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TAP business class sale from £1146 return
TAP, Air Portugal has a new sale with some decent prices from the UK. You can usually add a free stopover, which is worth doing as Lisbon and Porto are wonderful cities.
TAP Air Portugal’s multi-destination campaign offers flights to Portugal, Europe, Africa, Brazil, the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Venezuela. The sale is on until 17 September and is available for trips between 1 November 2024 and 31 March 2025 (except from 15 December 2024 to 13 January 2025).
Here are some of the best prices from London and Dublin:
London to:
- New York £1383
- Cancun £1299
- Boston £1549
- Rio de Janeiro £1698
Dublin to:
- New York: £1146
- Toronto: £1270
- Montreal: £1270
- Boston: £1355
- Miami: £1355
- Chicago: £1355
- Washington: £1355
You can find the sale page here.
Another 50% buy Avios bonus
I wrote about the Qatar buy bonus a few days ago which offered up to 50% extra Avios depending on how many you bought. This looks like it could have targetted bonus levels as a reader commented that they had different levels of bonus to the ones I quoted from my account.
There is now a new offer from Finnair, which, like Qatar Avios, can be instantly transferred to your BA Executive account. The bonus offers the following bonuses (which are not targetted):
Buy at least 5,000 Avios 4–18 September 2024 and you will earn up to a 50% bonus on all Avios.
- Buy 5,000–49,000 Avios and earn 30% bonus Avios
- Buy 50,000–200,000 Avios and earn 50% bonus Avios
Depending on how many Avios you want and how your Qatar offer is structured you may be better buying from one airline or the other as the bonus levels are different.
Make sure you use a card such as Curve or the Virgin Atlantic Mastercard (which offers fee-free European currency transactions) to pay, or it will end up costing more with the bank/credit charges for buying in Euros, which are usually around 3%.
Finnair Plus members can purchase or as gift a maximum of 200,000 Avios in a calendar year. The combined maximum amount of Avios that a member can buy or receive is 200,000 Avios per calendar year. Bonus Avios offered as part of this special offer are not included in this limit.
New IHG hotel option in Oman
I absolutely loved Oman when I visited. It is very much the antithesis of Dubai, as high rises are prohibited. While being modern and clean, it retains its heritage and has not been spoilt. You can read more in this review and this Forbes article about Oman.
There is already the Intercontinental in Muscat, which is great value, but now there is a more rural option with the opening of Hotel Indigo Jabal Akhdar Resort & Spa. The mountain range in Oman is known for its stunning landscapes and cooler climate. Famed for terraced gardens, ancient villages, and dramatic canyons, the new Hotel Indigo resort is situated 2,000 metres above sea level, featuring 173 rooms, suites, and chalets, each offering views of the neighbouring mountains.
The new property is located a two-hour drive from Oman’s capital, Muscat, and a six-hour drive from Dubai.
James Reeves, General Manager, Hotel Indigo Jabal Akhdar Resort & Spa said: “Our team has poured their heart and soul into creating a place that captures the very essence of Jabal Akhdar. Every detail and every experience have been carefully curated to immerse guests in the story of this remarkable destination, connect with the local culture and create memories that will stay long after you leave. From the moment you arrive, you’ll feel the magic of this place. We can’t wait to welcome guests to our neighbourhood and share the wonders of Jabal Akhdar.”
The Jala Spa & Wellness offers a range of rejuvenating treatments that draw inspiration from ancient Omani traditions and contemporary techniques; the spa features three distinctive wellness zones with bespoke treatment experiences, immune-boosting Himalayan salt rooms, extensive thermal zones, and relaxing indoor vitality pools.
The resort’s three dining venues draw inspiration from the ancient Zanzibari spice trade and the bounty of fresh ingredients sourced locally. I found the food in Oman to be particularly fresh and tasty. At Vue Rooftop & Lounge, the highest rooftop in the Middle East, there are panoramic canyon views, craft cocktails, and signature wood-fired dishes. Wadi Habib serves authentic Omani flavours while Zaatar provides an all-day dining experience.
You can find more information and prices on the official website here.
