Those heading to Zimbabwe before the crowds start to arrive in April should take advantage of Wilderness Safari's Linkwasha Camp. The new campsite, situated in Hwange National Park and close to the Ngamo Plains, features nine en suite tents, including one family tent – all of which look out over the watering hole, an ideal location for animal spotting. Also included are various multilevel decks, a pool area and a lounge, complete with a library. Guests can take advantage of twice daily scheduled camp activities, included in the overall rate.
• Prices start from US$572 (Dh2,101) per person, per night, including all meals, park fees and taxes
If you're heading to the South African port city this winter, check out the newly launched South Beach holiday apartments. Located in Camps Bay, a suburb of Cape Town, and set against the backdrop of Table Mountain, the new property features nine apartment suites and an infinity pool. Each self-catered apartment overlooks the Atlantic Ocean, and includes its own balcony or patio, minibar and several tech features, such as an iPod dock station, a Bang & Olufsen television and Nespresso machine. The apartments are 50 metres from Camps Bay beach and promenade, and within walking distance of some of Cape Town's best restaurants and cafes.
• Prices start from 2,500 South African rand (Dh665) per night, including taxes
The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo – formerly the Nile Hilton – has officially opened its doors, just in time for Egypt's high season. The 331-room property is located on the riverbank, close to the Egyptian Museum and Tahrir Square. Visitors can take advantage of the Olympic-size pool, along with a fitness centre and a spa that offers several treatments. Those who wish to dine in the hotel will find a variety of cuisines to choose from, including Arabic, Italian and continental.
• Prices start from $402 (Dh1,476) per night, including taxes
Those looking for a midweek getaway closer to home can take advantage of the Summits & Soulmates package at Alila Jabal Akhdar in Oman. Guests will receive daily breakfast, dinner on the first night at Juniper – the property's restaurant – and a specially decorated cabana by the pool with a set dinner menu on the second night. Also included is a 30-minute foot massage, a milk and roses bath and a turndown service on the final evening.
• The package is available until December 18, for a minimum two-night stay on weekdays only, with prices starting from Dh3,080 per room, per night, including taxes
If you're holidaying in Vietnam with a large group this winter, consider staying in Six Senses Ninh Van Bay's newest villa, the Hilltop Reserve. The most recent addition can sleep up to 10 guests and is located on the hillside overlooking the resort's beachfront villas. There's also an infinity pool and sun deck, along with a fully fitted kitchen, a dining area and a resident chef available 24 hours a day. The villa itself is only accessible by off-road buggy or a hike through the jungle, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a bit of privacy.
• Prices start from $2,800 (Dh10,284) per night, for up to 10 guests, including breakfast, round-trip airport transfers and taxes
You can ring in the New Year aboard The Strand Cruise in Myanmar. The river cruise – which is set to depart on December 29 – will offer its standard four-night itinerary on the Irrawaddy River, running between Bagan and Mandalay. Visitors will have the added bonus of a New Year's Eve party, and the first 10 guests to book will get a complimentary hot-air-balloon ride. Shore excursions are also included, and visitors can explore the temple of Maha Aungmye Bonzan and take in views of the U Bein Bridge.
• Prices start from $3,592 (Dh13,193) per cabin, including breakfast, beverages, an English-speaking guide and taxes
Visit Bangalore, the busy capital of Karnataka state, and book into the newly opened Shangri-La hotel. The property boasts 397 rooms and 30 suites, many offering panoramic views of the city's skyline. Guests can take advantage of one of the hotel's many dining options, including the Chinese restaurant Shang Palace and the b Cafe, an all-day dining area. Also available is Chi, the Spa, which offers a number of treatments, a health club and swimming pools.
• The hotel's opening rates, valid for bookings made before December 31, start from 11,438 Indian rupees (Dh642) per night, including taxes, plus 3,000 rupees (Dh168) of food, beverages and spa credit
Nature lovers will enjoy the Mandarin Oriental's Picnic in the Gardens package. Visitors will receive two nights in an "ocean grand" room, a picnic for two in Singapore Botanic Gardens – recently named a Unesco World Heritage Site – and a chauffeur-driven Mercedes-Benz E-Class to and from the picnic. Breakfast for two at the Melt cafe and a private tai chi session at the gardens is also included. The package is available until March 31, for a minimum two-night stay.
• The package starts from 1,430 Singapore dollars (Dh3,740), including taxes
