If I said Middle East ...what thoughts does it conjure up?
Bur how do you know which one to choose?
I'm so lucky to have spent an extensive amount of time in the Middle East with family connections in the Lebanon which opened up a whole new exciting world to me.
Lebanon has been rebuilt since its troubled times and is one of the most beautiful countries I have ever visited, from the valleys and vineyards to the ski slopes to the beaches to the casinos, the antiquities at Byblos...it’s just wow.
To Israel, modern, chic, vibrant Tel Aviv with 13 beaches stretching over 14 kilometres with an inherent beach, bar and restaurant culture, LGBT friendly, and the Red Sea to explore corals and marine life.
Of course, the Emirates, Dubai, bold outspoken ostentatious but tolerate of western ways. Abu Dhabi its distinguished neighbour often overlooked with towering glitterati buildings, and cultural attractions, like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the new Louvre Abu Dhabi - but it’s the sandy islands, like Saadiyat linked to the mainland by a bridge which sets this apart for me. With white sands and curvaceous sand dunes coupled with sparkling waters, a Blue Flag beach and a host of water sports – it’s a magical paradise!
A close neighbour to Dubai, is up and coming Ras Al Khaimah, a miniscule emerging sleepy emirate on the verge of new beginnings; this is the place for action packed activities, the longest zip wire in the world, luxury desert camping, authentically styled hotels and a man-made archipelago to complement the beauty of this niche holiday destination.
Then there is Oman, and this has to be my destination of choice. Having friends in Muscat I’m no stranger here and a retreat to this paradise is a highlight of my year. To watch the flamingos strutting their stuff across the white sands, date palms swaying in the breezes – away from the hustle and bustle and heat of Muscat a whole new way of life awaits you. Fins Beach offers a souk and beach experience offering some of the best diving and snorkelling in Arabia. A restaurant and beach party culture are emerging here making this is paradise for winter sun worshippers who appreciate this proud and noble nation. And, if you are a keen golfer or fancy a spot of desert camping or rock climbing, then this is the destination for you. For me this is one of the most romantic of all destinations, and the perfect honeymoon location if you can get over the “middle east thing” that tends to haunt too many people.
Ajman is one of the seven Emirates of the United Arab Emirates, and its culture is steeped in exceptional hospitality. It is relatively unknown and slightly naïve to the ways of mass tourism with tis hospitality with overwhelm you. This is warm and welcoming place where you are made to feel like a long-lost friend. The luxury beachfront hotels of Ajman have their own private beaches, with long stretches of white sand and turquoise waters, the beaches are one of the key selling points of Ajman. They are quiet, crowd free, and all the hotels are just a few steps from the sandy shoreline, which makes them attractive for couples looking for a romantic beach break.
My first visit to Bahrain (or two seas) is one I will never forget. I had a slight feeling of trepidation but setting foot on Jarada Island made me feel I was in a desert paradise. I guess as it only appears as the tide ebbs and is in the middle of the Gulf you could see why! It has one of the best beaches in Bahrain where you can spot dolphins, dive and see over 35 species of coral (still in great shape) and even dive for pearls. It’s over an hour out from the mainland but get yourself into the Ritz Carlton and their private boat will whisk you away. Don’t panic when I say Ritz Carlton, because its more affordable than you think! There are over 30 islands that make up the Bahrain Islands and could put a whole new spin on island hopping for you!
My whistle-stop tour of the middle east has left out one very special place and that is Jordan. Look out for my new blog on this regal country coming soon!