Dubai return to see what has changed.....
We arrived into Dubai on the overnight flight from Manchester with Emirates. Landing at 0730 we came through the hotel which is huge and proceeded to collect our luggage. The first point to note is that alcohol is extremely expensive out in the UAE but there is a Duty Free shop in arrivals so we stocked up and few bottles of wine for our trip, at £10 a bottle it worked out excellent value for money as that was the usual price for a glass in the bars.
A private transfer took us to our first hotel of the stay - Ritz Carlton Jumeriah Beach Walk (JBR), a lovely hotel on the beachfront but also at the start of the Jumeriah walk so easy to get out and about on foot which is unusual in Dubai. It also has easy access to the Marina area (by taxi or longer walk). The hotel is very modern outside with a wonderful children’s pool with slides and shaded play area, but then an excellent bar with swim up pool and music on during day and night. Rooms were palatial and large with all amenities covered however sea views were slightly blocked by palm trees.
We ate at the Blue Asian restaurant where the food was delicious. It was the start of Ramadam so we observed the no alcohol rule and had cocktails without the kick, they were lovely.
The Spa in the hotel was excellent, lots of areas to sit and relax with separate areas for men and ladies. I had one of the most relaxing back massages from the masseur there.
In between time at the Ritz we also visited the JA Ocean view hotel which is located at the other end of the JBR walk, a bright hotel with all rooms having a view of the sea and also overlooking the new island which will house the world’s largest Eye and lots of evening entertainment venues. One hotel to watch out for!
Another evening was spent viewing the Jumeriah Zabeel Saray hotel on the Palm. This hotel has always been a favourite of my customers so I was excited to be able to visit and see for myself and have to admit it didn't disappoint. Set at the furthest point around on the Palm it does take a while to get to but you will be glad you went; the facilities and ambience are second to none and also with the half board dine around option available at 60+ restaurants within the Jumeriah group hotels you will never be stuck for anywhere to dine.
Having stayed at the Ritz for two nights we then moved onto the Atlantis the Palm hotel for one night before we departed Dubai. This hotel is large, brash and in your face but amazing to visit and experience the hotel’s aquarium with twice daily feeding shows, the underwater restaurant, the water park, dolphin encounter plus top named restaurants. It was an experience to see it all and be able to share with customers who would like to go back - you would never be bored at this hotel as there is something available to do all the time.
Not sure how but we also managed to fit in a Dubai city tour taking us on a Dhow cruise boat across to the Gold souks to have a wander around and then to the beach to view the Burj hotel for a photo stop. We then went to see the dancing fountains at the bottom of the Burj Khalifa tower which play every 15 minutes from 6pm onwards, a wonderful experience.
So having seen Dubai twice this year, once on the whistle stop day trip and then the longer three nights, I can genuinely say that I love this city. It has so much to offer from beach to sightseeing, shopping to skiing - it’s an amazing place to visit.
Read my next review of Ras Al Khaimah where I headed for two nights after Dubai, just one hour by road away it’s a great location for a twin centre trip.