A WEEK IN THE SUN
Sometimes you just want to get away to the sun, to stop and really unwind. Whether you want to then stay firmly on your sunbed or would like to enjoy watersports, fabulous local food or explore nearby cultural highlights is up to you, just let us know. The team are absolute experts and can arrange private guides, book the best restaurants and get you closed-door-access to things like cultural sites and museums, so you really make the most of the destination. This book contains ideas in Europe and further afield, with added useful information on when is best to go and things like flight and transfer times. Of course, this is just a small selection, we have hundreds of heavenly getaways we can tailor to you for the ultimate relaxing break. With my very best wishes,
ANDREW DUNN PRESIDENT & FOUNDER
FURTHER AFIELD
CLOSER TO HOME Marrakech in Style Ibiza Cool Lazy Days in Santorini Tuscan Charm Kick back in AndalucĂa Indulge in the Douro Valley Magical Montenegro Viva la Villa
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ABTOT provides protection for your booking as set out in section 19 of our booking conditions.
Kick back in Cape Town Sublime Seychelles Bali Bliss A Maldivian Gem Magical Mauritius Chill out in Mexico Spice up your life A Thai Retreat Love St Lucia Oh my Oman
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THE SCOTT DUNN DIFFERENCE If you are looking to head to the sun for some proper relaxation this book contains some gorgeous options close to home and right across the world. Our consultants will listen to what you are after and use their first-hand knowledge to arrange the perfect holiday for you. To help you decide where you want to go we have added handy holiday details including best time to go and the time difference, as well as what you could combine each property with if you had more time or wanted to mix things up a bit. Once you have decided where you want to go, your consultant will then arrange all the little extras for you, like private guides, theatre tickets, car hire‌ whatever it is you want. And don’t forget we are a fully bonded tour operator, so you can enjoy your holiday knowing you have total security and also that we are on the end of the phone 24/7 should you need us.
“TAKE A GUIDED DAY TRIP INTO THE ATLAS MOUNTAINS TO VISIT AUTHENTIC BERBER VILLAGES.” SERENA MOORE, MOROCCO CONSULTANT
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MARRAKECH IN STYLE Mandarin Oriental Marrakech is surrounded by fifty acres of olive groves, palms and verdant gardens, yet just a short drive away from Marrakech medina. Whilst contemporary in its architecture, the hotel retains a distinctly Moroccan charm, with thoughtful Berber influences and riad inspired courtyards. On a clear day, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Atlas Mountains’ snowy peaks. The suites and villas are spacious, with large bathrooms, a private pool and terrace. There’s a selection of restaurants ranging from fine Moroccan cuisine to relaxed poolside dining, food here is one of the highlights. Those looking for some pampering can head to the fantastic spa for a treatment and traditional hammam therapies. Just five minutes from the hotel you will find tennis courts and there are nearby golf courses.
Best time to go: Year round avoiding high summer Flight time: 3.5 hours Transfer time: 15 min drive Time difference: +1 hour Mix it up: Combine with the Atlas Mountains
For a closer look, please visit: scottdunn.com/momarrakech
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IBIZA COOL This trendy hotel with a Nobu Restaurant is close to historical and buzzy Ibiza Town. Contemporary and stylish Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay is located just a few steps from the seafront of Talamanca Bay, where you’ll find welcoming restaurants and laid-back bars. The hotel has two freshwater swimming pools, a mini Six Senses Spa and some excellent dining choices, including the island’s only Nobu Japanese fusion restaurant. Rooms and suites all offer natural stone baths, floor-to-ceiling windows and terraces or balconies. The hotel shuttle will take you the two kilometres to historical Ibiza Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with cobbled streets, restaurants, bars, cafés and boutique shops selling trendy, island inspired pieces.
