JORDAN
This fascinating country is just a three-hour flight from Dubai – that’s just one plane movie – making it perfect for a loved-up mini-break. Jordan boasts Indiana Jones-worthy archaeology in Petra, rambling romantic streets throughout Amman and the world-famous – and salty – Dead Sea, and in celebration of February 14, Emirates Holidays are offering packages that include return economy flights on Emirates, three nights in a luxury hotel, such as the beautiful seaside Kempinski Hotel Ishtar, and private transfers from Amman and back, all from Dh2,305.
If you stay at the Kempinski, however, be prepared not to want to leave as you lounge in the beautiful hotel, which features gardens, lagoons, waterfalls and pools, and is right on the Dead Sea with its renowned healing properties. Definitely make the three-hour drive to Petra, a remarkably well-preserved ‘city’ that was founded in 7,000 BC; it’s worth spending the whole day because there’s so much to see. Trip valid until February 25, for more details see www.emiratesholidays.com.
SRI LANKA
This gem of a country offers everything a vacationer could want – verdant greenery, pristine beaches, wildlife galore, friendly people and – yes! – delicious food (the fish coconut curry we had there last year still lingers on our palate). Air Arabia Holidays are currently offering a five-night package that includes a visit to the capital, Colombo (where you’ll find fantastic furniture shopping to be done, so pack light!), the culturally rich and beautifully green Kandy, as well as the very popular beachside, Bentota. The package includes a sightseeing tour of Colombo and visits to an elephant orphanage and the beautiful Botanical Gardens in Kandy; and, at the end of every day, you’ll get to relax at a four-star hotel – they offer a range of options, including the super-cute beachside Bentota Beach Hotel, which has its own resident elephant. Offer ongoing, costs from Dh2,890 per person including return flights with Air Arabia, transfers, all excursions and accommodation. For more details visit www.holidays.airarabia.com.
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