Arabian Peninsula 2014/15 Brochure

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2014/15

Arabian Peninsula

EXPERIENCE

Dubai like a local 5 things to do in Abu Dhabi

DISCOVER

Hot tips and hidden secrets Stays for every style

EXPLORE

unearth

ARABIAN PENINSULA

Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Oman and Qatar


Arabian Peninsula Delve into the intoxicating world of the Arabian Peninsula, with expanses of sand dunes as far as the eye can see, lush green oases tucked away, and picturesque fishing villages that line the coast. From Qatar’s dazzling views of the Gulf, to Dubai’s legendary shopping, Oman’s blend of old and new, and Abu Dhabi’s five-star offerings, the perfect mix of adventure, comfort and culture awaits. Image Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa


CONTENTS Nothing beats Creative Holidays

02

Reasons to visit the Arabian Peninsula 08 Creative Club exclusive offers

10

Dubai

14

Abu Dhabi

22

Qatar

26

Oman

28

Hotel features grid

30

Important information

33

Arabian Peninsula — 1


Nothing beats the excitement of planning a getaway. Nothing beats an escape to instant summer. Nothing beats time off work, time with the family, time to reflect, or time to relax. Nothing beats a holiday. Nothing beats a Creative Holiday.

The travel agents’ travel agent Ever wondered where travel agents get their advice? Well, now you know. We’ve been sending Aussies overseas for more than 30 years. Working behind the scenes, we’ve helped travel agents all over the nation plan and secure the very best holidays for hundreds of thousands of Aussie travellers. In other words, we’re more than just a fly and drop service. Once you arrive, we won’t leave you stranded – it’s just not the Creative way. We’re on the ground, finding out everything from where to nab the best designer handbag in Dubai, to which local restaurants offer the tastiest kebabs, how to navigate your way through the bustling souks, and who to contact about camel rides in Oman.

ANY QUESTIONS? JUST ASK. Think of us like an expert guide; a worldly big brother, with insider tips. We know the ins and outs of where you’re going, and we’re happy to help whenever you need it. From the moment you jet off to the time you get home, we’re the ultimate travel companion.

2 — Arabian Peninsula

Online value offline service High touch and high tech, we bring you second-to-none human service with online prices. Online booking may be all well and good… until a spanner is thrown in the works. A date needs to change. You clicked a button twice. The site isn’t working. And suddenly you’ve been charged for something you weren’t quoted. You know the deal. So do we, and that’s why we have real life people to help you 100% of the time. From the Creative Holidays team, to our travel agent partners, we know where you’re going, we know why you’re going, and we’re happy to sort out any issues along the way. With a 24-hour on-call service available, this means smooth sailing every day of your trip. It sure beats talking to a laptop!


Discover more at creativeholidays.com

Meet the Creative Holidays team...

Find us on any street corner THANKS TO OUR AGENCY PARTNERS, YOUR LOCAL TRAVEL AGENT IS A CREATIVE HOLIDAYS REPRESENTATIVE. Simply ask for Creative Holidays at any travel agency in Australia and you can enjoy the benefits of travelling with us along with the support of your local agent. Likewise, if you want to build and plan your trip online, you can opt to send your holiday itinerary to a travel agent and complete the booking in store. We’re here for you – your choice, your way.

We’re tourists and locals, we’re wanderers and guides, we’re friends, families, fun-seekers and photographers. And we have one thing in common – we LOVE to travel.

Q&A with... Ashley

Creative Holidays Reservations Sales Agent I’M a

Andrew

Flight Centre

Kristie

Travelscene

Alicia

Escape Travel

Meet the family Creative Holidays has delivered great products, expert knowledge and unrivalled service for more than 30 years. Like any family, this experience all stems back to where we’ve come from and where we belong. Creative Holidays is a proud member of The Travel Corporation, a family-owned company that has been passionately run by four generations over the past nine decades. Each one of our 25 award-winning brands is cared for and managed by some of the most experienced and dedicated people in the travel industry. We love what we do, and it shows!

With over 4000 staff and one million customers a year, we are committed to exceptional service and personalised hospitality – no matter who you are, where you’ve come from, or where you’re going. We hire and retain the very best professionals in the industry and provide them with continuous training. No guest is just a number, and no staff member is just an employee. They’re the reason we’re in business. With a company mantra of “yes I can”, we believe in going beyond your expectations. When you live and breathe travel, it’s easy to achieve. thetravelcorporation.com

reservations whizz at Creative Holidays. I NEVER HOP ON A PLANE WITHOUT MY headphones and iPhone AND IN MY SUITCASE YOU’LL ALWAYS FIND a soccer shirt so i can support my team from anywhere. I CAN’T WATCH OR READ ‘The Lord of the Rings’ by J. R. R. Tolkien AND

NOT BE INSPIRED TO TRAVEL. I RECENTLY TRAVELLED TO Dubai WITH CREATIVE HOLIDAYS. IF I COULD ENCOURAGE YOU TO DO THREE THINGS THERE IT WOULD BE: check out

the panoramic city views from the top of the Burj Khalifa (the tallest building in the world) AND enjoy awesome rides at Wild Wadi water park on Jumeirah Beach AND visit the epic Dubai Mall for all your shopping needs. DON’T LEAVE WITHOUT EATING fresh hummmus with pita bread AND DRINKING at the Skyview Bar in Burj Al Arab, 200 metres above sea level. I STAYED AT Hyatt Regency Dubai AND IT WAS complete five-star luxury! THE BEST SOUVENIRS I BOUGHT WERE traditional turbans FOR myself and my family. TO

FIND OUT ABOUT DUBAI HOLIDAYS, VISIT

creativeholidays.com.

Arabian Peninsula — 3


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V.I.T.

Very Important Traveller

Experience Creative Club Travel like a V.I.T.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM THE CREATIVE CLUB: Price-match guarantee Easy lay-by options, book now & pay later

Wherever you see the Creative Club logo, you can rest assured you’ll be enjoying V.I.P. (or should we say V.I.T.) treatment with the best of them. We’ve personally negotiated with some 2000 hotels to bring you regular upgrade deals and other nifty bonuses. Combined with our easy lay-by terms and the flexibility to change dates, we feel it’s the sort of treatment you could get used to.

Exclusive added value bonuses & unique perks Special upgrade offers

And with our price-match guarantee, you can travel with the perks, without paying for it later! This brochure features some of our favourite Creative Club hotels and experiences. Tried and tested by Creative Holidays, we’ll vouch for them every time! You can hold us to that.

Discover more about the Creative Club at creativeholidays.com

*See terms and conditions page for detailed Creative Club terms.

Arabian Peninsula — 5


Get more with Creative Holidays

Give more with Creative Holidays

We go beyond the welcome sign.

Learn more about our involvement with Bali Kids and the TreadRight Foundation by visiting our website.

When you’re travelling the world, you don’t want to miss a second. That’s why Creative Holidays has everything covered – from best-price airfares, to tried-and-tested hotels, cruises, car hire and one-off experiences you’ll never forget.

100,000 PRODUCTS

In addition to being spoilt by service, you’ll also be spoilt for choice. Creative Holidays has more than 100,000 products for you to pick from. What can we say? When it comes to travel, we’re a firm believer in having your cake and eating it too.

FLY HIGH WITH THE VERY BEST OF PARTNERS

We’re long-standing partners with every major airline to ensure we bring you the very best deal. We even secure special exclusive offers and sale fares just for our travellers! Stay up to date with the latest deals, from fullservice to low-cost airlines, domestic and international, at creativeholidays.com – we have you covered, wherever you dream to escape.

At Creative Holidays, we believe in giving back to the community. We’ve travelled across the globe and we want to make a difference.

BALI KIDS Creative Holidays is proud to support Bali Kids – a clinic that provides essential medical care to children from disadvantaged families. The clinic has a mobile medical and dental unit that travels to villages all over Bali to treat kids in need, as well as in-house treatment and full-time care facilities. Through the generous support of Creative Holidays and other kind donors, Bali Kids’ new Medical Care Centre is now a reality. Fully equipped with a new Dental and Medical Clinic, the centre also offers handicapped children aqua-therapy and full disabled access. To help support the initiative, you can pledge $1 per person with each booking made through Creative Holidays. Your generous support is used to fund medical and dental services and supplies. Find out more online at creativeholidays.com.

CREATIVE CLUB

Every Creative Club product has been tried, tested and visited by a Creative Holidays team member. With these close working relationships, you can be assured access to all the Creative Club benefits plus unique year-round specials, added-value offers and exclusive deals. Go Creative Club and you won’t be disappointed.

DISCOUNTS AND DEALS

So the saying goes, “travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer”. We couldn’t agree more… but we still know the value of dollars and cents! Our competitive pricing, special discounts and always-on deals are designed to help you get the most out of your holiday, without breaking the bank. Check out creativeholidays.com or join our newsletter and be sure to never miss a great offer.

TRAVELLING AGAIN?

If you’ve travelled with us, we’d like to welcome you back with exclusive past-traveller discounts, both from Creative Holidays and our fellow Travel Corporation brands. Save 5% with Trafalgar, Uniworld, Insight Vacations, Contiki and more. Ask us how.

6 — Arabian Peninsula

TREADRIGHT FOUNDATION TreadRight is a not-for-profit organisation established by The Travel Corporation to encourage sustainable tourism, both within our brands and the places we visit. As constant travellers, we understand the need for a sustainable future. We want future generations to experience what our world has to offer. That’s why The Travel Corporation has made a commitment to contribute no less than $500,000 annually to fund TreadRight’s various initiatives. Read more online at treadright.org.


Discover more at creativeholidays.com

Stay connected

Find us online

Brand new website Our brand-new Creative Holidays website is the ultimate travel resource, with everything to help you plan the perfect holiday, from the best products to hot tips and local travel secrets. Check out thousands of travel products available online at creativeholidays.com.

JOIN THE CREATIVE COMMUNITY Sign up to our Creative Holidays newsletter for exclusive holiday offers, news and tips. PLUS: You could win $5000 for your next Creative Holiday!

The place to come talk holidays

Join us at...

Icon library Villa

creativeholidays.com Check out The Lounge at Creative Holidays to see all the latest updates from our company, our partners and globe-trotting travellers, all in one place. You can also follow Creative Holidays social media to meet fellow travellers, ask us questions, enter our competitions and share your own travel stories. We’d love to hear from you!

Like us on Facebook. facebook.com/creativeholidays Join the conversation on Twitter. #creativehols twitter.com/creativehols Follow us on Instagram. @creativeholidays Check out our YouTube channel. youtube.com/creativeholidays

Apartment

Number of Rooms 100

Internet or Wi-Fi

Breakfast Included

Kids Club

Arabian Peninsula — 7


Reasons to visit the Arabian Peninsula ... WE’VE BEEN SENDING AUSSIES OVERSEAS FOR MORE THAN 30 YEARS, SO WHATEVER YOU’RE INTO, WE’LL HELP YOU FIND IT IN THE ARABIAN PENINSULA. Visiting the Arabian Peninsula is a magical experience – a unique blend of ancient culture alongside some of the most advanced and luxurious offerings that you can find anywhere in the world. Take a trip through the sand dunes to camp underneath the stars in style, go scuba diving off the coast of Oman, or hunt through local souks in Qatar to uncover hidden gems. If you’re after creature comforts, Dubai and Abu Dhabi are your stop for luxury hotels that are full of hatted restaurants to dine at, spas to relax at, and world-class designer shopping.

