Well, how about a relaxing break away in Northern Iraq - the disputed Kurdish territory to be more precise?

That's the latest offer by travel company Rotana, to tempt tourists to experience this blazing, if somewhat bloodstained, corner of the Middle East.

Rotana is already widely known for its flagship hotel and spa properties in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Fujairah and Sharm El Sheikh.

But now they've turned their attention to properties in some of the world's developing tourist destinations including Beirut, Syria and Kuwait.

In Northern Iraq, the place to be is Erbil, where the Kurdish Regional Government is trying to attract visitors and turn the city into an entry point to Iraq.

It's there that Rotana is building its five-star Erbil Rotana hotel and spa. which is scheduled to open in 2009.

A press release sent to the Gazette this week by their public relations team makes it sound rather exciting.

It reads: "The hotel industry is responding to calls from hardened travellers demanding new experiences in some of the world's more off-the-beaten-track destinations. Rotana has taken the lead by announcing the development of a new hotel in Northern Iraq."

Hardened travellers? Well, you would have to be.

According to Foreign Office advice, extremist Islamist terrorist groups including Al-Qaida in Iraq and Ansar al Islam still operate in the area, have planned and carried out infrequent attacks in the past.

And there's also a network of Iran-based Kurdish extremists, affiliated with Al-Qaida in Iraq, which mount occasional cross-border attacks, while the threat of terrorism and kidnap remains possible.

Erbil also played host to a high-profile suicide bombing back in 2007, when a fanatic blew himself and his vehicle up outside the Ministry of Interior.

And since the summer of 2007, there has been an increase in shelling of border areas with Turkey and Iran in the Kurdistan Region.

Foreign Office advice is as follows: "The security situation in Iraq remains highly dangerous with a continuing high threat of terrorism throughout the country.

"This includes violence and kidnapping targeting foreign nationals (including individuals of non-western appearance).

"You are strongly advised to seek professional security advice and make arrangements for your security throughout your visit.

"Even those working with dedicated protection teams should exercise extreme caution."

But there's still the lure of adventure, says Rotana.

"British tourists are turning their backs on the looming recession and heading into the unknown," their PR agent states.

"While some still want a beautiful beach, Rotana, one of the leading hotel management companies in the Middle East, offers alternatives for the more adventurous traveller."

So there you are. A holiday with a difference.

Just don't forget to pack your sun protection ... and maybe a flak jacket for anything else.