WHY DUBAI IS A GOOD IDEA
So we’re staying at home at the moment, and don’t even know what’s happening for Christmas, and I’m talking about Dubai. Why? Because it’s on the UK corridor “good” list. Yay! If you want to stay put and are not yet ready to travel, then Dubai will still be Dubai. When you’re finally able to board an aeroplane and go on holiday, Dubai might be just your bag.
Let’s cut to the chase. Travel corridors, which to me sound like magical Harry Potter networks, open and close. One minute we’re quarantining … oh hang on a second, no we’re not. Then before we know it, bang! We’re in another lockdown and zooming and baking all over again. As we’ve exhausted all sorts of ways to keep ourselves occupied (I can’t bake any more loaves of banana bread) let’s afford ourselves a bit of indulgence and consider Dubai.
For some Dubai is a stopover. For others it’s a holiday. For me Dubai is pure nostalgia. I grew up here. I love the smell of incense, heat, samosas, sweet oil and the mesmeric sound of The Call To Prayer. Dubai means hot-pink bougainvillea, dust, camels and birds of prey. (I love owls and falcons but that’s for another time!) My early years were spent swimming in vast lakes, riding bikes in the desert, sailing and swimming at Dubai Offshore Sailing Club, diving into inky-black wadi-pools and eating Baskin Robbins ice cream!
Maybe the best thing about Dubai is the scale of it all. The buildings aren’t polite, but scrape the sky at a height of 800 metres. Waterfalls are not simply garden features but art displays with cascading water the height of a shopping mall. Hotels have rays and sharks behind glass windows. Gardens are lush and manicured. There is even an indoor ski-slope with real snow. On any other occasion you might think “It’s too much, too grand.” But it’s Dubai. And after the year we’ve all had why not indulge in the emirate’s excesses and go big?
At this juncture I would like to tell you Dubai can also be so much more. One of the most beautiful things about Dubai is the wide desert. You can travel in a vintage 1950’s 4 x 4 and either “dune bash” or spot native wildlife such as, Arabian oryx, gazelles and falcons on a desert drive in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. An authentic Arab dinner in a Bedouin camp is heaven on a stick. And I would highly recommend a camel trek across the dunes at sunset.
The Dubai I remember in the 1970’s and 80’s, when it was developing from a tiny port, is vastly different from the sparkling city it is today. To learn about the history and culture of old Dubai you’ll want to visit the charming historical old houses of Bastakiya. Include a visit to Dubai Museum which is housed in the impressive Al Fahidi Fort and when you’re done with the history bit you can board a traditional “abra” for the price of one dirham (20 pence) across Dubai Creek. While you browse the spice market and gold souk in Debra grab a little freshly baked samosa. Finally seeing the beautiful Jumeirah Mosque is a must.
Dubai. It’s a city of contrasts. Wonderfully just under seven hours from London, offering a plethora of activities and experiences with superb weather. A good idea indeed.
Al Maha
Al Maha, is nestled deep within the landscape of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, and plays a vital role in its conservation. A verdant palm oasis, the hotel showcases the heritage and architecture of the Bedouins and offers a sense of desert adventure. The property’s 42 suites combine discreet refinement with authentic regional antiques and local artefacts. The Timeless Spa offers a full range of beauty treatments and massages as well as housing a fully-equipped gym and outdoor swimming pool.
The Arabian Oryx and the Gazelles are the star attractions in the reserve. The indigenous Arabian wildlife can also be viewed from the temperature-controlled infinity pool or sundeck seating area of all of our luxury villas. Guests can enjoy two different, complimentary desert activities every day as part of their stay.
Al Maha employs naturalists and conservationists who have extensive knowledge of the desert environment and the wildlife of the surrounding area to take guests out for the activities.
Bvlagri Resort Dubai
Beautiful, low-key yet super-luxe, the Bvlgari is utterly bling-free and a heavenly retreat from the noise and bustle of Dubai. Set on a man-made island shaped like a seahorse, with suites, villas, a marina and yacht club, Bvlgari Resort Dubai recreates a Mediterranean and nautical spirit within its coveted oasis. Its own Yacht Club’s 46-boat harbour is flanked by a Marina, whose beautiful promenade is illuminated in the evening. You can opt to stay in one of the 1-3 bedroom villas for a more private experience, complete with their own swimming pools and landscaped gardens. An undeniably distinctive and exclusive stay awaits!
Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah
The Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm is a beautiful, understated resort situated on The Palm overlooking the serene waters of the Arabian Gulf.
Understated by Dubai standards, Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah has a tranquil and relaxed feel, offering guests the perfect place to indulge in some serious relaxation with 200 meters of private soft sand beach front, two temperature controlled pools and a children's pool. There are plenty of comfortable sun beds and cabanas around the pools and beach, complete with umbrellas to offer that all important protection for the midday sun.
If you’d like to find out more about Dubai or any of these properties do get in touch.
Clare xx