Luxury Holidays To The Middle East

If there's one positive to come from the recent tension between the West and the Islamic world, it's a renewed fascination with the Middle East. While Africa can claim to be the cradle of mankind, the Fertile Crescent incorporating latter day Israel and Palestine, Jordan, Syria, Turkey, Iraq and Iran remains the place where sophisticated societies first evolved.

Amelia, Louise Fitzgerald and Ra are here to help give you the inside track.

Why we think you’ll love it

An often misunderstood region, the Middle East is endlessly fascinating, culturally unrivalled and home to some of the finest hotels anywhere in the world.

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Our guide to holidays in Middle East

That the three great monotheistic world religions also sprung from the region only adds to a heady sense of cultural significance.

And what a lot's on offer. Aside from some of the most glorious Islamic architecture to be found anywhere, there are well-preserved Roman sites stretching the length of the Mediterranean Coast, shopaholic sating souqs, excellent luxury hotels and romantic riads, and yes, some lovely beaches as well. We've visited them all and believe strongly in the power of comparison that allows us - which city has the best souqs, Marrakech or Istanbul? Tough one, but Marrakech wins, and we can tell you about our favourite shops in the depths of those souqs. Which ancient city is more of a must-see? Petra in Jordan or Leptis Magna in Libya? If you had to choose, it has to be Petra, but both should feature on any wishlist of future travels.

Quite frankly no-one knows the Middle East and North Africa like we do, and we look forward to talking you through the best this wonderful region has to offer.

Did you know

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque holds the world record for the largest dome, boasting the world's largest chandelier
Abu Dhabi is one of the wealthiest states in the world

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Original Highlight

If culture's the name of your holiday game, join one of our Small Group Tours and go several levels deeper than just the average tourist.

Amelia, Original Traveller

Useful Links

BBC Regional News

Top picks for Middle East

Dubai

Middle East

Shop the souqs and the malls, stay in a luxury hotel and enjoy water sports and a desert safari.

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Driving Safari

Jordan

After seeing the sites of Amman, explore the King’s Highway with a knowledgeable driver or guide.

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The Chedi

Muscat

The award-winning Chedi is one of the very best hotels in the Gulf Region, home to luxurious guestrooms and suites, some of the finest cuisine in the Middle East and what could be a contender for the world’s longest hotel swimming pool.

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Israel

Middle East

It's time to visit one of the most vibrant destinations in the Middle East.

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Jumeirah Beach Club

Dubai

The luxurious suites, each with its own Jacuzzi and private balcony or garden, are housed in Polynesian-style low rise buildings, set amidst the landscaped gardens.

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Floating on the Dead Sea

Jordan

The lowest point on Earth lies at 1,200 feet below sea level, where the Jordan River empties into the Dead Sea.

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Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar

Nizwa, the Mountains & the Wahiba Sands

The luxury resort is perched 2,000 meters above sea level, making it the highest five star resort in the Middle East. Only two hours’ drive away from Muscat International Airport, the Anantara Al Jabal Akhdar is a tranquil oasis perfect for a relaxing escape.

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Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa

Dubai

The resort was designed to resemble a Bedouin encampment, and overlooks open plains and dune belts, with the Hajar Mountains in the distance.

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Desert Safari

Dubai

Explore wadis and the desert in a 4x4 expedition with an expert guide.

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Wadi Rum

Jordan

Explore the vast, hugely romantic swathes of desert made famous by 'Lawrence of Arabia'.

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Madinat Jumeirah

Dubai

The impressive Madinat Jumeirah is split into four areas, and even though the resort is quite large, each one of the hotels leaves the guest with a feeling of relaxation and tranquillity in the most luxurious of surroundings. Situated in the heart of Jumeirah beside the Jumeirah Beach Hotel and Burj Al Arab hotel, the Madinat is not close to any construction work, unlike many hotels in Dubai.

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Palm Trees Amidst Rocky Outcrops at Wadi Shab

Oman

Middle East

A wonderful destination combining beautiful beachfront properties and dramatic mountain and desert landscapes to explore.

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Six Senses Dhahab Dhow

Musandam Peninsula

Built in the style of a traditional Omani dhow, Dhahab is the Six Senses Zighy Bay’s latest accommodation and experience venture. A few days spent sailing the Gulf of Oman and Straits of Hormuz on this beautiful boat forms the ultimate addition to a luxury Middle East trip.

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Abu Dhabi

Middle East

With an almost guaranteed 300 days of sunshine a year, Abu Dhabi is the ideal winter break destination.

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Jerash

Jordan

One of the finest preserved Greco - Roman cities in the Middle East and within easy reach of Amman, it truly is a place to let your imagination run wild and to lose yourself in history.

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Diving Oman

Oman

Oman has some excellent and – relatively – unspoilt diving along long stretches of its coastline, and there are sure to be new dive sites discovered in the coming years.

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Anantara Al Baleed

Salalah & the Empty Quarter

This beach-front oasis is the first luxury hotel in Salalah and the hotel has been designed to reflect Dhofar’s rich heritage.

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Steam Ship Sudan

Luxor, Aswan and the Nile

Possibly one of the most memorable boating experiences in the world, the Steam Ship Sudan is an authentic 19th century steamer which takes guests cruising down the Nile. With teak decks and oriental opulence to the fore, a stay aboard the Steam Ship Sudan offers a hugely romantic return to the heyday of traditional luxury travel.

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Egypt

Middle East

Egypt is rightly famous for its extraordinary ancient world heritage: the pyramids and Sphinx at Giza and the temples of Luxor and Abu Simbel are among the world’s great cultural attractions.

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Bab al Shams

Dubai

The resort is styled as a traditional Arabian fortress, with the rooms located in clusters of two-storey buildings around the atmospheric complex.

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Dolphin and Whale spotting

Muscat

The waters of the Arabian Gulf are home to a staggering number of dolphins and migrating whales.

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Tel Aviv Art Tours

Israel

In celebration of Tel Aviv’s flourishing art scene our Expert-Led Art Tours take travellers off the typical tourist trail on an intimate exploration of the city’s underground art scene and emerging cultural offerings.

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One&Only Royal Mirage

Dubai

The Royal Mirage is one of a handful of traditionally stylish hotels in Dubai, with Arabic architectural influences and sophisticated decor. As a One & Only property guests can expect nothing less than fine luxury and attention to detail.

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Jordan

Middle East

For a small country, Jordan packs an impressive punch in terms of history, culture and scenery, and the proximity of its key sights makes a holiday to Jordan ideal for the time-pressed traveller.

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