December 5–13, 2027

 Dunes, Dolphins and Dream Islands

“A thousand islands scattered over warm blue waters. Villas that open directly into the sea. Reefs teeming with life and horizons that ask nothing of you but to slow down.” — itravel.com

Two remarkable destinations. One incredible escape. Our journey pairs the energy and culture of Doha with the turquoise waters and easygoing island life of the Maldives. (Smart travelers know the hack to make Maldives vacations affordable: just add a stopover and cut the cost in half. Who needs 10 honeymoon days when you really want adventure blended with barefoot luxury? You’ll love the dune bashing, snorkeling safari, and historical culture tours throughout this unique vacation.)

We begin in sparkling Doha, the sophisticated sister of the other Emirates. This vibrant capital city is a jewel, with breathtaking skyscrapers set against the backdrop of ancient dhow boats. We know this city well, and it’s always worth a revisit. Our tours delve into history at the coolest new sites, like Lusail City, Katara Cultural Village, the Falcon Hospital, and the extraordinary Pearl, a man-made island of wonderful enticements. Bargain for spices at the Old Port bazaar. It ends with a desert safari featuring camel rides and a barbecue feast.

We then fly to the Maldives, a UNESCO biosphere of 1,200 islands and 26 atolls. Beneath the surface, the Maldives holds some of the richest marine life on the planet. Imagine stepping out onto your villa deck morning and night to snorkel the gentle reefs, alive with color and a thousand fish. You may see a sea turtle or an octopus, or watch mantas glide right past you. At dusk, we all head out to watch the reef sharks and stingrays, along with golden sunsets that are indescribable.

Our private seaplanes whisk us to paradise. Welcome to the all-inclusive Cinnamon Resort. Our past group loved this retreat for its fun activities and delicious meals. Here, it’s blissful days along sugar-sand beaches, soothing spa treatments, and thrilling water sports. Enjoy our whale submarine experience, group snorkeling tour, dolphin cruise, and a special resident island tour.

Air travel is easy, round-trip to Doha, and we’ve made this tropical bliss vacation surprisingly affordable. Come join us for dunes, dolphins, and dreamy islands, all wrapped up in one awesome vacation!

About Cinnamon Hakuraa Resort: a five-star, adults-only luxury resort set on Meemu Atoll. An intimate retreat set on two islands connected by a boardwalk. Four restaurants with buffets and live cooking stations, three bars, the Mandara Spa, daily boat tours, sunset shark watching, diving, and more.

About Cinnamon Hakuraa Resort: a five-star, adults-only luxury resort set on Meemu Atoll. An intimate retreat set on two islands connected by a boardwalk. Four restaurants with buffets and live cooking stations, three bars, the Mandara Spa, daily boat tours, sunset shark watching, diving, and more.

Air is easy to fly USA to Doha with many airline choices, but Qatar is your best to consider. (Round-trip from Doha on group air to the Maldives will be offered. Or you can book all flights on your own. Details coming later and trip tips.)

Welcome to breathtaking Doha.  The capital of Qatar is a fascinating blend of Arabic traditions with modern luxury and a dazzling skyline. She is spotless clean with world-class hotels, delicious meals and warm local hospitality.   Transfer to our lovely hotel. Hotel has airport shuttle, spa, rooftop pool and great restaurant.  The rest of the day is yours to relax, enjoy the hotel facilities, or explore nearby at your own pace.
Overnight at: Riviera Rayhaan by Rotana

Highlights: Doha Corniche, Katara Cultural Village, Souq Waqif and a desert safari with dinner.

Meet in the hotel lobby at 9:00 a.m. After breakfast, set out on a guided tour of Doha, where contemporary architecture sits alongside traditional markets and cultural landmarks.

Take in the skyline and harbor views from the Doha Corniche, then visit Katara Cultural Village, with its galleries, theatres, mosques and beachfront setting. Continue to The Pearl-Qatar, a man-made island known for its marinas, shops and waterfront cafés, with time to stroll and have lunch at your leisure.

Explore the Mina District and Box Park near the old port before heading to Souq Waqif. Browse its traditional shops and lively lanes, filled with spices, perfumes, handicrafts and more. Visit the Falcon Hospital, a fascinating stop to learn about Qatar’s connection to falconry.

Later, climb aboard a Land Cruiser for a four-hour desert adventure. Take on the golden dunes with thrilling dune driving, enjoy a short camel ride and swim at a private beach before a BBQ feast at the desert camp. Return to the hotel in the evening.

Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
Overnight at: Riviera Rayhaan by Rotana

Highlights: Lusail City and a guided visit to The Pearl-Qatar.

