GM8847_DUB_Layout 3 17/10/2013 12:16 Page 1 THE WORLD IS OPEN - SEE YOUR LOCAL TRAVEL AGENT FOR OUR FULL RANGE OF DESTINATIONS. USA & CANADA USA CANADA CALIFORNIA BRITISH COLUMBIA CHICAGO QUEBEC FLORIDA TORONTO GRAND CANYON VANCOUVER HAWAII WHISTLER CARIBBEAN LNAESW V EENGGASLAND DUBAI, ARABIA & ABU DHABI MALDIVES & MEXICO NEW YORK DUBAI MAURITIUS THE DEEP SOUTH ANTIGUA INDIAN OCEAN FUJAIRAH SEYCHELLES BCAURBBAADOS LAS VEGAS MUSCAT SRI LANKA GRAND CAYMAN OMAN GRENADA JAMAICA JANUARY 14 – MARCH 15 RAS AL KHAIMAH MEXICO DUBAI & INDIAN OCEAN ST KITTS ST LUCIA DUBAI & ARABIAN PENINSULA G ST VINCENT & THE GRENADINES O THE BAHAMAS ABU DDHUABABII LD TOBAGO FUJAIRAH M MUSCAT ED OMAN A RAS AL KHAIMAH L WWW.GOLDMEDAL.CO.UK INDIAN OCEAN MALDIVES MAURITIUS D U AUSTRALIA, SEYCHELLES B N& ESWO UZTEHAL PAANCDIF IC SRI LANKA AI, A R A AUSTRALIA BIA ADELAIDE & SOUTH AUSTRALIA & B&R SISUBNASNHEI,N GEO CLODA CSOT AST FLORIDA IN CMAEILRBNOSU &R NPOE &RT V DICOTUOGRILAAS CLEARWATER & ST PETE BEACH DIAN NORTHERN TERRITORY FAR EAST FLORIDA KEYS O PERTH & WESTERN AUSTRALIA FORT MYERS C SYDNEY & NEW SOUTH WALES BALI INTERNATIONAL DRIVE E TASMANIA BORNEO KISSIMMEE AN THE RED CENTRE CAMBODIA LAKE BUENA VISTA WHITSUNDAYS & GREAT BARRIER REEF CHINA MIAMI HONG KONG NAPLES NEW ZEALAND MALAYSIA ORLANDO NORTH ISLAND MYANMAR PALM BEACH RAIL JOURNEYS PHILIPPINES SARASOTA SOUTH ISLAND SINGAPORE SPACE COAST THAILAND UNIVERSAL ORLANDO SOUTH PACIFIC VIETNAM WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT FLORIDA COOK ISLANDS FIJI FRENCH POLYNESIA OUR HOLIDAYS CAN BE BOOKED THROUGH YOUR TRAVEL AGENT, WHERE YOUR TRIP WILL BE TAILOR-MADE. TRAVEL AGENT INFORMATION TO CHECK AVAILABILITY, BOOK OR FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL THE EXPERT TRAVEL TEAM AT GOLD MEDAL 0800 014 7777 JA N U A R Y 2 0 1 4 - M A R C H GMDUB114 2 0 1 5 GM__Intro_DUBAI_2014_Layout 1 17/10/2013 12:02 Page 1 The Maldives GM__Intro_DUBAI_2014_Layout 1 17/10/2013 12:02 Page 2 THE WORLD IS OPEN The world is waiting. Full of sights, sounds, colour and life. Travel with us to a truly remarkable and magical continent full of dramatic contrasts. From vibrant and thriving cities and cultural extravaganzas to dense bush, vast open plains and spectacular beaches, you will find a kaleidoscope of experiences to take your breath away. The world is yours to discover and the journey starts here. GM__Intro_DUBAI_2014_Layout 1 17/10/2013 12:03 Page 3 YOUR HOLIDAY, YOUR WAY We know that your holiday time is important to you, and you can rest assured that our travel experts will work closely with your travel agent to create your trip exactly the way you want it. Whether you’re looking for relaxation, adventure, excitement or indulgence, there is a hotel or resort that our experts have carefully selected that will be exactly what you want, and more. GREAT VALUE GUARANTEED Getting a good deal doesn’t have to mean choosing the cheapest option – high standards, quality and value come hand-in-hand when your travel agent books your trip with Gold Medal. With WE KNOW THE WORLD access to thousands of fares and routes from over 135 airlines, At Gold Medal we’ve been supplying and special rates at over 40,000 hotels around the world, we work hard so you can get a holiday you’ll love at a price you’ll like. scheduled flights, hotels, car hire, tours and excursions to independent travel COMPLETE PEACE OF MIND agents for over 40 years. We like to think we’ve learned something in that time, You are protected when your travel agent books your trip with Gold Medal. All the flight-inclusive holidays in this brochure are and we use this knowledge to carefully financially protected by the ATOL Scheme. Our ATOL number is select the best range to offer you in each 2916. When you pay for your holiday you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate. Please ask for it and check to ensure that of our destinations. everything you booked (flights, hotels and other services) is listed on it. Please see our booking conditions for further information JOANNE LOWERY or for more information about financial protection and the DESTINATION EXPERT ATOL Certificate, go to: www.atol.org.uk/ATOLcertificate THREE AMAZING DESTINATIONS, COUNTLESS INCREDIBLE OPTIONS This brochure