Inspiration
Dubai & the Maldives
This twin-centre journey blends futuristic wonder with total luxury. Begin in Dubai, where cutting-edge design, desert adventures and warm Arabian hospitality create a vibrant sense of contrast.
Skyline dreams and island stillness
You’ll stay in a beachfront resort on the iconic Palm Jumeirah, the perfect base for days spent exploring glittering skyscrapers, souks and museums – or simply soaking up the sun by the pool.
Then, fly south to the Maldives, where life slows to the rhythm of the tides. On your private island getaway, every moment invites stillness, from sunrise yoga sessions to sunset cruises across turquoise lagoons. Whether you’re snorkelling over coral gardens or dining beneath the stars, this is a journey of two halves, and total escape.
- Dubai
- The Maldives
Dallal BenRomdhane
With a goal to visit every US state and a passion for ancient civilisations, Dallal designs thoughtful, immersive trips that feel personal at every step. Her favourite areas of expertise are North America, North Africa and the Maldives.
Dubai
After you board your chosen flight to Dubai, you’ll be chauffeured to your beachfront resort on the Palm Jumeirah. Your stylish hotel is home to lagoon-style pools, shaded gardens and a private stretch of beach with views across the Arabian Gulf – an ideal spot to unwind after your flight.
Once you’ve settled in, Dubai is yours to explore. Visit the Burj Khalifa for panoramic views, stroll through the vast Dubai Mall or browse the atmospheric souks of Old Dubai.
You can take a dhow cruise along the creek, enjoy dinner in the dunes or explore the interactive Museum of the Future. There’s plenty of contrast here – glitzy architecture one moment, endless desert the next.
Return each evening to your resort for sunset by the pool, cocktails on the terrace and warm Gulf breezes drifting through the palm trees.
Some extra inspiration while in Dubai...
Private architecture and design tour
Explore the city’s modern marvels with an expert-led tour that goes beyond the surface. From Zaha Hadid’s Opus Tower to the Dubai Design District, discover the creativity shaping the skyline.
Art galleries of Alserkal Avenue
Venture into Dubai’s contemporary art scene in this warehouse-turned-cultural-hub. Spend an afternoon browsing galleries, boutique concept stores and design cafés in this creative enclave.
Day trip to Abu Dhabi
Take a private transfer to the UAE’s capital to visit the stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, browse the collections at the Louvre Abu Dhabi and stroll the elegant Corniche.
Helicopter flight over the city
See Dubai from a whole new perspective. A short helicopter flight offers an unforgettable view over the Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah and The World islands.
Maldives
Fly onwards to the Maldives and transfer by speedboat or seaplane to your chosen island retreat. Whether you’re staying on a private atoll fringed by palm trees or a boutique hideaway with a thriving house reef, this is the place to slow down and truly switch off.
Each island has its own character, from world-class surfing breaks to manta ray hotspots and idyllic sandbanks perfect for private picnics. You could spend your days snorkelling vibrant coral reefs, taking to the water on a traditional dhoni cruise or just soaking up the sun from your villa’s deck.
For those looking to unwind even further, spa treatments and yoga sessions are often just steps from the sea. Dining can be barefoot and breezy or more refined, and while some islands offer excellent all-inclusive options, others let you tailor the experience to suit your style.
Evenings are simple and serene: sunset cocktails, fresh seafood dinners and the sound of the ocean just beyond your door.
Reef to Table: Coral Conservation in the Maldives
Slip beneath the surface of the Maldives’ crystal-clear waters and discover a vibrant underwater world: one you’ll help protect for generations to come. On a guided coral regeneration experience, join a resident marine biologist to learn about reef ecology, climate change impacts and how local communities are working to preserve this delicate ecosystem. You’ll help plant coral frames on the reef itself, contributing directly to restoration efforts. After your underwater work, return to shore for a relaxed sea-to-table dinner beneath the stars, with the day’s fresh catch on your plate and a sense of connection that lingers long after the sun sets.
Some extra inspiration while in the Maldives:
Coral regeneration experience
Join a marine biologist for a hands-on conservation session, where you can help plant coral frames to support reef regeneration and learn more about preserving the delicate marine ecosystem.
Guided stargazing session
With minimal light pollution, the Maldives offers exceptional night skies. Join a guided stargazing session to spot constellations and planets, often accompanied by a local folklore twist.
Traditional Maldivian cooking class
Discover the flavours of the Maldives in an intimate beachside cooking class. Learn to prepare dishes like mas huni and coconut curry using freshly caught fish and local ingredients.
Luxury sunset fishing trip
Set off on a sleek speedboat or traditional dhoni for a relaxed early evening of hand-line fishing. Your catch of the day can be grilled up back at the resort for a bespoke sea-to-table dinner.
Talk to our specialists to start planning your trip
