Dubai woos tourists

THE global recession hit Dubai as hard, if not harder, as most popular holiday destinations, so there has rarely been a better time to venture into the midst of the Arabian Desert and discover the attractions on offer in the destination.

Irish travellers have already shown a huge interest in making the most of cut price hotel rooms in Dubai, according to new figures from Hotels.com which reveal that searches for hotels there have risen by 148% since Dubai World’s announcement sparked a financial crisis.

Whether you want to bathe in the waters at Jumeirah Beach, dare the rapids at Wild Wadi Waterpark, or shop all day or night in the massive Dubai Mall, it might be worth checking out the offers available on Hotels.com.

- NO matter what part of the country, there will be huge celebrations to ring in the new year: Hogmanay, the traditional Scottish celebration, will be marked at the Culloden Estate and Spa.

The special occasion includes an early mulled wine and mince pie reception before the real deal, champagne and canapes followed by a six-course meal and dancing right through to midnight and beyond.

The Hogmanay Package is available for £195 per person sharing for a one night stay and £275 per person sharing for a two night stay.

Over in the west, The Twelve Hotel in Barna offers a two night break from €250 per person and that includes involvement in all the usual festivities. Details from 091 597000 or on www.thetwelvehotel.ie

Further packages are available in the Bridge House Hotel, Tullamore, Co Offaly (www.bridgehouse.com Lo-call 1850 454647/057 9325600), the Imperial Hotel in Cork (021 4274040, www.flynnhotels.com), the Parknasilla Resort (064 6675600 or email [e-mail], www.parknasillahotel.ie), the Old Ground Hotel (065 682 8127, www.flynnhotels.com) or the Europa in Belfast (0044 48 9027 1066 or www.hastingshotels.com)

- ENGLISH-based specialist operator Vintage Travel has joined forces with Welsh Artist Jantien Powell to offer – new for 2010 – tutored painting holidays at selected properties with private pool in Andalucia, Spain.

Included is expert tuition daily – with sessions arranged either at the villa taking in the interior and the scenic grounds or at nearby picturesque painting locations.

For example, there’s a week’s holiday based at El Molino del Pilon – a five bedroom, five bathroom converted mill house (sleeps 10) set within 17 acres of grounds near the historic ‘pueblo blanco’ of Arcos de la Frontera. Starting April 23, the cost is €989 per person, twin-share inclusive of seven nights’ accommodation, all meals – prepared by Jantien’s chef – professional art tuition and local transport. Return flights extra.

Check it out at: 0044 845 344 0420 or www.vintagetravel.co.uk