We all checked in three hours prior to departure at Manchester Airport, where check in was quick, easy and efficient. After getting our boarding passes for our Ethiad flight to Abu Dhabi we proceeded to passport control. We each had 20kg of luggage and 7 kg of hand luggage, for our coral economy flight, but were actually upgraded to business class, where you can take extra luggage and hand luggage if you wish. We proceeded to the Servisair airport lounge, where you can help yourselves to alcoholic beverages, tea coffee and snacks, and there are papers and easy chairs to relax in.

After being called for our flight at 45 minutes prior to departure, we were shown to our seats and immediately served with a drink of your choice. The business class sector was spacious with flat beds and fold away TVs. We were given gift bags containing toiletries and given papers and menu cards. After a smooth take off drinks were served again, then a selection of dips and a wonderful three course meal. We were given blankets and pillows and treated like royalty - what a way to travel. The staff were wonderful and our bags were taken off the aircraft first which is another good point.

On arrival we boarded our minibus, which was provided by desert adventures, who gave us a talk on custom and Dubai in general. It was Ramadan at this time, so we weren’t allowed to eat or drink in public areas between sunrise and sunset. You also had to have your shoulders covered and wear clothes that covered your knees.

We arrived at our hotel at 10am local time. It was a lovely hotel called the Grand Hyatt and after checking in we had a look around the facilities and various hotel bedrooms and restaurants etc. This hotel is perfect for a city break. We sampled a lovely lunch in the market cafe, which has various stalls each offering food from different destinations and the most amazing fruit juices.

Later that day we went to look round the Westin Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina. This hotel is in a lovely position in Dubai, with the most fantastic views at the back of the hotel overlooking the beach, and is popular with families. We had a lovely evening meal there in the main buffet area, where you could have anything from seafood to Indian to Chinese - the choice was amazing. Like the Grand Hyatt, there are also other restaurants where you can have a sit down meal with waiter service, so they really do cater for all your needs.

The next day we went to visit the One and Only Royal Mirage. There are three properties in this complex and they are out of this world. This was one of my favourite complexes and I would certainly go back there. It is in a great position with lovely views and various restaurants.

Saturday night we went to the Skytower Bar in the Address Hotel and watched the amazing fountains that go off every half hour. The views of the city are amazing.

Sunday we went shopping round the souks and we visited a museum so it was a very cultural experience. We travelled to the beach resort and had a look around the Desert Palm resort. This is a must if you want a relaxing family holiday in a lovely villa. They also do hotel rooms which are very spacious. It is well known for polo matches and we overlooked where the carling cup was played whilst having lunch. We also had a chance to visit ski Dubai, which is a must for the adventurous.

The Madinat Jumeirah is another of my favourite hotels. The complex is on the beach and is a must for honeymoon couples and the spas are fantastic. We also visited the Atlantis Palms for lunch - a massive hotel that is great for children with the adventure park on the palm. The highlight of the trip was a jeep safari in the desert, where camels, the hubba bubba and tattoos were on offer - the most amazing adventure by far.