Dubai - More Than Just A Stopover Destination

I have been fortunate to visit Dubai on three occasions and I have experienced it as both a stopover and holiday destination. I tend to describe Dubai as ‘Marmite’ as you will either love it or hate it! This makes a short stay here the best way to visit Dubai as a first-time visitor. It has an ideal location in the Middle East which allows for a short stopover combined with places such as Mauritius, the Maldives, Bali, Thailand and Australasia. Not just a city, Dubai offers beach relaxation and cultural experiences as well as a cosmopolitan feel that you will find in other cities like New York and Singapore.

Easy to reach, Emirates fly from regional hubs all over the UK. On arrival into Dubai, the first thing that struck me was just how modern the city is. The Sheikh Zayed Road is home the skyscrapers that the city is famous for and as we drove to our hotel, it was clear to see that architectural inspiration have been taken from iconic buildings worldwide. As we left the city behind us, we crossed over on to the Palm where we arrived at the luxury five star Jumeirah Zabeel Saray. This stunning hotel has a Turkish influence with touches of marble and gold everywhere you look. We were checked in to our four bed Residence with private pool; our home for the next few nights. On other visits to Dubai, I have also stayed in the city at the famous Burj Al Arab and the Pullman Hotel.

Our first excursion was to the cultural hub of the Souks. Taking a short Dhoni boat ride across the creek, we stepped out in the gold and spice markets. Colourful and vibrant, you can spend hours browsing the wares on show on the stalls. If you have not had your full shopping fix, close by to the centre, it is then an easy taxi journey to reach the Dubai Mall, housing designer brands, an abundance of eateries and its own aquarium.

When you stay at the Jumeirah properties, the dine around programme allows you to enjoy over 50 restaurants across the city. On our first night we hosted at the Rib Room serving delicious prime cuts and authentic cheese; two of my favourite food choices!

The following day, after a relaxing morning to enjoy the hotel and relaxation on the beach, we headed over to the Wild Wadi waterpark. A perk for guests of the hotel is free access. Great for big and little kids alike, we spent an adrenaline packed afternoon on the water slides!

Later that evening we were treated to a 1 Michelin Star dining experience at the multi award winning Italian restaurant, Pierchic, run by head chef Beatrice Segoni. Offering elevated waterside dining as it is set on a private pier. Dining out is just one of the many experiences you can enjoy whilst in Dubai. One of my recommendations is to book the Desert Safari where you are taken out to the desert to enjoy dune bashing in 4x4s, a traditional BBQ under the stars and activities such as sand boarding. In the daytime there is lots to keep all ages entertained; Dubai is home to an indoor ski centre, theme parks and a must is the observation decks ‘At The Top’ of the Burj Khalifa.

Following our stay at the Jumeriah Zabeel Saray, we checked out and drove an hour outside of the city to Ras Al Khaimah for our overnight stay in the Desert Villas at the former Banyan Tree Al Wadi Desert (now the Ritz Carlton Ras Al Khaimah). For an opulent and luxurious short break, the resort and the pool villa options are an ideal choice. Offering privacy and desert views, you feel a million miles away from anywhere here. I was blown away by the amount of space. If, like me, you love a good soak then you will enjoy the oversized bathroom with a standalone soaking tub!

It was then off to the Spa to enjoy the Rainforest experience. The Rainforest combines European hydrothermal culture with Middle Eastern bathing rituals which includes 16 different stations following a mapped sequence of hydrothermal experiences, from igloo to sauna and summer storm shower to rain walks, relaxing and rejuvenating the body. This was the first time I had experienced a spa experience like this and I have to say it was fun, invigorating and relaxing all at the same time. The spa was beautiful, with a large vitality pool with hydro massage jets to soothe aching muscles and was an incredibly beautiful and tranquil space to relax in. Following the rainforest experience, we were then treated to a delicious dinner before enjoying drinks under the stars in the rooftop Moon Bar. This was the perfect end to the day, enjoying cocktails whilst perched above the treetops. Being out in the desert, the night sky was stunning, and it was so peaceful you could hear a pin drop.

Before departing for our return flight home that afternoon, we enjoyed the onsite interactive Falcon and Owl show. I had the chance to hold one of these beautiful birds on my arm and we learned about the importance of falconry in the Bedouin culture. Whether you are staying for a couple of nights or enjoying a longer stay here, you can choose to do as much or as little as you like. With so much space, the hotel hosts a range of activities from archery and off-road biking on the sand dunes to horse-riding and stargazing.

The experience of staying out in the desert was a magical one and it really sticks in the forefront of my mind when I think about places I have been to around the world. It is a unique experience and one that I would highly recommend including if you are considering a trip to Dubai.