Set up by the golfer named America's greatest golf teacher for 12 years running by Golf Digest magazine, who taught King Hassan II of Morocco to play, and who has worked with golfing greats from Greg Norman to Tiger Woods, the new Butch Harmon School at Dubai's Sports City has much more going for it than convenience and proximity. It's a thrill to learn in what - thanks to the UAE entrepreneurs Abdulrahim Al Zarooni, Abdulrahman Bukhatir and Abdulrahman Falaknaz - is set to be the world's premier sports-training centre. The Ernie Els-designed golf course is complete, and along with the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, will come three stadia for soccer and track and field events; rugby, and hard-court games and concerts, plus academies for soccer, cricket, rugby, swimming and athletics. The director of instruction, Justin Parsons, is all warm encouragement to wannabe golfers. And it's unarguably a joy to be able to head off for a weekend and be home jet-lag-free.
Call 04 425 1040 or visit www.butchharmondubai.com for more information
Soak in the best of the Seychelles
Embark on a four-night cruise around the Seychelles on Flight Centre's 44-sleeper yacht. Starting from Port Victoria on Mahé Island, sail to St Anne for a refreshing swim-stop off the ship on day one. Day two is spent at the uninhabited Curieuse island, once a leper colony and home to giant turtles and mangrove forests. Take in the Bird Life International-protected sanctuary, which boasts a quarter million birds, at Cousin Island on day three, before sailing to Anse Lazio, Praslin. Spend the day snorkelling or diving, or take out a few hours to visit the Lemuria championship golf course at Anse Kerlan, one of two in the Seychelles. Sign up for an excursion all the way to the top of Aride Island on day four, where you can find the Wright's gardenia and bird species such as Audubon's shearwater and the Seychelles warbler, before sailing to St Pierre Island in the afternoon and to Baie St Anne in the evening for the last night aboard, The cruise departs every Saturday between now and the end of March and then every second Saturday from April to October.
The Flight Centre UAE four-night cruise to Seychelles costs Dh6,700 per person including tax. Call 04 388 3950 or visit www.flightcentre.ae
Stay & Play packages in Al Ain
The Al Ain Equestrian Shooting & Golf Club is offering two Stay & Play offers in association with Al Ain Rotana and Hilton Al Ain this season for Dh950 and Dh 850, respectively. The offer includes a one-night stay in a double room inclusive of breakfast and taxes and an 18-hole game on the championship course, plus an additional round for a playing partner for Dh200 in either of the hotels.
For more information or to make a booking, call 03 702 6400 or email golf.reservations@aesgc.ae, specifying which resort you'd like to stay at
Get a discount at Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa
Get 30 per cent off on daily rates in a luxury villa with an infinity pool and private walkway to the beach at the Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa in Dubai, until February 28. Choose from between a private pool villa (Dh7,472 with the opening offer) and an enchanted signature villa (Dh10,987). The discount is also valid for the honeymoon package, which requires a minimum stay of three nights. Call 04 814 5678 or email reservations@jaresorts.com information
pmunyal@thenational.ae
Golf Directory 2014: Butch Harmon School of Golf to open in Dubai
Plus: Learn golf in a week at Yas Links; Stay & Play packages at Al Ain; Get a discount at Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa; and soak in the best of the Seychelles.
Most popular today
