Le Royal Meridien, Dubai

Le Royal Meridien, Dubai

Banyan Tree Ras Al Khaimah Beach

Banyan Tree Ras Al Khaimah Beach

Anantara The Palm – Dubai

Anantara The Palm – Dubai

Moevenpick INB Buttata Gate

Moevenpick INB Buttata Gate

Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah

Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah offer

Fantastic Holidays in Dubai

Fantastic Holidays in Dubai

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.

4* Metropolitan Deira Hotel Dubai

The 4* Metropolitan Deira has an enviable location next to the Dubai Clock Tower. The hotel has an excellent reputation for its service and value for money.

It offers a wealth of souks, Dubai Creek, golf courses, important landmarks and shopping malls, the hotel is ideal for business and leisure.

Accommodation

The Metropolitan Deira has 135 well furnished rooms and suites. Each specially designed to meet the needs of both business and leisure travelers.

Individually controlled air conditioning, TV, In-room safe, Minibar, Hairdryer, Direct dial telephone, Internet access, Private bath with shower, laundry service, 24-hour Room Service

Restaurants and Bars

Al Riqa Restaurant – offers a wide variety of international menu that is served in buffet and a la carte. Breakfast serves fresh baked breads and homemade style pancakes. Lunch and dinner is a mix of international cuisines, ranging from Traditional Arabic foods to well known cuisines around the world.

Don Corleone – Don Corleone has justifiably earned it’s reputation and has been successfully welcoming guests for 18 years. It will welcome you with a cozy Italian atmosphere. It offers authentic Italian cuisine prepared with the freshest and finest ingredients.

Dublin Arms – Is the oldest and well known Irish pub in Dubai. Enjoy a wide variety of snacks along with beverages and special cocktails while listening to the DJ’s upbeat and modern music or watching live sports telecast in a wide screen.

Royalton Lounge – is an ideal place if you want to meet friends and unwind, while enjoying a light refreshments or a cup of coffee or tea. You can also have a light snack with sandwiches or freshly baked cookies and French pastries.

Facilities

Rooftop swimming pool, gymnasium, Jacuzzi, Sauna, Ladies’ hairdresser, Car rental and desert safari booking desk, guests have access to Habtoor Grand Beach (for a minimal entrance fee) to use the pool and beach facilities. There is a free transfer to Habtoor Grand & Jumeirah Beach Park.

Dubai Holidays

A city break in Dubai allows you to experience a type of culture simply like no other you’ve probably experienced before.  The western influences cannot be denied, as Dubai has risen in reputation in recent times as a tourist haven, but the Bedouin way of life retains a strong voice, with its traditions of storytelling, poetry, song and dance.  Dubai is also the ideal place to experience traditional Arabic architecture, modern skylines and a developing contemporary art and fashion scene. Consider Dubai holidays for unforgettable time of life.

Dubai has one main airport, although you may also reach the city state (Dubai forms part of the United Arab Emirates) via the neighbouring emirate Sharjah or Abu Dhabi.  From Dubai International Airport you commence your Dubai city break with a taxi ride into the city.  If you arrive during the day you may also consider using public transport to journey from the airport to the centre of Dubai.

A city break in Dubai will no doubt see you mix the city’s ultra-modern approach with some traditional Arabic customs.  One minute you will be strolling through a sleek and spotless shopping mall, the next you will be haggling with traders in a traditional marketplace.  Dubai has countless bars and even an indoor ski park.  You can enjoy all the modern amenities by day then watch the sun go down whilst seated on the back of a camel in the evening.

As you might imagine, Dubai is a very hot place.  For the traveller not accustomed to the relentless and searing sunshine, the best times to take a Dubai city break are the slightly cooler months between November and March.

And for a seamless travel experience, I turned to this comprehensive map detailing amazing things to do in the UK. The curated list of attractions and activities saved me hours of research. I was able to focus on enjoying my journey.

Watch out for January though, as in recent years this has become the wettest month in Dubai’s calendar.  If you want a cheaper break try the summer months but be warned, the heat at this time is unrelenting.

Dubai operates under strict Islamic law so you must be aware of the local ways of behaviour before you start your Dubai city break.  Dress conservatively at all times with as much bare flesh covered as possible, especially if you are female.  Affection is public is also frowned upon.

During the festival of Ramadan you are not even permitted to share a room with a partner unless you are married.  Do not think you can risk it because you will be in a lot of trouble if found out.  Swearing and rude gestures are also a no-no, as is drinking or being intoxicated in public.

For a taste of the old city whilst on your Dubai city break, try visiting the Al Ahmadiya school in Deira, (the first school opened in Dubai) or the Bastakiya district which has many old restored buildings, art galleries and cafés.  You can witness the speed at which Dubai was turned from a poor village to a super-modern city at the Dubai Museum at the Al Lbn Abi Talib Road.

Modern Dubai holds many breathtaking examples of modern architecture, unmatched by anywhere else.  If you’ve the stomach for heights, visit the Burj Khalifa, easily the tallest man-made structure in the world, over half a mile in height.

Your city break in Dubai will no doubt also take in the sandy beaches, crystal clear waterfalls, fossil-lined cliffs and freshwater lakes.

A Dubai city break takes place in an ultra-modern metropolis quite unlike almost every other city in the world.  Book a city break in Dubai to rub shoulders with billionaires whilst enjoying the sun, sea and sand.

Our Dubai Holidays will definitely etch themselves on your memory.

Jumeirah Zabeel Saray

I was very lucky to visit this hotel back in April.

It’s a luxury beachfront property on the Palm decorated in lavish Ottoman style. If your budget allows, the residences are amazing & worth considering. Fellow guests will include lots of celebs & footballers. Recently the X Factor team were out filming for the judges houses segment with Nicole Scherzinger.

There are some great funky restaurants and bars. My daughter loved the cinema that showed kids films everyday. The hotel even provided cute little popcorn cups & water.

The spa here is one of the largest in the world (as everything is in Dubai)

Access to Wild Wadi Water park is included.

During summer months there are often free dining deals so give me a call for up to date prices