Dreamy Dunes and Deserts

Hot off the announcement of their top destinations for 2018, luxury tour operator Scott Dunn delves deeper into why desert destinations like Jordan and Oman will top travel lists next year.  Despite escaping the notice of all but the most adventurous of travellers for years, the centrally located countries offer easy access to travellers from Asia, and with an increasing range of luxury hotels and unique experiences, both destinations will be ones to watch next year.

Oman, located on the Arabian Peninsula, offers a truly diverse experience from its vibrant culture to the rugged mountain ranges, rolling sand dunes, bustling souks and golden beaches. Scott Dunn’s Signature Oman itinerary offers a seamless immersion into the northern part of the country, exploring the main sights with the comfort of a private driver and guide.The specially curated 10-day itinerary allows travellers to experience the highlights of this dynamic country, from visiting traditional markets in Muscat to remote wadis, the vast dunes of Wahiba Sands, and timeless forts and local villages in the Jabal Akhdar mountains. With such a vast array of experiences in Oman, travel consultants have hand-picked their selection of the best with this trip, offering the perfect blend of culture, scenery, adventure and relaxation. As with all Scott Dunn itineraries, the trip can be tailored to suit each individual’s interests, with bespoke experiences added in to make it more (or less) adventurous, more focused on culture or history, more suited to families or any other preferences.

Jordan

Oman is perfect for families or couples, with a varied range of accommodation options and experiences. The lesser known region of Salalah in the south is home to the Anantara Al Baleed Resort, which sits on a pristine white coastline, and is suitable for families of all ages. There’s a fully-equipped kids club offering cooking classes and club adventures as well as a dedicated teens club offering engaging activities and guided trips.

Alternatively, for couples, Scott Dunn continues to develop itineraries that offer authentic experiences, allowing guests the opportunity to immerse in local culture. Canvas Club offers just that, for those looking for a more glamorous camping experience under the stars, whilst Hud Hud’s authentic Bedouin style tents offer the opportunity to experience the peace and tranquility of the desert while getting a sense of local life in Oman.

Oman

Jordan is as much of an emerging destination for 2018. The small historic country is a photographers dream, with some of the most incredible ancient ruins such as the world-famous Nabatean city of Petra and the Roman ruins of Jerash in the north. The natural landscape is equally impressive with contrasts between the red desert of Wadi Rum and the blue waters of the Dead Sea – the lowest point on earth. People are beginning to explore this relatively undiscovered corner of the world and Scott Dunn’s Ultimate Jordan itinerary offers the chance to experience the best of what the country has to offer. The 13-day trip combines culture, trekking, relaxation, adventure and delicious food. While visiting Amman to see the spectacular ruins of Jerash, guests will have the opportunity to taste some of the best falafel in the country, as well as the famous kunafa, a Jordanian sweet. Highlights of the itinerary include a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the Wadi Rum desert and the option to dive in the Red Sea, one of the world’s most renowned diving destinations with abundant marine life.

Wadi Rum

ABOUT SCOTT DUNN

Scott Dunn is an award-winning travel operator that has been  exceptional private journeys to destinations around the world for over 30 years. The company’s eye for the little things makes all the difference and has helped the brand build a reputation for not simply adhering to the highest standards in travel and hospitality, but setting them.

Scott Dunn’s immeasurable love for travel comes with a profound sense of effort to show respect and conserve economic, environmental and social-cultural balances in the destinations they offer. The Scott Dunn Charitable Fund supports a variety of local aid organisations that promotes education, community development and conservation that bring real long-term improvements to the lives of many in poverty-stricken and remote areas.

Over the years, Scott Dunn has won numerous awards validating their position as the leading luxury travel company. The most recent awards include; Favourite Specialist Tour Operator by Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Awards 2017, Best Ski Company and Telegraph Travel Awards 2015/16, Best Tour Operator by BRIDES Honeymoon Awards 2015 and Best Family Tour Operator by Junior Design Awards 2016.