Travel news: From Abu Dhabi staycations to a culinary tour of China

Jumeirah at Etihad Towers has offers for GCC residents, Dusit opens in the capital and Travel Indochina has launched a 13-day China Culinary Discovery tour.

A handout photo for Travel Indochina's new 13-day "China Culinary Discovery (Courtesy: Travel Indochina)

The main attraction is here in Abu Dhabi

Jumeirah at Etihad Towers has announced its summer staycation offer: the Elegance & Exhilaration Summer Package. Valid for stays from June 1 until September 15 (excluding the holy month of Ramadan), GCC residents will receive a 10 per cent discount on all rooms, including breakfast, as well as complimentary access to Abu Dhabi's tallest visitor attraction, Etihad Towers' observation deck. Enjoy panoramic views of the city from 300 metres above street level. There's also a complimentary shuttle service to and from Yas Waterworld and Ferrari World on Yas Island. A double room costs from Dh650, including taxes. Visit www.jumeirah.com.

Thai institution opens its first local outpost

The Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi has just opened its doors and is offering double rooms from Dh488 per night, including Wi-Fi and breakfast, as part of a special offer. The 402-room, five-star hotel has a steakhouse serving US and Australian cuts of meat, an authentic Thai restaurant and a pool bar on the 23rd floor. It is located on Muroor Road near the junction with 19th Street. Bag a discount at www.dusit.com.

Take to the water on Lake Maggiore

Summer at the Hotel Eden Roc in Ascona on the shores of Lake Maggiore in Switzerland draws fans of wakeboarding and waterskiing keen to take lessons from Roger Thommen, Switzerland's wakeboarding champion and the hotel's seasonal resident pro. Hotel guests can also hire a luxury yacht and brush up on their sailing skills with a three-hour refresher course before taking part in the local sailing regatta on June 8. A double room costs from 570 Swiss francs (Dh2,234) per night, including breakfast (en.edenroc.ch).

Enjoy the tastes and sights of China

Specialist tour operator Travel Indochina has launched a 13-day China Culinary Discovery tour visiting some of the country's most famous food regions and historic highlights, with meals in local restaurants along the way. The small group trip starts in Beijing with visits to the Forbidden City, Great Wall and a cooking lesson in the hutongs. Next stop, the Muslim quarter in Xian. Enjoy street food and the terracotta warriors before another domestic flight to Chengdu and lessons in Sichuan cooking in a local family home. The trip ends in Shanghai for a tour of the Bund with a Shanghainese cooking lesson. Travel Indochina's itinerary starts from £2,365 (Dh13,526) per person, including all domestic transfers, a tour leader, sightseeing and entrance fees, breakfast and some meals. International flights not included. Book at www.travelindochina.com.

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