A Taste of Space, anyone?

There was a time, not too long ago, when a week in Ibiza and a new bikini from TopShop would suffice, to break the monotony of a desk-bound day job. These days of course, we have far higher standards. We'll at least upgrade to a fortnight in Crete and a hat from the expensive side in Zara.

Not for much longer though.

Pretty soon, the very thought of holidaying on Planet Earth will have us turning up our noses. "Why would we want to go there, darling, when we can go to space?"

Sharaf Travel, here in Dubai, and the Virgin Galactic Accredited Space Office in the Middle East have launched "A Taste of Space", so you can see for yourself what lies ahead in the world/galaxy of holiday destinations. Before you get excited, it doesn't take you up, up and away, to infinity and beyond - but rather gives you a sneaky peak of the future via a sub-orbital space experience at the Nastar Centre! Nope, not NASA. Nastar. It's in Philadelphia.

The new package has been put together with the hopes of tempting all you 'would-be' astronauts for the Virgin Galactic sub-orbital flights, slated to commence at the end of next year (2009). The 4 night packages start at AED 45,326 per person (a snip!) and include return business class flights from Dubai to New York, accommodation at the Four Seasons (in Philadelphia and New York), daily breakfast, transfers and a half day Sub-Orbital Space Experience.

Sharon Garrett is the lucky lady whose job it is to "review" these things for our benefit. Tough job eh! As the head of Space Marketing & PR for Virgin Galactic in the Middle East, she underwent astronaut training in the centrifuge earlier this year.

"...the experience was one of the best of my life. I was a little anxious but once I underwent the training and stepped into the centrifuge, which is kitted out with full visuals and sound I had the most wonderful time. I felt as though I really was an astronaut !

"The moment my simulated flight was over I really wanted to sign up for my own US$200,000 Virgin Galactic flight. I just couldn't wait to do it all again!" she said.

We're so jealous!

According to Sharon, ‘A Taste of Space' will set you up with the skills required for "Anti-G Straining Maneuvers" and help you to fully understand the physiological effects of space flight before you even set foot into the centrifuge.

Because you WILL require Anti-G Straining Maneuvers on holiday one day, you know.

Er... that's not to say a new hat from the expensive side in Zara won't make a lovely accessory on top of your space helmet, though.


‘A Taste of Space' is priced from AED 45,326 per person and includes:

• Sub-orbital Space Flight Experience (half day; G forces peak at 3)
• Business Class return airfare Dubai - New York - Dubai
• 3 night stay in a Deluxe Room at the Four Seasons Philadelphia
• 1 night stay in a Park View Tower room at the Four Seasons New York
• Daily Breakfast
• Transfer by private limousine JFK Airport to Four Season Philadelphia
• Return transfer hotel to Nastar Center
• Transfer by private limousine Four Season Philadelphia to Four Seasons New York
• Transfer by private limousine Four Seasons New York to JFK
• Airport taxes (subject to change)