Dubai long weekend

Dubai was our next stop after our wonderful few days in Oman. We decided to stopover for 2/3 days to catch up with family and friends and prolong the warm weather just a little longer before returning to the depths of winter.

We stayed in the Park Hyatt in Dubai Creek not far from the airport. It is a true oasis of calm and hard to believe you are situated in a busy bustling city. 

We had a room with a balcony overlooking the marina and the city skyline. Along with a swimming pool set in a lush tropical setting, there is the Lagoon which features an infinity pool and a private beach with view of the Burj Khalifa on the other side of the creek. Too bad we weren't there long enough to enjoy it.

The first evening we went to JBR and had an early dinner at Apron & Hammers where you can get a fab choice of fresh seafood and salads. We witnessed an amazing sunset with the most intense colours as we sat outdoors in the warm evening air. After dinner we took a walk over the bridge to the new Blue Waters Island which houses the Caesars Palace Hotel, shops and restaurants. The big wheel is not quite finished yet but will be the largest observation wheel in the world when it's up and running.

We made plans in advance to go to the top of the tallest building in the world, something I had done at night before but never during the day. It's always best to book as the ticket price is cheaper than if you turn up on the day.

The hotel provided a free buggy service to the main road where we could get the Metro to the Dubai Mall which is right next to the Burj Khalifa. The Metro is easy to use and very clean and efficient. You can either buy a single ticket or a metro card depending on your travel plans. There is one ladies only carriage which is at one end of the train but the rest is open to all. When you get off at the Dubai Mall/Burj Khalifa stop, it's good to know that it's approximately 20 minutes to walk to the mall - all under cover and with moving walkways. So if walking is not your thing, it's probably best to take a cab there as they are not expensive. 

We had lunch at Todd English overlooking the dancing fountains at the Mall prior to our ascent. Our tickets were booked for 2.30pm. We arrived early as suggested and still had to queue. It's a really busy attraction and it took approximately half and hour of waiting in line and security checks before we even got into the elevators which took us up to the 124th floor. The elevator ride is only 1 minute.
Needless to say the view from up there is spectacular and you can stay as long as you want.
Allow yourself a good amount of time if you visit.


We spent a little time at the Mall
afterwards then went back to the hotel to chill before dinner. We walked a few minutes along the marina to QD's live lounge where we had dinner and drinks al fresco with great music from the resident DJ and views of the Dubai skyline.

Yet another stunning 'winters' day in Dubai, we had breakfast overlooking the marina and set out for the airport to drop my friend off. I stayed on another day and hung out with the fam, grabbing a light bite and an oat cappuccino at a lovely wild food and juice bar Wild and the Moon in Alkersal Avenue followed by a visit to the Mall of Emirates to buy some Christmas goodies.

A quick but fab little visit to Dubai I headed to the airport carrying my winter coat ready for my return to the cold English winter. 

Muscat, Oman .. a breath of fresh air and some winter sun

It's been almost 2 weeks since I've been back from my Oman trip. It left such an impression on me that I've been at a loss as to where to start so here goes.

I can't say I've always wanted to go to Oman. It wasn't even on my radar until relatively recently when I heard a work colleague saying how lovely it was. I did some research and I was immediately hooked. The need for a relaxing winter sun holiday combined with a little culture, and not too crowded, Muscat seemed to fit this bill perfectly.

We flew to Dubai with Emirates and got a connecting flight to Muscat, just 40 minutes away. The new Oman International airport is 32km from where we stayed in the old part of town and being Friday (the start of their weekend) the roads were clear with the journey just under half an hour. 

Tucked away between the sea and the Al Hajar Mountains is the Al Bustan Palace. Now run by Ritz Carlton, it was once a palace and when you walk through the doors you can't help but notice the magnificent chandelier hanging down from the 125 foot dome in the lobby.

Its a beautiful quiet location and a perfect time of year to go. Daytime temperatures were 27C and evenings around 19-21C with low humidity. We were lucky to have missed the storm which ravaged the area a few days before and the beach was being restored the first couple of days we were there. This did not in any way impact the holiday and the pool was a perfect place to relax. They provide you with a cool box and free bottled water which was a nice touch.

