Resolve to travel in style in 2016

From US to EU with British Airways

If you’re suffering from a case of the post-holiday blues, fear not — you’ll be spoilt for choice by British Airways’ new special fares for UAE residents, for bookings made until January 18. Return flights to London start from Dh2,457. Those desiring a more diverse exploration of Europe can choose from over 97 destinations departing from London, including Rome, Paris and Barcelona. Those after an exclusive Roman holiday can choose to fly direct with fares from Dh2,348. If you’re seeking a cross-continental adventure, make the jump to the US capital Washington, D.C. (fares start from Dh3,174). From there, connect with ease to New York or Los Angeles. Valid for travel until June 15. Visit britishairways.com.

Taj’s new doorway to Bengaluru

The just-opened Taj Bangalore is offering inaugural rates. Deluxe rooms are available for single occupancy from Rs6,950 (Dh382), or double occupancy from Rs7,950, including breakfast, wi-fi and airport transfers. Located opposite Bengaluru International Airport and close to the city centre and business districts, the hotel features 154 rooms and suites with views of greenery and surrounding water bodies, an outdoor pool, fitness centre and luxury spa. Diners will have their pick of the hotel’s three restaurants — Cafe 77 East offering eclectic world cuisine, Tamarind serving up traditional Indian delicacies, and Soi and Sake providing Chinese-Japanese fusion with its sushi bar and teppanyaki grill. Valid for stay until March 31. Email reservations.tajblr@tajhotels.com.

Hunt for pearls and history at Sir Bani Yas Island

Pearl diving was once the main source of income in the UAE — and now Anantara Resort at Sir Bani Yas Island is offering travellers the opportunity to get a glimpse into what it entailed, with their pearl diving history tours. Starting from any one of the island’s three Anantara Resorts, the expedition takes travellers on a hunt for rare pearl-bearing oysters and offers a glimpse of the exotic marine life of the Arabian Gulf. Prices are Dh500 for adults (12 years and above) and Dh250 for children between eight and 12 years. Call 02-8015266 or email activitiesdirs@anantara.com

Birthday gifts from the Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo

On its tenth birthday, Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo, is rewarding you. The hotel is offering the Decade package for those looking for the best way to experience Tokyo in total luxury. Indulgences include a minimum two nights’ accommodation in a luxe suite, breakfast for two at K’shiki or Oriental Lounge, and commemorative gifts from the hotel, including a hotel original notebook, fan and a bespoke model suitcase in collaboration with Japanese textile designer Reiko Sudo. Guests can choose their adventure from a special anniversary dining experience at the hotel’s Signature restaurant, a 90-minute spa treatment complete with Azuki scrub and therapeutic massage, or for history buffs, an art museum tour at additional charge. Prices start from JPY475,000 (Dh14,767). Valid for stay until April 30. Call 00813-32708950 or email motyo-reservations@mohg.com.

Spa days in Budapest

Corinthia Hotel Budapest is offering a winter relaxation spa package which includes a minimum three-night stay (plus a complimentary fourth night), with unlimited access to the Royal Spa which houseses a fitness room, sauna and ice chambers. The package also includes admittance to any one of Budapest’s three historic spas — Gellert, Lukacs or Rudas Baths — and 20-50 per cent discount at local attractions such as trip down the Danube, Szechenyi Bath and Aqua World theme park. Packages start from €250 (Dh991) per person. Valid until March 31. Visit corinthia.com/budapest.

Emirates makes new ways into Philippines

Emirates will fly daily circular routes to Cebu and Clark, two of the most popular destinations in the Philippines from March 30. With a new stop at Mactan-Cebu International Airport, vacationers will have the opportunity to make the jump to the island of Cebu. Located in busy Visayas, Cebu also has the added attraction of doubling as a convenient base for exploring the famous Chocolate Hills of Bohol or hidden islands such as Boracay. The new landing at Clark International Airport will giver travellers a wider access to the Central Luzon region. On board, passengers will be entertained with Filipino music and films on the ice entertainment system, and offered popular Filipino dishes. Visit emirates.com.