will introduce you to the fascinating contrasts of Dubai and Arabia alongside the tranquil and picturesque islands of the Indian Ocean. Experience one of these destinations or combine them, either way you’re sure to have an amazing holiday. DUBAI Dubai offers a magical blend of ancient and modern, of tradition and contemporary, of city sights and beachfront relaxation. Nowhere else is quite like it. Visit Dubai and you’ll discover man-made islands and futuristic buildings, along with luxury, opulence and great service at every turn. Dubai caters for all travellers whether you are visiting as a couple, as a family or on business. ARABIA Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, presents culture and charm, and although a very modern location, its history is evident everywhere. Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah offer a more traditional Arabian experience, both located just under an hour’s drive from Dubai; with the beautiful mountain backdrop and golden beaches, this is an area growing in popularity and it’s easy to see why. Oman and capital Muscat remain relativity undiscovered, making an ideal choice for the explorer and those looking for a quieter, more authentic break. INDIAN OCEAN The islands of the Indian Ocean – the Maldives, Mauritius, the Seychelles and Sri Lanka – present stunning beaches, clear, warm waters and tropical forests; a sheer paradise escape. Popular destinations for weddings or honeymoons, the Indian Ocean offers a truly relaxing holiday. GOLD MEDAL IS GREAT CONNECTING INDUSTRY & EDUCATION BUT DON’T JUST TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT... This year’s brochure cover concept... ‘picture this...’ , has been created through collaboration with Graphic Design graduates from the University of Central Lancashire. Thank you for the inspiration! Travel Weekly Travel Weekly SPAA Awards Travel Weekly Best Trade Travel Bulletin Best Consolidator Best Long-Haul Best Air Ticket Best Consolidator Facing Supplier Seat Only 2013 Tour Operator Consolidator 2012 Website Company 2013 of the Year (Bronze) 2011 2012 2011 4 GM__Intro_DUBAI_2014_Layout 1 17/10/2013 12:03 Page 4 INTRODUCTION OMAN & MUSCAT WHY CHOOSE GOLD MEDAL 4-7 DISCOVER OMAN & MUSCAT 92-103 WORLD CLASS AIRLINES 8-9 MULTI-CENTRE HOLIDAYS ARABIAN PENINSULA DUBAI & ABU DHABI MULTI-CENTRES 104-107 DISCOVER THE ARABIAN PENINSULA 10-13 INDIAN OCEAN DUBAI DISCOVER THE INDIAN OCEAN 108-110 DISCOVER DUBAI 14-15 HONEYMOONS 111-112 THE PALM JUMEIRAH 16-23 MAURITIUS 112-125 BEACH & MARINA 24-49 THE MALDIVES 126-135 DUBAI CITY & DEIRA 50-63 THE SEYCHELLES 136-141 SRI LANKA 142-159 ABU DHABI DISCOVER ABU DHABI 64-66 INFORMATION YAS ISLAND 67-71 ESSENTIAL HOLIDAY INFORMATION 160-161 IN BEACH, DESERT & ISLANDS 72-81 CLIMATE CHART 161 T BOOKING CONDITIONS 162-163 R FUJAIRAH & RAS AL KHAIMAH O DISCOVER FUJAIRAH & RAS AL KHAIMAH 82-91 Burj Khalifa, Dubai D U C WHEN TO TRAVEL T I O DUBAI & ARABIA N Ajman Dubai Most of this part of the world is fairly hot all Bahrain Ras Al Khaimah year round, with temperatures averaging Doha Fujairah Musandam Abu Dhabi around 30°C. July and August are typically Muscat INDIA the hottest months with temperatures U.A.E Salalah reaching over 40°C and it can be much hotter in the desert. Cooler and more pleasant conditions are generally found between October and March and there is very little rainfall, if any at all, year round. Sri Lanka AFRICA The Maldives Also worth noting that the holy month of Ramadan falls 28 June – 28 July 2014. THE INDIAN OCEAN Seychelles Home to a variety of stunning destinations, INDIAN each of which enjoys some of the world's OCEAN finest weather. In Mauritius temperatures can exceed 30ºC from November to April. Weather is varied, with cloudy skies giving way to bright sunshine in a matter of minutes, making it a great year round Mauritius holiday destination. For a full climate information, please see page 161. The Maldives 5 GM__Intro_DUBAI_2014_Layout 1 17/10/2013 12:03 Page 5 CHOOSE THE HOLIDAY YOU WANT, AND WE'LL PUT IT TOGETHER YOUR WAY CHOOSE YOUR CHOOSE YOUR CHOOSE YOUR IDEAL DESTINATION FLIGHT ACCOMMODATION Whether you know where you want Working with over 135 airlines, All the properties in this brochure to go, or