Whistle stop Dubai
We had four nights in Dubai, so crammed in as much as we could. If you had more time than us, you would just fill the days by the pool or on the beach!
We took an overnight flight from Manchester, arriving Friday morning. We were very lucky and the Waldorf Astoria on The Palm had our room ready and waiting for us. After a couple of hours snoozing on the beach, we headed to the Zabeel Saray for the mandatory Dubai Friday brunch. I can’t possibly list all the choices we were over faced by, but the freshly barbecued lobster, mojito and sticky toffee pudding ensured that I left a very happy lady!
On Saturday we headed to the waterpark at Atlantis, courtesy of a free shuttle bus from our hotel. It’s a little complicated to work out what you need before you go in. We loved the rapids and lazy river but we are a family of lightweights when it comes to scary rides. This is what we learned:
• You can’t take any food in (not even a bag of Yorkshire crisps) • You can load up a wristband with cash so that you don’t need to carry money around the park • You can hire a locker so you don’t need to lug your towels around • You really do need a rash vest as it was beautifully sunny • There are loads of lifeguards • Go to Coldstone Creamery for a brilliant ice cream, and a bit of a show! • It’s a whole lot of fun!
Dinner was at the only Vietnamese restaurant in Dubai which was conveniently in our hotel. The food was good and we enjoyed dining outside on a balmy October evening.
On Sunday we spent the day at the Palace at the One and Only Mirage. I had a look round all three of the hotels and was impressed by the all. The Residence really is a cut above, but in all of them the service was really 5*. Lunch and cocktails were well priced, and there was so much space outside. I loved the little touches such as sunglasses cleaning, fruit kebabs and water volleyball in the pool.
On Sunday evening we headed to the Madinat Souk to have a sneaky look at the Mina A Salam. Dinner was at one of the Jumeirah restaurants which features on their dine-around plan – Perry and Blackwelder, which was a relaxed American sports bar.
Monday was another busy day with a hop on hop off bus tour of old Dubai including the Gold and Spice souks, then a quick walk around the Dubai Mall and then up the Burj Kalifa for stunning views. Of course we stayed around till 6pm to catch the water fountain show, then till 6.30 to see it again. We had pre dinner drinks down at the Dubai Marina, then headed back to the hotel for food.
On Tuesday morning, we even managed a little pool time before heading back to the airport.
Our overall impressions of Dubai – lying by the pool gazing up at skyscrapers, fabulous service and indulgent 5* holidays.
