WINTER WONDERLAND: LET IT SNOW OR SHINE

This winter beckons those drawn to the beauty of traditional snowscapes, crave the warmth of sun-drenched havens, seek the thrill of daring escapades, or desire the sophisticated allure of urban shopping.

GCC travellers are invited to journey through the snowy landscapes of Ultima Courchevel Belvédère, bask in the sun-soaked elegance of Emerald Maldives, embark on an adventurous odyssey at One&Only Nyungwe Valley, or revel in the urban sophistication of a shopping spree at The Biltmore Mayfair. The possibilities are as diverse as the winter destinations themselves, inviting GCC travellers to make this season an unforgettable chapter in their own unique travel tales.

FOR THOSE LOOKING FOR A WHITE WINTER

Nestled in the picturesque Sunny Valley at an elevation of 1750, Ultima Courchevel Belvédère offers unparalleled proximity to the renowned slopes of the Savoie province in France. Set to open on 15 December 2023 for the season, the prestigious ski-in and ski-out resort comprising of 13 private chalets is an ideal haven for GCC travellers looking to balance days of skiing with mind-soothing treatments and world-class dining experiences.

GCC travellers are invited to enjoy the view from the resort’s stand-out mountain-facing restaurant, and cocktail bar with uninterrupted views of the frosted mountains. Offering the signature Ultima wellness experience, the resort features two state-of-the-art spas, an indoor and outdoor pool, a sauna, hammam and a Jacuzzi, perfect for warming up and unwinding after a day spent on the slopes.

Situated at the heart of Europe’s largest ski region, over 600 kilometres of maintained pistes lie on the doorstep of the resort’s residences. Just a short 7-minute transfer journey to the city’s bars and restaurants, the property is perfectly located for when the hours turn dark. The ski guides and instructors are at the ready to lead excursions to the hidden gems of The Three Valleys and beyond. Non-skiers can head to the town of Courchevel to explore the refined boutiques, dining, and entertainment on offer, with the team on call to curate unique and authentic experiences featuring the region’s finest offerings at any time. For reservations and more information, please visit ultimacollection.com/en/collections/ultima-courchevel/

FOR THOSE LOOKING FOR WINTER SUN

Tucked away in the heart of a tropical paradise, Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa extends an invitation to GCC travellers in search of an idyllic, sunny winter retreat. This luxurious haven, situated amidst crystal-clear turquoise waters and pristine beaches, offers a perfect escape for GCC travellers yearning for the sun’s radiant warmth.

The resort’s overwater villas and beachfront suites provide stunning views of the Indian Ocean. Visitors can partake in various water-based activities, from snorkelling amongst vibrant coral reefs to a leisurely swim in the resort’s infinity pool. Standing as a sanctuary of rejuvenation and well-being, the Emerald Spa offers guests a blissful escape within the paradisal setting of the Maldives.

Emerald Maldives offers a diverse range of dining options for those eager to savour exquisite culinary delights, each providing a unique culinary journey. Whether lounging by the poolside with a refreshing cocktail or dining under the stars with the sound of the ocean as a backdrop, travellers can relish the warmth of the Maldivian sun while enjoying world-class cuisine.

For reservations and more information, please visit emerald-maldives.com/FOR THOSE LOOKING FOR AN OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

Steeped in natural beauty and nestled within Rwanda’s Gisakura tea plantation, One&Only Nyungwe House, sits on the edge of one of the oldest rainforests in Africa offering a bespoke itinerary of activities for GCC travellers seeking an adventurous winter escape. Explore the Nyungwe National Park by taking a walk amongst majestic trees, trekking through the jungle to discover remarkable animal encounters, or embarking on a helicopter ride high above the incredible views, there’s something to suit everyone at One&Only Nyungwe House.

Home to some of Africa’s most diverse primate populations, guests can engage in a myriad of extraordinary excursions that allow them to deeply connect with nature during their stay. One of these unforgettable experiences is Chimpanzee Trekking, a thrilling and fast-paced adventure that will leave an indelible mark on guests’ memories.

Trekking along untamed paths through lush forests, guests will find themselves racing to keep pace with these beloved creatures. At the break of dawn, a seasoned guide will lead guests deep into the heart of the jungle, trailing chimpanzees through the wilderness. A rustle of leaves, and then, through the branches, chimpanzees can be spotted gazing down from the fig trees. Guests may even witness a troop of tree-dwelling chimps gracefully navigating the canopy. Each trek is a unique adventure, and the jungle’s charismatic chimpanzees are bound to surprise and delight at every turn.

For reservations and more information, please visit oneandonlyresorts.com/nyungwe-house/experiences/chimpanzee-trekking

FOR THOSE LOOKING FOR A FESTIVE SHOPPING SPREE

‘Tis the season to shop till you drop at The Biltmore Mayfair. Guests checking into the opulent London property can tick everything off their festive shopping list with ease thanks to the VIP Festive Shopping Experience in partnership with Bicester Village. Located less than an hour away from Central London in the heart of the Oxfordshire countryside, Bicester Village is home to more than 160 boutiques featuring the world’s most coveted brands.

GCC travellers staying at The Biltmore Mayfair for a minimum of two nights can take advantage of a range of exciting benefits, including a hands-free shopping service, complimentary personal shopping experience at Bicester Village’s private shopping suites, access to The Apartment, a luxurious VIP retreat with complimentary refreshments and priority booking with the digital queueing system.

For those looking to continue their festive shopping spree, The Biltmore Mayfair provides the perfect base to explore the best retail London has to offer. Soak up the festive atmosphere and twinkling lights whilst browsing high-end designer stores, high-street favourites, and independent boutiques. For reservations and more information, please visit hilton.com/en/hotels/longsol-the-biltmore-mayfair-london/experiences/