are looking for ideas and including the world’s elite, have been selected by our team of inspiration, Gold Medal offers a Gold Medal can find you flights destination experts, to provide you wide range of exciting worldwide which offer flexibility, superb service with a wide choice of accommodation destinations. and very competitive prices. options. You will find everything from budget city stopovers, to luxury beach WHERE TO GO With scheduled airlines, you can choose retreats… or you can, of course, From serene beachfront locations and who you fly with, have greater flexibility choose to splurge in the city and enjoy city centre hot spots, to cultural retreats with travel dates, and in most cases, great value fun in the sun. and wilderness wonderlands, whatever select your departure airport. your dream destination is, you're sure Look out for the mix of hotels and resorts to find the perfect place just waiting to UPGRADE YOUR FLIGHT ranging from 3-star to 5-star deluxe, but be discovered. You choose how you want to travel, so whatever you choose you can be confident why not upgrade to Premium Economy, that you’ll be sure to find quality and great ONE DESTINATION OR MORE Business Class or First Class and enjoy value for money. If you can’t decide where to go, why not the benefits of additional space, higher visit more than one location? Multi-centre luggage allowance and upgraded But… this is just the start, if you can’t holidays allow you to combine different airline facilities? find what you’re looking for within this locations such as beach and city areas, to brochure, your travel agent can speak to stay in more than one amazing hotel and TAKING AN EARLY MORNING one of our expert travel team to discuss to discover different sights, experiences FLIGHT, WHY NOT STAY AT AN your requirements. With over 40,000 and cultures, all in one fantastic holiday. AIRPORT HOTEL? hotels around the world to choose from, Travelling to the airport in the early hours, they’re sure to find what you want. Our The multi-centres featured within this or through busy traffic isn’t an enjoyable team can provide suggestions about brochure are our recommendations, but way to start your holiday. So why not stay destinations, itineraries and things to see feel free to suggest your own. This is your overnight in an airport hotel? Just ask and do too. holiday and you can create your trip just for details. how you want it. The great thing about having plenty of (cid:129) Birmingham from £34pppn choice, is the ability to truly tailor-make (cid:129) Glasgow from £23pppn your holiday with lots of flexibility. Travel (cid:129) London Gatwick from £21pppn when it suits you, stay as long as you (cid:129) London Heathrow from £28pppn like, put together your dream itinerary (cid:129) Luton from £28pppn staying in the hotels and resorts that meet (cid:129) Manchester from £20pppn your needs. All prices are ‘from’ per person per night, based on twin share, and are a guide only. Prices will be confirmed on enquiry. 6 GM__Intro_DUBAI_2014_Layout 1 17/10/2013 12:03 Page 6 GOLD MEDAL’S FLEXIBLE BOOK IT ALL WITH BOOKING OPTIONS YOUR TRAVEL AGENT Choose the elements that will make your trip ‘just right’, and Our holidays can be booked through your travel only pay for what you want. Your travel agent can show you agent, where your trip will be tailor-made with what how your holiday can be created by adding together the you want in mind, as well as using all the latest various components or by putting everything together and product and destination information offered by our creating the perfect package. team of travel experts. I N CHOOSE HOW CHOOSE YOUR T R YOU'D LIKE TO STAY HOLIDAY EXTRAS O D U C T I O N Looking for a family holiday? Because Gold Medal offers flexible Gold Medal offers more than hotels Many of the hotels featured in this booking options, you can choose the and flights – we can provide a wide brochure will offer fabulous facilities for room you want, your board basis and range of additional services to children of all ages. For those teenagers how long you want to stay for. complete your holiday experience. that are too cool for school, and perhaps don’t want to spend all their holiday time STAY AS LONG AS YOU LIKE TOURS & EXCURSIONS with their parents there are social groups Whether it's a few days away, or a holiday Exploring and discovering is all part of and activity sessions to keep them of several weeks, each trip is created experiencing a new location and many of entertained. For the youngest in the around your requirements. However long our destinations feature excursions, trips family, there’s an abundance of you want to stay – it can be arranged. and tours as highlighted throughout this supervised clubs and activities so you can brochure. Don’t miss out on availability – relax safe in the knowledge that they’re UPGRADE YOUR ROOM book before you depart. being well looked after and having an Each hotel shows a standard room price, exciting and fun time. but why not upgrade to a larger room or a CAR HIRE suite and enjoy added benefits, additional Gold Medal works closely with key car hire Need to relax? facilities, more space or better views. suppliers providers across many worldwide Take the time to look through the hotel destinations, so you can enjoy the freedom details to find out about the amazing spas UPGRADE YOUR BOARD BASIS and flexibility of going where you want, available in resort. In fact, if you look out The board basis for each accommodation when you want. Just ask about the range for the ‘special offer’ boxes, you may find is shown in the pricing panel, but in of vehicles available. that we’ve been able to negotiate spa most cases upgrades will be available. treatments as part of the deal. Simply ask about upgrading to bed and ATTRACTION & ACTIVITY TICKETS breakfast, half board, full board or Many destinations feature top attractions Feeling physical? All Inclusive board options. such as theme parks and water parks, If remaining active on holiday is important cabarets and shows and activities which to you, there are plenty of hotels and SPECIAL OFFERS require entry tickets. Avoid the queues and resorts that boast fantastic fitness Many hotels feature special offers such arrange your tickets before you depart. facilities. From state-of-the-art gym as bonus nights, room upgrades and equipment and swimming pools galore, discounts, and these are shown on the UPGRADE YOUR AIRPORT to the more adventurous of activities on hotels description page. However, TO RESORT TRANSFER land or sea, there is plenty on offer to hoteliers can introduce new offers For a direct transfer from the airport to keep you off your sunbed. Making an throughout the year, so check what's your hotel, ask about upgrading to a experience out of an activity is more than available before you book. private transfer. It can be quicker and do-able with scuba, snorkelling, jet-ski, more convenient. horse-riding, golf, sea-fishing and much, much more possible on your trip. 7 GM_DUBIND_1415_DEC_008_009.qxp:Layout 1 18/10/13 15:02 Page 8 S Emirates flies 16 times daily to E Dubai from a choice of 6 UK N airports, offering convenient onward I connections to over 130 L R destinations. Onboard, passengers I can enjoy world-class service, A regionally inspired gourmet cuisine and up to 1,500 channels of the N latest award-winning entertainment A – plus phone, SMS and email BUSINESS CLASS FIRST CLASS E connectivity from every seat. Fly From laid back to more upbeat, you’ll find Retreat to a quiet space with personalised C Emirates and experience the a range of inspirations in Emirates service designed around you and O ‘World’s Best Airline’ as awarded by Business Class. Savour gourmet cuisine, delivered right to the door of your very Skytrax in the 2013 World Airline laugh through the latest comedies or own Private Suite. Fly Emirates First Class N Awards. socialise in the Emirates A380 Onboard and experience new heights of luxury. A Lounge. (cid:129) Complimentary Chauffeur-drive Service I D ECONOMY CLASS (cid:129) Complimentary Chauffeur-drive Service in over 55 destinations* N Fly Emirates and experience a whole new in over 55 destinations* (cid:129) Generous 50kg baggage allowance I class of Economy. (cid:129) Generous 40kg baggage allowance (cid:129) Priority check-in and baggage handling & (cid:129) Generous 30kg baggage allowance (cid:129) Priority check-in and baggage handling (cid:129) Exclusive Emirates Lounges in over 