Hot tip

8 — Arabian Peninsula

Always be mindful of local customs. Things like drinking alcohol at appropriate establishments or wearing the right garments should be key considerations when planning your holiday.

Beautiful scenery Head anywhere on the Arabian Peninsula and you’ll be staggered by its breathtaking scenery. Visit Oman and enjoy dazzling ocean views over the Gulf, or experience the deserts of Abu Dhabi – home to massive rolling sand dunes that could be straight out of a movie set.

Rich culture The blend of old and new in the Arabian Peninsula makes for an incredible cultural experience. Enjoy a trip to Qatar to take in the intricacy and beauty of Islamic art from as far back as the 7th century, or visit the many oldworld buildings and palaces throughout Oman and Abu Dhabi for a cultural experience like no other.


Discover more about the Arabian Peninsula at creativeholidays.com

ARABIAN HOTSPOTS:

Culinary delights Aussies are foodies at heart, and the Arabian Peninsula is an ideal place to make culinary dreams come true. It’s a match made in heaven. Dubai plays host to many hatted restaurants that are renowned for their world-famous chefs and Arabic delights. Popular favourites include La Petite Maison, Nobu, Al Mahara and Gordon Ramsay’s Verre. Alternatively, why not visit one of Qatar’s many coffee bars for a traditional Turkish brew?

Abu Dhabi A paradise for grown-ups who like to play, Abu Dhabi is home to theme parks, water slides, high-tech shopping malls, ornate mosques and five-star dining. Adventure seekers can sand ski down the famous desert dunes, or go scuba diving to explore the mysteries of the deep. Famous for: Luxury shopping and dining.

Shoppers paradise The Arabian Peninsula serves up everything from traditional, authentic markets (or Souks), to luxury shopping that rivals Paris or New York. Dubai is home to one of the world’s largest shopping malls, aptly named The Dubai Mall, plus the Mall of the Emirates ‘shopping resort’ (complete with an indoor ski slope), while Abu Dhabi is famed for its affordable fabrics and tailors offering the ultimate made-to-measure service.

Oman Explore Oman and all it has to offer, from beautiful beaches to camel safaris and culinary delights. Muscat’s ancient buildings, atmospheric souks and Portuguese forts make for a fascinating day of exploration, while an out-of-city trek to the sand dunes is the ultimate Arabian experience. Famous for: its coastline and view of the Gulf.

Dubai

Five-star treatment If you’re after a luxurious holiday full of pampering, good service and fine dining, then the Arabian Peninsula ticks all the right boxes. World-class health and beauty spas in Qatar and Dubai offer up treatments from around the world, and you’ll find many luxury hotels that boast Michelin-star dining, alongside extraordinary entertainment options, from theme parks to aquariums and amazing underwater suites!

Dubai is more than just gleaming buildings (although it certainly has plenty of those!). It’s a multi-cultural mix of luxurious offerings, from cuisine to shopping and five-star hotels, alongside authentic souks and Mosques that allow you to experience the best of both worlds. Famous for: the Burj Al Arab, voted the world’s most luxurious hotel.

Qatar Sand dunes, safaris and ancient rock carvings aside, Qatar combines old-world tradition with futuristic architecture and contemporary charms. Hop aboard a Dhow cruise on the Corniche for a stunning view of the Doha skyline. Famous for: its beautiful, ancient fortresses.

Arabian Peninsula — 9


Creative Club exclusive offers Dubai Immerse yourself in the incredible city of Dubai and choose from fantastic holiday stays over 24 hours, 48 hours and 72 hours. Alternatively, try one of our exciting themed packages – perfect for everything from Arabian adventure to family fun.

24 hours in Dubai

10 — Arabian Peninsula

Discover everything Dubai has to offer with an itinerary that lets you experience the city, desert and dinner aboard a Dhow. What you get: • Three nights at the 5-star Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City • Breakfast daily • Free Wi-Fi • Dubai City Tour • Sundowner Safari 10 — Bali, Cruise Indonesia • Dhow with dinner • Return airport transfers

199pp*

2 nights from

419pp*

$

Spend a weekend in Dubai and take a historical tour of the city, plus an exotic desert safari (complete with 10 — Bali, Indonesia Arabian feast).

*Terms and conditions apply for all deals and packages. See online for more details.

625pp*

$

$

What you get: • One night at the 5-star Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City • Breakfast daily • Free Wi-Fi • Dubai City Tour • Return airport transfers

What you get: • Two nights at the 5-star Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City • Breakfast daily • Free Wi-Fi • Dubai City Tour • Sundowner Safari • Return airport transfers

3 nights from

From

With just one day in captivating Dubai, you’ll explore some of the city’s most interesting sights.

48 hours in Dubai

72 hours in Dubai

Family fun

3 nights from

pp* 845 per child $315

$

*

Get the perfect mix of culture and fun on this exciting family itinerary that’ll have you and your tribe discovering the city, the desert and one of the best waterparks in the world. What you get: • Three nights at the 5-star The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina • Breakfast daily • Dubai City Tour • Aquaventure entry ticket 10 — Bali, Indonesia • Sundowner Safari • Return airport transfers


Discover more Discover Dubaimore packages at creativeholidays.com/bali at creativeholidays.com

Arabian adventure

2 nights from

569pp*

$

Enjoy the ultimate Dubai adventure over two jam-packed days of waterslides, desert safaris and Arabian nights. What you get: • Two nights at the 5-star The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina • Breakfast daily • Aquaventure entry ticket • Sundowner Safari 11 — Bali, Indonesia • Return airport transfers

Dubai by the beach

3 nights from

709pp*

$

Relish the hot Arabian sun on this three-day itinerary, capped off with a full day of swimming and sunbaking at the beach. What you get: • Three nights at the 5-star The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina • Breakfast daily 11 — Bali, Indonesia • Dubai City Tour • Sundowner Safari • Full day at leisure to enjoy the beach • Return airport transfers

Dubai City Tour: A fascinating historical excursion across Dubai city – from Burj Al Arab, Dubai’s landmark hotel, to Majlis Al Ghorfat, a magnificent structure built in 1955 and recently restored. The Majlis was originally the summer residence of the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al-Maktoum. Driving past modern palaces, you’ll stop at the Jumeirah Mosque for a photo opportunity, admire old-wind-towered houses in Dubai’s Al Fahidi Cultural district, and visit the 200-year-old Al Fahidi Fort that houses the Dubai Museum. Continue the journey on a traditional abra across the Creek, with splendid modern architecture on its banks dwarfing the bustling alleys of your next destination – the gold and spice souks.

Sundowner Safari: The mysterious desert beckons for a magical evening – an adventure you’ll never forget. Leaving the bustling city behind, safari guides will transport you by four-wheel drive for a thrilling journey over rolling dunes in the heart of the desert. Enjoy a glowing orange sunset before arriving at your campsite, which conjures up images of the Arabian nights. Here, you’ll enjoy a feast under the stars, bewitching belly dancing, a short camel ride, aromatic shisha, henna hand painting and so much more.

Dhow Cruise with dinner: What could be more enchanting than dinner aboard a dhow as it slips silently along Dubai Creek? Your cruise aboard one of these traditional wooden vessels offers an intriguing view of this amazing city – a portrait of Dubai’s true character, the intertwining of traditional and modern. You’ll see old wooden dhows and luxury yachts, spectacular modern architecture like the National Bank of Dubai and the Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry, juxtaposed with the historic Sheikh Saeed AlMaktoum House and Dubai Heritage Village, reminiscent of days gone by.

Aquaventure: Atlantis, the Palm is majestically located at the apex of The Palm Jumeirah, popularly known as the eighth wonder of the world. Here, you’ll experience Aquaventure, the largest water park in the region. Thrill your senses at Ziggurat, Aquaventure’s architectural centrepiece, or dare to take the Leap of Faith, a near vertical drop of 27 metres through a submerged tunnel into shark-infested waters. Glide along more than two kilometres of interconnected waterways, dare to brave the rapids, or simply enjoy the leisurely tidal effect of The Surge.

Arabian Peninsula — 11


Creative Club exclusive offers Abu Dhabi

3 nights from

72 hours in Abu Dhabi $

Discover the exotic city of Abu Dhabi and choose from fantastic holiday stays over 24 hours, 48 hours and 72 hours. From

24 hours in Abu Dhabi $

199pp*

Enjoy one jam-packed day in Abu Dhabi, complete with a magical desert safari. What you get: • One night at the 4-star Traders Hotel Qaryat Al Beri Abu Dhabi • Breakfast daily • Sundowner Safari • Return airport transfers

2 nights from

48 hours in Abu Dhabi $365pp* Experience the city in two exciting days with a Sunset Safari and a visit to the incredible Ferrari World. What you get: • Two nights at the 5-star Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara • Breakfast daily • Sundowner Safari • Ferrari World (general entry ticket) • Return airport transfers

449pp*

Spend three Arabian nights in Abu Dhabi, taking in the city, the desert and Ferrari World theme park. What you get: • Three nights accommodation at the 4-star Traders Hotel Qaryat Al Beri Abu Dhabi • Breakfast daily • Sundowner Safari • Ferrari World (general entry ticket) • Abu Dhabi City Tour • Return airport transfers

Sundowner Safari: Leave busy city life behind and be transported by four-wheel drive for a thrilling adventure over rolling desert dunes. You’ll enjoy a traditional Arabian evening relaxing in Bedouin-style tents, a short camel ride, and mouthwatering feast of barbeque meats, Arabic mezzeh, fresh salad and fruits. After dinner, relax and try the aromatic shisha while sipping on ghawa (the local drink of the region) – the perfect end to an enchanting evening.

Abu Dhabi City Tour: Discover the wonders of Abu Dhabi on this comprehensive city tour. Your first stop is the impressive Grand Mosque (one of the largest in the world), followed by a visit to the markets in Port Zayed. Driving along the spectacular Corniche, you’ll stop at Heritage Village, which houses a small museum depicting daily activities of the Arab community before the discovery of oil. Enjoy superb skyline views at Breakwater, then drive past the presidential palace areas and the majestic Emirates Palace Hotel.

Ferrari World: Enjoy the world’s first Ferrari theme park and the largest attraction of its kind. Step past the main gates into an intense, multi-sensory experience celebrating all things Ferrari – from the iconic sleek red roof, to more than 20 state-of-the-art attractions, including the world’s fastest rollercoaster, reaching speeds of up to 240 kilometres per hour to emulate the thrilling sensation of being in a Ferrari F1 car.

*Terms and conditions apply for all deals and packages. See online for more details.

