jetty

Getting up early to witness the sunrise takes a lot of effort, but it’s ultimately worth it. This particular morning I was in Doha, the capital of Qatar. I walked through the empty, grand corridors of the St Regis Hotel to the jetty next to the waters of the Arabian Gulf.

The tall buildings of this showcase city – which pulsate with colour at night – looked steely in the early light, but it soon gradually turned lustrous and golden, shared by the occasional bird and little else. The sunrise belonged to me and I was privileged to capture a little of its essence. Well worth the early alarm call…

Click first image to view the gallery

The second part of our travels led us away from the stifling heat of futuristic Dubai and to the Indian Ocean island country of Mauritius.

The contrast couldn’t have been more marked – a fresh breeze was blowing across the island, and the hard work of negotiating the Middle Eastern city was replaced with relaxation and a touch of luxury at Le Touessrok.

It has its own private island – Ilot Mangenie – a boat ride away and a place where lazing in hammocks and beachcombing are the order of the day. These photographs will provide warming food for thought deep into the grey and chilly London winter.