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GLOBETROTTER<br />
ESCAPE TO THE<br />
MOUNTAINS<br />
Why these destinations are peaking…<br />
SKIING IN<br />
AZERBAIJAN<br />
Now until March is ski<br />
season in Azerbaijan.<br />
You’ll find the best<br />
resorts at Shahdag<br />
and Gabala but, for<br />
more challenging<br />
pistes, try the black<br />
runs at Tufandag<br />
Resort. Stay at Qafqaz<br />
Tufandag Mountain<br />
Resort Hotel, which<br />
has a rope-way<br />
passing by that’ll take<br />
you straight to the<br />
mountain ski centre.<br />
ADVENTURE<br />
IN HATTA<br />
Thrill-seekers can get<br />
their kicks at Meraas'<br />
new Hatta Wadi Hub,<br />
where you can test<br />
your skills at ziplining,<br />
mountain biking, wall<br />
climbing and even<br />
axe throwing, among<br />
other activities before<br />
braving the shoots at<br />
Hatta Drop-in (Asia’s<br />
first water jump park).<br />
Stay the night by<br />
glamping at Hatta<br />
Damani Lodges.<br />
STARGAZING<br />
IN OMAN<br />
There’s a mega meteor<br />
shower this month.<br />
To view the shooting<br />
stars, head to Alila<br />
Jabal Akhdar in the<br />
Al Hajar Mountains,<br />
where astronomer<br />
Mike Dalley is<br />
hosting stargazing<br />
masterclasses leading<br />
up to and during the<br />
peak of the big event.<br />
The best days to see<br />
it are 14 and 15 Dec at<br />
around 2am.<br />
NEW OF NOTE<br />
Bluewaters Dubai<br />
What’s it all about? The site of the<br />
world’s largest observation wheel,<br />
Ain Dubai, this oasis off the coast of<br />
Dubai Marina has opened the drawbridge<br />
to visitors.<br />
What’s the vibe? For a small island,<br />
it has an edgy urban buzz, with<br />
residences, hotels, and plenty of shops<br />
and restaurants to keep you busy, all<br />
connected by pedestrian-friendly areas.<br />
How do I get there? By car, boat or foot.<br />
There’s a direct road line to Sheikh Zayed<br />
Road, pedestrian access from The Beach<br />
opposite JBR, and an RTA-operated water<br />
taxi service.<br />
How shall I explore? Head to shopping<br />
and dining hub The Wharf to check out<br />
the eclectic mix of cafés, restaurants and<br />
bistros. Next, stroll along Central Avenue,<br />
which borders the landside of The Wharf,<br />
before heading to North Walk and Wharf<br />
Avenue, which edge the waterfront,<br />
circling Ain Dubai Plaza beneath the<br />
observation wheel.<br />
Can I stay there? For sure. The island’s<br />
trio of non-gaming resorts – Caesars<br />
Palace Bluewaters Dubai, The Residences<br />
at Caesars Palace Bluewaters Dubai<br />
(serviced apartments) and Caesars Resort<br />
Bluewaters Dubai – offer a luxurious<br />
experience. Dine at Gordon Ramsay's<br />
Hell’s Kitchen, be pampered at Qua Spa,<br />
and chill at private beach club Cove Beach.<br />
A MALDIVIAN MILESTONE<br />
Velaa Private Island is celebrating its<br />
fifth anniversary this month, with a<br />
wow line-up of activities and events,<br />
including sports tournaments and a<br />
party taking place on 20 <strong>December</strong>,<br />
featuring Czech violincellist Tereza<br />
Kovalova and a gourmet food journey<br />
courtesy of Chef Gaushan de Silva.<br />
Happy Anniversary!<br />
<strong>World</strong> <strong>Traveller</strong> 19
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