12 — Arabian Peninsula


Discover more packages at creativeholidays.com

Oman Explore Oman over four glorious days and experience these Arabian cities at their finest. 3 nights from

Four days in Muscat $

669pp*

Enjoy four days in Oman’s capital, exploring everything from bustling marketplaces to majestic forts in this incredible historic city. What you get: • Three nights at the 4-star Radisson BLU Hotel • Breakfast daily • Magical Muscat Tour • Majestic Forts Tour • Return airport transfers

Magical Muscat Tour: Explore the unique blend of ancient and modern in Muscat, starting with a visit to the Grand Mosque. You’ll continue along the Corniche to Old Muscat, and pay a visit to the non-profit Sidab Women’s Sewing Group. Take a special tour of the enchanting Muttrah souq, with its narrow covered alleys and exotic smells of spice, coffee and enticing perfume, and don’t miss a photo stop at the magnificent Al Aalam Palace.

Majestic Forts Tour: Forts and castles are Oman’s most striking cultural landmarks, and have historically been used as defensive bastions or lookout points. Highlights of this tour include a visit to the 17th-century Nizwa fort and the Nizwa Souq, Bahla, Jabrin Fort and the village of Birkat Al Mauz, located at the foothills of Jebel Akhdar.

3 nights from

The Norway of Arabia $

979pp*

A world away from the bustling cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi lies majestic Musandam, otherwise known as ‘The Norway of Arabia’. Discover more about the region on this incredible four-day tour. What you get: • Three nights at the 4-star Golden Tulip Resort Khasab • Breakfast daily • Lunch on day two and day three • All transfers and tours as per itinerary with an Englishspeaking guide

DAY ONE: DUBAI – KHASAB • Pick-up from Dubai airport and transfer by private car to Golden Tulip Resort Khasab. • Half-day tour of Khasab City, including a visit to the picturesque Khasab Fort and the pre-historical rock paintings in Wadi Tawi.

DAY TWO: JEBEL HARIM • Travel by four-wheel drive for a mountain safari to Jebel Harim, the highest peak on the Musandam Peninsula. Enjoy incredible vistas and stop by the picturesque Bedouin village of Sayah and the pre-islamic graveyard at Rowdah village. The return drive will take you past Khawr Najid, a stunning sea view point overlooking the Indian Ocean. • Picnic lunch served in the shade • Overnight stay at Golden Tulip Resort Khasab

DAY THREE: THE FJORDS OF MUSANDAM (FULL DAY DHOW CRUISE) • Full day dhow cruise toward Musandam’s longest and most spectacular fjord, often referred to as the ‘Norway of Arabia’. Your dhow will anchor in the vicinity of Telegraph Island, allowing you to swim, snorkel or just sit back and admire the breathtaking views. • Lunch provided on board • Overnight stay at Golden Tulip Resort Khasab

DAY FOUR: MUSANDAM – DUBAI • Day of leisure after breakfast • Departure transfer to Dubai airport

*Terms and conditions apply for all deals and packages. See online for more details.

Arabian Peninsula — 13


Dubai Dubai is a destination like no other, full of incredible architecture, legendary shopping, beaches and nightlife to cater to the thousands of visitors that arrive each day for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Dubai

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• The Dubai Mall, also known as the home of the Dubai Shopping Festival (held throughout January), is the world’s largest shopping mall based on total area.

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“Thank you very much!” Translation: “Shukran jazeelan!”

• Visit the Gold Souk for cheap gold, but be prepared to haggle. The stalls also offer platinum, diamonds and silver, and are heavily regulated by the government so you can be sure your buy is genuine.

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• Spy the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, from anywhere in Dubai. Don’t miss incredible views from the Observation Deck on Level 124.

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Al Manzil Hotel Ascot Hotel Atlantis, The Palm Dubai Belvedere Court Hotel & Apartments (Dubai) Burj Al Arab Citymax Al Barsha Citymax Bur Dubai Hotel Conrad Dubai Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites Four Points by Sheraton Bur Dubai Four Points by Sheraton Downtown Dubai Four Points by Sheraton Sheikh Zayed Road

14. Golden Sands Hotel Apartments 15. Grand Hyatt Dubai 16. Hilton Dubai Creek 17. Hyatt Regency Dubai 18. Ibis City Centre 19. Ibis Mall of the Emirates 20. InterContinental Dubai Festival City 21. Jumeirah Beach Hotel 22. Jumeirah Creekside Hotel 23. Jumeirah Emirates Towers 24. Jumeirah Zabeel Saray 25. Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina 26. Madinat Jumeirah Al Qasr

27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39.

Madinat Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf Madinat Jumeirah Mina A’Salam Majestic Hotel Tower Dubai Marco Polo Hotel Mövenpick Hotel Deira Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach Novotel Deira City Centre Park Hyatt Dubai Park Regis Kris Kin Premier Inn Dubai Airport Raffles Dubai Royal Ascot Apartments Royal Ascot Hotel

40. 41. 42. 43. 44. 45. 46. 47. 48. 49. 50.

Savoy Suites Hotel Apartments Sheraton Dubai Mall of the Emirates Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach Suite Novotel The Address Downtown Dubai The Address Dubai Mall The Palace Downtown Dubai The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Traders Hotel Dubai Vida Downtown Dubai

Maps and hotel descriptions are offered as a guide but may be subject to change. See creativeholidays.com for further details and up-to-date information.

Get ready for a seven-star stay, complete with man-made islands and beaches, a mall with over 1200 shops, underwater hotels and hatted restaurants... and that’s just the start of your stayover in Dubai. Adventurers have limitless options, from wreck diving, to camel racing and the world-famous Aquaventure water park. For foodies, hatted restaurants are a must, but there are also local street vendors and souks that serve up traditional, cheap and delicious meals. And shopping is a given, whether it be spices at the Spice Souk, precious metals at the Gold Souk, or incredible designer goods from the massive Dubai Mall.


Discover more Dubai experiences at creativeholidays.com

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5 things to do in...

Dubai

TOUCH DOWN IN A GLAMOROUS CITY KNOWN FOR LUXURY, DECADENCE AND RICH HISTORY. DISCOVER MORE CREATIVE CLUB EXPERIENCES ONLINE, CALL US OR SEE YOUR LOCAL TRAVEL AGENT.

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City of Merchants

Ski Dubai

This fascinating historical excursion across Dubai city takes you from Burj Al Arab, Dubai’s landmark hotel, to Majlis Al Ghorfat, a magnificent structure built in 1955 and recently restored. Driving past modern palaces, you’ll stop at the Jumeirah Mosque for a photo opportunity, admire old-wind-towered houses in Dubai’s Al Fahidi Cultural district, and visit the 200-year-old Al Fahidi Fort that houses the Dubai Museum. Continue the journey on a traditional abra across the Creek, with splendid modern architecture on its banks dwarfing the bustling alleys of your next destination – the gold and spice souks.

Ski Dubai, the Middle East’s first indoor ski resort, proves that anything is possible. Despite the scorching heat outside, this mountain-themed attraction offers a range of activities for snow lovers, including skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing. Test your skills on any of the five runs that vary in ability, height and gradient, the longest run being 400 metres with a descent of over 60 metres. Kids and parents alike will enjoy the huge interactive Snow Park – lying on 3000 square metres, it’s the largest indoor snow park in the world.

Hot tip: The Majlis was originally the summer residence of the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al-Maktoum.

Hot tip: Ski and snowboarding lessons are available on request so enlist the help of a pro to ensure you make the most out of this Winter Wonderland.

From

99

*All prices based on per person rates. Terms and conditions apply (please see page 33).

$

*

1

A New Dawn

What better way to experience the magic of this culturally diverse city than to tour its iconic landmarks and architectural wonders. This comprehensive excursion will allow you to explore The Lost Chambers Aquarium at Atlantis, The Palm, take a ride on The Palm Jumeirah monorail, enjoy a drive around the Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence area, check out the Dubai Mall and Souk Al Bahar, and be amazed by the views at the Burj Khalifa’s Observation Deck. Hot tip: Ensure your camera is charged and ready to go – this tour will provide ample opportunity to capture shots of all the main attractions this divine city has to offer.

3

From

229

$

*

Dubai Al Jadeedah An ideal expedition for lovers of all things luxurious, this guided tour will have you experiencing the finest traditional and modern highlights of this historical city. Enjoy a relaxed drive through The Palm Jumeirah Island, visit The Dubai Mall and Dubai Aquarium, stop for a photo opportunity outside Atlantis, The Palm, marvel at the beauty of the Dubai Marina, shop up a storm at the famed souks and finally, indulge in a High Tea at the landmark building, Burj Al Arab. After such a jam-packed day, the delicate sandwiches and sweet culinary delights are sure to satisfy. Hot tip: Upgrade your High Tea package to include bubbly – the ideal way to unwind after a day of solid sightseeing.

5

From

104

$

*

Sundowner Dune Dinner Safari The mysterious desert beckons for a magical evening – an adventure you’ll never forget. Leaving the bustling city behind, safari guides will transport you by four-wheel drive for a thrilling journey over rolling dunes in the heart of the desert. Enjoy a glowing orange sunset before arriving at your campsite, which conjures up images of the Arabian nights! Here, you’ll enjoy a feast under the stars, bewitching belly dancing, a short camel ride, aromatic shisha, henna hand painting and so much more. Hot tip: Don’t miss tasting the delicious camel chocolate at your camp – it’s the perfect energy boost after a long day on the dunes. Arabian Peninsula — 15


Dubai City stays Famous for its grandeur and elegance, this buzzing, cosmopolitan metropolis will take your breath away. Whether in town for business or leisure, our Creative Club hotels are on stand-by for your ultimate Dubai escape.

Jumeirah Creekside Hotel Jumeirah Creekside is an intimate five-star hotel, offering a blissfully authentic cultural experience within the heart of radiant Dubai. Why we love it: The multitude of on-site activities will cater to all kinds of traveller, from shopping at the luxury boutiques, to lounging in the sun by one of two outdoor pools. And with complimentary access to Wadi Wadi Waterpark, just a short drive from the hotel, the kids are sure to remain happy (and occupied)! Style: Artistic Atmosphere: Approachable Don’t leave without experiencing: A glass elevator to Cu-ba rooftop bar for contemporary tapas and panoramic views over the glittering city of Dubai. From

123*

$

292

The Address Dubai Mall Overlooking the world’s tallest tower, Burj Khalifa, and attached to the Dubai Mall, The Address Dubai Mall is one of the largest shopping and entertainment destinations in the world. Why we love it: It’s a statement in style, complete with traditional Arab hospitality. With 244 signature rooms and suites plus five upbeat restaurants and lounges, a world-class spa and wellness facilities, innovative shopping services and convenient business amenities, The Address is your quintessential luxury experience. Style: Elegant Atmosphere: Vibrant Don’t leave without experiencing: A delicious culinary journey at NA3NA3, where a stunning buffet of Arabic specialties will be prepared from an open-plan kitchen. From

236*

$ 16 — Arabian Peninsula

244


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Ascot Hotel The sister to Royal Ascot Hotel, this premier destination is only moments away from Sheikh Zayed Road – the modern business district that houses Dubai’s most impressive architectural sights.

Staff tip

Why we love it: Built to serve the corporate guest, it’s been carefully engineered to cater for the business traveller’s every need. Everything at the Ascot, from the elegant lobby to the thoughtfully designed rooms and gourmet restaurants, is about subtlety and luxury rather than opulence and pomp.

