Jess Woods, Sales & Marketing Specialist at Savile Row Travel, flew out to experience the ultimate stopover destination on her way to the Maldives. She spent 72 incredible hours exploring everything Dubai has to offer, including jet-skiing around the Burj Al Arab, a helicopter tour of the city’s skyline and a traditional cultural understanding lunch with local Emiratees. Read on to discover her adventure and contact our team to find out how you can experience Dubai in style. Call 01491 575 987 or email info@savilerowtravel.co.uk.
“the ultimate stopover destination”
Arriving in Dubai for the first time is a surreal experience: watching the Burj Khalifa glisten from the plane window as you approach the city in 5 am darkness is a sight straight from the silver screen. Flying with Emirates, we were guaranteed a comfortable and seamless overnight journey from London, and so we stepped off the plane feeling fresh and ready to explore Dubai! Our hosts greeted us and led us through fast-track immigration and we were in our luxury transfer in no time, on the marina – but with time to spare for a sunrise visit to see the Burj Khalifa up close! The area surrounding the Burj is a beautiful waterfront setting that gets very busy later on in the day so we recommend an early morning stop.
Discovering Jumeirah Burj Al Arab
It was then time for breakfast at Cafe Delizie at Dubai Marina before we boarded a private yacht for a tour along the Dubai coast, a swim in the Arabian Gulf and a spot of lunch onboard. I will never forget how special it was to float through the incredible skyrises of the city – a glass of wine in hand – travelling through the branches of The Palm to see the iconic Burj Al Arab for the first time. Unbelievably – and I still have to pinch myself to believe it happened – this would be my 7-star home for the next three nights!
Perhaps Dubai’s most famous landmark, the sail-shaped Jumeirah Burj Al Arab is adorned on every fridge magnet, postcard and t-shirt from the city’s souvenir collection, but inside, it is one of the most luxurious hotels in the world. Roughly the same height as the Eiffel Tower, guests are immediately made to feel special as we are whisked through gated security checks, holding selfie-taking tourists at bay. ‘Over-the-top’ is an understatement here. From the moment you step into the grand lobby, you’re immediately hit with elegant gold walls, plush furnishings and wraparound tropical fish tanks, with the world-famous escalators in prime position leading up to the suites.
The suites at the Burj Al Arab are truly second to none. In fact, when showing my ‘entry-level’ room to friends at home, they assumed I had been magically upgraded to the Presidential Suite. Walking in, I was immediately stunned by the grand golden staircase which led up to my bedroom, dressing area and (huge) master bathroom. My sudden desire to run upstairs and explore was quickly dispersed by awe at the rest of my suite – I had a bar area, desk, dining table and living area in front of me, framed with floor-to-ceiling views of The Palm! When I say I was mesmerised, I am not exaggerating. My butler patiently showed me the buttons to open my curtains, the dimmer settings on the lights, and WhatsApp concierge service, while I slowly came around to the reality of living here for three whole days. Let’s not forget the in-room amenities: bathrooms are stocked to the brim with Hermès products, including a full-sized perfume for every guest; the wardrobes are outfitted with robes, kimonos, indoor slippers and flip-flops for the pool; and the pillow menu has nine options of fluffiness…
From personal greetings from the lobby lift attendant who somehow always had a lift ready to go to my floor, to evening knocks on my door from my butler who thought I might like a glass of wine and crab canapés while I get ready for the night, the level of service at this hotel is something that will be unmatched in my experience.
Day Two: Jet-Skiing, Cultural Understanding & Showhouse
Our second day in Dubai began with an adrenaline-fuelled jet-ski adventure! We were set free to explore the bay around Burj Al Arab, screaming our lungs out as we bounced over waves and skidded across the water. Although thoroughly enjoying the fun, we were constantly distracted by the unreal scenery in front of us and the view of the beach from the ocean, the Burj, shining in the morning sun, calling us home. A ‘once-in-a-lifetime experience’ doesn’t quite cut it for this one.
After changing, we were whisked to Al Fahidi, where a deliciously authentic lunch of biryani, soup and fried desserts was waiting for us at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding. Sitting on cushions on the floor around the communal dishes, we were greeted by a young Emiratee who shared his experience growing up in Dubai and told us all about his culture and traditions. We were invited to ask questions on any topic: can men really have multiple wives? What happens in an arranged marriage? Are women allowed to work? It was truly a fascinating experience and a welcome break from the flashy tourism focus of the rest of the city.
After our lunch, it was time to venture downtown and explore One&Only One Za’abeel, the ‘two-tower’ icon connected by The Link pool suspended in mid-air. Elegance and sophistication glimmer throughout the hotel floors, which begin on floor 38, with glamorous dining, transformative wellbeing, and curated fashion, art and culinary experiences under one roof. Our visit concluded with a graceful mixology class at La Dame De Pic, overlooking views of the Burj Khalifa at sunset…
With time to get ready for the evening, we had our hair and make-up done back at the Burj Al Arab, in time for dinner at The Showhouse, ‘Dubai’s newest sophisticated entertainment experience’. Combining live performances and immersive technology with seasonal set menus, crafted from the best ingredients and inspired by French cuisine, the evening was a glamorous party and a fun way to spend the night.
Day Three: Aquarium Yoga, Cloud 22 & Helicopter Flights
Day three began with a divine breakfast next to the pool deck in the Middle Eastern sunshine, complete with an extensive buffet, endless iced lattes, pastry baskets and a made-to-order menu that would rival any high-end restaurant. Dressed in our yoga gear, we set off to The Palm for a visit to the Lost Chambers Aquarium at Atlantis The Palm, where our class began… We stretched, posed and relaxed following our instructor, although it was hard not to get distracted by the grinning rays and colourful fish dancing behind her! After our class, we took the short drive to Atlantis The Royal, the newer of the two which was opened by Beyonce two years ago. An influencer haven, it’s hard not to like The Royal. The atmosphere sings serenity and peacefulness – in stark contrast to the buzzing family vibe of The Palm. The highlight, however, is Cloud 22, the rooftop pool and bar with the very best view of the skyline. While away the hours on an in-pool sunbed as playful cocktails and sublime snacks are endlessly refreshed.
After the inevitable photo shoot concluded, we returned to Jumeirah for an abra (wooden boat) tour of Madinat Abra, a modern interpretation of a traditional Arab village featuring four luxury desert-coloured resorts and 29 enchanting restaurants intertwined by creamy blue waterways and romantic gardens.
As if we hadn’t been spoiled enough during our time in Dubai, it was now time for yet another unforgettable experience: a helicopter ride! After a safety demonstration inside, we were escorted out onto the tarmac, led into the helicopter and strapped in, ready to take off on our 17 minute flight. Having never been on a helicopter before, it was a strangely surreal feeling, literally rising straight up into the air and floating through the skies above the palm, the marina, the downtown area and the glistening ocean below. How lucky am I to experience my first flight here!
Our final evening in Dubai began with a hair and make-up appointment at the salon in the Burj Al Arab, the perfect way to start our final celebrations! When we were all dolled up, we were whisked back out to the palm for a tour of Jumeirah Zabeel Saray and a delicious dinner of fresh seafood, steak and salads on the beach at Zenzi.
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Planning Your Adventure
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