This holiday was more than a mirage. My Husband had travelled on business to Dubai many times and was so impressed with the country that we decided that it should be a family holiday destination but with a difference. Rather than stay in one of the fabulously luxurious city hotels we opted for a hotel 'in the desert'. The brochure photos looked beautiful and my research proved that maybe this was the place of our dreams! After arriving mid afternoon at Dubai airport and being wowed by the airport we were met by the hotel's transport and were driven through the city and then out towards desert land. After a short while we turned a corner and it was really like a mirage. As we passed dune after dune we spied what looked like an Arabian fortress in the distance with a hazy dreamlike appearance which made us blink and rub our eyes, as if in disbelief if what we saw. As we neared the hotel entrance and drove along the entrance road we reached the hotel. Its opulence and design was amazing. On entering the hotel there were alcoves of splendidly luxurious cushions and draped curtains, furniture which depicted the Arabian craftsmanship. Once shown to our rooms we were speechless with delight at the huge bed with beautiful sheets and covers, chairs and window seating crammed full of cushions and a take endowed with bowls of fruit and bottles of water. The bathroom had a huge corner bath, with a shower over head with the biggest shower head I had seen. Plenty if fluffy white towels and a good stock of bathroom essentials of the highest quality. Later in the restaurant we were treated to the most delightful array of food which included local dishes and European usuals. On wandering around the hotel grounds we came across many nooks and crannies to sit and relax and areas, with fire pits. Everywhere there were cushions, drapes and fountains. To be honest we were absolutely gobsmacked with this wonderful, romantic hotel and didn't think anything else could top this but then we came across the pool area. A large infinity pool and small pools around the sides of all different depths, shapes and sizes, including a pool which had rainfalls of water around the sides. A swim by pool also. Loungers – single and double placed all around the pools and surrounding areas with huge parasols to,protect you from the scorching heat. Staff were dressed immaculately in uniform or traditional dress and were extremely helpful, kind and considerate. There were bar areas with seating, a mini golf course also. One night we chose to eat in the outside restaurant – although we didn't know where this was and were strutted to follow the pathway which was lit with torches. As we wended our way along the pathway we came across an Arabian fortress and once inside there were tables and chairs, cooking stations, traditional market stalls with local fare, Henna artists and a bar, the meal was delicious with a wide variety plus also there was entertainment . Belly dancers, singers and as we looked up beautiful white horses were displaying their skills outside the fort, as the sand had been built up to above the fort walls so, you saw them as if they were on the fort walls. After the horses the camels trailed around and you could then go t the stables to see them all. Although not into spas myself, they had wonderful spa and gym facilities. The hotel also arranged trips to various places and also the shopping malls. Also a Jeep safari amongst the dunes – which we took the children on – it was amazing! The kids also got to sand surf down the dunes! An experience! An absolute dream, romantic and also for family. I would recommend again and again and would love to visit again. The price of the holiday was excellent, not as expensive as you might think!
