Where would you go if cash were no object? We asked some prominent South Africans to tell us about their holiday fantasies, and gave them some sound advice on what to do while there...

Riaad Moosa, Comedian: The Middle East
"I’ve been to the UK, the United States and Europe and they’re all pretty much the same. I want to see something different, so I would go on a comprehensive tour of the Middle East. I’d like to visit all the historical sites and witness the contrast between the affluent and poor areas."

  • The low-down: There's no official consensus as to which countries make up the Middle East, but there can be little doubt about the Kingdom of Bahrain — it’s located in the Persian Gulf off the coast of Saudi Arabia. Thirty-three islands make up the kingdom, the largest being Bahrain Island.

    Although it’s the smallest nation in the region, Bahrain exemplifies both the historical significance and ostentatious wealth for which parts of the Middle East are famous. The original dwellings at the Bahrain Fort date back to 2800BC and the foundations of Bahrain’s Al-Khamis Mosque are believed to have been laid in 692AD, making it one of the oldest Islamic relics in the region — although the mosque’s famous twin minarets were only added in the 15th century.

    Bahrain is home to the Gulf’s first oil well, aptly named Oil Well Number One, which spurted in 1931, heralding the beginning of oil wealth in the Middle East. Head to Bahrain’s gold souk (market) to see some of that prosperity in action — here, 21-carat hallmark gold can be purchased in a variety of jewellery styles, including traditional Bedouin designs. Motor sport fans should time their visit around the Bahrain Formula 1 Grand Prix.

  • Splash Out: Banyan Hotel Al Areen is an all-villa spa resort that takes opulence to new levels. Each villa has a private, outdoor heated jet pool, and a personal chef, flat-screen TV, steam room and king-sized beds are just a few of the other luxuries — or excesses.
Makhaya Ntini, SA Cricketer: The Caribbean
"I’d spend a day and night on each island in the West Indies. I’d feel right at home there because the locals are mostly black, so I’d fit in!"
  • The low-down: There are about 7000 islands in the Caribbean (also known as the West Indies), so visiting them all may be optimistic — it would take nearly 20 years at a rate of one per day. Still, there’s no harm in trying. When Christopher Columbus discovered the Caribbean, he used the island of Hispaniola as his headquarters for exploring the region.

    Today, that island is divided into Haiti and the Dominican Republic and is still a good base. Visit Los Tres Ojos de Agua, a cave complex with three pools of turquoise water on different levels, each fed by a subterranean stream and encircled by rock formations. The highest mountain in the Caribbean, Pico Duarte, is on the island — 3140m just waiting to be climbed! The Caribbean is a great place for snorkelling — good reefs and wrecks — and it's possible to swim with dolphins at Manatí Park. There are also a number of excellent golf courses.

  • Stay at the Casa de Campo, which has three six-bedroom villas. Each comes with a private swimming pool, maid and butler for eight hours a day, breakfast and a four-person touring cart.
S'Busiso Leope AKA DJ S'Bu, Ukhozi FM DJ: St. Tropez
"I’d definitely like to go to St Tropez. I’ve heard so much about how lavish and fun the lifestyle is there — and, of course, how wealthy it is! I’d like to experience the expensive property, shops, restaurants, nightlife and definitely the beach. It’s rich and classy — I’d like to experience that class…"
  • The low-down: Although St Tropez has lost a little of its yesteryear sheen, it's still a magnet for the world's beautiful people and their toys — shiny yachts and flashy sports cars. The annual Le Voiles de St Tropez regatta in October is a particularly glam time of year to visit, when yachts of all sizes jostle in the harbour and cosmopolitan crowds throng the streets.

    But summer is also good. Shopaholics fuel their habit at designer stores selling beachwear and accessories, jewellery, fragrances and shoes. Sun-worshippers make the most of the sandy beaches; water-sport enthusiasts play in the waves.

    There's nothing more entertaining than sitting at one of the many cafés lining the waterfront and staking out the trendy holidaymakers sunning themselves on their yachts – be sure to keep a camera handy in case you spot a name. When night falls, head for Papagayo Club, where J.Lo's been seen, or the extravagant Les Caves Du Roy in the Hotel Byblos, and order a bottle of Krug.

  • Splash Out: Villa Hotel Katarina is a fittingly grand way to make St Tropez feel like home. The 5000m² property has a lounge, dining room, sauna, queen-sized master suite and five other rooms, each with a private bathroom. Outside there’s a swimming pool, Jacuzzi and bar. There’s also a barbecue, so you can invite all your new friends around for an outdoor party. Helicopter transfer from the airport comes standard.

Article courtesy of Horizons, BA/Comair's in-flight magazine published by Touchline Media


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