Almeria Villa

Dubai has an eclectic mix of luxury, modernity and tradition that is vastly unlike any other city of the world and it is due to this that Dubai is one of the dream holiday destinations for people across the globe.  The location of the city itself is perfect because it is situated halfway between Europe, Africa and Asia, and can be reached from any city within a few hours or with an overnight flight.

Whether it is shopping, a luxurious holiday or high-powered business moves, Dubai is all of this and more, rolled into one.  The dazzling economic growth of Dubai has ensured that tourists get to experience not just the natural beauty of the city but can also enjoy luxury and style in glitzy and opulent shopping malls that are almost like mini towns.

A holiday in Dubai means a kaleidoscope of experiences such as the lively bustle of the souks, sandy white beaches, dusty villages, rugged mountains and the tranquil desert.  The city also offers a great choice of hotels, and a tourist can choose from eminently affordable lodgings to super luxury seven-star hotels all in the same stretch of the city.  The man made, awe-inspiring Palm Jumeriah Island never ceases to amaze people when flying in and out of the city.

For those in love with the yellow metal, Dubai is also known as the ‘City of Gold’ because of the sheer number of gold stores located at the gold souk.  The Dubai Creek splits the city into two major areas with Bur Dubai located in the south and Deira in the north. Each offers a wide range of contrasting cultures with ultra modern shopping malls on the one side and lively souks on the other.  For a starry, starry night (though without Don Mclean), a desert safari and a night of camping in the middle of the desert is strongly recommended.

Barbados is often called the Caribbean’s brightest jewel, full of a natural charm that is epitomised by its people, the Bajans. Hospitality and friendliness is at the core of Bajan philosophy and luxury holidays on the island are enhanced by the natural generosity of the people.

Barbados holidays are noted as a byword for luxury. The island swims in a blue-green sea where the clean beaches are of pure white sand, evoking childhood memories of seaside holidays. Fringed by coral reefs, Barbados is blessed by its warm, tropical climate, made even more pleasant by the constant breeze that keeps temperatures at a level to enjoy without overheating.

The east coast of the island attracts fresher winds from the Atlantic Ocean, whipping up the surf and providing fantastic conditions for surfers and windsurfers. In the quieter waters of the west there are opportunities for scuba diving and snorkelling, and anglers will always want to rise to the challenge of deep-sea fishing for shark or giant marlin.

Children are especially welcome in Barbados, with a whole raft of activities for them both on the water and on land. Organised sports, fun and games will keep their attention while the parents have an opportunity to take a quiet meal together or simply soak up the sun on a beach or by the pool.

Gastronomic delights consist of a multitude of fish, including lobster and barracuda as well as meat, all served up with imaginative sauces and side dishes in comfortable and welcoming restaurants. Desserts are frequently stunning concoctions with fruit and cream, the ideal way to end a perfect day.

Gone are the days where Ibiza was dismissed purely as a party destination.  This eclectic island has plenty of things to offer to people of all ages and has beautiful weather, particularly from May to October.  In fact, even in the winter months, temperatures can climb up to 25 degrees Celsius.

Although there are still party-orientated resorts on the island, such as Playa d’en Bossa, which houses infamous clubs such as Cafe Del Mar, there are plenty of calmer resorts where you can soak up the sun.  You can also admire the beautiful wildlife and visit the hidden archaeological treasures.  Going back to where it all began as a destination, Santa Eulalia and nearby Punta Cana were the hippy stop-off points for those on their way from Goa to Morrocco.  They still carry a relaxed, slow-paced vibe and the regular markets are a great place to stop and shop for unique souvenirs.

If you were to hire a car or moped, either of which is relatively cheap, you can find plenty of temples and churches hidden away in the hilly countryside, such as the ancient Christian place of worship, the Underground Chapel of Santa.  Also worth seeing is the old Phoenician settlement of Sa Caleta in the district of Sant Josep de sa Talaia situated in western Ibiza.  Also of Phoenician-Carthaginian history is the necropolis of Puig des Molins.

Do not forget Ibiza Town, which is a treasure trove of sights for those that appreciate old architecture, plus there are plenty of inviting cafes where you can put your feet up, or little taverns where you can enjoy tapas.  However, if all the sightseeing is not your thing, you could simply soak up the nice atmosphere.  Towering white cliffs and a green, hilly horizon together with a mix of sandy and rocky beaches makes it all clear why Ibiza became so popular in the first place.

Flights to Ibiza are still nice and cheap, and a great range of holiday deals ranging from self-catering holiday apartments to all-inclusive hotel deals mean you can take a break in Ibiza no matter what your financial situation is.

Equatorial Guinea, on the west coast of Africa, is made up of several islands as well as a coastal area. The mainland province is called Rio Muni and is mostly covered with forest, though there are several plantations and mountains as well.

The islands here are a great attraction for tourists, in part because their beaches are so lovely. Not to be rivalled, however, the inland areas of Equatorial Guinea are characterized by volcanoes and lush expanses of tropical vegetation. 

One of the main islands of this nation is Bioko, which is situated off the coast of Cameroon. Bioko has two major peaks with a southern region that is so rugged and wild, it is all but inaccessible to modern motor vehicles.

Because Equatorial Guinea was one of the few areas in Africa to be colonized by Spain, the capital of Malabo is a place where traditional Spanish architecture is on display, making it a charming holiday location. Restaurants in the nation serve mainly Spanish cuisine, and the fact that beer is expensive merely means that many tourists give malamba – a fermented sugar cane beverage – a try.