The breakfasts were outstanding. Everything you could want and more and a great view of the pool and sea to start your day. I loved the fresh fruit and juices. In fact all the restaurants in the complex were excellent. There was a good variety including Chinese, Turkish and seafood, with freshly caught fish on the menu every day.

They have everything here including a number of shops on the lower level selling beachwear, artifacts, scarves etc. There is also a Spa accessed by buggy or about a 10 minute walk away which was an absolute sanctuary. Encompassing 33,000 sq. ft. and three levels within an Arabian fort-inspired structure, the resort’s Six Senses Spa offers a distinct wellness experience. The beachfront sanctuary pulls from Omani culture both for its design and its treatments, which feature locally sourced ingredients. Treatment rooms include six hammam rooms, and separate ladies’ and gentlemen’s relaxation areas feature infrared saunas, ice fountains and steam rooms.

I have tried a lot of spa treatments on my travels and can honestly say that this was one of the best experiences I have had.

Given that with all the above you could easily stay within the confines of the resort, we chose to get out and about. The hotel has a free shuttle to the Souq at Mutrah on a Monday evening so we hopped on board. It's a typical Arabian souq with everything on offer - local souvenirs, pashminas from India, jewellery, spices and clothing. It caters a lot for the cruise ships that dock in the harbour nearby so the vendors are very vocal in trying to entice you to come and buy their wares. We had time to go to a nearby Indian restaurant Kirkum and grab a bite to eat before heading back.

Tuesday morning we went on a free trip courtesy of the hotel to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque about 20 minutes drive away. Women are asked to dress conservatively so we made sure we were well covered and had a head scarf during our visit inside. You also have to remove your shoes so worth wearing something easily slipped off.

The Mosque is a stunningly beautiful piece of modern Islamic architecture with a magnificent central chandelier which is the largest I have ever seen. The colours and decorations in the main prayer hall give an air of tranquillity. The hand loomed carpet is also a thing of beauty and took 4 years to complete. The Mosque is definitely a must-see and a walk around the exterior is also recommended. There is no cost to enter.

Our next adventure took us out on a day trip to the desert approximately 200km away. Our concierge organised it for us and an Omani guide arrived promptly at 8am to take us on the 3 hour journey south east towards Bidiyah. It was an interesting drive through the countryside seeing various towns and villages along the way. As we got closer to our destination, we could see the red sands of the dunes in the distance. We stopped to have the air pressure reduced in the tyres of our 4 wheel drive so that we could navigate the fine sands and dunes of the desert. Our first stop was at a Bedouin tent and we went in for traditional Arabic coffee and dates at no charge. It was surprisingly cool under cover and a local woman was selling her wares inside which we were not obligated to buy. 

They asked us if we would like to ride a camel so having never done it before we decided to give it a try. It was an experience but not one I will repeat again as if I'd had time to think about it at the time would have rather donated to the upkeep of the animal than ride it. Just my feeling on it.

We sat on the ridge of a dune and looked over the amazing landscape, taking in the vastness, silence and serenity. I could have sat there all day but it was time to go to our next port of call, Wadi Bani Khalid. We had planned to go in for a swim but when we arrived it was crowded with local families picnicking and enjoying the beautiful weather. We soon realised it was the holidays in honour of Oman's National Day so decided instead to just stay for lunch and enjoy the view before our long journey back to Muscat. It's also useful to know that flip flops are not the best shoes to wear here.

We spent our last full day enjoying the pool at the hotel and the beach followed by our respective sessions at the fabulous Six Senses Spa and dinner at the Beach Pavillion Bar and Grill.

It was a truly magical 6 days and nights - perfect weather, beautiful sunrises and sunsets and hospitality second to none. If you think there's nothing to do in Oman think again. We only touched on a small section of it and if I get the opportunity to come back I would be there in a heartbeat. There is a vast country to explore - mountainous regions, ancient cities and subtropical climates down south a mere 1,000 kms away.

Oman quick facts Click on this link for all the info you need including where to apply for your Oman e-visa.