Holiday planning but can't decide if you want city sightseeing or beach bliss?
Well, Dubai is the perfect mix of the two.
We headed off to the Middle East in March 2019, just in time to celebrate my 25th birthday there, and it was every bit as good as I had imagined. So I've put together a checklist, and selection of my favourite photos from our trip, of things to see and places to go if you too decide to hop on your magic carpet and visit this mystical land.
Getting there
Our magic carpet company of choice was Emirates, a direct overnight flight from Glasgow to Dubai and we were no more than a dream, (two films, one meal, four snacks and a few chapters of a book), away from our destination. I can't recommend Emirates enough, the service was fantastic and the plane impeccable, if we're lucky enough to return to Dubai one day, then we will most likely be flying with them again!
Where to stay
So you thought selecting your annual holiday destination was the tough part? Oh no no, hotel selection is without a doubt the most difficult decision you will have to make when visiting Dubai. Why, you might be wondering... well simply because each one you look at seems even more amazing than the one before! One of the many great things Dubai has to offer is that it combines both a city break with a beach escape, so you get the best of both worlds.
We decided to stay in two different hotels during our stay, partly due to the fact that we wanted to stay at both ends of The Palm, partly due to the fact that I couldn't decide on just one! Atlantis, The Palm and Five Palm Jumeirah. Both hotels are stunning but provide, in my opinion, two very different holiday experiences - luckily we loved both.
The Atlantis hotel, where we stayed first and where I celebrated my actual birthday, gave off a more family friendly holiday feel - elevated by its extensive selection of places to eat, an on site aquarium and its very own water park. All on my list of things to see and do and which you can enjoy even though you aren't staying at the hotel itself. One thing that particularly struck me about the Atlantis was its relaxed vibe, I'm sure if you've been searching Dubai holidays you'll know that it's one of the priciest hotels, however whilst we were there, never did I feel uncomfortable or like we had to act in a particular way, it was very much anything goes.
It's worth noting that we stayed in the Imperial Club during our time at Atlantis, something that I would definitely recommend doing. Yes you pay a little more, but you'll receive a luxury private airport transfer service, access to a private beach, complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea and drinks and canapés in the early evening! I even got a lovely little birthday cake and card from the hotel making our stay even more special.
Five Palm Jumeirah Hotel was equally as lovely as Atlantis, however it definitely had a more modern vibe with much less of a family friendly atmosphere. Equally as welcoming, this is where you would find the cool kids hanging out with its Penthouse rooftop bar and pool, picture perfect skyline views and regular DJ hosted parties. The interiors here definitely stole my heart and had me thinking about all kinds of future house plans!
Our room at Five was probably the most amazing hotel room I have ever stayed in; with a living area, separate bedroom, gigantic closet space and bathroom to match, with the most insane golden tub! And not to mention the most spacious balcony, furnished with a table, four chairs, two sun loungers and a fabulous view of the Burj Al Arab!
things to see and do
There are so many things to see and do in Dubai that one 5-day trip is hardly long enough! Sure you could go all out and fit everything in, but half the appeal of Dubai is enjoying some down time relaxing on it's beautiful white sand beaches or by the pool in one of those unbelievable hotels. But, if you are looking for some activity, here is a (short) list of things that are definitely worth going the distance for...
- Visit the Madinat Jumeirah and take a boat tour which leads to the perfect photo spot right in front of the Burj Al Arab.
- If you're feeling extra boujee, then actually visit the Burj Al Arab itself, however you will need a reservation at one of it's bars or restaurants to do this.
- Go to a water park. If you're staying at the Atlantis, as previously mentioned, it has it's own waterpark, Aquaventure, onsite to which hotel guests receive free entry and visitors can buy a pass. There is also Wild Wadi waterpark situated in the Jumeirah Beach area, to which Jumeirah hotel guests also get complimentary entry.
- Shop in the Dubai Mall. You'll find all of your favourite brands and designers here, as well as every eatery you could imagine and a host of other fun surprises. One of those being...
- The Dubai Fountain, situated right outside the Dubai Mall, the fountain show is an absolute must see during your stay in Dubai.
- Experience the world's tallest building. Also in the Dubai Mall area, is the Burj Khalifa. Visit the observation decks to get amazing views of Dubai from above.
- Visit the Miracle Gardens.
- Go to a beach club, there are plenty to choose from!
- See the beautiful marine life up close and personal at the Dubai Aquarium or the Lost Chambers Aquarium.
- Eat lots of amazing food, in some of the most amazing restaurants.
- Walk along Jumeirah Beach.
- Take in the stunning skyline views.
I'd love to hear if you have any Dubai favourites or recommendations of your own! Let me know in the comments.
Amber x
