Coming Up: travel deals heat up with the weather

Go on a photography tour of Oman, spend a weekend at Atlantis in Dubai or relax on a wellness holiday in Bali.

Explore Muscat and brush up on your travel photography skills on the three-day "Faces & Places" tour. Courtesy of Gulf Photo Plus

Cool off at the Atlantis

Head to the Atlantis on Palm Jumeirah for the special room packages on offer for GCC residents. Starting at Dh1,608 for a double room (accommodates two adults and two children under 12), the offer includes access to Aquaventure waterpark and the Lost Chambers, one afternoon session at the Kids' Club/Club Rush per child and preferential rates to swim with the dolphins at Dolphin Bay. The price includes taxes and is valid until June 3. Proof of UAE or GCC residency must be presented at check-in. For more information and to book, visit www.atlantisthepalm.com.

Images of Oman

Capture Muscat's striking scenery and people on a three-day photography workshop with visiting international photographers Bobbi Lane, a portrait specialist, and David Nightingale (landscapes) from March 17 to 19.

"Faces & Places" is aimed at everyone from confident beginners to more advanced photographers. Participants will be taught the skills needed to "take their travel photography to the next level", while visiting landmarks such as the Grand Mosque in Al Ghubra, the Presidential Palace and Muttrah Souq on the Corniche, and treks to Wadi Shab and the town of Sur. The last afternoon will be spent reviewing images with detailed critiques.

The photo tour is priced at US$1,350 (Dh4,958), with accommodation at the four-star Ramee hotel, breakfast and lunch, local transport and instruction. The price does not include air fares to Muscat or beverages. For more information, call 04 360 2365 or visit www.gulfphotoplus.com.

Uzbekistani adventure

Explore the heart of Central Asia with Exodus on an 11-day trip through Uzbekistan. The tour begins in Tashkent with a walk around the city's historical landmarks, and goes on to Urgench and the ancient city of Khiva; the desert castles of Toprak Qala, Qavat Qala and Ayaz Qala; a drive across the Central Asian desert to Bokhara for two days of sightseeing that include the 12th-century Char Minar, Bolo Khauz Mosque and the old summer palace of the emirs. Also on the itinerary are a camel trek to Aidarkul Lake, a full-day tour of Samarkand and a morning to explore Tashkent on the last day. The holiday costs £929 (Dh5,510) per person, based on two sharing a double room, and includes transport by private bus and camel and a local flight; nine nights in hotels and an overnight stay in a yurt; all breakfasts, two lunches and one dinner. The price does not include international flights. Visit www.exodus.co.uk for more information.

Rejuvenate in Bali

Retire to Tembok, a lush hideaway far from Bali's tourist hot spots, for a health-inspired vacation at the Spa Village Resort Tembok. From March 10 to 18, the resort is hosting its inaugural "oracle" retreat. The seven-night programme includes accommodation in a traditionally decorated room, healthy meals and non-alcoholic beverages, a welcome foot ritual, welcome and celebration dinners, daily workshop sessions by the Oracles, a 50-minute Balinese massage, a 50-minute "heaven and earth" outdoor massage, a 50-minute Agung and Parvati healing session, evening sound meditations, one bespoke aromatherapy bath, group holistic activities such as yoga and Qi Gong and use of the resort's facilities. The retreat is priced at $1,400 (Dh5,142), based on two sharing, including taxes. For reservations, visit www.ytlhotels.com or call 00 60 3 2783 1000.

Syrian sojourn

Wild Frontiers has a nine-day trip to Syria. Shop at the busy souqs of Damascus, go on a culinary journey in Aleppo, enjoy a day exploring the Roman ruins at Palmyra, spend a night at a Bedouin camp in the desert and explore the famous Crusader castle of Krak des Chevaliers. The land-only tour costs £1,710 (Dh10,095) per person and includes most meals, government passes and permits, entrance fees to sites and all local transport as outlined in the itinerary. Visit www.wildfrontiers.co.uk for more details.