Virtuoso Insights - December 2008 - (Page 66)

ÒDubai deftly fuses cosmopolitan cities and great shopping with traditional bedouins and spectacular, long beaches.Ó Patricia Pesti DubAi by DeSign Developing a new level of New World decadence while ably preserving its Old World cultural charms, Dubai has emerged as the fresh face of the Middle East. The perfect symbol of this unique mixture is the Burj Al Arab Hotel — a dramatic, ultramodern structure shaped like a sail as testament to Arabia’s seafaring heritage. One of seven United Arab Emirates, Dubai offers everything from world-class golf and desert safaris to international cuisine and unspoiled beaches. Yet it is perhaps best known for its unmatched shopping, including the Mall of the Emirates and the just-opened Mall of Arabia — nearly 6 million square feet housing 1,000 outlets, an Olympic-size ice-skating rink, an indoor theme park, and one of the world’s largest aquariums. see: Design your own Dubai experience with Arabian Adventures, from exploring ancient towns and dinner with a local family to camel safaris and sandboarding adventures. Ask your Virtuoso travel advisor for details. Buddhist prayer flags send blessings in the wind and (above) under sail: Dubai’s iconic Burj Al Arab Hotel. bhutAneSe bounty Those seeking the sacred in our fast-paced world are called to Bhutan, the last remaining Buddhist Kingdom. Landlocked between China and India at the eastern end of the Himalayas, the “Dragon Kingdom” is celebrated as much for its temples and dzongs, or fortress-monasteries, as for its sheer fortitude in the shadow of its powerful neighbors. Blessed with an extraordinary landscape of lush valleys, hallowed peaks, crystal-clear lakes and streams, and diverse flora and fauna, Bhutan offers exceptional trekking opportunities. Cultural travelers are fascinated by the textile weavers in the east and the old capital of Punakha, now the winter residence for Bhutan’s monks. see: Enjoy incomparable access to Bhutan’s bounty with Amankora, a series of distinctive guest lodges located throughout the country’s principal western and central valleys. Stay includes all meals and beverages; a trek to Tiger’s Nest with private guide; private roundtrip airport transfers; and more. From $1,100 per room, per night. ÒThe intrigue of Bhutan stems from the mysticism created by images of TigerÕs Nest monastery, the colorful robes of the Bhutanese people, and its survival as the last Himalayan Kingdom.Ó Kathy Bernstein more Top Destinations on page 68 P 66 Virtuoso insights

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Virtuoso Insights - December 2008

Virtuoso Insights - December 2008 Contents The World of Virtuoso The Art of Travel Golden Anniversaries Grand Slam Tennis In the Flow Celluloid Travels Top Destinations for 2009 The Perfect Ending

Virtuoso Insights - December 2008

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