Dubai is one of my favourite cities so when the opportunity came up for a 4-night trip with Emirates and Jumeirah Hotels I couldn’t turn it down.
It’s a very relaxed city and while food and drink can be expensive if you dine in some of the exclusive restaurants, there are many affordable options available. One of the things that does stand out
about Dubai is the level of service that you experience, and that’s whether you’re eating at your hotel’s restaurant or simply grabbing a coffee at the local Costa.
It was only a quick 4-day visit, however we packed in so much it was an incredible experience. We went on a night-time desert safari, took a seaplane flight over Dubai and got to view Dubai from the observation deck on the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa.
There’s way more to Dubai than just shopping. From the cultural highlights of the Creek, to the glitzy Marina, there’s plenty on offer. We went Dune bashing in the desert, which was amazing, but you can also ride camels or go sand boarding. We got a great cultural insight with a Bedouin Camp experience where we enjoyed a full BBQ dinner in tents, we got fire dancers, and the sunset was magical.
Whilst on the Jumeirah Palm we made the most of the location. It’s got a boardwalk, tons of restaurants, beach clubs, and a pretty good nightlife. The whole area is quite high-end, but it has a relaxed feel with everyone walking around in shorts and flip-flops, although many of the restaurants in the evenings are more formal.
Anyone who’s an adrenaline junkie absolutely has to go up the Burj Khalifa. The lift up takes 60 seconds to cover 124 floors and the speed even makes your ears pop. Of course, a view always gets better with a cocktail and we got the chance to enjoy one at Gold on 27, the 27th-floor bar at the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah. You might have seen this hotel on the BBC documentary. It’s considered the most luxurious hotel in the world. Staying here may not be an option, but I’d recommend visiting the bar as taking in the Dubai sunset from Gold on 27 is impressive.
We were also lucky enough to take in the Dubai panoramas from a seaplane, which as well as being an exciting way to see the city, it gave me a real sense of how quickly the city is being transformed, with skyscrapers going up in every direction.
I get asked all the time where people should stay, but it totally depends on what you’re after from your holiday. If you’ve got your eye on Dubai for a relaxing beach holiday, I’d recommend Jumeirah Beach or The Palm. Jumeirah Beach is more of a long, white-sanded strip with things to do (water skiing, promenades, great swimming) and it’s a more central location. The Palm is more a cluster of beaches with resorts like the Atlantis. Both offer stunning horizons, plus endless drinking and dining opportunities. There’s also Kite Beach and the wide-open walkways at the fancy new La Mer beach.
If you want to explore the neighbourhoods, I’d suggest checking out both the Marina and the Creek. The Marina is pretty amazing as a setting in itself. Docked boats are surrounded by loads of curved skyscrapers and glass, and the waterside cafes and restaurants provide really relaxing settings. You’ve got Skydive Dubai, Dubai Marina Mall, cinemas, and the Dubai Marina Walk where you can shop, drink, dine, and even get your daily Starbucks by the waterfront.
For winding walkways and the smell of spices, head to the Old Souk. This covered market has a real old feel, there’s a Gold, Textile, and Spice Souk, the locals are really friendly, and you can pick up stuff you’d never find in the UK. My tip is to visit around 11am before it gets too crowded.
For the shopaholics, Dubai has everything from Gucci to cut-price Nike, with a mall for everything you could imagine. The Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates are the most famous. These places aren’t just a couple of floors with shops. They’ve got fountains, aquariums, human waterfalls, and even a 155 million-year-old dinosaur display at the Dubai Mall. If you’re in Dubai to shop, there are even hotels linked – you literally roll out of bed and shop. Cheaper shopping at the Dubai Outlet Mall is also great, and there’s endless food wherever you are.
Wherever you go (and whatever your budget), you’ll be impressed. Standards are high in Dubai. Rooms are large, dining is superb, and attention to detail is the reason why Dubai has earned its reputation as number 1 for luxury.
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Fantastic service, its the second time booking with Michelle, she has been brilliant, if this next holiday lives up to the last one, it will be fabulous.
Excellent service, competitive prices, nothing to much trouble sorting out any extras required, the agent I dealt with, Kadie, was extremely helpful, professional & polite. I put in a request about where I'd like to go by email, an email came back with the itinerary I'd asked for with a further information & then I…
A wonderful company to do business with. No question or request is too much trouble. The holidays created are top notch. Support whilst away is excellent. Would highly recommend.
From my first conversation with Dave I immediately felt in safe, sensible hands. We have booked what will be a very different type of holiday and are confident that his recommendations and research will pay off
Approachable and professional
eShores were really helpful when I wanted a Taylor made holiday they were the best price out there by a long way found them very easy to deal with always treated politely I would recommend them to anyone
We were recommended Kadie by friends and has now been our holiday representative for the last 4 years travelling throughout Asia, she is always so helpful, friendly and available to answer queries. Everything always runs very smoothly. Thank you Kadie, we would always recommend you too
Asked for a specific itinerary for Sicily - Emma came up with one, plus all transfer options; we then did some changes and she put together exactly the holiday we wanted! Very easy and pleasant to talk to; very professional.
I always feel that eShores listen to what I want from my trip and put together a package that suits my needs. Anna has been charming to deal with. She put together a wonderful tour of Malaysia and Borneo for me and has just arranged a trip to Costa Rica for me which I am…
Book every time with Dave at eshores always excellent service, wouldn't go anywhere else
We haven't had the holiday yet but the booking process was excellent. Looking to see several of the smaller islands of Greece the suggested itinerary met our requirements exactly. Each location had an option of three different hotels but our in depth research of each island just confirmed that the suggested one was the best.…
Used Eshores earlier this year for a trip to Venice and Florence. Excellent holiday. All arrangements by Eshores were brilliant. Have recently booked another holiday with them. Again, easy to deal with. They take care to ensure everything arranged to your wishes.
Claire at eShores was friendly, professional and creative in setting up a multi-centre holiday over Christmas and New Year, including all international and inter-Caribbean flights. Nothing was too much trouble and our whims and wishes were all taken into account. Ongoing support is excellent. We cannot recommend eShores highly enough.
Good communication, prompt service, love the way the quote is laid out all details are included also with the option of upgrading your hotel. So far so good.
Very friends staff always available to answer my questions re availability and costs . Willing to research my requests and advise possibilities .
We have now used eShores probably 6 times and every time they have been so informative and helpful, thoroughly recommend
Kadie delivers with professional, empathetic and prompt efficiency. She always goes that extra mile, making us feel confident and reassured as oldies with our travelling plans.
Emily was very helpful she gave me different options till I got the right holiday for me abd my family.
Great value and Emily the consultant was both knowledgeable and efficient . Will definately use this Company again
Kadie went over and above and it wasnt her working day she responded to evey email .It was really easy and communication has bern great so far
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