exporter of frankincense) and the Al Hosn souk, the best place in Oman to buy raw frankincense crystals and colourful rustic incense burners. Salalah is also convenient for day-trips to watch resin being harvested from groves of frankincense trees and to visit crumbling caravanserai and other sites that were once important rest-stops and departure points on the trade routes of long ago. Other high points of the itinerary include explorations of Nizwa (an oasis town and former capital), with a castle and antiques market, the soaring Jebel Akhdar Mountains and the magnificent Jabrin Castle (widely considered to be Oman’s most impressive fort), plus ‘wadi-bashing’ – an exhilarating drive through sand dunes in the ominously-named Empty Quarter and a sunset cruise aboard a dhow (traditional Omani sailboat) on the placid waters of the Indian Ocean.

The ten-day Oman – the Spirit of Frankincense tour is scheduled to depart on Friday 10 February, 2012, with prices starting from £2,124 per person.

Commenting on the new tour, Yasin Zagar, Managing Director of Indus Tours, said, “Frankincense was Oman’s gift to the world and we are delighted to be offering this brand new itinerary to discover the secrets of this ancient treasure. This new itinerary illustrates our commitment to developing and expanding our escorted tour programme to provide both prospective and loyal customers with new, exciting and inspirational holiday ideas where satisfaction and value for money are as integral to the holiday as the experience itself.”

For more information, please call Indus Tours & Travel on 020 8901 7320, email: holidays@industours.co.uk, www.industours.co.uk

From oasis-hopping in Egypt’s Western desert, sunsets and stargazing in Wahiba Sands, to New Zealand’s first luxury tented camp only accessible by helicopter, tailor made travel specialist, Scott Dunn, has launched a selection of new camping adventures that redefine ‘glamping’.

Scott Dunn introduces New Zealand’s first luxury tented camp, Minaret Station

Accessible only by helicopter and located in the remote wilderness of the Southern Alps, New Zealand’s first luxury tented camp, Minaret Station, can now be experienced with tailor made travel specialists, Scott Dunn.

Taking ‘glamping’ to a whole new level, guests sleep in just four luxurious tented suites, complete with wall-to-wall sheepskin carpets, king-size beds and a full en-suite bathroom as well as a private deck with its own hot tub offering spectacular views of the glacial valley beyond.

To give the ultimate New Zealand high-country experience, Minaret Station’s mountain guides are on hand to provide a taste of high-country farming and offer guided hikes to spot wild deer, chamois and cheeky Kea birds. Guests can also discover the region further by helicopter including scenic tours of the rugged Fiordland West Coast and to seek out remote fly-fishing rivers – an angler’s paradise, or simply relax in the hot tub with a glass of Central Otago Methode Traditionelle or locally produced Pinot Noir.

At night guests can relax in the camp’s ‘Mountain Kitchen’ with its own dining room, library and living area with open fire. Here chef Leungo Lippe whose previous kitchens include Marco Pierre White’s Michelin starred L’Escargot in London, prepares tantalising delicacies at 3000ft.

Scott Dunn offers Minaret Station as part of a longer bespoke New Zealand itinerary. Seven night tailor-made itineraries start from £6,950 per person including three nights at Minaret Station on a full board basis and helicopter transfers.

Call Scott Dunn’s New Zealand specialists 020 8682 5060 and visit www.scottdunn.com/minaretstation

Stargazing and Sand Dunes – New Private Bespoke Camping Experience in Oman

Experience the romantic solitude of Oman’s Wahiba Sands and dramatic scenery of the Hajar Mountains on a new bespoke private camping adventure with Scott Dunn.

Climb sand dunes and mountain tracks to discover no signs of civilisation other than a distant Bedouin tending his camels and your tented home for the night where a private chef and attentive staff prepare a gourmet dinner under the stars.

Guests can choose to sleep in authentic handmade Bedouin tents or bespoke safari-style tents with large comfortable beds, Egyptian cotton sheets, feather-down pillows, locally crafted carpets and bedside table with lanterns. Watch the setting sun from the stylish Majlis or ‘meeting’ tent luxuriously furnished with low hand-carved Arabic furniture, cushions and traditional hand woven rugs. Lamps and candles are lit in preparation for nightfall when binoculars and maps of the night sky are provided for budding stargazers.