“You can’t visit Dubai City without checking out Burj Khalifa – the world’s tallest building. The 360-degree view from the observation deck was beyond magnificent!”

Style: Tasteful Atmosphere: Thoughtful Don’t leave without experiencing: • The world of Goa in Dubai at the on-site Goan Shack, complete with rustic ambience, authentic Goan food and a live band. • A visit to Maikhana Indian Club, one of the most popular Indian night clubs in Bur Dubai city. From

48*

$

Delna Creative Holidays, Ticketing Consultant 76

Conrad Dubai Conrad Dubai offers discreet modern elegance in the heart of Dubai’s financial and shopping district, where guests can discover a menu of superb business and leisure amenities. Why we love it: The 54-level imposing building features a state-of-the-art spa and fitness centre, plus an impressive array of high-end bars and eateries. While here, discover Purobeach Urban Oasis, where the beautifully manicured gardens and desert palms surround a welcoming landscape pool. Style: Sleek Atmosphere: Exclusive Don’t leave without experiencing: A stylish meal at Marco Pierre White Grill, where you can savour innovative cuisine and classic English specialties. From

155*

*All prices based on per person, twin share rates. Terms and conditions apply (please see page 33).

$

555

Four Points by Sheraton Downtown Dubai

Golden Sands Hotel Apartments

For a convenient location and affordable price, Four Points stands seven stories tall on Mankhool Street in the heart of Bur Dubai.

Perfectly placed within the heart of fashionable Bur Dubai, this large apartment hotel is a short stroll from the Dubai Museum, Heritage Village, the Metro Junction, and a variety of restaurants and nightspots.

Why we love it: A free shuttle service to the beach and shopping precincts make it a perfect base for city exploration, while the temperature-controlled rooftop pool and gymnasium provide the ideal environment for relaxation. Choose from four on-site dining options for the ultimate feast, including an Italian restaurant and a sports bar.

Why we love it: You can choose from one, two or threebedroom self-contained apartments, perfect for both families and couples. When you’re not on the beach or out on the town, there’s an abundance of facilities at your disposal, including a swimming pool, sauna and gymnasium.

Style: Modern Atmosphere: Welcoming

Style: Homely Atmosphere: Relaxed

Don’t leave without experiencing: A homemade pizza or pasta dish from the on-site Italian restaurant, Centro Citta.

Don’t leave without experiencing: Your free daily shuttle to the beach to enjoy the real golden sands and Arabian sun.

From

79

$

From

*

57*

$ 250

616

Arabian Peninsula — 17


Hyatt Regency Dubai Modern and luxurious, Hyatt Regency Dubai is located in the Deira district along Dubai’s renowned waterfront promenade, with magnificent views over the Arabian Gulf. Why we love it: A welcoming oasis (and foodie haven), it offers four award-winning restaurants with a broad assortment of international menus – including Japanese at Miyako and Iranian at Shahrzad. Don’t miss the onsite ice rink and nine-hole pitch-and-putt golf course for an added dose of family fun! Style: Contemporary Atmosphere: Family-friendly Don’t leave without experiencing: A meal at Al Dawaar, the only revolving restaurant in Dubai.

From

98*

$

414

Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel Located opposite Burjuman Shopping Centre in the heart of Dubai’s historic district, Park Regis Kris Kin offers a perfect base to shop and explore the city. Why we love it: The choice of immaculately appointed Superior and Deluxe Rooms are ideal for any type of traveller. Stay on the Burj Executive floor and you’ll gain access to the Executive Lounge, plus a wide array of exclusive benefits and privileges (including complimentary breakfast, pre-dinner drinks and canapés). Style: Luxury Atmosphere: Private Don’t leave without experiencing: The 19th-floor Kris restaurant and wine bar, with authentic Asian cuisine, fine wines and expansive views over Dubai. From

87*

$

Marco Polo Hotel The magnificent glass façade of the Marco Polo Hotel is demonstrative of its sleek interior. Enjoy the historical districts of Dubai on foot, or venture wider to access all that this sun-soaked city has to offer. Why we love it: The award-winning restaurants have all palettes covered, from authentic Indian cuisine to Chinese fine dining, Tex-Mex delights and a cheerful English pub. That aside, this classy hotel is filled with a warm ambience and range of top-class amenities, including a large outdoor temperature-controlled swimming pool and fully-equipped gymnasium. Style: Sleek Atmosphere: Friendly Don’t leave without experiencing: The authentic English Fox & Hounds pub complete with floor-to-ceiling style and a serious scotch selection. From

73*

$

126

18 — Arabian Peninsula

392


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Royal Ascot Hotel The luxury, marble-appointed Royal Ascot Hotel is synonymous with extravagance and grandeur, from palatial architecture in the lobby to extra-large rooms and essential ‘royal’ treatment. Why we love it: It offers picturesque city views and a menu of on-site dining options that will leave you spoilt for choice – from authentic European to Asian cuisine. For a cultural buzz, head to the ‘Velvet Underground’, which hosts two daily performances, complete with dinner and champagne. Style: Palatial Atmosphere: Regal Don’t leave without experiencing: A dip in the rooftop swimming pool (affectionately called the ‘blue lagoon’) after a long day in the city. From

60*

$

181

Hot tip

*All prices based on per person, twin share rates. Terms and conditions apply (please see page 33).

Sheraton Dubai Mall of the Emirates Directly connected to the world-renowned mall, Sheraton Dubai Mall of the Emirates is a gathering place for corporate travellers, vacationers and shoppers alike. Why we love it: From Balenciaga to Bulgari, this deluxe property’s access to the adjoining mall makes label hunting a breeze. When you’re not shopping up a storm, unwind at the Sanctuary Spa or soak up the views by the rooftop infinity pool at Sanctuary Pool Lounge (the perfect place for a sundowner). Style: State-of-the-art Atmosphere: Happening Don’t leave without experiencing: International cuisine at the on-site Sanabel Restaurant. From

148*

Having trouble deciding between hotels? Experience as many as you want by visiting the ones you’re not staying at for lunch, dinner or drinks. You’ll be able to take full advantage of their entertainment and views!

$

Travel like a

V.I.T.

481

Discover exclusive Creative Club added value offers for these hotels and more online.

creativeholidays.com See Page 5 for more information about the Creative Club. Arabian Peninsula — 19


Best of Jumeirah Beach ‘JUMEIRAH’, MEANING ‘BEAUTIFUL’ IN ARABIC, IS CERTAINLY AN APT TITLE FOR THIS BREATHTAKING STRETCH OF WHITE SAND AND AZURE WATER IN SPECTACULAR DUBAI. CHECK OUT SOME OF OUR CREATIVE CLUB FAVOURITES FOR YOUR NEXT STAY AT THIS PREMIER BEACHFRONT DESTINATION.

Burj Al Arab

Jumeirah Beach Hotel

Repeatedly voted the world’s most luxurious hotel, this magnificent destination boasts the finest service and facilities throughout – right down to an optional chauffeur-driven Rolls Royce or helicopter arrival.

With its striking wave-like design, the Jumeirah Beach Hotel is one of Dubai’s most recognisable structures – offering modern elegance both inside and out.

Why we love it: With 202 luxurious duplex suites, seven world-class restaurants and bars, four swimming pools (two outdoor, two indoor), a health club and a private beach, there’s no wonder this architectural masterpiece is so highly esteemed. Guests will be treated to an environment of spectacular elegance and sophistication, where every request is granted.

Why we love it: It’s truly a hotel for the senses, boasting inspiring vistas over Dubai and the Arabian Gulf. Once you’ve finished taking in the view, choose from the widest array of leisure facilities around, including a scuba diving centre, five swimming pools, Sinbad’s Kids Club, The Hub for teens and complimentary access to Wild Wadi Water Park.

Style: Exquisite Atmosphere: Exclusive

Style: Modern Atmosphere: Family-friendly

DON’T LEAVE WITHOUT EXPERIENCING:

DON’T LEAVE WITHOUT EXPERIENCING:

• The specially designed gold iPad offered to every guest on arrival – it’s the small things that count! • Stunning views from the 27th-floor restaurant, Al Muntaha – Arabic for ‘The Ultimate’. • The Burj Al Arab Aroma Warm Candle Massage, which uses warm wax from your choice of scented candle (exotic, vanilla or rose).

• The beautifully appointed Talise Spa, featuring everything you need to truly unwind, including two saunas, two massage rooms and three hot tubs. • A night you’ll never forget at 360°, one of the world’s most impressive club locations. • A range of Lebanese-style menus including cold and hot mezzeh and live music at Al Khayal restaurant.

From

1123

$

From

*

337

$ 202

20 — Arabian Peninsula

Best for entertainment

Atlantis, The Palm Dubai Built like a palace out of Arabian Nights and located on Dubai’s reclaimed artificial island, Atlantis, The Palm captures the imagination with its magnificent scale and ingenuity. Why we love it: From the moment you arrive, you’ll be immersed in a dazzling world of imagination, pleasure and five-star luxury. Perfect for couples and families alike, the resort offers everything from an Aquaventure water park to The Lost Chambers Aquarium, a rejuvenating ShuiQi Spa and Fitness centre, plus 21 restaurants, bars and lounges from world-renowned chefs. Style: Majestic Atmosphere: Family-friendly DON’T LEAVE WITHOUT EXPERIENCING:

• Complimentary access to Aquaventure, the number one water park in Dubai, overflowing with 42 fun-filled acres. • A meeting with the Atlantis dolphins in their extravagant Dolphin Bay home. • An incredible ‘underwater suite’ – you’ll literally descend into the perfect hideaway, complete with floor-to-ceiling windows into Ambassador Lagoon. From

*

412*

$ 617

1539


Discover more Dubai hotels at creativeholidays.com

Discover more online Travel like a

V.I.T.

creativeholidays.com/ country/region

(Very Important Traveller)

186

Want discounted spa treatments?

A welcomein drink Hotels on arrival? XXX

*All prices based on per person, twin share rates. Terms and conditions apply (please see page 33).

How about free Wi-Fi?

Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach

Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach

Located on the bustling district of The Walk, Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach blends cosmopolitan lifestyle and a relaxing ambience, complete with a range of lively dining and entertainment options.

Rising magnificently from Dubai’s Jumeirah Beach Residence in the heart of The Walk, this luxury five-star hotel has one of the best addresses in town.

Why we love it: You can take advantage of this opulent location by relaxing in the infinity pool while enjoying a scrumptious Mövenpick ice cream from Falls Lobby Lounge. The four on-site dining options combine taste, variety and an engaging atmosphere to create memorable experiences time and time again. Style: Contemporary Atmosphere: Dynamic DON’T LEAVE WITHOUT EXPERIENCING:

• Snorkelling or scuba diving in the glittering Arabian Gulf. • An indulgent Caviar Signature Treatment at the on-site Body Talk Spa. • Room service on your balcony – all 294 rooms and suites feature stunning panoramic views.

