DUBAI

OVERVIEW

With year-round sunshine and a reasonably short 7-hour flight time, Dubai is a mecca for sun worshippers. It also happens to suit those looking for a certain type of glamour; huge shopping malls and Michelin-starred restaurants with jaw-dropping views will appeal to those travellers who prefer the more glamorous things in life.

The luxury hotels also guarantee 5* service without breaking a sweat. Spend a day in one of the luxurious spas, break the bank in The Dubai Mall or visit one of the restaurants that offer the very best in fresh, organic food. Dubai knows how to keep on trend after all. It’s all been created in the last ten years so they really have no excuse.

But don’t think of Dubai as one big building site.  In fact, Dubai is also great for families, boasting child-friendly waterparks and huge hotel complexes with not one, two or even three swimming pools. You can also get out to explore the Sahara. Go dune bashing in a 4X4 or stay a little closer to the ground, ‘sandboarding’ the dunes on what is effectively a snowboard designed for sunnier climes.

You name it, Dubai has it. Or if it doesn’t have it, it’s building it

CURRENT FAVES

ONE&ONLY ROYAL MIRAGE

The Palace is a regal beachfront hotel to soak up the sea views from the private balconies. Restaurants include a taste of the Mediterranean at Olives, Moroccan influences at Tagine and seafood grills down on the beach. With water sports on your doorstep, The Palace Grande Pool and a private stretch of Jumeirah Beach right in front of the hotel, this is the perfect spot for a few days in Dubai. With four swimming pools to choose from, 3X tennis course and the acclaimed One&Only Spa, you’ll be spoilt for choice. You can also take a boat shuttle between the resort’s hotels in Dubai.

ANANTARA THE PALM

This resort hotel on Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah has a vast spa and swimming pool, fringed by a white, sandy beach. There are also a whole host of restaurants to choose from. It’s particularly family-friendly. The hotel benefits from a free kids club with a fenced paddling pool, sand pits and climbing areas, as well as a teen-friendly area with a pool table. English-speaking nannies are available with just 3 hours’ notice. When you’ve packed the kids off for the day, you can make your way to the sprawling spa to indulge. With 18 treatment rooms and couples’ facilities, you can almost pretend the kids were never with you in the first place. Benefitting from the private beach in front of your hotel, you can all resume activities together at the watersports centre.