24 Hours in Dubai

With limited time in Dubai I wanted to make the most of it. I stayed at the Habtoor Grand Resort in Jumeirah Beach. Upon arrival we were given a refreshing drink and a chocolate lollipop. I am a stickler for service and little touches, so for me this was a great first impression. We had booked a standard room but were told that we have been upgraded to a Tower Sea View room. Wow, this hotel. As you walk around the corridors you can spot all the finishing touches on the décor make the hotel feel so special. Even in the room the turquoise walls with the opulent gold touches give the sense of elegance.

With 16 themed bars and restaurants I do wish I’d had more time to try them all but as I had booked on a half-board basis and we were going to a show that night we decided to use our meal up at lunch time in the buffet restaurant. The choice was varied and high quality, service by waiting staff prompt and cheerful.

On the first night we went to see the water fountain display which is in front of the Burj Khalifa - a must-see for sure. We then took part in a bit of shopping in the Dubai Mall.

Whilst in Hong Kong earlier this year I had seen “The House of Dancing Water” by Director Franco Dragone and it was there I had learnt about his other show in Dubai named “La Perle”. I have had clients unable to go as they hadn’t pre-booked, so I booked before travel and I wasn’t disappointed. If you enjoy a theatrical spectacle full of a mixture of Chinese dragons, dancing, acrobats, trapeze, swimming and motorbikes (yes, really) I would strongly recommend seeing this show intertwine them all with immersive technology. For this show, words cannot describe what you will see and seeing in believing.

On our final day we checked out of the hotel and left our cases at the hotel as our flight wasn’t until late in the evening.

My other must-do whilst you’re in Dubai would be the afternoon tea offering at At.Mosphere which is an upscale fine dining restaurant and bar on the 122nd floor of the iconic Burj Khalifa. The views were incredible, and they had a fabulous violinist serenading which just felt so special. Service could not be faulted, it was impeccable. Don’t go expecting your traditional English afternoon tea; the first offering was a plate of 6 “sandwiches”, followed by a small hot main course (I had a very special chicken and mashed potato) which was finished with a tower of sweet delicacies. And throughout the food you are served non-stop champagne/fizzy wine (depending on your budget), tea, mocktails and water.

We still had a few hours to spare before needing to go to the airport, so we made the most of a quick swim in the hotel pool and enjoyed our final hours of the balmy weather looking at the lit-up views with a cocktail in hand – heaven! I will go back to Dubai as 24 hours is not nearly enough to squeeze everything in.