30 I (cid:129) Complimentary seat selection at the (cid:129) Exclusive Emirates Lounges in over 30 destinations including Heathrow, A time of booking destinations including Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester and Birmingham B U (cid:129) Up to 1,500 channels of entertainment Gatwick, Manchester and Birmingham (cid:129) Airport Lounge access in over 60 on-demand from every seat (cid:129) Airport Lounge access in over 60 destination worldwide, including D (cid:129) Ergonomically designed seats with destination worldwide, including Newcastle and Glasgow adjustable headrests and up to 34-inch Newcastle and Glasgow (cid:129) Flat-bed Private Suites with sliding doors seat pitch (cid:129) Lie-flat seats with massage function for total privacy (cid:129) World-class service from multilingual (cid:129) Multi-course gourmet cuisine served (cid:129) Personal in-seat mini bar cabin crew with fine wines (cid:129) Exclusive Shower Spas and Onboard (cid:129) Multi-course gourmet cuisine served (cid:129) Emirates A380 Onboard Lounge access Lounge access on the Emirates A380 with a selection of complimentary (cid:129) Gourmet on-demand dining served with beverages a selection of fine wines (cid:129) Phone, SMS and email connectivity from every seat plus Wi-Fi onboard the *Chauffeur-drive mileage radius may apply. Emirates A380 When an airline starts to think of passengers as guests, everything changes. This is our philosophy at Etihad. Whether it’s the 100% private suites we offer in Diamond First Class, our guaranteed fully-flat beds in long- haul Pearl Business Class, or more choice and more comfort in Coral Economy Class, the hospitality we provide is personalised and unique. Why do we go to such lengths? Service with a wide selection of hot DIAMOND FIRST CLASS: Quite simply, because we want you, beverages (cid:129) The World’s Leading First Class* three our guest, to be as comfortable as (cid:129) Our complimentary Flying Nanny years in a row possible. service, a dedicated childcare (cid:129) Your own 100% private suite on board assistance programme that is offered complete with wardrobe, 23-inch We fly to the four corners of the onboard and on the ground for all personal screen and 6’8” fully-flat bed world, connecting 6 continents, 55 guests travelling with children upholstered in exquisite Poltrona Frau countries and over 80 destinations leather across a growing network. PEARL BUSINESS CLASS: (cid:129) Complimentary loungewear, crisp Wherever we fly, it is important for (cid:129) Guaranteed fully-flat beds with cotton sheets, full-sized pillows and the us to capture the essence of the unrestricted aisle access on all long- cosiest of duvets people and the cultures we’re haul flights – a unique world first (cid:129) A wide selection of a la carte dishes, as serving; and develop our own (cid:129) Our complimentary Etihad Chauffeur well as a tempting snack menu, inspired unique product and services, service at over 25 destinations. by the world’s best restaurants, and inspired by the very best the world (cid:129) State-of-the-art lounges – including all- prepared to order by your very own has to offer. day fine dining and complimentary personal chef luxury treatments at the Six Senses (cid:129) Our complimentary Etihad Chauffeur CORAL ECONOMY CLASS: Spa# service at over 25 destinations (cid:129) Over 650 hours of on-demand (cid:129) A dedicated Food & Beverage Manager (cid:129) The finest Lounge experiences entertainment on some of the largest and restaurant quality Dine Anytime worldwide - including à la carte dining, personal screens in the sky, with noise- options chef’s table, Champagne Bar and pre- reduction headphones (cid:129) 15-inch personal touch-screen, seat flight treatments in the Six Senses Spa# (cid:129) Three course meals with a choice of with inbuilt massager three main dishes and our unique Café * 2013, 2012, 2011 Skytrax Awards # Available at selected airports, mileage 8 restrictions apply GM_DUBIND_1415_DEC_008_009.qxp:Layout 1 18/10/13 15:02 Page 9 British Airways is the UK's largest international scheduled airline, flying to over 550 destinations at convenient times, to the best A located airports. Whether IR customers are in the air or on the L ground, British