J’AIME JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022

EXPERIENCE GOLDEN AGE ITALIAN GLAMOUR IN CAPRI
whale watching. When we visited, we enjoyed a little
bit of everything, and it was perfect. A popular option
with our clients is to self-drive; we arranged one such
trip last September and the feedback was excellent.
If your idea of a special trip includes a beach and you
need to travel in our cooler months, then we have just
the tonic.
We have noticed clients are seeking to minimise their
flying time and keep changes to a minimum which
makes the Middle East a popular choice for winter
and spring getaways. Temperatures remain warm and
with flying time of only six to seven hours destinations
such as Oman, Ras Al Khaimah and Abu Dhabi are
proving popular in addition to the top seller which is,
of course, Dubai.
Jumeirah’s Muscat Bay in Oman has been in
development for a number of years, and we are
finally set to see it open in
2022. I first caught sight
of it during my own trip
to Oman in 2019 and we have
been following its progress ever
since. Oman is a firm favourite
for those who are looking for
an alternative to Dubai for
some winter sun and top-class
luxury accommodations. Oman
is more scenic, less built-up and
has a deeper, richer cultural
heritage to enjoy too.
Set in the secluded cove of
Bandar Jissah between the
Al Hajar Mountains and the
Gulf of Oman, the luxurious
Jumeirah Muscat Bay is just 15
minutes south of Muscat city
centre. Jumeirah is known for
its high-quality resorts, and this
will no doubt be very popular.
As soon as we have a confirmed
opening date we will let you
know.
Our top tip for any visit to
Oman includes a visit to the
‘Green Mountains’ where
you can stay at the dramatic
mountain top Anantara Al
Jabal Resort. The scenery is
eye-dropping, and it really adds
another aspect to an already
wonderful destination, as I
found out during my visit.
If wine tasting is your thing,
Four Seasons opened their new Napa Valley resort last
year and is one of the most exciting new properties
on their roster. We visited Napa ourselves a few years
ago and it really does live up to its reputation as being
one of the most beautiful spots in Northern California
to visit. If time permits, we suggest a few nights in
San Francisco followed by a self-drive exploration of
the valley. There are some nice independent wineries
we toured which are great and dinner at FARM at
Carneros is a must!
Staying in the USA, Virgin Atlantic recently
announced a new flight to Austin, their first new USA
route since 2015. The city’s slogan is Keep Austin
Weird and it is famous for its live music scene and
its independent shops and restaurants. Austin hosts
the South by Southwest music festival and has a
THE NEW ORIENT-EXPRESS LA DOLCE VITA
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