Destination Dubai
We flew with Virgin airlines, and checked in on-line which was hassle free. On boarding the aircraft it was great that the stewardess came round with a childrens funpack, and took photo's of the children for their memories of flying with Virgin. It was a six hour flight, the food was great, the children did not complain either as they had their own entertainment and children's meals. When the aircraft doors opened I felt I was walking into an oven.... the heat was great.
We decided upon a multi-centre holiday as I love shopping, and my children love the beach!
We stayed at the Madinat Mina Salem Hotel in Jumeirah for five nights. The hotel was impeccable. The service was outstanding and the food quality was above my expectations....
I hardly saw my girls during the day as they would go to the kiddies club. Great for me as I could enjoy my day and relax enjoying the many facilities. The hotel is made up of three seperate hotels; Mina Salaam, Al Qasr, and Daral Marsyf. They have little 'hamra's' that take you around the hotel. The Mina Salem gave us free access to the Wadi Wadi Aquapark next to the hotel so we saved alot of money. We also had a free entry to view the 7* Burj al Arab hotel.
We were right on the beach which was perfect and it also had it's own shopping centre. Outside the hotel we got a cab to the Emirates shopping mall which was not far, just a 5 minute drive from the hotel. Within the mall is the largest indoor ski slope in the world. The shopping centre had Mustang's, Mercedes, Lamborghini's, and Porsches parked outside. Basically we found that all the local Arab's shop here, as all the designer boutiques are under one roof. So if your looking for a designer handbag, this is the place to be.
Our second centre was the Grand Hyatt hotel in the city, I was distraught as I thought, 'my god', I do not want to leave our first hotel...upon arrival we entered the reception... it was GRAND!! The hotel was just as nice as the previous. I thought the breakfast at the Mina Salaam was nice, this was better!!! They again had spa treatments and club's available for the children. They also had aqua slides in the swimming pool which kept my children entertained for hours.
The hotel was a five minute drive to the local Bur Dubai, and fifteen minutes to the gold souk which was perfect. Do not forget to experience the safari desert excursion, truly amazing!
Dubai is a safe country, I was out with my friends alone most times and it was fine.
Overall the holiday itself was outstanding.....people are very friendly and the food was great!
I would definitely go back!