Discovering Dubai
I chose the Sofitel hotel in Jumeirah Beach Resort, often referred to as JBR, it is a great central location, with a golden beach just outside and a choice of restaurants along “The Walk” which is popular spot for people watching and, in the evening, where the locals like to drive through, showing off their rides, from a Lamborghini to Maserati and everything in between. Immediately, I am struck by a stunning gold chandelier taking centre stage in the lobby, the silk curtains draped around the walls and the marble floor. The smell of incense burning, has created the most wonderful atmosphere and the sense of ultimate luxury. The theme continued throughout the hotel and my room, with a stunning sea view, it was perfect. After a quick freshen up I explore the hotel and head for a swim in the rooftop infinity pool, overlooking Jumeirah beach and is the perfect location to watch the sunset. The lights are sparkling across the city, time to dress up and head out.
Having now met with my friend, its time to head for Downtown Dubai, the location of the Burj Khalifa and the evening show that is the dancing fountains. Sweeping round the base of the tallest building in the world, the water comes to life and performs to music, from Arabian nights to Michael Jackson, leaving you mesmerised. Downtown is the heart of the city in many ways, featuring the largest shopping mall in the world and it really is a mall like no other, including having its own aquarium and every shop and designer name you can possibly think of.
Our first full day and it's time to unwind and soak up some of the sunshine and the best way to enjoy the beaches of Dubai is in one of its beach clubs. Two of my favourites being Zero Gravity, close to the Skydive Dubai, lively and often has live music and a view of the thrill seekers take off for a skydive over the Palm island. For those wanting to take part in that bucket list experience of skydiving, I recommend doing early in the holiday, as they have a weight restriction and after all the delicious food and relaxing, it is easy to add a few pounds! The second favourite of mine is White Beach Club, it is part of the famous Atlantis hotel at the top of the palm and offers the relaxed beach club vibe and has amazing views of the Burj al Arab in the distance.
Suitably sun soaked and filled with cocktails, it was back to the hotel to prepare for our evening. We headed for Madinat Jumeirah, it is designed to resemble a traditional Arabian town and features stunning boutique hotels, restaurants and an Arabian market, known as a souk. Wondering through all the wonderful stalls offering a range of locally sourced or made items, such as gold, spices, textiles and sand designs. The incense aroma and fresh spices filled the air and it really gives you an opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture. We found the perfect spot for our evening, overlooking the Burj al Arab and enjoying the feeling of luxury and glamour that we had been in abundance of so far this trip.
It's day two and we have booked the observation deck of the Burj Khalifa and we were so happy to wake up and see once again the clear blue skies, ensuring we would get the best views of Dubai and beyond. Just a few seconds in a lift, took us to the 148 floor of the Burj Khalifa and the moment you step out the view is stunning. The deck runs around the building, giving panoramic views of Dubai, out into the desert beyond the city. Back down to earth, we decided to explore the malls a little more and have some lunch overlooking the elegant building we had just been at the top of, seeming quite surreal looking back up at the incredible structure.
After seeing beyond the city, from the viewing platform, it seemed only right that we take a jeep safari into the desert. We are met late afternoon outside the hotel and taken to the jeep, where we then head into the sand dunes, it is a thrill-seekers paradise, we then stop at a rest spot. Camels are relaxing and we stretch our legs taking in the surroundings, it is perfectly timed to see the sunset over the desert, the view is calming after the thrill of the sand dunes. We jump back in our jeeps and are taken on a smoother journey deeper into the desert, where we come to an Arabian desert camp, set with a huge pit fire, we sit down and enjoy a traditional Arabian feast under the moon and stars. Light Arabian music plays, creating such a beautiful setting. After a while, enjoying the atmosphere, the music stops and the lights are dimmed, in the distance you hear the call to prayer travelling with the wind across the desert, from the mosques in the city and the camp silences as we respect the local prayer time. This moment is one that will last me a lifetime, it was surreal, to be under the stars, in the middle of the desert, it really was a magical Arabian night.
The trip continued to be filled with sun seeking in the beach clubs and enjoying the nightlife. Our last night we spent in a restaurant on “The Walk” great for people watching and reflecting on the wealth of luxury, elegance and class the city has, such a variety of things to do, immersing yourself in the fascinating cultures, taking in the dramatic skylines and emptying your bank accounts in the shopping malls! I couldn’t have asked for a better city and beach break. For those wondering how safe Dubai is, as you will have read at the start of this article, I arrived in the city alone making my own way to the hotel and felt completely safe in doing so. The trip was a girl’s getaway, everyone is extremely welcoming and respectful. If anything, the danger was my dear friend suggesting more cocktails!