Best time to go: May - September Flight time: 2.5 hours Transfer time: 20 mins drive Time difference: +1 hour Mix it up: Combine with Mallorca
For a closer look, please visit: scottdunn.com/nobuhotelibiza 8
“GUESTS CAN HIRE PADDLE-BOARDS DIRECTLY FROM THE HOTEL, THE PERFECT MORNING WORKOUT.” HUGO SNELL, MED CONSULTANT
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“TAKE A PRIVATE BOAT TO THE ISLAND OF FOLEGANDROS, KNOWN AS THE ‘ISLAND OF PEACE’. SNORKLE, DISCOVER HIDDEN BEACHES AND EXPLORE THE PICTURESQUE TOWN OF CHORA.” ASHLING MULKEIRINS, GREECE CONSULTANT 10
LAZY DAYS IN SANTORINI Grace Santorini is a lovely boutique hotel perched high on the cliffs of Santorini, with spectacular views over the caldera. Grace Santorini, Auberge Resorts Collection has twenty rooms and suites, the majority of suites feature private pools. The traditional architecture is paired with elegant decor and there is a heavenly infinity pool to really make the most of the views. The hotel’s restaurant Santoro serves a selection of contemporary Mediterranean fusion cuisine next to the pool. A variety of spa treatments are available to book in the comfort of your room and there’s a yoga and Pilates studio. You can head out to explore Oia, famed for its whitewashed buildings and stunning sunsets or enjoy a tasting session at one of the island’s wineries. Best time to go: April - October Flight time: 4 hours Transfer time: 15 min drive Time difference: +2 hours Mix it up: Combine with Mykonos For a closer look, please visit: scottdunn.com/gracesantorini 11
TUSCAN CHARM Borgo Santo Pietro is a stunning boutique hotel that is the perfect place to relax, eat delicious food and explore the Tuscan countryside. This stunning 13th century villa estate was painstakingly and lovingly restored into a beautiful and luxurious boutique hotel. Surrounded by 13 acres of gardens, guests enjoy seclusion and relaxation in the most enchanting setting. The interiors are in-keeping with the origins of the building, walls are adorned by paintings and tapestries and there are beautiful antique pieces throughout. The pool overlooks the surrounding countryside and you can indulge in treatments at the spa. For more action there are tennis courts, croquet, archery, yoga and bicycles. Within an hour’s drive you can explore Siena and Florence. Best time to go: April - September Flight time: 2 hours 10 mins Transfer time: 1 hour drive Time difference: +1 hour Mix it up: Combine with time in Florence
For a closer look, please visit: scottdunn.com/borgosantopietro 12
“ENJOY A CHIANTI CLASSICO WINE TOUR, A GREAT DAY OUT EXPLORING THE VINEYARDS AND CELLARS AND TASTING DELICIOUS WINE.” HANNAH INGLE, ITALY CONSULTANT
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“TAKE A PRIVATE TOUR TO THE ALHAMBRA, WHERE YOUR GUIDE WILL EXPLAIN THE HISTORY BEHIND GRANADA’S MAJESTIC MOORISH PALACE.” TRISTAN WILLIAMS, MED CONSULTANT
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KICK BACK IN ANDALUCÍA Finca Cortesin is a beautiful, boutique hotel in the Andalucían countryside between Marbella and Sotogrande. Finca Cortesin has been designed as a traditional Spanish Finca, whilst the interior is carefully modelled on a Moorish cloister. The spacious suites have views over either the beautiful Andalucían countryside or the sparkling azure sea. There are three outdoor pools and one indoor heated swimming pool, tennis courts, one of Spain’s best 18-hole golf courses and the spa offers the very best in Thai treatments. The hotel has its own beach club less than a mile away and there’s a shuttle to take you to and from the beach. Dining is a treat here, there are 3 restaurants including a Michelin starred signature Japanese restaurant, Kabuki Raw.