From

128

$

Why we love it: Its blend of French and Arabic décor, combining warm colours with teak furnishings and Middle Eastern motifs, makes for an awe-inspiring yet welcoming interior. You’ll be awed by the range of facilities on offer, including a swim-up bar in an infinity pool overlooking Jumeirah Beach, an authentic French brassiere, and a 24-hour lounge bar. Style: French-Arabian Atmosphere: Tranquil DON’T LEAVE WITHOUT EXPERIENCING:

• An authentic French dish while dining alfresco at the on-site restaurant, AOC French Brasserie. • A treatment at the on-site beauty salon using products by Carita. • Cocktails, iced teas and Arabian shisha pipes from Infini Pool Lounge.

From

*

132*

$ 294

Including

These are just a sample of the exclusive Creative Club benefits available to our (very important) travellers.^

78

Creative Club Hotels creativeholidays.com Each offers all the luxury and benefits associated with Discover more online being a Creative today and see which Club member. amazing offers apply at your hotel. With hundreds to choose from, there’s a perfect stay to suit every travel style. See Page 5 for more information about the Creative Club. See pages 60-63 for a full list of Creative Club hotels and features.

^ Specific benefits may not apply to all Creative Club hotels. 438

Arabian Peninsula — 21


Abu Dhabi This stunning seaside jewel in the United Arab Emirates crown is famous for its world-class shopping, sporting events and cultural attractions.

Abu Dhabi

See hotels features grid on page 31.

Persian Gulf

With bustling markets, renowned motorsports and a seaside that can’t be matched, Abu Dhabi is fast becoming one of the hottest destinations in the world. Culture buffs will appreciate the city’s museums and historic architecture, while adventureseekers will revel in the array of action-soaked activities available. This dazzling city truly offers something for all.

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• Cross the river to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Apart from being a spectacular place of worship, it also houses the world’s largest hand-made carpet. • Put yourself in the shoes of a professional racing driver at Yas Marina Circuit. Open year round, it’s the perfect choice for adrenaline junkies.

What to Pack: Your haggling hat!

22 — Arabian Peninsula

Musaffah

Al Futaisi 2

1. 2. 3. 4.

Anantara Desert Islands Resort & Spa Anantara Qasr Al Desert Resort Beach Rotana Hotel Abu Dhabi Centro Yas Island Rotana

5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara Emirates Palace Hilton Abu Dhabi InterContinental Abu Dhabi

10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.

Jumeirah at Etihad Towers Le Méridien Abu Dhabi Park Rotana Abu Dhabi Shangri-La Abu Dhabi Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi

Maps and hotel descriptions are offered as a guide but may be subject to change. See creativeholidays.com for further details and up-to-date information.

“Do you have Arabic coffee?” Translation: “Haal indaak kawah arabeeya?”


Discover more Abu Dhabi hotels at creativeholidays.com

5 things to do in... Abu Dhabi GET READY FOR AN EXOTIC ADVENTURE IN ONE OF THE HOTTEST CITIES OF THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES. DISCOVER MORE CREATIVE CLUB EXPERIENCES ONLINE, CALL US OR SEE YOUR LOCAL TRAVEL AGENT.

2

From

109

$

*

Falcon World One of nature’s most awe-inspiring birds of prey (and the national emblem of the United Arab Emirates), the falcon has always played a prominent role in the history and culture of the Middle East. The Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital provides a rare opportunity to explore the world of these magnificent creatures, while watching them fly high in the large, outdoor, free-flight aviary. Interact directly with the falcons by having one sit on your arm (if you’re game!) and enjoy a photo opportunity to ensure the memory lasts forever. Hot Tip: Upgrade to the Comprehensive Package and be treated to a five-star InterContinental buffet lunch in the traditional Arabic tent (Khaima).

From

79

$

*

From

*All prices based on per person rates. Terms and conditions apply (please see page 33).

1

Ferrari World For an ideal family day out, look no further than Ferrari World Abu Dhabi - the world’s first Ferrari-branded theme park. The park pays tribute to the passion, excellence, performance and technical innovation that Ferrari has established over the years. Test your nerves on the Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest rollercoaster that reaches speeds of 240 kilometres per hour, or slow down the pace with a more relaxed tour of miniature Italy aboard Bell’Italia. Discover exactly what goes into the making of a Ferrari on the Made in Maranello tour, or get up close and personal with the ultimate display of Ferrari cars at Galleria Ferrari. Hot Tip: Don’t leave without sampling the homemade gelato at Espresso Rossi café – the perfect snack for in between rides!

3

50

$

*

City Spectacular This buzzing cosmopolitan city – and capital of the United Arab Emirates – is a brilliant contrast of modest traditions, historical architecture and contemporary living. Experience everything this evolving metropolis has to offer on an introductory guided tour. You’ll marvel at the grandeur of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, drive along the spectacular Abu Dhabi Corniche, visit the markets of Port Zayed, explore the traditional Heritage Village, and enjoy superb skyline views at Breakwater. Hot tip: Conservative dress for men and women is mandatory when visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Modest, loose-fitting clothing is required, shoes must be removed before entering the mosque, and a headscarf for ladies is essential.

4

From

71

$

*

Oasis Adventure (Al Ain City Tour) Head for the garden city of Al Ain, a charming oasis that has served as an important caravan stop since time immemorial. You’ll take a scenic drive through the desert to Al Ain Museum and its adjoining fortress, followed by a visit to the impressive Al Ain Oasis, where you can observe date gardens being watered by the 2000-year-old ‘fajal’ irrigation system. Other highlights include Al Ain Palace Museum, the colourful camel market and Green Mubbazzarah hot springs at the foot of Jebel Hafeet. Hot tip: Al Ain Museum offers a glimpse of the Bedouin lifestyle and local culture, as well as exhibits from the 2500-year-old Mesopotamian burial site located nearby.

5

From

99

$

*

Sundowner Dune Dinner Safari Leave busy city life behind and be transported by four-wheel drive for a thrilling adventure over rolling desert dunes. You’ll enjoy a traditional Arabian evening relaxing in Bedouinstyle tents, a short camel ride, and mouthwatering feast of barbeque meats, Arabic mezzeh, fresh salad and fruits. After dinner, relax and try the aromatic shisha while sipping on ghawa (the local drink of the region) – the perfect end to an enchanting evening. Hot tip: You’ll visit the camps where racing camels are bred and trained for a unique glimpse of Bedouin life. Arabian Peninsula — 23


Abu Dhabi luxury Experience the wonder of this spectacularly diverse Arab city by exploring its majestic architecture, lush green landscape and buzzing nightlife. This cosmopolitan hub will leave you in awe. Enhance your journey by booking in for a stay at one of these select Creative Club hotels.

Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi

Park Rotana Abu Dhabi

Over 565 rooms and suites, the Beach Rotana embraces a unique blend of traditional Arabian hospitality with the breathtaking opulence of modern luxury.

The Park Rotana Abu Dhabi boasts an impressive combination of deluxe accommodation, culinary experiences, state-of-the-art meeting and events rooms, and amazing recreational facilities.

Why we love it: It’s in a superb location, right in the main business district of Abu Dhabi, and surrounded by ocean vistas. The hotel is directly linked by an exclusive passageway to the iconic Abu Dhabi Mall, for some serious shopping. Alternatively, take advantage of the 11 world-class restaurants and 120 metres of private beach.

Why we love it: Designed in a vibrant modern style and quietly located just outside of town, Park Rotana Abu Dhabi is only a short drive from popular landmarks like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Yas Island. Enlist a professional trainer to help you work out or laze by the outdoor, temperaturecontrolled pool.

Style: Opulent Atmosphere: Relaxing Don’t leave without experiencing: A relaxing treatment at Zen the spa, open daily from 10am to 10pm.

Style: Chic Atmosphere: Peaceful Don’t leave without experiencing: A meal at Teatre restaurant and bar, complete with an open showcase kitchen and sushi bar.

From

72*

$

From

60*

$

565

Hilton Abu Dhabi Hotel Just a short drive from the city centre, Hilton Abu Dhabi offers a menu of top-class amenities (including a private beach club) and amazing views of the Arabian Gulf. Why we love it: The outstanding service expected from a Hilton Hotel is certainly prevalent at this beachside retreat. Relax in the comfortable guestrooms, featuring separate sitting areas and elegant marble bathrooms, or select from more than 15 restaurants, lounges and bars, before going for a dip in one of three swimming pools. Desert bliss! Style: Sophisticated Atmosphere: Happening Don’t leave without experiencing: The Hiltonia Beach Club, featuring 350 metres of private, white sandy beach. From

89*

$ 24 — Arabian Peninsula

327

318


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Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort

Staff tip

Located right on the Abu Dhabi Corniche, the Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort features renovated guest rooms and suites, plus panoramic views of the turquoise Arabian Gulf. Why we love it: It offers all the seclusion of a beachfront hideaway with a menu of luxury amenities – think multiple pools, a health club, outdoor tennis courts and even a private lagoon. When hunger strikes, you’ll find cuisines ranging from Italian to Mexican, Spanish Tapas and a chilled-out Tavern Pub.

“Visit the markets in the late afternoon to catch the vendors when they are most willing to bargain. But beware, haggling is a custom here, and they have plenty of practice!”

Style: Authentic Atmosphere: Relaxed Don’t leave without experiencing: The 60-minute Sunburn Treatment at Sheraton Spa (because even the most careful can fall victim to the Arabian sun!)

From

89*

$

Bonnie Creative Holidays, Client Services Co-ordinator

272

Shangri-La Hotel With its impressive architecture and fine Arabic décor, the Shangri-La Hotel Abu Dhabi features all the lavish qualities you’d expect from this famous property chain. Why we love it: With a selection of five restaurants and three bars, access to one kilometre of private, immaculate beach and a variety of wellness facilities, this hotel is sure to please. While close to local attractions, the lush garden landscapes place it in a serene, faraway world of its own. Style: Elegant Atmosphere: Warm Don’t leave without experiencing: A family yum cha feast at the hotel’s signature Cantonese restaurant, Shang Palace.

Travel like a

V.I.T.

Very Important Traveller

From

148*

*All prices based on per person, twin share rates. Terms and conditions apply (please see page 33).

$

214

creativeholidays.com

InterContinental Abu Dhabi Boasting a prime beach location just minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi, the InterContinental is ideally placed for business or leisure. Why we love it: Nestled amongst landscaped gardens, all rooms enjoy a view of either the city skyline or the Arabian Gulf. There’s also a state-ofthe-art gym, plunge pool, outdoor pool, sun terrace and four tennis courts, plus the famed Fishmarket restaurant and on-site Yacht Club, overlooking the hotel’s private arena.

Discover exclusive Creative Club added value offers for these hotels and more online. With hundreds to choose from, there’s a perfect stay to suit every travel style.

Style: Contemporary Atmosphere: Trendy Don’t leave without experiencing: The hotel’s Yacht Cub, with its contemporary interiors, Japanese cuisine and unforgettable sunsets.

See Page 5 for more information about the Creative Club.

From

94*

$

* Specific benefits may not apply to all Creative Club hotels. 390

Arabian Peninsula — 25


Qatar There’s something for everyone in Qatar. Play a round of world-class golf, explore the vast expanse of desert, relax at the beach or hunt through local markets all in one incredible trip. 26 — Arabian Peninsula


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Qatar

See hotel features grid on page 31

Begin your visit to Qatar in lively Doha, the cultural hub and capital of the state. A tantalising mix of ancient tradition and modern luxuries, you’ll soon discover that desert dining, beach adventures, resort-style hotels and world-class shopping are fixtures in this influential city.

