Thrills & Spills

It all began just like any good journey should, with a glass of champagne onboard my Emirates flight. Unlike my inaugural trip, there must now be over 25 daily flights from the UK to Dubai from larger regional airports. And, with a flight time of just seven hours and an average of 8-10 hours of sunshine, it’s easy to see why Dubai remains firmly on the map as one of the UK’s favourite destinations.

Since its formation in 1971, the emirate has transformed from a desert oasis and fishing village to a sprawling metropolitan hub and I was blown away by the pioneering building projects that now dot the landscape, like the Burj Khalifa, the Museum of The Future and the Palm Jumeirah, not to mention the rolodex of entertainment options.

It’s a city that’s just made for bucket lists. Firstly, there’s a packed calendar of sporting, music, cultural and shopping events to keep visitors busy throughout the year; and that’s before you’ve seen the insane amount of out-of-this-world activities on offer – from gravity-defying, sky-high experiences and the world’s deepest swimming pool for diving, to a labyrinth of magnificent theme parks. There are lots of gentler options too, like traditional dhow cruises, rainforest expeditions, the world’s largest natural flower garden, and an array of desert adventures. It would take a lifetime to explore all that Dubai has to offer, so it’s no wonder people return time and time again.

One&Only The Palm

If you want more of an escape, while keeping Dubai’s attractions within easy reach, you can’t beat One&Only The Palm. Set on The Palm’s secluded West Crescent, it oozes luxury as soon as you arrive, thanks to its own stretch of beach, spectacular pool, three restaurants by Michelin-starred French chef Yannick Alléno, the UAE’s only Guerlain Spa, 90 rooms and suites and four superb villas.

The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai

Intimate and discreet, with a bounty of accommodation, restaurants, bars and pools, this is one of the emirate’s oldest and largest beachfront resorts. And, while it does have bragging rights to a coveted location at the heart of The Walk at JBR – the buzzing beachside boulevard with an array of retail, dining and entertainment haunts – it’s so serene, you really wouldn’t know it.

One&Only Royal Mirage

A jewel of nature in extensive gardens, well insulated from Dubai’s frenetic pace, this beachfront oasis interlaces Arabian magic with modern comforts across The Palace, Arabian Court, The Residence and two beachfront villas. There’s an abundance of restaurants and experiences, including four pools, just under a mile of private beach and the super-cool, adults-only DRIFT Beach Club.

Jumeirah Burj Al Arab

Set on its own island, connected to the mainland by private causeway, the world’s first seven-star hotel is still one of Dubai’s most desirable, despite little changing in 25 years. At over 1800 square feet, the ‘standard’ Duplex Suites – with Marina or Palm views – are really quite something; and dining, though expensive, is spectacularly good (ditto the pool, beach club, spa and service).

Jumeirah Beach Hotel

This is a fantastic family friendly property, and it didn’t take me long to quickly understand its enduring popularity. The convenience of the adjacent Wild Wadi Waterpark™; variety of activities and restaurants; and private beach with two distinct experiences – child-centric zones and the more sophisticated Cove Beach Bar and Restaurant – make this an effortless choice for all.

Madinat Jumeirah

Exploring this Arabian mini-city comprised of ornate souks, beachfront hotspots, a mile-plus stretch of private beach, spa facilities and over 50 different restaurants, nightspots and lounges across its 99 acres – is an experience in itself. Also on-site are several five-star hotels, including Al Qasr, Mina A’Salam and Al Naseem; a cluster of traditional Arabic houses at Dar Al Masyaf; and seven grand homes at Malakiya Villas; while free access to the Wild Wadi Waterpark™ adds oodles of additional appeal.

Hidden Heritage

Determined to challenge the notion that Dubai lacks culture, I ventured into Old Dubai and found myself pleasantly surprised. Beyond the glittering skyscrapers lies a world of souks, sandcoloured buildings, winding alleyways and traditional merchants’ houses. These atmospheric streets, with their hidden cafés and authentic shops, revealed a Dubai I really hadn’t expected to find – one that tells the story of how this remarkable city came to be.

Final Thoughts

Don’t get me wrong. You’re definitely still more likely to find me trekking in the depths of Costa Rica, or horse-riding across the Big Sky vistas of Montana – but I have to admit that Dubai impressed me much more than I expected it to. The city’s modern design, advanced infrastructure and commitment to pushing boundaries while maintaining impeccable service standards are remarkable. It’s a place that’s mastered the art of luxury and, having only just scratched the surface on this trip, I will definitely return – though perhaps not waiting so long next time!”