Best time to go: April - October Flight time: 2 hours 50 mins Transfer time: 45 mins drive Time difference: +1 hour Mix it up: Combine with time in Seville For a closer look, please visit: scottdunn.com/fincacortesin
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INDULGE IN THE DOURO VALLEY Formerly a 19th century manor house, Six Senses Douro Valley is set in the oldest demarcated wine region in the world. Nestled amongst vineyards and overlooking the river, in the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this hotel is a haven for wine and food lovers. There are just 50 contemporary rooms and suites, 8 hectares of lush green gardens and the hotel enjoys panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Head out to explore the fascinating local area with its vineyards and villages - some of which are home to monasteries from the 12th century. Indulge in local Portuguese cuisine (including incredible vegetarian options) and taste the fantastic regional wines. For some pampering head to the beautifully designed spa with natural, organic products.
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Best time to go: April - October Flight time: 2.5 hours Transfer time: 70 mins drive Time difference: None Mix it up: Combine with time in Porto For a closer look, please visit: scottdunn.com/sixsensesdourovalley
“TAKE A BOAT TRIP ALONG THE SCENIC DOURO RIVER TO REALLY MAKE THE MOST OF THE MAGNIFICENT LANDSCAPE.” EMMA JONES, PORTUGAL CONSULTANT
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“ENJOY A DAY TRIP ABOARD A PRIVATE YACHT, TAKING IN THE INCREDIBLE SCENERY OF BOKA BAY AND UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE KOTOR.” MILLY WALKER, MONTENEGRO CONSULTANT
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MAGICAL MONTENEGRO The famed Aman group were lucky enough to snaffle the tiny islet of Sveti Stefan, one of the most iconic images associated with Montenegro. Aman Sveti Stefan encompasses an 80-acre site on the Adriatic coast, with accommodation divided between a fortified island from the 15th century, and the stately home Villa Milocer on the mainland, once the summer residence of Queen Marija Karadordevic. On the island, an open-air piazza lies at the heart of the village setting, with dining venues including an enoteca, taverna and antipasti bar. On the mainland, stunning and secluded Queen’s Beach with its clear shallow waters is reserved exclusively for hotel guests. Behind the beach, a state-of-the-art Aman Spa features a gym, an indoor swimming pool and a range of traditional treatments. Best time to go: May - September Flight time: 2.5 hours Transfer time: 50 mins drive Time difference: +1 hour Mix it up: Combine with Dubrovnik For a closer look, please visit: scottdunn.com/amansvetistefan 19
VIVA LA VILLA Idyllic Bastide des Virettes is the perfect villa from which to explore the Côte d’Azur with its historic hilltop villages, local markets and seaside towns and beaches. For a traditional French villa experience, Bastide des Virettes has it all. Sympathetically renovated it exudes Provençal charm. Every bedroom is individually colour-themed, with Baroque styled frescos and painted woodwork throughout. Carved within the rock at the end of the garden is a stunning lagoon-like pool and a terrace where your private chef will serve you dinner al fresco. If you are able to tear yourself away, the medieval village of Tourettes-sur-Loup, full of cafés, boutiques and patisseries is close by, you could visit the spectacular Gorges du Verdon or head to the coast to enjoy some glamour in Antibes or Cannes.