Weekend away in funky Beirut

Le GrAy Beirut’s Winter Weekend Escape Package allows guests to upgrade from a Deluxe Room booking to an Executive Suite, inclusive of a buffet breakfast for two, and, guaranteed late checkout until 4pm. Guests can take advantage of the hotel’s proximity to cobbled streets of the city’s Downtown District, famous for shopping, local eateries and art scene. Those looking to stay in can opt in for a bespoke treatment at the PureGray Health Club and Spa. Package starts $325. Valid until March 31. Call 00961-1-962828, or email reservations@legray.com

Get your gourmet on at The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi

Those who fancy themselves master chefs are in for a treat at The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal, with the beachfront resort added fully-equipped, state-of-the-art cooking facilities in all 32 of its 1,400 sq ft two-bedroom villas last month. Guests can also have access to the resort’s 24-hour health club, complete with personal trainers, and outdoor swimming pool, thus being able to maintain a healthy lifestyle away while travelling. Call 02-8188181 or email reservations.abudhabi@ritzcarlton.com.

Taipei discovery at the Mandarin Oriental

Mandarin Oriental offers Discover Taipei and Fantastic Taipei Escape packages starting from TWD10,800 (Dh1,193) per night and valid until December 30, The Discover Taipei package includes accommodation in the hotel’s deluxe rooms and breakfast for two at French brasserie Cafe Un Deux Trois. Beginning at TWD15,500, the Fantastic Taipei Escape package is valid until March 31, and includes two-nights stay in a luxury room or suite with a complimentary third night for each two consecutive paid nights, free internet access and breakfast. Call 00886 2-2715-6800 or email motpe-reservations@mohg.com. Advance booking is essential.

Detox and de-stress at Baros Maldives

Baros Maldives’ spa has a luxurious three-day custom cleanse experience for GCC travellers this season which includes a daily group yoga session in the Palm Garden at 6am and spa treatments (dry body brushing, seaweed wrap, detox massages, lymphatic drainage and a 105-minute oil massage). Days one and two feature a gourmet dinner of a specialised detox menu at the Lighthouse Restaurant and Cayenne Grill respectively. End the weekend of relaxation with a starlit private dinner on the beach. Prices start at $1,407 per night for a deluxe villa. Available from January 1. Visit baros.com.

Swing into winter at Pebble Beach California

Whether you’re a golfing enthusiast looking to work on your putting game or simply desire an idyllic winter getaway against the backdrop of coastal panoramas, Pebble Beach Resort is offering three winter-exclusive packages. The Pebble Beach Stay and Play Package (starting at $2,035 for the Inn or $2,365 for The Lodge, valid until March 31) includes a $100 resort gift card, redeemable at facilities such as Pebble Beach Spa or one of the many restaurants and retail locations found at the resort. Book a third night to receive a complimentary round of golf at The Links at Spanish Bay. The Casa Palermo Spa Retreat Package (starting at $975 per night, valid until February 3) is inclusive of a stay in an Estate Room at the Casa Palermo, a $300 spa credit per night booked, an evening of luxury beverages and hors d’oeuvres, and breakfast delivered to the guest room. Families should opt for the novelty-laden Pebble Beach Explorers Package (starts at $495 a night, valid until March 31). Upon check-in at The Inn, kids will receive a scavenger hunt map and holiday welcome gift by the fireplace. The package also includes a bagpipe serenade, meals for kids 12 and under at STICKS and Roy’s restaurants, tennis session, horseback rides, and golf at par-3 Peter Hay Golf Course. Call 001-8882519790 or visit pebblebeach.com.

Gordon Ramsay in Bordeaux

Right in the heart of one of the world’s most renowned wine regions the new Intercontinental Bordeaux Le Grand Hotel is home to fine dining restaurant Le Pressoir d’Argent Gordon Ramsay where guests will be able to sample the sophisticated technique of the multi-Michelin-starred chef. With a fitness Centre, indoor pool and hammam, 10 treatment rooms (including one VIP room), and a 360-degree rooftop beach complete with Jacuzzi, this is the ideal escape for food lovers. Visit ihg.com.