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• Spend a day at the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha. Designed by a world-renowned architect, it’s an architectural masterpiece rising from the sea off Doha’s Corniche.

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• Browse Doha’s main market, the Souq Waqif, for everything from perfumes to spices and shisha pipes. Seek out the Falcon section, where you can see and handle these birds of prey, highly prized in Qatar for their hunting abilities.

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1. Al Seef Hotel 2. Four Seasons Hotel Doha

Your camera to capture the incredible scenery.

Maps and hotel descriptions are offered as a guide but may be subject to change. See creativeholidays.com for further details and up-to-date information. *All prices based on per person, twin share rates. Terms and conditions apply (please see page 33).

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• Wander along the manicured Corniche and step aboard one of the small wooden dhows, festooned with lights, for a tour of the pristine bay.

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3. Grand Hyatt Doha 4. Swiss-Belhotel Doha

Al Seef Hotel Whether you’re planning a family holiday or luxury business trip, Al Seef Hotel offers cosy elegance and excellent value for money from Doha’s beautiful waterfront stretch.

Staff Tip

Why we love it: It boasts comfortable furnishings and modern amenities close to the city’s famous Al Corniche Street. The hotel has it’s own on-site restaurant, Al Mahar, which will satisfy all palates with a range of international cuisines. Style: Cosy Atmosphere: Welcoming From

86*

$

Four Seasons Hotel Doha With seven restaurants and lounges, a three-storey Spa and Wellness Centre, comprehensive business facilities and a private beach, Four Seasons echoes the essence of what you want as a traveller. Why we love it: It’s 17 storeys of modern luxury blended with classical charm. The three-level beachfront grotto pool is an absolute treat for the whole family, complete with whirlpools, hot tubs, a dedicated kiddies pool with waterslide, and poolside attendants at the ready with a spritz of cooling water! Style: Extravagant Atmosphere: Vibrant

50

“If you’re planning on getting a suit made, be sure to bring exact pictures of what you want. Even better, bring a sample suit and get it cut in fabrics of your choice.” Emily Creative Holidays, Reservations Sales Agent

From

245*

$

232

Arabian Peninsula — 27


Oman Throw yourself into the beautiful setting and culture of Oman, often referred to as ‘Arabia’s Jewel’ for its dazzling beaches and breathtaking sights.

Oman If you’re after a holiday that has it all, from relaxing beach days to bustling city shopping and desert adventures, the Sultanate of Oman will provide just that and more. Sparkling minarets atop the city’s mosques make for a truly remarkable sight, while the hypnotic Sea of Oman is simply breathtaking. Follow up a spectacular dive trip by camping amid the dunes, or practice your bartering skills during an authentic shopping trip to the souks.

Gulf of Oman 1

THINGS TO KNOW:

Qurm Al Qurum H ei

Al Mina St

ghts R d

6

wi

Sultan Qaboos St

“Water please” Translation: “Maa min fadhlach”

Ru

Al Wutayyah

Local Tips:

Nuz

Mu

E xpy

An

t sca

St

3

4

Lingo to know:

Muscat

2

hah St

Muscat Expy

5

• An early morning or late afternoon stroll through the exotic Muttrah Souq is the ultimate retail experience. You’ll discover everything from Omani silver jewellery to textiles, handicrafts and antiques. • Explore the deep-orange dunes of Wahiba Sands in a four-wheel drive. It’s the perfect place for dune bashing or sand boarding. Hold on tight! • As well as pristine beaches, Oman has some incredible diving spots to explore. Book a scuba dive and prepare to be awed be a wealth of colourful coral and marine life.

Al-Amarat

See hotels features grid on page 31. 1. Crowne Plaza Muscat Hotel 2. Grand Hyatt Muscat Hotel

28 — Arabian Peninsula

3. Park Inn by Radisson Hotels 4. Radisson BLU Hotel, Muscat

5. Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa 6. The Chedi Muscat

What to Pack: Your sense of adventure.


Maps and hotel descriptions are offered as a guide but may be subject to change. See creativeholidays.com for further details and up-to-date information. *All prices based on per person, twin share rates. Terms and conditions apply (please see page 33).

Discover more Oman hotels at creativeholidays.com

Radisson BLU Hotel, Muscat

Staff Tip

Radisson Blu Hotel, Muscat is ideally situated by Shatti Al Qurum, the diplomatic and commercial hub of Oman, and features 153 comfortable guest rooms and suites. Why we love it: The open-air, poolside bar, the Lazy Lizard, is the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail, while the lavish buffet at Mediterranean restaurant Olivos is perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Guests are welcome to recharge at the exclusive Fontana Health Club which features a gym, sauna, steam rooms and swimming pool. Style: Tasteful Atmosphere: Laid-back From

133*

$

Shangri La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa Three deluxe hotels await your arrival at Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa – each one more luxurious than the last, from Al Waha to Al Bandar and the palatial Al Husn. Why we love it: Facing the hypnotic Sea of Oman, these luxury hotels boast traditional Dhofari architecture, a melange of fine dining, and several swimming pools that merge to form a serene water oasis. Highlights include delicious Moroccan cuisine at Shahrazad restaurant and the largest spa villas in Muscat at CHI, The Spa. Style: Palatial Atmosphere: Serene

Melissa Creative Holidays, Accounting Assistant

Travel like a

V.I.T.

Discover exclusive Creative Club added value offers for these hotels and more online. creativeholidays.com

From

179*

153

“While Oman is a liberal country, it’s best for women to make sure they cover their arms and legs, particularly at public functions.”

$

640

Arabian Peninsula — 29


24

F

L

F

• 24 •

24

F

L

F

• 24 •

261 A 24

F

L

P

24 •

F

L

P

• 24 •

F

L

F

• •

5

555

O

5

316

O

4

11

O

4

125

24

12

17

4

250

24

Villa (V) or Apartment (A)

17

Rating

8 9

Number of Rooms

Elevator

10

Parking: Free (F) or Fee Payable (P)

Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites Four Points by Sheraton Bur Dubai Four Points by Sheraton Downtown Dubai Four Points by Sheraton Sheikh Zayed Road Golden Sands Hotel Apartments

Shuttle Bus

Conrad Dubai

F

R

F

R

R

2

2

1

6 14

1

High-chairs (H) or Cots (C)

• 24 •

2

Children’s Swimming Pool

F

24

3

Kids Club

691

3

Children’s Menu

L

3

P

Babysitting

O

Number of Cafés

F

7

Number of Restaurants

Citymax Bur Dubai Hotel

Family Features

Number of Bars/Lounges

Golf Course

P

Games Room

24

A

O

Tennis Court

• 24 •

P

24

378

Day Spa

F

202

3

Gymnasium

5

R

Water Sports

L

O

Jacuzzi or Sauna

L

20

6

F

Swim-up Pool Bar

F

5

Citymax Al Barsha

Swimming Pool: Indoor (I) or Outdoor (O)

F

Burj Al Arab

F

A

Inter-connecting Rooms

173 A 24

Non-Smoking Rooms

P

3

L

In-Room Safe

O

F

Ironing Facilities

L

4

F

Hair Dryer

24

Internet or Wi-Fi: Free (F) or Fee Payable (P)

76

5 1539

In-house Movies

• 24 •

4

20

Dining, cafés & bars

Leisure & Recreation

Television

P

17

3

F

Newspapers

2

Kitchenette

• 24

24

Refrigerator

F

L

197

Mini Bar

4

Tea & Coffee-Making Facilities

• 24 •

O

Room Service: Limited (L) or 24-hr (24)

Internet or Wi-Fi: Free (F) or Fee Payable (P)

F

1

Breakfast Included

Shop

Reception: Limited (L) or 24-hr (24)

Page Number or Online (O)

L

Map reference

Business Centre

Room Features

Laundry Service (L) or Coin Laundry (C)

Hotel Features

Air Conditioning (A) or Fan Cooled (F)

HOTEL FEATURES GRID

Dubai (map on page 14) Al Manzil Hotel Ascot Hotel Atlantis, The Palm Dubai Belvedere Court Hotel & Apartments (Dubai)

24

L

L

L

• •

O

O

• 2

5

2

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1

1

1

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1

3

1

2

3

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1

2

1

1

2

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2

3

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3

4

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1

1

1

4

8

2

24

F

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F

24 •

616 A 24

F

L

F

• 24 •

Grand Hyatt Dubai

15

O

5

674 A 24

F

P

24 •

A

P

Hilton Dubai Creek

16

O

5

150

24

F

L

P

• 24 •

A

P

O

Hyatt Regency Dubai

17

18

5

414

24

F

L

F

• 24 •

A

P

R

O

Ibis City Centre

18

O

2

365

24

F

L

F

P

R

R

Ibis Mall of the Emirates

19

O

2

204

24

F

L

InterContinental Dubai Festival City

20

O

5

498

24

F

L

F

• 24 •

A

F

Jumeirah Beach Hotel

21

20

5

617

24

F

L

F

• 24 •

A

F

Jumeirah Creekside Hotel

22

16

5

292

24

F

F

• 24 •

A

F

Jumeirah Emirates Towers

23

O

5

400

24

F

L

F

• 24 •

A

F

Jumeirah Zabeel Saray

24

O

5

441

24

F

L

F

F

R

Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina

25

O

5

220

24

F

L

F

• 24 •

F

Madinat Jumeirah Al Qasr

26

O

5

292

24

F

L

F

• 24 •

Madinat Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf Madinat Jumeirah Mina A'Salam

27

O

5

283 V 24

F

L

F

• 24 •

28

O

5

292

24

F

L

F

• 24 •

Majestic Hotel Tower Dubai

29

O

4

252

24

F

L

F

L

Marco Polo Hotel

30

18

4

126

24

F

L

F

Mövenpick Hotel Deira

31

O

5

216

24

F

L

F

Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach

32

21

5

294

24

F

L

Novotel Deira City Centre

33

O

4

188

24

F

L

Park Hyatt Dubai

34

O

5

225

24

F

L

Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel

35

18

4

392

24

F

L

Premier Inn Dubai Airport

36

O

3

281

24

F

L

Raffles Dubai

37

O

5

252

24

F

L

Royal Ascot Apartments

38

O

4

77

A 24

F

L

Royal Ascot Hotel

39

19

4

181

24

F

L

Savoy Suites Hotel Apartments

40

O

4

112

A 24

F

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• •

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R = On request

30 — Arabian Peninsula


Discover more at creativeholidays.com

F

• 24 •

A

F

F

• 24 •

A

P

The Address Downtown Dubai

45

O

5

196

24

F

L

F

• 24 •

A

The Address Dubai Mall

46

16

5

244

24

F

L

F

24 •

A

The Palace Downtown Dubai

47

O

5

242

24

F

L

F

24 •

A

The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach

48

O

5

294

24

F

L

F

• 24 •

Traders Hotel Dubai

49

O

4

250

24

F

L

F

• 24 •

Vida Downtown Dubai

50

O

4

156

24

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A

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2

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4

1

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1

F

3

High-chairs (H) or Cots (C)