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Best time to go: May - September Flight time: 2 hours Transfer time: 30 mins drive Time difference: +1 hour Mix it up: Combine with Terre Blanche Hotel Spa Golf Resort For a closer look, please visit: scottdunn.com/virettes
“ST PAUL DE VENCE IS ALSO CLOSE AND FULL OF GALLERIES AND BOUTIQUES TO ENJOY.” SEBASTIAN PEREZ, VILLA CONSULTANT
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“WE’LL ARRANGE A DRIVER TO TAKE YOU INTO THE WINELANDS SO YOU CAN MAKE THE MOST OF THE FABULOUS WINE TASTING.” JAMES BESCOBY, SOUTH AFRICA CONSULTANT 22
KICK BACK IN CAPE TOWN Cape View Clifton is the perfect hotel from which to discover the delights of Cape Town and the nearby Winelands. This dream home away from home sits in the heart of the popular coastal suburb of Clifton, offering dramatic coastal views and just a stone’s throw from Bantry Bay and Camps Bay. The sweeping Clifton beach below is capped by the magnificent Twelve Apostles Mountain Range. There are just seven expansive suites and the staff will treat you like family. Set yourself up for the day with a delicious cooked breakfast on the stunning pool deck, then head out to explore Table Mountain, Boulders Bay, the V&A Waterfront and the great mix of shops, sidewalk cafes, bars and restaurants of Camps Bay. Best time to go: November - March Flight time: 11 hours Transfer time: 30 mins drive Time difference: +2 hours Mix it up: Combine with a safari at Madikwe For a closer look, please visit: scottdunn.com/capeviewclifton 23
SUBLIME SEYCHELLES Head to Four Seasons Resort Seychelles for tree-top living in Mahe, one of the most sought-after luxury getaways in the Indian Ocean. This stunning resort has tree-top inspired villas overlooking the island’s south west shores. Inside there are seating areas, opulent bathrooms and between one and six bedrooms. Whilst outside there’s an expansive deck with dining areas, day beds and infinityedge pools offering wonderful sunset views of the bay. There is a full range of water sports to enjoy and a host of cultural excursions including a visit to the vibrant and bustling Victoria Market, selling local crafts made from coconut, silk paintings and handmade jewellery. Fishermen bring their catch to the fish market and stalls sell fragrant spices, citronella tea and local delicacies. Best time to go: March - November Flight time: 10 hours Transfer time: 30 mins drive Time difference: +4 hours Mix it up: Combine with a safari in Kenya For a closer look, please visit: scottdunn.com/fsseychelles 24
“TROPIC SURF OFFER TAILORED SURF LESSONS AND WHERE BETTER TO LEARN THAN IN THE BLUE WATERS OF PETITE ANSE BAY.” JULIET MORRIS, SEYCHELLES CONSULTANT
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“AT THE BEACH CLUB HOBIE CATS, WINDSURFING BOARDS, KAYAKS AND BOOGIE BOARDS ARE ALL AVAILABLE FOR GUESTS TO USE.” VICTORIA REYNOLDS, BALI CONSULTANT
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BALI BLISS Amankila is the ultimate luxury retreat on the peaceful east coast of Bali, where you can still experience traditional Balinese life. Lying at the heart of the resort, Amankila’s dramatic three tier swimming pool offers uninterrupted ocean views. The private and spacious freestanding suites sit tucked into the lush vegetation on the hillside, with alang alang thatched roofs, rattan and coconut furnishings. Large windows allow the outside in, so you feel at one with nature. The beach club at Amankila is located in a coconut grove down by the shoreline with its own swimming pool and a bar serving snacks and drinks. You can take trips to the nearby temples, villages and palaces and if you are feeling active go trekking, mountain biking, horse-riding and rafting.
Best time to go: May - October Flight time: 15.5 hours Transfer time: 1 hour drive Time difference: +8 hours Mix it up: Combine with Ubud For a closer look, please visit: scottdunn.com/amankila
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A MALDIVIAN GEM A little slice of Maldivian heaven for grown ups, Baros is the perfect place to kick back. Baros is an idyllic island retreat located in the North MalĂŠ Atoll only a 25-minute speedboat journey from MalĂŠ Airport. Some of the villas are over-water, with the rest located right on the beach. The villas mix natural elements such as wood, stone and coconut thatch with the very latest in comfort and style. There are three fabulous restaurants as well as the Sails Bar, perfect for an after-dinner cocktail. Guests can set sail on Nooma, the resort yacht, modelled on the traditional Maldivian sailing dhoni, to enjoy reef snorkelling, sunset sailing or a romantic dinner for two. The Serenity Spa here offers superb bespoke packages and for divers there is an excellent house reef. Guests will also love the beautiful over-water pool.
