All the perfumes of Arabia…with Aspire+

Aspire+, the luxury holiday specialist, has distilled the essence of Arabia in its first dedicated destination brochure, featuring six Middle East countries – Jordan, Bahrain, Qatar, Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Oman – and Egypt, with prices from £485pp for a 3-night break at the Sonesta St George, Luxor.

The current trend for shorter breaks in which travellers can relax and chill out, or fill a soft adventure trip with memorable experiences, has focused Aspire’s attention firmly on the Middle East. The 92-page brochure offers a range of intimate, designer chic, opulent, beachside luxury, family, historical and spa hotels, touring holidays, high-adrenalin activities and imaginative excursions it was announced in March.

If travellers wish to stay at a property or destination not featured within Aspire’s programme, its expert travel consultants will seek to arrange a bespoke itinerary. Passengers will fly on a choice of world-class Middle Eastern airlines including Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways, which boasts the prestigious Skytrax 5* rating.

Aspire will also help clients to make the most of their time in the Middle East with a choice of excursions that include helicopter flights over Dubai’s city skyline, hot air balloon trips across desert landscapes and an introduction to the ‘sport of kings’ with personal polo tuition.

“This potpourri of ancient civilisation, culture and architecture, contrasting with the world’s ‘tallest, biggest, most luxurious’ is an intoxicating blend,” said Gianni Bonuglia, Aspire’s managing director.

“The Middle East has seen a 100% increase in passenger carryings for us over the past couple of years,” said Gianni Bonuglia, Aspire’s managing director.  “With the strength of Dubai, Jordan and Egypt and rapid emergence of Abu Dhabi, Oman and Qatar as new luxury tourism destinations, we felt the way to do justice to this exciting region was to create a special brochure.”

A tour of the Orient wiith Aspire’s perfumery guide includes the following packages:

• If you seek ‘seduction in a bottle’ then lovers of Agent Provocateur will adore the intimacy of The Chedi in Muscat, Oman, which is priced from £1,085pp for a 7-night holiday.
• If your fragrance of choice is a more traditional Chanel, you’ll love the old world charm of the Old Cataract Hotel in Aswan, Egypt, priced at £865pp for 3 nights.
• If your choice is ‘devil wears Prada’, then its fusion of tradition and innovation makes Abu Dhabi Aspire’s top tip.  Five nights at the magnificent Emirates Palace costs from £975pp or the contemporary Hilton Abu Dhabi located on the famous Corniche is priced from £830pp.
• For the aromatic Bulgari Black scented man in your life, a week at the Park Hyatt in Dubai starts at £1,125pp, whilst the Burj Al-Arab costs from £2,645pp.
• Qatar could be likened to Fendi, since it is both original and refined.  The Ritz-Carlton Doha, which has its own marina and island resort overlooking the Arabian Gulf, leads in at £860pp for 5-nights.
• And finally if you prefer Delices de Cartier’s timeless and distinctive blend of pink pepper and bergamot, then the Gulf state of Bahrain will appeal to you.  Five nights at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain costs from £735pp

*All prices quoted are based on double occupancy, inclusive of breakfast, scheduled flights and private transfers.

For reservations and further information contact Aspire on 0845 345 9096 or visit http://www.aspireholidays.co.uk/

Report by Chitra Mogul