L

1

Children’s Swimming Pool

Kids Club

L

F

Children’s Menu

Babysitting

F

24

Number of Cafés

180

Number of Restaurants

24

4

Number of Bars/Lounges

438

O

O

Golf Course

5

44

O

Games Room

21

Suite Novotel

Tennis Court

Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach 43

Day Spa

Family Features

Gymnasium

Water Sports

A

Jacuzzi or Sauna

A

Swim-up Pool Bar

24 •

Swimming Pool: Indoor (I) or Outdoor (O)

• 24 •

P

Inter-connecting Rooms

F

Non-Smoking Rooms

In-Room Safe

Television

Ironing Facilities

Newspapers

In-house Movies

Air Conditioning (A) or Fan Cooled (F)

L

Kitchenette

L

Refrigerator

F

Mini Bar

F

Tea & Coffee-Making Facilities

24

Room Service: Limited (L) or 24-hr (24)

Shop

24

256

Breakfast Included

Business Centre

481

5

Villa (V) or Apartment (A)

4

O

Rating

19

Number of Rooms

Laundry Service (L) or Coin Laundry (C)

R

Elevator

Parking: Free (F) or Fee Payable (P)

Shuttle Bus

Reception: Limited (L) or 24-hr (24)

Page Number or Online (O)

Map reference

P

41 42

Sheraton Dubai Mall of the Emirates Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort

Dining, cafés & bars

Leisure & Recreation

Hair Dryer

Room Features Internet or Wi-Fi: Free (F) or Fee Payable (P)

Hotel Features

Internet or Wi-Fi: Free (F) or Fee Payable (P)

HOTEL FEATURES GRID

C C

C

2

1

1

C

1

3

2

C

Abu Dhabi (map on page 22) Anantara Desert Islands Resort & Spa Anantara Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort Beach Rotana Hotel Abu Dhabi

1

O

5

64

24

F

L

F

• 24 •

A

F

O

1

4

2

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5

206

24

F

L

F

• 24 •

A

F

O

3

4

3

24

5

565

24

F

L

P

• 24 •

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1

11

1

Centro Yas Island Rotana

4

O

3

259

24

F

L

F

1

6

1

Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara

5

O

4

428

24

F

L

F

• 24 •

2

4

6

O

5

222

24

F

L

P

Emirates Palace

7

O

5

394

24

F

L

F

• 24

Hilton Abu Dhabi

8

24

5

327

24

F

L

P

InterContinental Abu Dhabi

9

25

5

390

24

F

L

Jumeirah at Etihad Towers

10

O

5

382 A 24

F

L

Le Méridien Abu Dhabi

11

O

4

234

24

F

L

Park Rotana Abu Dhabi

12

O

5

318

24

F

L

Shangri-La Hotel

13

25

5

214

24

F

L

Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort

14

25

5

272

24

F

Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi

15

O

5

499

24

F

Al Seef Hotel

1

27

3

50

24

F

Four Seasons Hotel Doha

2

27

5

232

24

F

Grand Hyatt Doha

3

O

5

249 V 24

Swiss-Belhotel Doha

4

O

4

164

24

Crowne Plaza Muscat

1

O

4

200

Grand Hyatt Muscat

2

O

5

280

Park Inn by Radisson Hotels

3

O

4

175

24

Radisson BLU Hotel, Muscat

4

29

4

153

24

Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa

5

29

5

640

24

The Chedi Muscat

6

O

5

158

24

L

A

P

R

A

F

R

A

F

A

O O

• •

O

O

P

F

R

O

P

F

O

F

O

A

24 •

A

F

A

F

• 24 •

A

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24 •

A

P

24 •

A

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24 •

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24 •

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24 •

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• 24 •

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• 24 •

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24

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24

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• 24 •

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F

• 24 •

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C

C

C C

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1

3

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2

7

1

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3

9

1

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3

5

1

C

2

8

1

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5

8

1

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2

3

1

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3

5

1

C

5

5

1

C

4

6

1

C

O

F

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Qatar (map on page 27) •

O

O

1

1

1

2

4

3

3

3

2

1

1

1

• •

C

C

C

C

Oman (map on page 28)

A

F

O

P

O

P

O

F

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F

O

F

O

2

4

3

4

1

2

• • •

R

2

2

5

9

3

6

C •

C •

Pricing and hotel features grids are offered as a guide only and may be subject to variation or change. All facilities may not be available in every room category. Please see creativeholidays.com for a more up-to-date list of hotel features. Firm pricing can be determined and quoted at the time the booking is made.

Arabian Peninsula — 31


We are Passionate

About giving you a great holiday with the best value and the

experiences of a lifetime!

Our Company is family-run (for four generations now!) and has been in business for over nine decades. Our AWARD WINNING brands uphold the highest standards of product integrity, outstanding service, experience and value - From LUXURY boutique hotels and river cruises, to the BEST guided holidays and escorted tours, FUN youth experiences and independent holiday choices. If an independent holiday with Creative Holidays is not what you are looking for in your next trip, take a look at some of our other brands that we are sure will be able to fulfil your needs and dreams. You can also visit www.TheTravelCorporation.com/your-loyalty to learn more about our special offers and discounts as a past guest of Creative.

TheTravelCorporation.com

Trafalgar The world leader in guided holidays to Europe and Britain, North and South America, Australia, New Zealand, China, Japan, Vietnam and South Africa. We draw on over 66 years of experience to provide a unique insider’s perspective for our guests to enjoy the not-tobe-missed attractions along with exclusive authentic experiences all at unbeatable value. www.Trafalgar.com

AAT Kings An AAT Kings holiday represents the very best that Australia and New Zealand have to offer. Our expert guides and drivers love a laugh and a good story, and they will show you landscapes and cities that are beautiful beyond belief. Whether you are interested in an extensive touring program or an amazing short break, whether you are searching for five star luxury or something more economical, our goal is to bring Australia and New Zealand to life. www.AATKings.com

Contiki Give the Gift of travel to your children or grand-children – a ‘United Nations on-tour experience’. Life changing journeys for 18- 35’s in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, North America and Latin America. Contiki, the best youth adventures for over 50 years. www.Contiki.com

Uniworld Thinking of cruising next year – then choose the best! With “True All-Inclusive” award-winning cruising, experience six-star luxury at uncompromising value. Simply relax onboard the most elegantly appointed ships enjoying personalised hospitality and world-class cuisine. Sailing along every major European river (including Seine, Rhone, Moselle, Danube, Rhine, Douro) in addition to the world’s enchanting Svir, Neva and Yangtze. www.Uniworld.com

Insight Vacations The finest five star premium and luxury escorted journeys to Europe and North America, Egypt, India and Nepal – enjoy hassle free travel with business class legroom comfort, stay in central and scenic hotels, and enjoy authentic Dine Around evenings and Highlight Dinners. www.InsightVacations.com


Terms and Conditions Important Information The www.creativeholidays.com website (the “Site”) is owned and operated by Creative Tours Pty Ltd (ABN 23 003 286 459) trading as Creative Holidays. In these booking terms and conditions the expressions “Company”, “Creative Tours”, “Creative Holidays”, “we”, “our” or “us” include Creative Tours Pty Ltd and entities that assist or participate with Creative Tours Pty Ltd in the provision of the services it agrees to provide (where the context permits, including its and their employees and agents) and the expressions “you”, “your”, “client” or the “passenger” include a person seeking or requiring the services offered by Creative Tours, all other persons (if any) included with that person in the booking and that person’s or those persons’ travel agent (if any). TRAVEL PRODUCTS AND AVAILABILITY Creative Tours arranges bookings, ticketing and other ancillary services of and related to travel and accommodation including but not limited to, air travel, transfers, car hire and leisure activities (“Travel Products”). Creative Tours is neither a common carrier nor a private carrier, and does not itself provide any of the Travel Products described in its brochures or on the Site. Creative Tours acts as your agent in making the arrangements with third party suppliers, who provide the Travel Products to you as principals (“Suppliers”), and is not the agent of any such Supplier. By booking any Travel Products, you (if booking directly or through a travel agent) and your travel agent on your behalf (if booking through a travel agent) acknowledge and confirm that you have read our booking terms and conditions, that you accept them without reservation as constituting the entire agreement between you and us which cannot be varied other than by an officer of the Company in writing. Bookings of all Travel Products we arrange are provided by Suppliers we believe to be reputable and to operate in accordance with the standards set down by their own local authorities. Those Travel Products are provided subject to those Suppliers’ terms, conditions and limitations (some of which may exclude or limit liability in respect of death, injury, delay, loss or damage to person and/or effects) and we accept no responsibility for them nor do we make or give any warranty or representation as to their standard, quality or fitness for any particular purpose. Any legal recourse you may have in respect of those Travel Products is against those Suppliers and not against us. We recommend all passengers take out adequate travel insurance for the duration of their travel. All Travel Products shown in our brochures and on the Site may be booked, subject to availability at the time of booking. QUOTES AND PRICES We endeavour to ensure the accuracy and currency of all prices displayed in our brochures and on the Site. Prices are: • specified in the currency stated in the brochure or on the relevant page of the Site (generally either in Australian dollars or New Zealand dollars) and are subject to change without notice; • indicative only and subject to change until all of your booking details have been provided to us and we have confirmed your booking; and • for the number of persons or items on the conditions stated in the brochure or on the relevant page of the Site, including but not limited to any hover box. “From” Prices: The expression “from” with respect to a price means the lowest price for the Travel Product we believe is available at the time of publication, based on information we have received from Suppliers. Itineraries and Quotes: You may build an itinerary on the Site and obtain a quote from the Site or by contacting our Call Centre or through a travel agent. Any quote is an estimate only of the current price and subject to change until a booking is confirmed and you receive a unique Creative Tours booking number or, if a quote for an airfare, until it is paid and ticketed. Payment terms are subject to individual Supplier requirements and will be advised at the time of booking. Taxes, Charges and Currency Fluctuation: Government taxes and charges imposed by Suppliers or third parties (including ticketing fees and airline fuel surcharges) are subject to change. If there are any increases in such taxes, charges or Supplier rates or any currency fluctuation which increase the price of your booking, we reserve the right to change the price you must pay by including the additional charges or amount (together with any applicable service fee and GST) at any time prior to and including the date of your departure, even if we have received full payment from you. We will notify you of any such price changes that result in your travel arrangements being materially different from those prior to the change being effected and in respect of which we have already accepted your deposit or full payment. If so, and you do not wish to alter your travel arrangements, you may cancel them and monies you have already paid, less any charges levied by Suppliers, will be refunded. Any refund will be calculated at the currency exchange rate that applied when the booking was confirmed. Errors: We reserve the right to correct any errors in fees, charges, rates or prices quoted or billed, even if we have received full payment from you.

