The Middle East is known for being the home of some of the world’s oldest civilizations, and the monuments of bygone ages and ancient peoples still pepper this magnificent landscape. This ancient world is juxtaposed with the ultra-modern, as new cities made of glass and chrome provide an interesting contrast with the crumbling stone temples and palaces of ancient civilizations.
Whether you want to explore the history of the Sumerians or Babylonians, sleep beneath the endless stars on a cool desert night or live the high life in an ultra-modern city, the Middle East could be the perfect luxury holiday destination for you. On an Escapes by BFP trip, we’ll introduce you to some of the most beautiful and interesting places in the Middle East and the best hotels, allowing you to make memories which will last a lifetime.
On an Escapes by BFP trip to the United Arab Emirates and Oman, we’ll introduce you to the very best these wonderful countries have to offer. Explore the futuristic city of Dubai, from its phenomenal shopping opportunities to indoor ski resorts, architectural marvels and unparalleled luxury.
Spend some time trekking in the desert with our trusted guides and learn about the many interesting creatures which have made this inhospitable landscape home. Explore the small villages which still follow a traditional way of life which has existed almost unchanged for thousands of years.
Oman is a must-visit destination for any discerning traveller looking to visit a part of the Middle East which is not yet on most tourists’ radar. It has endless white sandy beaches where you can spend your days relaxing, all offset by stunning mountain and desert scenery. Much of Oman still enjoys a traditional way of life, where many people live off the land in small village communities, and visitors generally receive a warm welcome. The beautiful city of Muscat enjoys endless beaches, incredible food and lots of small artisan shops. Hike in the Jebel Akhdar mountains or explore ancient forts and castles around Nizwa.
Whatever your ultimate trip to the UAE and Oman involves, our experienced team can help you bring your vision to life via a carefully curated luxurious holiday for you.
Dubai is a city which is startling in its modernity. Rising out of the empty desert sands like a futuristic mirage, this city is the ultimate destination in luxury travel, known for its glamour, innovation and opulence.
If you’re looking for retail therapy, Dubai is the ultimate shopping destination. From immense, luxurious malls to small designer boutiques and traditional local shops, there’s something to please everyone in Dubai. Explore the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, and find yourself mesmerised by the incredible exhibits at the Museum of the Future.
Relax on the golden beaches of Jumeirah whilst sipping cooling drinks, and sample some of the award-winning restaurants along the Dubai Marina waterfront. Step back in time by exploring the narrow streets and noisy bazaars of Old Dubai.
If you want some time away from the hustle and bustle of the city, explore the Hatta Mountains where you can hike, kayak, and learn about the traditional way of life in the UAE. Wander in the beautiful Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve and learn about the spectacular wildlife which calls this part of the world home.
Whatever you’re looking for from your trip to Dubai, the Escapes by BFP team can curate a luxury holiday of a lifetime. Our team know Dubai intimately and can help you experience both culture and tradition alongside the glamour and the beaches.
Oman is a hidden gem of the Middle East, one which is a real pleasure to explore. Unlike some of its neighbours, much of Oman is still traditional in its outlook and culture. It’s a stunning place, with mountains, deserts, ancient towns and cities and beautiful golden beaches. From relaxing next to an endless sparkling sea to exploring traditional bazaars, Oman has a wide array of different opportunities for the discerning traveller.
The capital city, Muscat, has stunning sandy beaches and brings together the traditional with the modern. Spend an evening seeing a performance at the magnificent Royal Opera House, or tour the stunning Grad Mosque. Visit Muttrah, the older part of the city where you’ll feel you’re stepping back in time. Enjoy the amazing local foods, flavoured with an array of delicious spices.
Explore the historic town of Nizwa, once the capital of Oman, which is surrounded by ancient forts and castles, stunning wadis and phenomenal hikes. Whatever you’re looking for from your trip to Oman, the Escapes by BFP team can curate the perfect luxury holiday for you.
