Arabian Nights!
We flew into Abu Dhabi with Etihad, and the 7 hour flight passed in no time, with the excellent in-flight entertainment system and hospitality. Short transfer later, we arrived at the brand new Pullman Mall of the Emirates Hotel. The room was fabulous...spacious, really bright and airy with a feature glass bathroom wall. Breakfast was buffet style - fantastic choice - and it was wonderful to be able to sit on the terrace and enjoy it.
Over the next few days, we visited several of the beach and city hotels. Honestly, just when you think you have a favourite, you visit the next one and then can't decide! They are all just the most stunning properties - luxurious accommodations, unspoilt beaches, indulgent spa facilities, Zwarovski crystal chandeliers, rose petal fountains.. they all provide a perfect setting... with wonderful contrasts between the Arabian influences and modern day living! Madinat Jumeriah was a favourite - it's a huge resort with 3 properties within, but its low rise by Dubai standards and despite its overall size, you didn't feel 'crowded'. I particularly liked the fact, it's all linked by waterways and you get about by using the abras, which are little water taxis that take you around. From here, you have fantastic views of the Burj al Arab - if you have a reservation, you can dine here or in Jumeraih Beach Hotel, but having over 28 restaurants/cafes, means that you are spoilt for choice, and in the heat of the day, you can take refuge in the coolness of the Souk Madinat for some shopping or a even a caffeine fix at Starbucks!
However, Downtown Dubai for me was the best location. Highlight of the trip has to be the ascent to the 124th floor of the World's highest tower! The Burj Khalifa Tower. It took an unbelievable 60 seconds to reach the observation terrace! I was barely aware of the lift moving! Once At the Top, you can experience 360 degree panoramic views of Dubai and beyond. I thought the technology of the high powered telescopes were amazing, allowing you to zoom in on landmarks miles away, but more interestingly for me, was that they allowed you to see historic views of the city, when it really was nothing more than a desert! Although I hate heights, this wasn't scary at all, so please don't miss out, it's all very safe even on the outside deck.
Right next to Burj Khalifa, is the World's largest shopping Mall. Dubai Mall is an experience. This is some serious retail therapy. The size of 200 football pitches, it has 1,200 stores..including the Gold Souk...but the great thing is there's so much more to do than shopping! It's for the whole family - an ice rink, aquarium, SEGA Republic indoor theme park, cinema and I would have loved a peek at KidZania - an imaginary kids world where they can role-play adult experiences like flying a plane, being a surgeon, chef, DJ - over 70 professions to choose from... which will amuse them while the parents shop.
Downtown just seems to have everything on your doorstep, where you can walk around and in the evenings, wine and dine alfresco whilst witnessing another Dubai extravaganza - the Dubai Fountain. The spectacular show is the World's largest and the sprays dance and soar to heights of over 150 metres. Not to be missed.
The other Hotel we stayed was the Desert Palm - an oasis about 20 minutes from Dubai - this is a property for total R&R... the rooms were just stunning, overlooking the polo fields. They must be some of the largest in Dubai with amazing bathrooms, stand alone tubs, walk in showers. A total chillout zone, if you want to escape the city, this is perfect... it's so relaxing, but not too far if you want if something a bit livelier from time to time.
Dubai is truly a wonderful destination - something for everyone and with brilliant weather, you will love it! Great access from UK for any length of stay or a stopover en route to further afield. Can't wait to go back!