Remote from the stresses of life is divine Zighy Bay, Oman - just one in a rich portfolio of luxury holidays from Sublime Travel. In partnership with them, this month we are delighted to announce the launch of Travel Club, offering the best in world travel
Six hours out of Heathrow and the wheels of our BA 777 gently touched down on the warm tarmac of Dubai International Airport where we were met by our smiling transfer driver, with a names board held high.
Modern highways dissecting vast deserts led us to the town of Dibba, the last outpost of the United Arab Emirates and our first glimpse, over the border, of Oman. We gently eased our way into stark mountains with snaking switchback roads and climbed to 1,000 ft before a final turn which suddenly revealed below us the breathtaking vista of Zighy Bay. There a carpet of date palms dotted with stone villas embraced the emerald green waters of the Gulf as they tumbled onto its sandy beaches.
The welcoming cool of the Resort reception, date smoothies and ice cold towels swept away the last vestiges of heat outside and after a short buggy ride, we
had arrived at our villa. All villas have a private pool and after a dip, room service snacks and chilled wine we felt the stresses and strains of home life ebbing away.
The next six days were spent, whenever we could drag ourselves away from our pool, relishing the invigorating salt spray of the Gulf sea waves, tucking into the beautifully presented dishes served up at the Spice Market (Arabic / Asian ) or Summerhouse (Mediterranean / European) restaurants and long cool dusk walks along empty beaches. For a special culinary experience we booked (a must) dinner at Senses on the Edge, a beautifully designed fine dining restaurant at the top of the mountain (alongside the paragliding take off point).
We also treated ourselves to a private dinner at the top of the Wine Tower with a 360 degree bird’s eye view of the resort and a beautifully presented meal in the Wine Cellar, deep in the bowels of the Tower. On all three occasions, we couldn’t fault the menus, the service or the choice of wines.
My wife and I were at Zighy Bay on a mission to unwind and recharge our batteries, but for the more energetic traveller, there are numerous activities available, from snorkelling to tennis, and petanque to mountain biking. For the really adventurous, there are even microlite flights and paraglide descents.
Should you require resuscitation after expending all your energy, then of course the renowned Six Senses Spa treatments await your arrival. All this and a multi cultural staff with characters such as Matt, the Mixologist from Miami (the Cocktail Creator) who genuinely seemed happy to try and please all the guests.
The jewel in the crown of Zighy Bay for us however, was our very own G.E.M. (Guest Entertainment Manager) Julius, provided by the hotel to ensure that our villa was spotless, our meals and activities were booked and our every whim was attended to.
All too soon our last day arrived and we decided to have lunch in the villa to fully savour the luxurious lifestyle we had so easily slipped into.
Lunch over, I let my gaze drift over our pool, through the villa bamboo gates and across the beach into the deep hues of the Gulf of Oman. It was a struggle to accept that we really had to leave, but we felt rested, rejuvenated, tanned, healthy and ready to face our return to England - albeit with Zighy Bay forever in our hearts - Phil Rogers
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Travel Club Special 7 nights for the price of 5, from £3,498.00 (published price £4,620.00) inc. flights, transfers, breakfast & complimentary shared sunset cruise. Extra 10% discount on early booking. Telephone Sublime Travel 020 3751 5555 & quote the magazine you saw this in.
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Travel Club
We have joined forces with Sublime Travel to create the Travel Club, which gives readers the opportunity to explore an exciting world of luxury travel. Benefits include monthly offers, competitions, free hotel nights, free half board, room upgrades and up to 30% discount on our luxury holiday portfolio which
includes hotels, villas and yachts.
In coming months we will feature special interest holidays including golf, cooking, wine tasting and more. Whatever your taste or hobby, the Travel Club will have something simply sublime for you. For reservations, telephone Sublime Travel on 020 3751 5555 and quote the magazine you saw this in.
Sublime Travel
Nestled amongst the cameras, lights and action of Pinewood Studios, Sublime Travel is a bespoke tour operating company built on a solid foundation of travel expertise and passion.
Our staff have sampled first-hand many of the hotels in our portfolio, which specialise in the top-class standard of luxury properties our discerning clients from the worlds of media, stage and sport have come to expect from us.
From the remote and rare to the more familiar, we can transport you to the spiritual peaks of the Himalayas, the azure waters of the Indian Ocean, the lush jungles of Bali or the awesome Arabian desert. Sublime Travel prides itself on finding that special something, somewhere that will whet your appetite and excite your mind.
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Maldives
Cheval Blanc Randheli is an intimate and contemporary haven on the unspoiled Noonu Atoll, a 40-minute journey north of Malé, which guests will enjoy in the Maison’s own bespoke seaplane for an exceptional holiday start. The opening of the 45 villa Cheval Blanc Randheli complements the group’s Alpine Maison, Cheval Blanc Courchevel, by offering a stylish design and relaxed, friendly atmosphere, now in the serene setting of the Maldivian archipelago.
7 Nights Accommodation cost: From £3,288pp based on 2 people sharing a one bedroom Island Villa, includes American breakfast.
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Canada
Home to 150 species of plants and herds of wild Caribou, Fogo Island is the largest of the offshore islands of Newfoundland and Labrador. Its archipelago is so remote that it has its own time zone. With a population of fewer than 3,000 residents, the island gets its name from the Portuguese word for fire. Fogo Island Inn, an architectural gem located in Iceberg Alley on Fogo Island, is a radical newcomer on the world’s travelscape. 5 Nights Accommodation cost: From 704.00pp based on 2 people sharing a Nuddick Suite. Includes all meals.
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Chile
Awasi Patagonia is a small lodge in a private reserve in the same location where Florence Dixie camped and with the same majestic view of the Torres del Paine that captivated her over 140 years ago. The lodge continues its mission to provide memorable travel experiences and to highlight the culture and nature of one of South America’s most attractive corners
4 Nights Accommodation cost: From £2,071.00pp based on 2 people sharing a Villa. Includes all meals, soft & alcoholic beverages, 4 x 4 vehicle & guide.
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South Africa
Spanning more than 56 000 hectares, the Sabi Sand Reserve, recognised globally for its diversity and formidable concentration of big game and frequent leopard sightings, is situated in a remote corner of the lowveld adjoining the Kruger National Park. This is where you will find Singita Castleton Camp. The diverse landscape is the perfect habitat for the ‘big cats’ and guests thrill at seeing these beautiful creatures. 3 Nights Accommodation cost: From £12,460.00 exclusive use of the Lodge for 8. Includes all meals, drinks, safaris & trips.
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India
Lying at the heart of an untrammelled wilderness, where leopards roam wild and free, is Jawai Leopard Camp; SUJÁN’s latest experiential creation. Designed by the owners, Anjali and Jaisal Singh, Jawai Leopard Camp represents a style that combines subtle opulence with abundant adventure; a vigorous rendition of
camping at its finest. 3 Nights Accommodation cost: From £950pp based on 2 people sharing a Luxury Camp inc all meals, 2x daily safaris, transfers & services.
