Dubai is amazing... but where next in The Middle East?

It was a great event where I was able to meet many suppliers from various hotels and tourist boards from Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah and Qatar. Dubai is well known as a holiday destination, but I was surprised how exciting the prospect of travelling to Ras Al Khaimah came to be after the event. This is something I felt I had to share with my travel clients and followers, as it is something I knew nothing of at the start of last week.

Dubai is one of the top destinations for UK holiday goers, particularly those wanting some winter sun without a really long flight. It is an amazing destination with so much to see and do for couples, solo travellers and families alike. Mix up relaxing beach/pool days with site seeing. Visit old Dubai to learn the history, eat in amazing restaurants, visit a Souk or go to the Marina Down Town or The Palm for more modern activities such as the water parks, aquariums, malls, the Sky Pool and the Burj Khalifa. There are amazing museums to visit such as The Museum Of The Future, or The Museum Of Illusions and The Miracle Gardens – all make for a great day out.

There are many amazing big hotels to stay at such as the world famous Atlantis with its water park and aquarium (which is free to residential guests). There are also some small boutique hotels which are fantastic to stay at such as Nikki Beach which is in a fab location (15 mins taxi from the airport), set on a natural stunning beach with the Miami Beach club pool if you want an adults only pool party vibe.

Dubai is a very safe place to visit so perfect for women as solo travellers. But what about areas a little further out from Dubai?

If you have been to Dubai before or you are looking for more of a relaxed break instead of being in the city the whole time, a fantastic option is Ras Al Khaimah. Only 45 mins transfer from Dubai airport (it can take longer than this to many destinations on the palm!) There are amazing luxury hotels there, which are generally about 15% cheaper than staying right in Dubai - so you can afford to stay a little longer! There are endless beaches, 5 shopping malls, souks and everything you need for an amazing holiday right there. Many of the hotels such as the Hilton Double Tree offer a shuttle bus into Dubai, so you can get the best of both worlds. There are also two world class golf courses and hundreds of high quality dining options, so it is the perfect place to go if you are a foodie!

The Sofitel Hotel sits between The Ritz Carlton and The Waldorf Astoria and offers a dine around option so you can select where you would like to eat out of the restaurants provided by all world class hotels via a voucher system. There is also The Anantara Hotel which offers over the water villa style rooms in the typical Maldives style.

Ras Al Khaimah has the beauty of the mountains right behind it, alongside lush mangroves, terracotta deserts and stunning coastline.

There are some amazing activities in the mountains such as Jais Flight - the longest zipline in the world. Measuring in at 2.83km long and gathering speeds of up to 150kmph. There is also tobogganing at Jais Sledder which is great fun for all ages.

Dhayah Fort - the only hill fort remaining in the UAE and on the UNESECO World Heritage Tentative list. Built in the 19th century, you can climb the zig zag steps of the fortress to discover the amazing views of the gardens, sea and mountains.

There are also yoga and wellness retreats in the mountains with superb views if you need some self-care and calm on your holiday.

For animal lovers there is the Al Wadi Nature Reserve: free roaming wildlife such as falcons, Arabian horses, camels, oryx, sand gazelles, and desert foxes can be spotted in their natural environment.

Suwaidi Pearls Farm- go out on a traditional pearl fishing boat for an amazing day on the water floating around the mangroves and hearing stories of the tradition which dates back over seven millennia.

For a special event you can visit the highest restaurant in the UAE. 1484 by Puro in the Jebel Jais Mountains features cleverly designed cuisine from around the world. A truly unique dining experience. Alternatively, you could go up in a hot air balloon just before sunrise and take in all the beauty or the desert, mountains and coast line as the sun comes up, followed by a delicious champagne breakfast.

So if you are considering a holiday to Dubai, but have maybe been before and want to try something different, why not try Ras Al Khaimah?! I know I am keen!

Get in touch so I can plan your perfect trip!