Dubai and Maldives: The Golden Sands

Visit futuristic buildings and get an insight into world-class lifestyle in the glittering city of Dubai. Meet your guide and head to the Dubai Mall for a leisurely stroll around the second largest mall in the world. On the ground floor, enjoy an immersive experience in the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo. Next, take in breathtaking views of the city from the viewing deck of the world’s tallest building – the Burj Khalifa. Visit the artificial canal city of Dubai Marina, and drive by the Jumeirah Beach Residence, a luxurious waterfront neighborhood set against the backdrop of Persian Gulf. Don’t forget to stop and take a photo at one of the most Instagrammed sights in Dubai – the stunning Atlantis, the Palm Hotel. At your last stop – the Souk Madinat Jumeirah – find an authentically recreated Arabian bazaar with stalls and restaurants under a wooden arcade. (Duration: Full Day; Private Activity & Transfers; Includes a private guide & Lunch.)

Glide and drive over the desert on this full day tour in Dubai. You will be picked up from your hotel and driven to the hot air balloon location. Enjoy a traditional welcome of Arabic coffee and sweet dates. Then, watch a drone show light up the early morning sky with an immersive storytelling performance that describes what you will encounter on your adventure. After the team inflates the balloon, step into the basket and ascend over the sand. Keep your camera ready to catch the sun as it appears over the pristine dunes. Having spent 45 mins to an hour in the air, return to land and hop into an open-top Land Rover from the 1950s. Take a short drive through the desert and keep an eye out for native wildlife. Along the way, your driver will tell you facts and stories about the land. Then, sit down to a gourmet breakfast of fresh baked treats, cold cuts, cheese, and eggs in a Bedouin camp. You can also learn about the art of falconry from a professional falconer (charged extra) and take a short camel ride (charged extra) before being driven back to your hotel. (Duration: full day; Time: morning; Seasonal: Oct to May; Shared activity & transfers; Meals included: breakfast; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; All entry fees are included; Fitness level: easy; Please note you will be required to present original ID prior to boarding your balloon; Min age: 6)

Siyam World is situated on a pristine 54-acre natural island, with a mile-long house reef packed with exotic marine life in the Noonu Atoll of the Maldives. The resort’s unique WOW! Inclusive Plan offers a fantastic, hassle-free holiday experience with luxury accommodation, enjoyable activities and island-wide dining. Experience the breathtaking display of colors as you watch a sunset over the Maldivian horizon and spot dolphins swimming alongside your boat. Go snorkeling to explore the house reef with its more than 1,200 marine species and numerous multi-colored corals. Engage in watersports such as kayaking, paddle boarding and paddle boating. Families can visit Maldives’ first state-of-the-art water park. Resident astronomers will dazzle you with extraordinary celestial encounters during a stargazing session. Your exclusive package allows you to wine and dine around-the-clock. Take advantage of 12 restaurants and bars offering a range of international cuisines, from fresh sushi and hearty Italian to authentic Indian and Maldivian dishes.

Indulge yourself with the all-inclusive White Platinum Supplement at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa in the Maldives. Start your day with a yoga class before sitting down to an extensive breakfast buffet at Matheefaru restaurant. Play a game of basketball, tennis or beach volleyball. Go snorkeling or diving and spot rays, turtles and even sharks. Enjoy an a la carte lunch at the Sunset Pool Café or Meeru Bar & Grill. Lounge by the pool in the afternoon and soak up some sun or have fun with the family at the Aqua Floating Park. Hop on one of the resort’s bicycles and ride along the beach. Enjoy an evening cocktail and snacks at Meeru Bar & Grill. Tuck into an a la carte dinner at Samsara Asian Fusion or Matheefaru, paired with a bottle of Taittinger Brut Champagne. During your stay, you can choose two experiences out of the following three: a dolphin cruise, a visit to a local islands and guided snorkeling around the house reef. You’ll also enjoy the services of your own butler. (Shared Activities & Transfers; Included: Full board with all meals, snacks & beverages; Use of the mini bar with daily refills; Fitness Level: Easy; Activities included: Non-motorized water sports, snorkeling equipment, bicycles; Use of Aqua Floating Park; Choose two excursions from a visit to a local island, a Dolphin cruise and Guided house reef snorkeling)