Switzerland and Austria
Emirates Holidays has launched its 2011-2012 Ski and Winter Holidays brochure with packages and tours to 18 destinations.
A three-night stay in Interlaken, Switzerland, costs from Dh5,249 per person, based on two sharing a double room, including return economy airfare from Dubai to Zurich, three nights at the traditional Lindner Grand Hotel Beau Rivage, breakfast and taxes. Interlaken is one of the oldest tourist destinations in Switzerland and is popular for the wide range of winter activities available, from cross-country skiing to lake cruises and rides along a cog-wheeled railway. The Lindner Grand Hotel Beau Rivage has well-appointed rooms with spectacular panoramas of the Alps, fine dining options and Swiss-style spa treatments.
Or visit Austria's picturesque resort of Kitzbühel, with its medieval cottages, cobbled streets and magnificent scenery. It offers some of the best skiing in Europe, suitable for everyone from beginners to pros. A three-night stay costs from Dh6,663 per person, based on two sharing a room at the Grand Spa Resort A-Rosa, half-board, including return fare to Munich from Dubai and taxes. Packages are valid from December 2 until March 31, excluding Christmas and New Year. Visit www.emiratesholidays.com to book.
The Seychelles
Maia Luxury Resort & Spa on the south-west coast of Mahé has a discounted seven-night package, staying in an ocean-view villa, from €6,510 (Dh33,166) - less than half the normal rate - for half-board, including a three-course dinner, butler service and taxes. Each villa comes with a wide terrace, an outdoor double sunken bath and a large gazebo equipped for al fresco meals, and is set amid lush vegetation with views over the private Anse Louis beach. The resort houses a state-of-the-art fitness centre and offers a range of water sports, meditation and yoga classes, as well as tours around the island. International airfare is not included. The offer is valid until December 23. Visit www.maia.com.sc or call 00 248 390 000 and quote booking code "MOV offer".
South Africa
Stay at the sprawling (and malaria-free) Zulu Camp Shambala Private Game Reserve in Vaalwater and set out on daily expeditions to view game in the company of an experienced ranger. There's a chance of spotting the Big Five - elephant, rhino, lion, leopard and buffalo - as well as cheetah, antelopes and spotted hyena. From 18,000 rand (Dh8,496) a night for a chalet, including full board, some beverages and unlimited game drives, boat cruises and accompanied bush walks. The airy thatched chalets measure 50 sq m and are fully furnished with king beds, oversized baths and outdoor rain showers. Flights are not included. Valid until December 31. Visit www.shambalagamereserve.co.za or call 00 27 11 292 6030 to book.
Oman
The five-star Chedi Muscat has a luxury package for two from 1,147 rials (Dh10,940), inclusive of two nights' accommodation, breakfast, airport transfers, two beauty treatments per person - a bathing ceremony (choose from Arabian, Oriental, Tibetan or Balinese) and a 60-minute ancient Balinese massage, complimentary laundry service and mini-bar, afternoon snacks in your room and access to the Club Lounge for evening drinks and canapés. The offer is valid until January 12. Visit www.ghmhotels.com for more information or call 00 968 2452 4400.
