Directory: Autumn 2015

Courtesy Nomad Tanzania

Courtesy Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa

Courtesy Grand Hills

Courtesy Jumeirah

Courtesy Belmond Ltd

Paul Joynson-Hicks / The Sanctuary at Ol Lentille

Courtesy Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo

AndBeyond, Benguerra Island

Those looking to visit Mozambique this autumn — October and November are some of the best times of year to do so — but prefer a beach holiday over a safari (or maybe just want both), should consider booking into the newly reopened andBeyond Benguerra Island resort. Situated on one of the islands that makes up the Bazaruto Archipelago, andBeyond has made a number of changes to its property. These include a refurbished rim-flow swimming pool, new beach bandas in the lodging areas and a revamped dive centre that now includes new equipment, additional changing rooms and dive boats. Those looking to explore the island and its surrounding wildlife can do so with a number of activities, including scuba diving, horse riding, snorkelling and helicopter sightseeing.

• Prices during the high season — July through December — start from $626 (Dh2,299) per night, based on a four- or five-night stay and a two-person share. Price includes meals, accommodation, activities and taxes

Gane and Marshall Mkombe’s House package

Travellers planning a visit to Serengeti National Park for the Great Migration in October can book into the new private Serengeti safari with Gane and Marshall. Guests will spend three days exploring the northern Serengeti, both with a game drive and a private tour. Guests will stay in Mkombe's House, a four-bedroom, self-contained living space that can house up to 10 guests comfortably. The Private Serengeti Safari package starts from £2,690 (Dh15,110) during the high season (July to October; December 20-31) and £1,835 (Dh10,300) during the low season (November to December 19).

• Prices are per person, based on a four-person group and include accommodation, meals and taxes

Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa, Maldives

Families visiting the Maldives this autumn can take advantage of a seven-night stay at the new Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa, courtesy of the Riyadh-based Al Tayyar Travel Group. Guests will receive a deluxe water villa with pool and daily breakfast for a family of two adults and two children, aged 12 and under. Guests can also take advantage of a number of on-site activities including Sup paddle boarding, snorkelling and fly-fishing. The offer, available from November 1 to December 20, starts from $10,315 (Dh37,886) per family, including half board, return flights on flydubai from Dubai and taxes.

• For bookings, visitors should quote the code HBRLS1 to receive the deal

Grand Hills, Lebanon

For a long-weekend getaway this autumn, consider booking into the newly opened Grand Hills Hotel & Spa in the Lebanese mountain village of Broumana. Situated east of Beirut and overlooking the Mediterranean, the property is an ideal spot for those looking to get away from the hustle of the big city. Grand Hills boasts 118 rooms and suites — some offering mountain or sea views — and the Royal Residence, a seven-storey mansion featuring five bedrooms, two private swimming pools and three residential pavilions. Also available to guests are a number of eateries, including the Italian-inspired Pasquale Restaurant, Chez Alain — offering French fare — and the Pool Cafe offering light bites.

• Prices start from $286 (Dh1,050) per night, including taxes

Ultimate Bond Experience, Jumeirah Carlton Tower, London

To celebrate the imminent release of the new 007 film, Spectre, Jumeirah Carlton Tower in London is offering guests the Ultimate Bond Experience package, from October 26 to December 31. Visitors can explore London at their leisure in a hired Lamborghini Huracan supercar. The package includes a city view suite, a one-hour helicopter tour of London for two and a 25 per cent discount on a made-to-measure suit at Gieves & Hawkes. Also included is a one-hour speedboat experience along the Thames and a full English breakfast for two in The Rib Room Bar & Restaurant.

• The package is priced from £5,009 (Dh28,100) per night, for two sharing, including taxes

Meditation on the Mekong package

Looking to centre your chi and clear your mind while touring Laos? The Belmond La Residence Phou Vao is offering a new package in collaboration with a local meditation company. Travellers will begin by cruising along the Mekong River with meditation stops at several small temples. Guests will participate in seated meditations led by a certified instructor. A former Buddhist monk will also accompany guests.

• The full-day tour starts from £306 (Dh1,718) for two, and includes drinks, lunch and taxes

Sanctuary at Ol Lentille

Avid eco-tourists should consider booking into the Sanctuary at Ol Lentille in Kenya. The property is set on 24,000 acres of private conservation area and is home to Grévy's zebra, greater kudus, leopards and elephants. The collection features four fully serviced and staffed houses. Guests will also have access to activities including game drives, nature walks, mountain and quad biking and a spa.

• Prices start from Dh1,930 per person per night, including food, laundry and taxes

Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo

If you're headed to Tokyo this season, take advantage of the newly launched helicopter tour package with the Mandarin Oriental hotel. Guests will receive one night's accommodation and a private, 80-minute helicopter tour of the Unesco world heritage site Mount Fuji. The tour will also include close-up views of the shoreline of Sagami Bay and Lake Ashinoko. For an added touch of luxury, the seats aboard the aircraft have been upholstered by Hermès with calf leather. The package also includes a limousine transfer to and from the helipad and a full breakfast for two at the K'shiki or Oriental Lounge.

• Prices start from 953,650 yen (Dh29,250) per night for two people, including taxes