Totally private and customised for guests of Scott Dunn as part of an Oman itinerary, the new camping experience allows couples or families to choose the destination of their camping adventure from the Hajar mountains, Wahiba Sands, the Empty Quarter or the beach.

Scott Dunn offers seven nights including two nights luxury camping in Wahiba Sands and two nights in the Hajar Mountains on a fully-inclusive basis, from £3,995 per person including Oman Air flights and transfers. Available from October 2011.

Call Scott Dunn’s India and Arabia specialists 020 8682 5075 and visit www.scottdunn.com/bespokeoman

Luxury Adventure in Egypt’s Western Desert

With distant palm-fringed oases, intriguing Berber culture and mesmerising desert scenery, Scott Dunn’s exclusive new Western Desert experience combines luxury desert camping with the electricity-free eco lodge, Adrere Amellal in the Siwa Oasis.

Beginning and ending in Cairo, the new eight night adventure journeys through Egypt’s Western Desert to the rustic and remote Adrere Amellal, on the edge of the Great Sand Sea – one of the most dramatic dune deserts of the Sahara. En route to and from the lodge, adventurers will sleep under luxury canvas in the desert at Al Bahrein and Tabaghbagh, a sister Oasis of Siwa with a local population of less than 1,000 families.

At the private desert camps, surrounded by dunes and miles from civilisation, guests can watch the sunset over a three-course dinner before sleeping in handcrafted tents furnished with local Siwan furniture, Egyptian cotton linen and woven rugs from Matrouh.

Prices from £3,295 per person for an eight night adventure in Egypt includes three nights in Cairo, two nights in luxury camps in the Al Bahrein and Tabaghbagh, and three nights in Adrere Amellal, Siwa Oasis. Available from October 2011.

Call Scott Dunn’s India and Arabia specialists 020 8682 5075 and visit www.scottdunn.com/westerndesert

For more information on Scott Dunn’s luxury tailor made holidays worldwide visit www.scottdunn.com

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company has entered into an agreement with the Ministry of Tourism from the Sultanate of Oman to acquire the full management of Al Bustan Palace in Muscat, Oman.

As of July 1, the property, which is set against a dramatic backdrop of rugged mountains and overlooks the Gulf of Oman, will be rebranded under The Ritz-Carlton portfolio.

“The Omani capital has long been a key aspiration for The Ritz-Carlton and we have waited a long time to find the perfect opportunity to add to our collection,” said Ritz-Carlton President and Chief Operating Officer Herve Humler.

“It is an honor to be selected to manage such an iconic hotel as Al Bustan Palace and we look forward to retaining its premier position in the regional and international marketplace.”

To ensure the smooth transition of operations and level of service to the guests, all the current employees will be retained by The Ritz-Carlton under the new management. Ritz-Carlton said it is strongly committed to the current staff at the hotel and welcomes the existing Al Bustan Palace team to The Ritz-Carlton family.

Noted architecturally for its 38-meter-high domed atrium lobby, Al Bustan Palace has recently undergone a multimillion-dollar refurbishment to both the interior and exterior.

The hotel also features new furnishings that fuse elements from both local traditions and art deco influences, blending Arabian culture, art and history.

Intricate handcrafted wall coverings and original carvings bring an essential sense of place to the 26-year-old resort, which was originally built to host the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit in 1985.

In addition to its 250 rooms, all of which feature their own private balcony, the hotel offers meeting and banquet facilities for up to 720 guests, 200 acres of landscaped gardens and the longest beach in the country.

The property also features five swimming pools, a spa, a water sports center, and a Tennis Village with four floodlit courts.

The hotel’s seven restaurants and bars include Al Marjan Bistro, featuring contemporary French cuisine; China Mood, the fine-dining Cantonese restaurant; Al Khiran Terrace restaurant with multiple-themed buffets and live cooking stations; and Al Maha Piano Bar, offering nightly live entertainment.

For more information on Ritz-Carlton, call 800-241-3333 or visit www.ritzcarlton.com