Airways takes pride IN in providing a full service E experience. S WORLD TRAVELLER (cid:129) When you fly World Traveller, simply sit (cid:129) Enjoy a complimentary three-course ONLINE CHECK-IN AND CHECK-IN D back and relax knowing everything has meal with a choice of entrée from the KIOSKS U been designed with your comfort in Club World menu. (cid:129) Start your journey from the comfort of B A mind. (cid:129) Two USB ports and an RCA port allow your own home, office or hotel by I (cid:129) Your ergonomically designed seat you to use personal electronic devices checking in online from 24 hours before & comes with lumbar support, headrest with the in-flight entertainment system. your flight departs. and recline. (cid:129) You can select your preferred seat and IN (cid:129) Complimentary bar and meal service CLUB WORLD print your boarding pass. D throughout your flight. (cid:129) Choosing Club World means travelling (cid:129) Afterwards, maximise your free time by I A (cid:129) A USB port and an RCA port allow you in comfort and freedom, access to leaving your baggage at a Bag Drop**. N to use personal electronic devices with dedicated departure lounges and Elemis (cid:129) Check-in from 24 hours up to one hour the in-flight entertainment system. Travel Spa.* before departure. O (cid:129) The Club World seats give you your own *Available on selected routes. C WORLD TRAVELLER PLUS space, bigger, wider and more **Available at selected airports. E (cid:129) For an affordable premium, enjoy more comfortable than ever. A personal space than World Traveller (cid:129) The very best in local and international AUDIO VISUAL ON-DEMAND N with an additional seven inches cuisine is served, along with a dedicated (AVOD) legroom and a wider seat. wine cellar. (cid:129) Currently being rolled out across all (cid:129) Make yourself comfortable with (cid:129) If you are still peckish you are free to long-haul routes*, AVOD gives you over adjustable head, foot and legrest and help yourself to snacks and tasty treats 200 film, TV, music and games** helping you arrive in good shape at from the Club Kitchen. options, all available on-demand so your destination. *Available at London Heathrow. that you can watch what you want, (cid:129) Relax and take advantage of the quieter when you want. surroundings in the smaller and more *Not available on aircraft fitted with a 12 private cabin with a maximum of six channel in-flight entertainment system. rows. **Games are not available in World Traveller. Passengers can begin their journey at one of KLM’s 15 regional airports and transfer at the award-winning Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, our user-friendly and efficient hub. All facilities, including the Schiphol Holland Boulevard and its vast duty- free shopping area, are located under a single roof to make the transfer an enjoyable moment. KLM ECONOMY (cid:129) Ergonomic seating with a 31” pitch and adjustable headrest KLM ECONOMY COMFORT NEW WORLD BUSINESS CLASS (cid:129) Complimentary meals with a choice (cid:129) Increased legroom: 35” versus 31” in SEAT between 2 hot dishes the standard Economy Class (cid:129) New Diamond seat features full flat bed (cid:129) Complimentary non-alcoholic and (cid:129) Increased recline: 7”, up to twice the for optimum sleeping comfort and alcoholic beverages, including wines recline compared with the standard additional storage space selected by our expert sommelier Economy seat (cid:129) TV screens are separated to offer (cid:129) Personal audio-and-video-on-demand (cid:129) Faster disembarkation: thanks to its passengers greater privacy system, offering more than 900 hours of location, at the front of the Economy (cid:129) Design in collaboration with top Dutch interactive entertainment, including over Cabin designer Hella Jongerius to create an 80 films, games, hundreds of CDs and (cid:129) Priority boarding at¬home atmosphere and style exclusive KLM music (cid:129) New carpeting, panel decorations, lighting, blankets, cushions and upholstery (cid:129) New interior introduced progressively from July 2013 All information correct as at 23 August 2013. Subject to change without notice 9 GM_DUBIND_1415_DEC_010_011.qxp:Layout 1 18/10/13 13:23 Page 10 10