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Best time to go: Year round Flight time: 10.5 hours Transfer time: 25 mins boat Time difference: +5 hours Mix it up: Combine with Sri Lanka
For a closer look, please visit: scottdunn.com/baros
“DON’T MISS THE NIGHT-SNORKELLING EXCURSION!” AMANDA FULLER, MALDIVES CONSULTANT
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MAGICAL MAURITIUS Located on a private peninsula, One&Only Le Saint GĂŠran Mauritius is a sophisticated and elegant hotel in a beautiful, natural setting. With the Indian Ocean on one side and a sheltered lagoon with calm waters on the other, the suites are set between the two on a peninsula and bring in the outdoor natural beauty with features including disappearing patio doors. The hotel prides itself on its cuisine, with five dining options, so guests are spoilt for choice. The resort has a host of activities with kayaks, water-skiing, exceptional snorkelling, windsurfing and sailing. You can also head to the internationally acclaimed ESPA Spa or the tennis courts, so there is plenty to do throughout your stay.
Best time to go: May - December Flight time: 12 hours Transfer time: 1 hour drive Time difference: +4 hours Mix it up: Combine with South Africa’s Winelands
For a closer look, please visit: scottdunn.com/saintgeran 30
“HEAD OUT DEEP-SEA FISHING, PEAK SEASON FOR MARLIN RUNS FROM OCTOBER TO APRIL.” CLARE LEIGH, MAURITIUS CONSULTANT
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“RISE EARLY TO EXPLORE THE IMPRESSIVE SITE OF COBA WITH A PRIVATE GUIDE BEFORE THE CROWDS ARRIVE.” KAREN CHAPMAN, MEXICO CONSULTANT
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CHILL OUT IN MEXICO Esencia is a boutique hideaway from which to enjoy ocean adventures and the rich Mayan culture of the Yucatán Peninsula. Esencia is a stunning property set on a 50-acre private estate that sits between Tulum and Playa del Carmen on the beach of Xpu-Ha. This boutique hideaway offers highly personalised service, delicious dining, fabulous ocean views and cool accommodation in a blend of modern and traditional Mexican styles. Guests can lounge in their private beach cabana or enjoy snorkelling and diving on the world’s second largest barrier reef. The Spa here specialises in ancient, holistic treatments and there’s also complimentary daily yoga classes. Beyond the hotel there are a number of ancient Mayan sites nearby and the famous Playa del Carmen nightlife is within easy reach.
Best time to go: December - May Flight time: 11 hours Transfer time: 1 hour drive Time difference: +6 hours Mix it up: Combine with Mérida, Yucatán’s vibrant capital
For a closer look, please visit: scottdunn.com/esencia 33
SPICE UP YOUR LIFE Head to Zanzibar and stay at Xanadu Villas, which are surrounded by white sands and the Indian Ocean. Xanadu Villas is a luxury collection of six villas nestled on Zanzibar’s east coast. Villas vary in size and all come with a kitchen, lounge and dining area. They feature a unique blend of architectural styles, some offering secluded rooftop plunge pools and others traditional cathedral windows. The food here is delicious with authentic Tanzanian dishes served using local ingredients inspired by Swahili cuisine. If you are feeling active there’s something for everyone from kayaking, diving and stand up paddle-boarding, to tours of Stone Town and spice farms.
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Best time to go: July - March Flight time: 8.5 hours to Nairobi, 1.5 hours on to Zanzibar Transfer time: 1 hour drive Time difference: +3 hours Mix it up: Combine with a safari in Southern Tanzania For a closer look, please visit: scottdunn.com/xanaduvillas
“KNOWN AS THE SPICE ISLANDS, THE ZANZIBAR ARCHIPELAGO IS RICH WITH HISTORY AND HAS A UNIQUE BLEND OF CULTURES WITHIN ITS ISLANDS.” CAMILLA WHITWORTH, ZANZIBAR CONSULTANT
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“SPEND THE DAY EXPLORING THE AREA SURROUNDING KOH LANTA, SETTING OFF TO KOH ROK WITH ITS PRISTINE WHITE BEACHES AND GREAT SNORKELLING” CHARLOTTE WINTER, THAILAND CONSULTANT 36
A THAI RETREAT The Pimalai Resort & Spa sits on the peaceful, undeveloped island of Koh Lanta, with a 900 metre long deserted and idyllic beach.