The northernmost emirate of the UAE, Ras Al Khaimah is the Middle East’s best kept secret. It combines spectacular scenery with a fascinating history and a quiet sense of modern luxury.
Nestled between the startlingly blue waters of the Arabian Gulf and the rugged beauty of the Hajar mountains, Ras Al Khaimah is a remarkably beautiful place. The coastline has endless golden beaches which are modern and well-equipped, and the desert is scattered with stunning oases, featuring sparkling pools of water, shady date trees and interesting wildlife.
Step back in time at Al Jazirah Al Hamra, a perfectly preserved town from the 17th century, or marvel at the region’s history at the National Museum, which is housed in what was once the residence of the royal family. Learn about the ancient Bedouin way of life and try your hand at camel racing or pearl diving.
Ras Al Khaimah is an adventurer’s paradise, with endless opportunities for climbing, hiking, paragliding, sandboarding and scuba diving. This region is home to some incredibly luxurious hotels and resorts, with lots of spas and wellness opportunities. Many of these hotels are family friendly and offer some phenomenal activities to keep children busy and having fun, giving parents the chance to relax.
Ras Al Khaimah truly is a special place, and on an Escapes by BFP luxury holiday, you’ll get the most out of your stay in this incredible region.
The Middle East is a region which experiences some very extreme temperatures, so it’s important to take weather into account when choosing when to visit this fascinating and ancient region. October to April sees cooler but lovely weather, and this is a much better time to explore than high summer, when temperatures can regularly be above 40 degrees.
If you’re looking to spend time adventuring or trekking through the region’s mountains and deserts, there can be showers in January and February, though these tend to be short and sharp rather than lasting for long. Southern Oman has a monsoon season from June to September, making this a particularly green and verdant, but also wet, time to visit.
Oman is at its coolest in December and can be cold in the mountains and deserts at nighttime. This is a great time of year to visit if you’re looking to spend lots of time outdoors and don’t enjoy especially hot weather.
Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah and the UAE more widely are great to visit in January and February if you’re looking for some winter sun but also want it to be a nice temperature for exploring this fascinating part of the world.
By March and April, things are beginning to warm up across the Middle East with temperatures moving up into the 30s but not yet reaching the heights they will in high summer. In the Jebel Akhdar mountains, the roses bloom in March and April, making them particularly lovely at this time of year.
May is when fruits begin to be harvested, making this a wonderful time to enjoy fresh apricots, peaches and figs in the sunshine.
This time of year is extremely hot, with temperatures climbing into the 40s, which many find unpleasant. If you’re looking to shop in one of the immense shopping malls in Dubai, you can make the most of the highly efficient air conditioning and remove the difficulty of the hot weather outside.
September is still very hot, but in Oman, you can see turtles on the coast. September and October are harvest time in the Middle East, and it’s a wonderful time of year to enjoy fresh olives, pomegranates and grapes.
October and November are a much more pleasant time to visit the Middle East, with temperatures having fallen back down into the 30s, but before the Christmas rush begins.
The Middle East is a place where you experience the height of luxury. Hotels in Dubai are renowned the world over for their opulence, extravagance and sumptuousness. From romantic getaways to family trips, there are wonderful hotels available to suit every kind of holiday.
Oman and Ras Al Khaimah offer the same ultra-modern and luxurious options as Dubai, but also have more traditional hotels available too, which have a more quietly elegant feel. Whether you’re looking to rest in a beautiful five-star hotel or explore the desert from a luxurious camp, the Escapes by BFP team can find the perfect place for you to stay from which to discover this fascinating part of the world.
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This luxurious desert hotel just 45 minutes from Dubai is an oasis of luxurious tranquillity surrounded by phenomenal scenery. The lush palm trees and endless sand dunes surround a hotel which prides itself on providing every guest with impeccable service. Stay in one of the 42 stunning villas, all of which are light and airy with an authentic Bedouin feel and hand-crafted Arabian furnishings. Swim in your villa’s private pool, relax in the blissful spa, or head deep into the desert for a nature walk with a local expert guide.
