In the Bahamas you can swim with pigs, in Florida with dolphins, but here in Dubai I’m swimming in the sky, high above skyscrapers and sand, a mere 294 metres above sea level, on floor seventy-seven with panoramic views over the Arabian Gulf. Embraced in a pure blue light, above any activity, there’s no noise or humdrum of city life, just the moment and the gentle breeze rippling the water with rays of sunshine stroking its surface. Serenity.
This is my Address in Dubai where sightseeing can be enjoyed from a different perspective, high and from afar. I’m staying in one of Dubai’s newest resorts and one which has added yet more stylish signatures to this emirate’s architecture. Dubai strives to be impressionable whether being the first, the largest, the biggest. I am experiencing the tallest inhabited sky bridge in the world which has transformed the Jumeirah Beach skyline, earning it the Guinness World Records™ titles for the ‘Highest Occupiable Skybridge Floor in the world’ and, here in the pool as the ‘Highest outdoor infinity pool in a building in the world’.
The Address Beach Resort sits on the edge of Dubai’s popular Marina, an enviable position to spot the key features of this glittering, glamourous destination. From the 75-metre pool with its loungers wallowing in water and swanky private cabanas providing reprieve from the heat, sightings of Dubai can be appreciated from this high altitude. The tranquillity of this resort makes for the perfect platform to observe the buzz of Dubai.
The soaring spire of the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, peeps over the clouds while nearer and clearer is the sail boat shape of the Burj Al Arab, which stands on an artificial island and often recognised as the distinctive autograph of this destination. The iconic Ain Dubai (Dubai Eye), glinting in the sun, neighbours the new walkway to Blue Water with a promenade of restaurants and retail as well as Madam Tussauds Dubai which opened last October.
Under a veil of shrouded sun is the outlined shape of the Palm harbouring residences, beach clubs, and restaurants that now make it seem a city in itself. This was created using land which extends into the Persian Gulf. This project started in 2001, land and basic infrastructure were in place by 2004. buildings construction began in 2006 and the first residents arrived in 2007. Looking out, it’s hard to believe that this was once just sea and sand.
Dubai is a melting pot of flavours and here, at this Address, it is another culinary destination in itself from Li’Brasil serving a blend of Lebanese and Brazilian cuisines, internationally inspired dishes in The Restaurant and Mediterranean dining in the Beach Grill convenient for pool-side munching. But if a floating breakfast is your wish, the adult-only ZETA Seventy Seven restaurant will accommodate. The dining experiences are enhanced by their setting. Art and design play a major role with gigantic sculptures creating an ambiance of a private gallery with breath-taking pieces appearing in various locations to surprise and delight. The delicate glass flowers in blue and white suspended from the high ceilings in the atrium are enchanting. From the airy lobby lounge and terrace aniconic calligraphic art piece by emirati artist Mattar Bin Lahej gilds the landscape radiating an ethereal quality, engraving the tone of the contemporary style of modern Dubai, a nod to balance and sustainability while retaining a representation to culture and heritage.
Image – art & design
Dubai’s temperature gauge can rise to melting point, making walking around hot and sticky. Sightseeing from one of Dubai’s many high-altitude platforms is one way to view the destination comfortably but there are a number of new and traditional attractions worth a visit in person. My recommendations include:
The new Museum of the Future is an awe-inspiring structure. It may take you years ahead of time but make sure your footwear is comfortable as its vast.
Check out who is performing before you visit. There are a variety of productions, from classical music and pop concerts to ballet and musicals. Located in downtown Dubai, it’s spacious and worth going to see.
This is Dubai’s first permanent show which has been running a few years. It’s energetic and creative with impressive stunts and special effects – a touch of Cirque de Soleil in an aqua theatre. Expect to get a little wet if you sit near the front! It is located in the heart of Dubai at Al Habtoor City.
Having travelled to Dubai many times these fountains, complete with the backdrop of the Burj Khalifa, still retain that wow factor. There is such a buzz around this area with many outdoor restaurants and The Dubai Mall which is retail at its biggest, so be ready with your credit card. The Dubai Fountains stage shows throughout the day from sunset to midnight from two giant floating platforms. These cover 14,000 sq. meters of sea water, towering at 105 meters, and the lights from 3,000 LEDs.
A Dhow Cruise
Glide down the Dubai creek on an Arabian Dhow for a glimpse into Dubai’s history. There are also trips around the palm and marina to explore New Dubai. Cruises also offer dining packages.
Dubai’s futuristic appeal is unending. The emirate is constantly developing new attractions and experiences, appealing to all age-groups across all nationalities. It is not easy to wind down in a city that is vertiginous and frenetic but I found a place drenched in design, punctuated with privileged views. Sightseeing from the sky and swimming in the clouds is a comfortable way to appreciate the skyline and to experience the latest of Dubai’s luxury offerings.
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Our Silver Travel Advisors have great suggestions and ideas for your holidays in Dubai. Give them a call on 0800 412 5678 to find out what’s waiting for you!
One Response
Wow very insightful. Thank you