Dubai

After an awesome start to my vacation in Ras Al Khaimah, it was back to Dubai to stay with my best buddy for a couple of days at the Park Hyatt, a five star luxury resort in Dubai Creek. We have stayed there before and it's a great location if you want to be near the airport but also within a metro ride to the Dubai Mall and beyond. It is right beside the 18 hole championship Dubai Creek Golf Course and Dubai Yacht Club.

There is also an exclusive spa, considered among the finest in the UAE, which I would love to try if I was to stay there again.

I love the layout and design of the hotel complex. With Moorish 

and Mediterranean influences and the sandy beach and adult infinity pool, it's a place you wouldn't have to leave if you don't want to. It feels spacious and despite it's proximity to the airport, is peacefully quiet. There are a number of good restaurants to choose from of varying cuisines from Spanish Tapas, Thai, New England and Nikkei, and a new beach club, Twiggy by La Cantine. 'Internationally inspired with South of France soul', there's something for everyone.

The breakfast choice at The Brasserie du Park is one of the best I have had with a buffet of fresh fruits, pastries, Middle Eastern dishes, eggs done in any style imaginable and much more. If you choose to sit outside, you also get an amazing view of the marina, the Creek and the Burj Khalifa in the distance.

We were nearby the Textile Souk in the historic Bur Dubai on the Creek so went searching for good fabrics to buy. There is a myriad choice and we found some lovely bargains. If you have the luxury of time, you can even get one of the tailors to make you something while you are there. I'm not sure yet what I will make from my fabric finds, but something will come to mind I am sure! 

On our first evening we went to The Pointe on the Palm. All the restaurants are located on the waterfront but being a very hot and humid night we wanted somewhere to eat inside with air con. We chose Saya with it's signature pink decor and creative cocktails. It's a fun place and of course a good location for any Instagram shots if you're that way inclined. 

Moving on from there we walked along the waterfront and watched the new Palm fountain show - set to the song 'I Will Survive' with the illuminated Atlantis Hotel as the backdrop.

On our last night there, we opted to eat at the hotel's Thai Kitchen restaurant. It was the perfect choice - fresh authentically prepared food at the end of a long day of shopping and walking. 

After dinner we walked outside into the warm night air as it was much milder and less hot and humid. On a whim we decided not to go straight back to our room and have a night cap instead.

We sat by the fire pits in the courtyard enjoying a couple of glasses of our favourite Provence rosé, listening to some great tunes played by the resident DJ and hatching plans for next year's travel.

The next day was our last at the Hyatt as we prepared to move on to an apartment in a more residential part of the city.

The rest of our stay was taken up meeting up with friends, pool days, beach visits and EXPO 2020.