TRAVEL ARTICLES
Monday, 12 November 2007
Dubai - A Disneyland in the desert
The transformation of Dubai from small pearling village to the vast, brash monument to commerce that it is today makes it a uniquely fascinating city to visit even if you find that the idea of its gaudy, nouveau riche extravagance induces an instinctive shiver of distaste.
Dubai is without doubt a remarkable city, having effectively emerged from nothing forty years ago to become what is now a glittering metropolis in the desert, complete with prosperous economy, world class shopping, and some of the most awe inspiring architecture in the world. Visitors to Dubai can't fail to be impressed by the often overwhelming spectacle that awaits them and can be certain that what the city lacks in culture and history it surely makes up for in extravagant luxury and an impressive array of attractions. Dubai has had more money thrown at it in the last couple of decades than any other city in the world and it shows.
So, what does Dubai have to offer holidaymakers? Perhaps a better question would be what doesn't Dubai have to offer holidaymakers; the city has pretty much all the bases covered - from opulent hotels and world class dining to huge water parks and spectacular indoor ski centres. Here's our rundown of what not to miss:
Where to stay
Since Dubai is generally all about extravagant luxury why not indulge yourself with a full on luxury spa holiday at the Caracalla Spa Resort. Spread over three floors of Le Royal Meridien, the Caracalla distinguishes itself amongst Dubai plethora of 5 star spa resorts by being its biggest and, considering its proximity to the picture perfect and fastidiously maintained Jumeira beach and impressive range of treatments, possibly best. The Caracalla is a Starwood Spa Resort and ranges from £225 to £407 a night.
What to see
There are no shortage of spectacular attractions to keep you entertained but for a surreal and somehow very Dubai experience why not head for the slopes - Ski Dubai, the Middle East's first indoor ski resort (complete with real snow) means you can spend the morning skiing and the afternoon sunning yourself on the beach and typifies Dubai's ambitious efforts to offer visitors almost every conceivable experience, however ostensibly unlikely.
Where to Dine
Again, Dubai isn't short on world class restaurants; there are plenty of gourmet dining opportunities including a host of celebrity chef offerings like Gordon Ramsay's Verre and Gary Rhodes' Mezzanine at Grosvenor House as well as Almaz, part of Mourad Mazouz's (creator of Sketch in London) empire of exclusive restaurants.
Getting there
It's always worth checking bargain travel sites like Travelzoo for cheap flights and holidays in Dubai. At the time of writing for instance 3 nights staying in the 5 star Jebel Ali hotel was available for just 469 pounds.
Dubai is without doubt a remarkable city, having effectively emerged from nothing forty years ago to become what is now a glittering metropolis in the desert, complete with prosperous economy, world class shopping, and some of the most awe inspiring architecture in the world. Visitors to Dubai can't fail to be impressed by the often overwhelming spectacle that awaits them and can be certain that what the city lacks in culture and history it surely makes up for in extravagant luxury and an impressive array of attractions. Dubai has had more money thrown at it in the last couple of decades than any other city in the world and it shows.
So, what does Dubai have to offer holidaymakers? Perhaps a better question would be what doesn't Dubai have to offer holidaymakers; the city has pretty much all the bases covered - from opulent hotels and world class dining to huge water parks and spectacular indoor ski centres. Here's our rundown of what not to miss:
Where to stay
Since Dubai is generally all about extravagant luxury why not indulge yourself with a full on luxury spa holiday at the Caracalla Spa Resort. Spread over three floors of Le Royal Meridien, the Caracalla distinguishes itself amongst Dubai plethora of 5 star spa resorts by being its biggest and, considering its proximity to the picture perfect and fastidiously maintained Jumeira beach and impressive range of treatments, possibly best. The Caracalla is a Starwood Spa Resort and ranges from £225 to £407 a night.
What to see
There are no shortage of spectacular attractions to keep you entertained but for a surreal and somehow very Dubai experience why not head for the slopes - Ski Dubai, the Middle East's first indoor ski resort (complete with real snow) means you can spend the morning skiing and the afternoon sunning yourself on the beach and typifies Dubai's ambitious efforts to offer visitors almost every conceivable experience, however ostensibly unlikely.
Where to Dine
Again, Dubai isn't short on world class restaurants; there are plenty of gourmet dining opportunities including a host of celebrity chef offerings like Gordon Ramsay's Verre and Gary Rhodes' Mezzanine at Grosvenor House as well as Almaz, part of Mourad Mazouz's (creator of Sketch in London) empire of exclusive restaurants.
Getting there
It's always worth checking bargain travel sites like Travelzoo for cheap flights and holidays in Dubai. At the time of writing for instance 3 nights staying in the 5 star Jebel Ali hotel was available for just 469 pounds.
