Delights in Dubai

I think Dubai is brilliant; Glitz, decadence, extreme, gaudy and tacky all at the same time. The same, of course, can be said of Vegas, but Dubai does it in a different way. A lot of travelers are put off by these exact points, but an equal number love it for just those reasons.

When planning a trip to Dubai, you’ll need to decide exactly what it is you’re going for. Shopping is fantastic in Dubai so if that’s why you’re going then a hotel in the city should be completely sufficient and, quite honestly, less expensive. There are dozens of 4 and 5-star options at reasonable rates that will provide a decent base to get around from. Ideally, pick one that is close to the monorail to make your journeys easier. A lot of my clients enjoy the Grand Hyatt as there are numerous swimming pools, 14 restaurants, along with shops and spas. It’s like a beach resort without the sand.

The highlight of Dubai, for most, is Jumeirah Beach, but the choices can be confusing. Once, the main beach area to stay in was at the Madinat and the Burj Al Arab. These, along with The Jumeirah Beach Hotel are the icons that most would associate with Dubai before the Burj Khalifa was built. This group of hotels is still very popular but ‘the place to be’ is now Mina Seyahi; Just 3 miles or so to the south of the Madinat, this is home to the trendiest clubs and restaurants along with shopping outlets on ‘The Walk’. Hotel choices here range from the One & Only Royal Mirage to luxury apartment facilities such as the Oasis Tower. One way or another there is something for every taste but keep in mind that the beach hotels are more costly.

Atlantis was the first attraction on ‘The Palm’ a man-made island of epic proportions which extends 3 miles out to sea. The Atlantis resort is a great family facility with a huge water park, aquariums and groomed man-made beaches, couples may find it a bit out of the way unless you love water parks. The Palm is the area of Dubai where the rich and famous go to get away but isn’t limited to millionaires and Fairmont has just opened a new hotel with some very good rates. Keep in mind that getting back and forth to the malls and downtown is a bit more of an effort, and more costly, from The Palm.

If pure relaxation is what you’re after and you’ve already exhausted the shopping thing, then one of the resorts outside of Dubai should be considered. Jebel Ali, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujeirah all have beach resorts and offer the opportunity to include an all-inclusive package. The hotels range from a good standard to amazing and may even include an option for a private tent in the desert, but this isn’t your everyday camping.

Dubai is, really, about luxury and pampering, but it’s up you to decide what level you require and then up to me to arrange it. I have a good knowledge of Dubai and haven’t gone wrong with my clients yet when helping them make a choice.