The Pimalai Resort & Spa is built within the rainforest as it meets the ocean - you would hardly know it was there. The spacious and elegant rooms and villas are designed in a contemporary Thai style with polished wooden floors, bamboo blinds and dark wooden furniture. There are three restaurants to choose between or guests can wander down the beach to local restaurants and bars. Enjoy a massage at the beautiful award-winning spa, a class at the popular cookery school or for those who want to be more active, mountain biking, trekking and tennis. For divers, the surrounding waters of the Lanta Marine National Park are fantastic and the hotel has its own PADI dive centre. Best time to go: December - March Flight time: 11 hours Transfer time: 1 hour by car and boat Time difference: +7 hours Mix it up: Combine with Siem Reap For a closer look, please visit: scottdunn.com/pimalai 37
LOVE ST LUCIA Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort is set within 100 acres of lush rainforest on a striking white sand beach with dramatic views of the Piton Mountains and the Caribbean Sea. At this stylish resort each of the villas, cottages and beach bungalows has a private plunge pool and spectacular mountain or ocean views. 18th Century charm combines with modern chic and rooms feature four-poster beds with Egyptian cotton linen, Victorian-style claw foot baths and walk-in showers. There are four restaurants serving an eclectic menu of Caribbean influenced food and there are several bars to choose from for a beer by the pool or a cocktail before dinner. For days not spent on the beach, head to the beautiful infinity edge swimming pool, the Rainforest Spa, the diving centre with PADI instruction and SNUBA, the tennis courts or hit the hiking trails.
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Best time to go: December - April Flight time: 9 hours Transfer time: 45 mins drive Time difference: +4 hours Mix it up: Combine with Grenada For a closer look, please visit: scottdunn.com/sugarbeach
“THOSE SEEKING A CHALLENGE CAN HIKE WITH A LOCAL GUIDE TO THE TOP OF GROS PITON, A UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE REACHING THE DIZZYING HEIGHTS OF 2,619 FEET ABOVE SEA LEVEL.” GEMMA DOBSON, ST LUCIA CONSULTANT
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“THE AWARD-WINNING ‘SENSE ON THE EDGE’ RESTAURANT IS LOCATED 293 METRES ABOVE SEA LEVEL, WITH AN ADJACENT LOUNGE ‘DRINKS ON THE EDGE’.” ALICE MOSELEY, OMAN CONSULTANT
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OH MY OMAN Zighy Bay is located in the peaceful haven of northern Oman where guests enjoy ultimate relaxation and tranquillity. All the stunning pool villas beautifully blend the traditional rustic Omani architectural techniques with a modern innovative twist. There is a large central swimming pool with poolside service offering snacks, drinks and ice-cream. The Spa, operated by Six Senses, offers nine treatment rooms and has a full range of therapies. There are non-motorised water sports, a library with a wide selection of movies, books and magazines and a fully equipped gym. With a philosophy of sourcing excellent ingredients to give a fantastic culinary experience, the four restaurants serve Western, Middle Eastern, Indian and Japanese cuisine. ‘Shua Shack’ offers a traditional Bedouin communal dining experience with under sand cooking.
Best time to go: November - March Flight time: 7 hours Transfer time: 2 hours drive Time difference: +4 hours Mix it up: Combine with Dubai
For a closer look, please visit: scottdunn.com/zighybay
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Getting to your destination can make or break a holiday or certainly make all the difference to the state you arrive in. That is why we partner with British Airways to ensure that your journey is enjoyable and special. The experience is understated British elegance and, as a long-established airline, they are committed to providing the highest standards at every stage of your journey. You may want to consider British Airways’ premium classes. With Club World and First, as well as enjoying extra comfort on board, you’ll benefit from dedicated check-in areas and departure lounges, while World Traveller Plus passengers enjoy additional leg room and wider seats, as well as an upgraded dining experience. We will also organise transfers for you or if you’d prefer to hire a car we have carefully selected suppliers chosen for the quality of their cars and consistency of service.