Travel deals and more around the world

Flydubai on mobile

Flydubai has launched a new mobile website that allows customers to log on from any handheld device with an internet connection and web browser — without downloading any application — to book and choose seats, purchase checked baggage and select insurance. Payment can be made securely through credit card or through a cash pay-later option through one of the payment partners in the UAE. Users can also access to-the-minute flight status information, including arrival and departure times, and journey duration. Passenger profiles created previously on Flydubai.com can also be managed, though those without a profile can view a booking by entering their reference number and family name.

Travellers who access Flydubai.com from a mobile browser will be automatically redirected to the airline’s mobile version. If access to the full site is required, a link appears at the bottom of the home page.

Hotel Maria Cristina reopens

The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts, part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, reopened the doors to the historic Hotel Maria Cristina in San Sebastian following an extensive $25 million (Dh92 million) restoration, in time for its 100th anniversary this month. The hotel, with its 107 guest rooms and 29 suites, is considered to be one of the grandest in Europe. It was originally designed by famed French architect Charles Mewès for its namesake, Queen Maria Cristina. The reopening followed that of Hotel Alfonso XIII, Seville, which underwent a refurbishment earlier this year. The restored Prince de Galles, Paris and The Gritti Palace, a Venice, will debut in 2013. For more information log on to

www.theluxurycollection.com/mariacristina.

Shower with a 'view'

Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Reflection will feature an all-glass shower extending out over the edge of the ship in the 151 sq m Reflection Suite with 18 sq m veranda on the ship’s 14th deck. This will be the ship’s first two-bedroom suite with a sea-view bathroom with a rain shower. Guests get sea views while discreetly showering, courtesy of the shower’s special reflective glass. But, if they seek even further privacy, the shower also features “smart glass”. At the flick of a switch, guests can activate an electrochromatic technology which instantly transforms the glass from transparent to translucent. For more information log on to www.royalcaribbean-arabia.com

Emirates' Lisbon packages

Emirates Holidays is offering packages to Lisbon starting from Dh4,749 per person including economy class tickets, four nights in a superior room at Hotel Sofitel Lisbon Liberdade with breakfast, private car transfers and taxes. Or if you choose to stay at the luxurious boutique Bairro Alto Hotel, packages start at Dh4,986 per person including economy class fare, stay for three nights in a Mansard room with breakfast, transfers and taxes. For more packages and additional information on these log on to emiratesholidays.com or call 800-5252.

Packages from Al Faisaliah Hotel, Riyadh

Al Faisaliah Hotel, Riyadh, offers summer breaks starting from SR1150 (Dh1,126) per night for Al Faisaliah Hotel North and SR1750 per night for Al Faisaliah Hotel South. Iftar packages at Prince Sultan Grand Hall, for SR295 per person. For sohoor, La Cucina, located in Al Faisaliah Hotel South, is for SR260 per person. Gentlemen guests at Al Faisaliah have access to the hotel’s exclusive health club complete with 20m indoor swimming pool, state-of-the-art fitness centre, wellness suite, sauna and steam room. The summer offer is also available at the Hotel Al Khozama, A Rosewood Hotel, starting from SR460 per night. For more information and bookings log on to www.lhw.com/AlFaisaliahHotel or www.al-khozama.com

Afta Award for Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa

Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa has been honoured with the 2012 Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) National Travel Industry Award (NTIA) for Best Australian Hotel/Resort. This adds to the long list of awards, including those from Condé Nast Traveller, Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report, and The Leading Hotels of the World won by the resort, nestled between two of Australia’s most prominent national parks and borders the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. For more information on the resort log on to www.wolganvalley.com.

Four Seasons' offers

Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza offers Stay Longer and Family Getaway packages this summer. Stay a third night for every two nights booked in one of the Art Deco-inspired suites or get a complimentary connecting room for children (up to 18 years) for a minimum stay of two nights in one of the suites. Both packages are valid until September 30. For more information log on to www.fourseasons.com