After breakfast, embark on a guided tour of Lusail City or “Little Venice”. Here is Qatar’s visionary smart city and one of the country's most exciting modern attractions. Showcasing innovative architecture, world-class infrastructure and picturesque canal waterfronts. Lusail offers a glimpse into the future of urban living. Highlights include a tour of the iconic Katara Towers, the scenic Marina Promenade, the impressive Stadium and the vibrant Lusail Boulevard, known for shopping, dining and entertainment. 

Continue to the Pearl for a deeper look at this exclusive man-made island renowned for its luxury lifestyle, elegant marinas and Mediterranean-inspired charm. Explore the sophisticated Porto Arabia waterfront, stroll the canals and pedestrian-friendly streets of Qanat Quarter, discover the lively atmosphere at Medina Central and admire the million-dollar beachfront residences of Viva Bahriya.

Return to the hotel in the late afternoon. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, followed by dinner at the hotel. Explore Doha’s unique restaurants and modern nightlife but go to bed early for our flight the next day.

Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
Overnight at: Riviera Rayhaan by Rotana

Check out early and transfer to Hamad International Airport. We’ll request a packed breakfast from the hotel to carry with you.

Depart Doha at 8:10 a.m. on Qatar Airways flight QR 674. Arrive in Malé at 2:50 p.m. The flight is approximately 4 hours and 40 minutes. Everyone must be on this flight.  On arrival, meet the resort team. As visitors take the slow boats, we take you by scenic Seaplanes to transfer to Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives in Meemu Atoll. After check-in and a resort orientation, the afternoon is free to enjoy the island.

The resort has two islands: the Main Island and Platinum Island. All water bungalows are on the Main Island. The minute you arrive at your villa, you’ll want to step into the warm turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean below. Our past guests pretty much lived in their swimsuits the entire day.

The all-inclusive package includes selected drinks and resort activities, including:

• Soft drinks and canned beer from the minibar, replenished once daily

• Premium alcoholic drinks by the glass, house wines, draught beer, cocktails, mocktails, seasonal juices and milkshakes

• Water, tea and coffee during operating hours, plus bottled still water, tea and coffee in the room

• Two invitations to special resort events

• One choice of excursion: sunset fishing or dolphin watching

• Snorkeling equipment and non-motorized water sports

• Use of recreational facilities, excluding the spa, motorized water sports and diving

• Daily turndown service

• A la carte dinner at Coral Restaurant, with advance reservation. Veli Pool Bar serves drinks.

• Buffet dinner is at Maalafaiy Restaurant. 

(Please note that all Maldives overwater villas have one king bed and a sofa bed. Please take turns with who sleeps where.)

Spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach or making the most of the resort facilities.  

Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at: Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives

Highlights: Dolphin safari, beach time and live music at Veli Bar.

After breakfast, head out on a dolphin safari through the waters of Meemu Atoll. Watch for spinner and bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat and take in the ocean views along the way. Also look for sea turtles, whale sharks, manta rays, reef sharks, octopus, stingrays and whales.

Return to the resort for lunch, then spend the rest of the day at leisure. Relax on the beach, swim in the lagoon or enjoy the resort’s complimentary activities. Dinner is at the resort with a performance by a traditional Maldivian dance team.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Overnight at: Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives

Highlights: Dolphin safari, beach time and live music at Veli Bar.

After breakfast, head out on a dolphin safari through the waters of Meemu Atoll. Watch for spinner and bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat and take in the ocean views along the way. Also look for sea turtles, whale sharks, manta rays, reef sharks, octopus, stingrays and whales.

Return to the resort for lunch, then spend the rest of the day at leisure. Relax on the beach, swim in the lagoon or enjoy the resort’s complimentary activities. Dinner is at the resort with a performance by a traditional Maldivian dance team.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Overnight at: Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives

Enjoy a full day to relax and make the most of the resort and island. Enjoy sea kayaking, paddle boards and diving.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Overnight at: Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives

Highlight: Optional Whale Submarine underwater experience.

After breakfast, check out 11 AM and take a scenic seaplane transfer to Malé.

Join our Whale Submarine Experience. In December, look for sperm and blue whales. Also a gazillion colorful reef fish and stunning coral gardens 50 m below sea level.  After the excursion, transfer to Velana International Airport for your onward flight.

Depart Malé at 7:50 p.m. on non-stop Qatar Airways flight QR 673 and arrive in Doha at 10:35 p.m.  Most flights to USA depart Doha around 1 AM for your connections home 

Meals included: Breakfast