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED IN THE HOLIDAY PRICE The price does not include airfares (unless otherwise stated), passport and visa fees, insurance, laundry, phone calls, beverages, meals not detailed in the itinerary, tips to tour guides, motor coach drivers and local city guides, items of a personal nature, excess baggage, expenses, fees or costs incurred in case of illness, or of refusal of entry to, detention in, or expulsion or repatriation from a country or part of a country. We are not liable for any expense, costs or loss incurred in relation to such matters and you release us from all liability, damages or responsibility in relation to them. PAYMENT Method: Payment for all Travel Product bookings made via the Site must be by Credit Card (American Express, Visa or MasterCard) or PayPal. You must provide us with all the required details of your Credit Card or PayPal account. For Credit Cards a fee of up to 2% of the total cost of the booking will be applied at time of payment. Terms: Depending on the Supplier’s terms and conditions of booking, you may be able to hold a Travel Product without payment, pay a deposit for it or you may be required to make an immediate payment in full. • Hold – You will be notified whether a Travel Product may be held and the period it may be held. If held, you must pay a deposit or full payment in accordance with these terms and conditions and the notification (generally within 5 days of it being held, unless your date of travel is less than 10 days from notification). • Deposit – Unless otherwise notified you must pay a deposit to secure the booking. The deposit is a minimum of $165 per person, together with any prepayment specified by the relevant Supplier. You must pay the balance of the price at least 10 days prior to the earliest travel date or earlier if we or the relevant Supplier so specify. • Immediate payment – You will be notified if any Travel Product within a booking requires immediate payment in full. You must make that payment immediately to secure the Travel Product at the notified price. If you fail to make any required payment outlined above, your booking is automatically cancelled unless we notify you otherwise in writing. A travel agent who makes a booking at your request is your agent and is not the Company’s agent for the purpose of receipt of the deposit or any part of the price. CREATIVE CLUB Except during peak seasons (such as Christmas-New Year), for special events (such as cultural or sporting events) and other “black out” periods nominated by a Supplier, the following benefits apply to any Travel Product identified with our “Creative Club” logo: Price Match Guarantee: Except for bonus offers and inclusions offered by a Supplier exclusively to a third party, we will match our gross price to a third party’s gross price for a Travel Product if: • it is based on the same currency as our quote or the offer on our Site (i.e. Australian or New Zealand dollars); • the third party’s Travel Product (including any bonus offers, added value or inclusions) and ours are identical; • you provide us with the third party’s written quote, which indicates its availability at the time of the price match in the country of the currency you require the price matched; • you have not booked that Travel Product; • the Travel Product has not previously been price matched; and • you pay for the Travel Product in full when we have matched the price. Added Value Bonuses and Special Upgrade Offers: Subject to availability and to these terms and conditions, we will use reasonable endeavours to ensure you receive the added value bonuses and upgrade offers referred to in the description of Travel Products identified with our “Creative Club” logo. We may, at our sole discretion, withdraw any added value bonus or upgrade offer for any reason and at any time. CANCELLATIONS, AMENDMENTS, REISSUES AND REFUNDS If we are entitled to cancel the booking of any Travel Product and we cancel it or if you cancel it (unless these terms and conditions otherwise specify) the following applies: Cancellation after Deposit is Paid: • You must pay any Supplier/airline cancellation fees. • Your deposit ($165 per person) will be available to apply to the cost of other Travel Products for 90 days after the date of cancellation and, if not so applied, will thereupon be forfeit to us. Cancellation after Full Payment: • You must pay any Supplier/airline cancellation fees. • There is no refund of or credit for the deposit. • We will return to you any amount refunded to us by the Supplier. Amendments to a Booking: We may accept or

reject a request for amendment to a booking of Travel Products in our absolute discretion. If we amend a confirmed booking, it may be repriced and you are liable for any resulting price change, including any cancellation fees imposed by the Supplier. You must pay us an amendment fee of $55 for each amendment, being a genuine pre estimate of the reasonable cost of administrative expenses we incur in amending the booking. Refunds: After your travel has commenced, there can be no refund in respect of any Travel Products not utilised whether by choice or because of late arrival or early departure, including failure of any transport to operate according to schedule. Employees of any Supplier are not authorised by us to give any undertakings in respect of refunds or other matters. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY AND RESPONSIBILITIES We arrange the provision of Travel Products which are provided by Suppliers. We do not ourselves provide the Travel Products you may receive on your holiday. Suppliers Terms and Conditions: Supply of the Travel Products is made, and all itineraries, coupons and exchange orders (collectively “vouchers”) are issued to you, upon the Supplier’s terms and conditions that are then in use, including as to the applicable laws, requirements and policies of any government authority related to, among others, visas, entry, exit or transfer requirements. Your acceptance of the vouchers constitutes those terms and conditions as the entire agreement between you and the relevant Supplier and you bear all costs or losses incurred as a consequence of your failure to comply with them. Exclusion of Liability: In the absence of our negligence, we are not liable for any cancellations, diversions, substitution of equipment, variations, postponements or any other act, omission or default (whether negligent or otherwise) of any Supplier nor are we liable for any loss or damage to baggage or property, injury, illness or death, or any other loss (including consequential loss) damage or claim whatsoever arising from the act, error, omission, default or negligence of any person not our direct employee or under our exclusive control. We are not responsible for any criminal conduct of any third party. Where a motor coach seat is fitted with a safety belt, neither we nor any Supplier concerned will be liable for death, injury, or any loss or damage whatsoever you suffer from any accident or incident if you are not wearing the safety belt at the time of such accident or incident. We are not liable for any injury, damage, loss, delay, additional expenses or inconvenience caused by your acts, omissions or defaults, your state of health, medical condition or circumstances or other reasons which are beyond our control, including force majeure events or failure of equipment or machinery. Warranties: To the extent permitted by law, all express and implied warranties, guarantees, representations or terms are expressly excluded. Where the law implies any warranty guarantee or condition which cannot be excluded, our liability to you for breach thereof is limited to supplying the services again or payment of the cost of having the services supplied again. Maximum Liability: Despite any other provision of these terms and conditions, to the extent permitted by law, our maximum liability to you or any third party is limited to the price you have paid us for the booking. Holiday Variations: We reserve the right to cancel or reschedule departures and itineraries if required by circumstances beyond our control. Where it is necessary to change a hotel we will endeavour to substitute accommodation of no lesser standard. Insurance: We recommend you purchase travel insurance against forfeiture of payment, loss of deposits, cancellation charges, baggage loss, medical expenses, theft and other contingencies. We make no representations as to what you may recover under any insurance. You agree not to hold us responsible for any decision of insurers, and/or any Supplier, or the requirements of any foreign government authority, foreign law or policy. Passport Checks: You must ensure names used to make a booking are exactly as appear in passports. Any name/initial or spelling changes made after booking confirmation may result in Supplier imposed fees and/or you being unable to travel. Passports, Visa, Vaccinations and Baggage: A visa does not guarantee you entry to, or permission to remain in, a country. Some countries may refuse entry or may detain, expel or repatriate you because of your state of health, medical condition or other reasons. You are responsible for all visas, entry, health and other requirements and all documents required by the laws, regulations, orders and/or requirements of countries you intend to visit. You should check the requirements of those countries with their embassies or consulates or other authorities. We accept no responsibility if you are refused entry into any country you intend to visit and you release us from all damages, expenses, costs, liabilities or loss you incur in relation to such matters. To ensure the safety of yourself and others, it may be

necessary for us to disclose details of your health or medical condition to Suppliers. You authorise us to make such disclosure and you agree that our doing so is not a breach of confidence or duty and that you will not hold us liable in tort, in contract or under any privacy or anti-discrimination laws. OTHER CONDITIONS Brochure and Site Accuracy: We endeavour to ensure that the brochure is accurate at the time of publication and that the Site is and remains accurate at all times. However, we cannot be held responsible for printing or typographical errors or errors arising from unforeseen circumstances. Hotel Locations and Descriptions: Maps in our brochures and on the Site are provided only as a guide to locations and maps on the Site are powered by Google maps. Hotel descriptions featured are based on current international hotel guides and information provided by hotels and Suppliers. Descriptions are provided as guidelines only and any facilities shown as included are subject to change at any time. Hotel room photographs may not be specific to rooms booked. Hotel Check-In: To guarantee charges for incidental items, Suppliers require validation of a current credit card upon check-in. Room Bedding Guide: Prices in the brochure and on the Site are based on existing bedding in the room. Requests for particular arrangements must be made at the time of booking and are not guaranteed. Requests such as twin share - separate beds, additional rollaway beds may be made at time of check-in and charges are payable direct to the hotel. The ‘Bedding Guide’ is provided as guidelines only and are subject to change at any time. Standard of Service: The standard of service in your holiday is based on various factors and we do not represent or guarantee a particular standard or fitness for purpose of the accommodation or services provided. Frequent Flyer Points: Airfares may or may not attract Frequent Flyer points. This decision rests with the airline and is not our responsibility. Complaints: We endeavour to ensure that the arrangements we have made for you are implemented as arranged. If a problem occurs, the most practical way to deal with it is to attempt resolution locally with the Supplier. If you fail to follow this course, any claim for compensation may be reduced or denied. If you have any unresolved complaint, details should be lodged in writing (with supporting documentation, including efforts made with the Supplier to resolve it) with your travel agent or directly with us within 30 days of your holiday concluding. Your Privacy: We will handle your personal information in accordance with our Privacy Policy, which is posted on the Site or will be sent to you upon request. Your booking of any Travel Product constitutes your representation to us that you have read our Privacy Policy and accept its application to you. User Agreement: By using the Site to browse and/or book any Travel Product, you represent to us that you have read our User Agreement posted on the Site and you accept its application to you. Law and Jurisdiction: The agreement between us and you in respect of the services to be provided is constituted solely by these terms and conditions and is governed by the laws of New South Wales, Australia. We and you submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Courts of New South Wales and the Courts of appeal therefrom. Financial Protection: We participate in The Travel Compensation Fund (TCF). TCF is a fund administered by a regulatory body established by government to protect consumer funds in the event of a member’s financial failure. You can have complete confidence that we meet the strict financial criteria necessary to participate in the TCF. Understanding these Terms and Conditions: If you do not understand any aspect of these terms and conditions you should seek advice from an appropriately qualified person.

GUIDE TO PRICING & IMAGES Images: Featured hotel images may not relate to the lead in room category and therefore not represent the room type allocated for your booking. Pricing: ‘From’ pricing is offered as a guide only and, unless otherwise stated, per person, twin share on a lead in room category/service level for the 2014 low season travel period. Prices are confirmed and guaranteed only when a booking is made and may differ from the brochure or Site ‘from’ price and any quote.

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Stay connected See your favourite travel agent, call us on 1300 747 400 or visit us online at creativeholidays.com Like us on Facebook. facebook.com/creativeholidays Join the conversation on Twitter. #creativehols twitter.com/creativehols Follow us on Instagram. @creativeholidays Check out our YouTube channel. youtube.com/creativeholidays

Look out for Creative Holidays Stopover and Disney brochures. 2014/15 editions available soon. Please recycle this brochure or pass it on to someone else. Creative Holidays, as part of The Travel Corporation, is proud to be using 100% recycled paper for the body stock of all our brochures.

35 Grafton Street, Bondi Junction, NSW 2022 P.O. BOX 659, Bondi Junction, NSW 1355 License No. 2TA00 2632 ABN 23 003 286 459 Creative Holidays has been serving Australian travellers since 1979 and is a member of the family-owned The Travel Corporation. It is renowned and trusted for outstanding quality, service, value, reliability and financial stability.

www.thetravelcorporation.com

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