Stay at the Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Maldives, for a minimum of four nights to receive discounts on a number of services. The deal includes à la carte breakfast, a 15 per cent discount on food, spa and laundry services, and a room upgrade (not available for suites), and costs from US$1,725 (Dh6,335) per night, including taxes. For more information, visit www.tajhotels.com.
Water and wheels on family-friendly tour
Get your summer getaway booked early with Utracks' Family Bike and Barge package in the Netherlands. The eight-day itinerary, which caters for children ages 7 to 11, features pretty scenery, easy-to-manage terrain and achievable distances. Guests will cruise to Vianen, where they'll receive an orientation cycling session. They then head to Gorinchem, followed by visits to Heusden, Waspik and Gouda. The package has eight departure dates, between July 2 and August 20, and costs from £495 (Dh2,590) per adult, £360 (Dh1,883) per child, based on two adults sharing, including food, accommodation, bike rentals and taxes. For more information, visit www.utracks.com.
A taste of global culture in Muscat
Head to Oman this month to explore the Muscat Festival. The event, which runs until February 13, is a cultural mixture featuring performances by folklore groups from India, Lebanon, Kazakhstan, Turkey and the Philippines, fashion shows, car shows, sporting competitions and a fireworks display. There are also concerts by Omani artists, a heritage and family village, theatrical performances for children and trade shows. Events and activities take place at venues across the city. For more information, visit www.muscat-festival.com.
Take a Valentine’s staycation in Dubai
Stay closer to home this Valentine's Day with a special package at the Millennium Plaza Hotel in Dubai. Guests will receive breakfast in bed, and an in-room 60-minute couples massage. Also included is an in-room, five-course candlelit dinner. The package is valid until February 14, and costs Dh1,200 per night, including taxes. For more information, visit www.millenniumhotels.ae.
On-campus travel shop now at NYUAD
The UAE company Nirvana Travel & Tourism opened its newest office last week, on the campus of New York University, Abu Dhabi. The new location is Saadiyat Island's first travel agency, and is part of several planned office openings for Nirvana this year, including more throughout the region, Europe, the United States and United Kingdom. For more information, visit www.ntravel.ae.
alane@thenational.ae
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THE BIO
Bio Box
Role Model: Sheikh Zayed, God bless his soul
Favorite book: Zayed Biography of the leader
Favorite quote: To be or not to be, that is the question, from William Shakespeare's Hamlet
Favorite food: seafood
Favorite place to travel: Lebanon
Favorite movie: Braveheart
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Jeff Buckley: From Hallelujah To The Last Goodbye
By Dave Lory with Jim Irvin
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Trolls World Tour
Directed by: Walt Dohrn, David Smith
Starring: Anna Kendrick, Justin Timberlake
Rating: 4 stars