Stay, play, shop at Hilton Garden Inn, Mall of the Emirates

Shopping and dropping in Dubai just became even easier with the recent launch of the largest Hilton Garden Inn outside the US at Mall of the Emirates. The new 370-room hotel caters to families, groups and business travellers alike with complimentary wi-fi, 24 hour health club, infinity pool, business centre, and ample meeting spaces. L Call 04-3070707.

Live like the Jolie-Pitts on the Maltese Coast

The Maltese coast is one of Hollywood and TV Land’s best kept secrets. It’s played stand-in for the likes of the French Riviera and Ancient Greece, and you’ve probably seen its pristine waters and hidden bays in everything from Troy to Game of Thrones to Gladiator to the Jolie-Pitts’ honeymoon and By the Sea. The five-star Corinthia Hotel St George’s Gozo Movie Tour Package celebrates Malta’s 90-year history as a film location, giving travellers the opportunity to make the seascapes they’ve seen on screens big and small a reality. The tour features a speedboat ride to and from the hidden island of Gozo, where guests will embark on an intimate tour of the island, seeing sights such as the Comino Caves, pristine lagoons, the island’s capital of Victoria, finishing up with a sunset aperitif against the backdrop of the Azure Window. The package also includes a daily buffet breakfast for two, and complete access to the hotel spa, indoor pool, fitness centre and sauna. Prices start at €230 for a minimum of three nights. Valid until December 31. Visit corinthia.com/stgeorgesbay.

Family friendly picnic brunch at Yas Viceroy

Yas Viceroy is offering a relaxing family day out with their weekly Saturday picnic brunch in the Palm Garden. Unwind in the winter sunshine with a picnic basket for four guests, including gourmet starters and nibbles, followed by choice selections from the barbecue and dessert station. Also on offer are activities for the kids like local animals at Yas farm, an epic bouncy castle, and face painting by Yas’ very own Chuckles the Clown. Adults will appreciate the opportunity to pick, pay and take home fresh produce from the local farm. Prices start from Dh285, including water and homemade iced teas. Call 02-6560700

Celeb favourite Nikki Beach Club to launch in Dubai

With an A-list clientele such as Beyonce, George Clooney, Leonardo DiCaprio and Madonna, Nikki Beach is launching in Dubai this February as Nikki Beach Restaurant and Beach Club at the Palm Jumeirah with views of the Arabian Gulf and Dubai skyline. Guests can enjoy in VIP cabanas, in-house beverages, fresh food and signature dishes poolside. Resident DJs and a live band will keep the party going well into the morning. The property will will add Satine Restaurant and Lounge later in the year. Visit nikkibeach.com.

Live the suite life with Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises is launching their enhanced suites this month, with all Suite Class guests able to take advantage of new services. A personal butler service will ensure maximum leisure time for guests, coupled with a private lounge and a new Suite Class-exclusive restaurant, Luminae. Other new perks include Bulgari bath products, a complimentary bottle of Perrier-Jouet bubbly, and a daily selection of delectable delights created by Michelin-starred chef Cornelius Gallagher. Guests aboard Sky Suites on the Celebrity Solstice will also get the suite upgrades, gaining access to the exclusive Michael’s Club lounge. Treats on offer are complimentary cocktails, appetisers and the services of a dedicated Michael’s Club concierge. Call 04-5530949 or visit celebritycruisesme.com.

Make It Kenya’s virtual safari

Discover Africa, Make It Kenya and Herdtracker are collaborating with Periscope to bring you the #KenyaLive event over 11 days and 50 live broadcasts using state of the art filming technology. Using your computer, mobile phone or tablet, you’ll be able to witness breathtaking sights of the exotic Kenyan landscape and unprecedented access to rarely seen animal behaviour in its natural, untouched state — all by barely having to lift a finger. See lions interacting at the Mara Conservancy via starlight camera (Until January13), or sea turtles rehabilitated by the Watamu Turtle Watch being released back into their natural habitat with the world’s very first live underwater broadcasts (January 14-18). The TurtleCam broadcast is of special note, where you’ll be able follow the journey of one important turtle with a GoPro strapped to its shell. To follow the broadcasts in real time, download the Periscope app and be sure to follow HerdTracker’s channel until January 18. Visit makeitkenya.com/kenyalive.

— Melissa Majdandzic is an intern at Gulf News.