Looking Beyond the Middle East

Our tailor-made travel experts have put together a list of destinations that capture a similar sense of culture, heritage, history, atmosphere and overall bespoke experiences. Whether it is desert scenery, beach escapes, resort destinations or cultural journeys, our proposed travel alternatives are inspired by the Middle East, in different parts of the world.

For those captivated by vast deserts and secluded lodges, there are other destinations that offer a similar feeling in terms of adventure and space.

Morocco remains one of the closest options from the UK. From Marrakech, explorations into the Atlas Mountains and Sahara reveal desert camps, kasbahs and dune landscapes. Our itinerary ‘Trekking in the High Atlas’ captures this perfectly.

Namibia has one of the most striking deserts in the world. The dunes of Sossusvlei and the vast plains of the Namib Desert provide an experience comparable to Oman or Wadi Rum. It is also complemented by wildlife and ancient rock art in Damaraland. Our ‘Ultimate Namibia’ itinerary allows you to enjoy those impactful places.

Those who are drawn to luxury resorts in Abu Dhabi or Dubai may find resembling experiences in some places in Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean.

The Maldives, can be easily reached via major Asian hubs such as Singapore, remain one of the world’s most desirable island escapes due to its extraordinary natural beauty, exclusive resorts and exceptional experiences.

Thailand’s southern coast, particularly Phuket and nearby islands, offers excellent resorts paired with limestone landscapes and its vibrant culture with colourful festivals and distinctive Sino-Portuguese architecture.

If you are captivated with historic cities and ancient trade routes, Uzbekistan is the ideal alternative. The Silk Road cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva combine Islamic architecture, bazaars filled with colour, aromas and centuries-old cultural and trading traditions. Explore the magnificent, turquoise-domed architecture and rich cultural heritage in our ‘Uzbekistan: Treasures of the Silk Road’ Escorted Tour or as a bespoke journey.

For travellers inspired by the Maldives’ warm waters but reconsidering other destination, whilst searching for remarkable places with high-end resorts.

Mauritius blends Indian Ocean beaches with lush interiors and luxury resorts, offering refined coastal relaxation, turquoise lagoons and soft sands framed by mountain scenery from the Le Morne Brabant or Black River Gorges National Park.

Zanzibar pairs historic Stone Town with quiet beaches and dhow sailing along the coast, where shores with palms and elegant beachfront retreats create a tranquil island escape.

The combination of golden beaches with wildlife and tea country in the highlands only exists in Sri Lanka. The blend of laid-back beach towns like Tangalle and luxury seaside resorts represent an idyllic setting for total relaxation.

In Vietnam’s central coast you will find elegant beachfront luxury retreats and long stretches of sand, where calm waters and stylish coastal resorts create a polished beach escape close to Hoi An Ancient Town, My Son Sanctuary and Hue Imperial City.

For those looking to stay closer to home, several options within a few hours of London offer warm climates, rich history and diverse scenery.

Turkey combines remarkable historical sites like Hagia Sophia, turquoise waters of the Mediterranean and Aegean coast and the unique rock formations of Cappadocia.

From the Moorish heritage and historic cities of Andalusia to the sun-drenched island escapes of the Canary and Balearic Islands, Spain is the perfect place that blends rich culture heritage and coastal beauty. And why not plan a villa holiday in Menorca, Mallorca or Ibiza with Ultimate Villas?

Greece is an ideal destination for archaeology enthusiasts looking for relaxed coastal towns. Explore impressive ruins and historic sites before unwinding in charming seaside villages, enjoying traditional tavernas and a slower pace of life.

French Polynesia delivers remote island beauty that rivals the Indian Ocean’s most celebrated destinations like Maldives or Seychelles. Some travellers find it even more appealing because of its volcanic islands, waterfalls, Polynesian culture and more remote, exotic feel in the South Pacific.

For travellers seeking modern resort destinations akin to Dubai or Abu Dhabi, the Caribbean provides idyllic beaches and exceptional hotels, with St. Barths, Antigua and the Turks and Caicos offering sophisticated retreats set along pristine shores.

Furthermore, Mexico offers a similarly compelling mix of culture and luxury beach escapes, from the Riviera Maya’s white-sand Caribbean coastline to the Baja California Peninsula around Los Cabos, where desert landscapes meet golden beaches and world-class resorts along the Sea of Cortez. Read our blog ‘Baja California: Vineyards, Whales and Wild Horizons’ for inspiration to plan a bespoke journey with us.

From the terraces of Machu Picchu to the sweeping landscapes of the Colca Canyon, Peru offers the same sense of awe that travellers often associate with Petra and the deserts of the Middle East.

Airlines are constantly reviewing their flight paths and adjusting routes when necessary. For travellers heading to the east from London, there are several options that allow journeys to Asia through major international hubs and avoiding the current affected region.

Our team has researched the most common routes currently used, as shown below.

Northern Routes via Europe

For destinations in Japan, South Korea and northern parts of China, northern European connections offer a straightforward option to places as Tokyo or Seoul. These routes pass through established transit hubs and often add little additional travel time.

Airlines operating these routes include:

• Finnair via Helsinki
• LOT Polish Airlines via Warsaw and
• Turkish Airlines via Istanbul

Example itineraries:

• London → Helsinki → Tokyo
• London → Warsaw → Seoul

For this route, our Japan travel experts recommend our itinerary ‘Ryokan Wanderings‘ with ryokan stays, onsen experiences and a Kanazawa & Kyoto guided tour.

Speak with one of our tailor-made travel experts to recommend alternative destinations and create a holiday shaped around your interests.

Call +44 (0) 203 8132 555 or make an online enquiry.