he Tales and Travels of Taylor Made PA – Dubai Diaries
Published 02.04.2022
Hello!
One perk of being a Travel Agent is the occasional “FAM Trip” or Familiarisation Trip. With my return to travel in 2019 and Covid shitting the world down, I was delighted to receive the invite to Dubai from Gold Medal Travel a few weeks back. My first “FAM” in almost 20-years. So this is the Dubai Diaries!
Pre Travel Regulations
When the trip was confirmed the restrictions for Dubai dictated that as a fully vaccinated traveller a PCR Test was required 48-hours prior to travel. But with travel improving just a few hours before I had my rest restrictions were relaxed and no PCR required.
I had my test booked with Randox and I cannot fault their customer service. I emailed them to confirm the cancellation as I couldn’t cancel online so close to booking. And within 3-hours I had an Email confirming the cancellation and a refund would be with me. No questions asked.
So all I needed was to check-in and show my NHS Covid Pass.
Travelling to the Airport
It was my first Gatwick trip in a while. I try and fly from Heathrow where possible as it’s a little over 12-miles from home and not much more than a 20-minute taxi ride.
I debated getting the train and looked into a taxi. But opted to drive and trial the Meet and Greet” service. Located just opposite the terminal building in the Car Park of the Sofitel. My car was even treated to a Valet for an additional fee!
The car park is a few minutes’ walk to the terminal building and not always undercover. So, I was left with mixed thoughts on whether it was something I would actually use again. Especially as I walked back to my car in the rain, without an Airport Greeting. Although my car certainly appreciated the valet! And it was definitely convenient.
Travel to Dubai
We flew with Emirates and as I mentioned with easing restrictions we simply had to show up, check-in, show our Covid passports and head through to the gates.
Masks were still needed at this time (1st March) in the airport and throughout the flight itself except when eating and drinking.
The flight itself was excellent. Wasn’t sure about the cameras showing every bit of take-off however!
On Arrival in Dubai
After a smooth flight on the A380, my first time on one, we landed in Dubai on time and were greeted by a representative from Emirates. We had a fantastic concierge service that escorted us from this point and right through to meeting our driver who collected our luggage for us. This service is available to add on to your booking too for around £75 per person and I highly recommend it. It saved time and was so convenient.
Just an hour after landing we were on our way to Atlantis the Palm. It took about 45-minutes to get to the Atlantis. And after a quick check-in we headed for our Imperial Club Level Rooms located in the East Wing.
Day One in Dubai
It was 3am before the luggage arrived in our rooms! So after the shortest nights sleep. We headed for Breakfast in the Imperial Club Lounge. We had breakfast out on the terrace over looking the sea.
Breakfast was “continental” buffet style with something from every continent. Cereals, yoghurt, waffles, pancakes, cooked items, Chinese buns, and freshly cooked eggs and oh so much more!
Our first day was spent at the Dubai Expo 2020. A site the size of Monaco. It was impossible to see it all. But we took time to pay our respects at the Ukraine Pavilion, wade our feet in the water at the Wave Wall, and stopped by the Greek Pavilion for lunch. We ate freshly baked Pitta and fresh Tzatziki. It was delicious. After lunch we walked around the Barbados, Jamaica and UK Pavilions. But my favourite was the Australian Pavilion. Focused on Sustainability and the Future. Told in video stories across 3 rooms.
First Night
After a quick change once back at the hotel we met up with Nerissa, the fabulous Sales Manager of the Atlantis. After a show around in the hotel. We saw the plans of the new Atlantis Royal that is opening later this year. We finished with dinner in one of the Atlantis many named restaurants, Hakkasan.
We were treated to an amazing sharing menu. Starting with Dim Sum, followed by Crispy Duck Pancakes, finishing with Wagyu Beef and Fish served with Rice. Followed up by desserts and ice creams.
The food and service were both excellent. Just glad I wasn’t paying!
Day Two in Dubai
Starting again in the Imperial Club Lounge for Breakfast. We were then picked up and taken over to the Jumeriah Beach Hotel for the start of day of site visits.
At Jumeriah Beach we were treated to coffee and pastries in Bastion Restaurant with views of the Burj Al Arab. After coffee the Bastion Chef treated us to a “cooking demo” of their main starter – Steak Tartare – with a competition to see who could make the best in return.
Following this we walked through the hotel to meet the buggies which took us through the grounds and over to the Burj Al Arab.
At the Burj Al Arab we were taken to see the amazing 2-bedroom presidential suite. WOW! Simply amazing. But certainly not for the everyday traveller. It was elaborate and ornate and something to be seen. But for me. The best was yet to come.
We headed back into the buggies and were taken across to the Jumeriah Madinat Resort. I love this resort!
Chris, the Sales Manager took us on a tour of the 3 hotels that make up the Madinat Resort. The hotels were low rise, Arabian village in style. There was a turtle lagoon with turtles they rehabilitated and put back into the wild. A myriad of waterways linked the resorts complete with Gondolas. Why not hire one for a special occasion? They had a stunning beachfront setting, with actual waves. Something missing from the man made palm locations.
Madinat Al Qasr. This is a great hotel for family and friends. It even has rooms built around a central courtyard where private drinks can be served and a semi-private pool shared with a neighbouring cluster. Each cluster has 9 rooms. They can be taken per room or all 9 for a group.
After a quick champagne gondola ride we finished the tour with lunch on the terrace of their French Restaurants with views out to the beach. Fresh flat-breads with shaved truffle, fresh fish, salads and of course French Fries. With no time for dessert we were back at the Atlantis again to get ready for Dinner.
Second Night
Dinner this evening was at the Address Beach Resort. Starting with a site visit, we finished with sunset drinks by their infinity pool. With sunken seating areas, cabanas to hire, this is a simply stunning location with views over to the Dubai Eye, across Dubai and even to the Burj Khalifa in the distance. I loved it!
Dinner itself was served on the terrace of their Lebanese Restaurant. The food was divine! Fresh Hummus and Babaganoush with toasted Pitta. Fresh Fish, Chicken and Beef skewers were served with puree potato and rice.
Probably my favourite meal of the trip and certainly in the best setting and views.
With a few free hours after dinner, we headed over to the Burj Khalifa. We arrived just in time for the light show. Which was followed up by the Musical Fountain Show. Whilst some hit the local bars, I headed up to the viewing platform of the Khalifa with the others. I’ve not got a head for heights but the views across and not down were worth it!
Day Three in Dubai
After a final breakfast in the Imperial Club Lounge. We had a morning of activities. Nerissa from the sales team met us and delivered us to our chosen activity. I chose to snorkelling in the Atlantis Aquarium.
Other activities included, Cocktail Making at Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen, Sushi Making at Nobu and Aqua Walks at the bottom of the Aquarium.
It was amazing! After a briefing from the team. We kitted up in wetsuits and headed into the Aquarium pool with its array of Fish and Sharks. And I only panicked once when the shark swan right underneath me. So close I could have touched it had I moved.
After the activities we met up at the Atlantis Aqua Park where they gave us a private Cabana for an hour of relaxation and to grab a takeaway lunch whilst everyone else finished their activities and before the next adventure started.
After lunch we headed off for the last site visit of the trip. Caesars Palace at Blue Waters. I wasn’t sure what to expect here. And I was pleasantly surprised. There are two sides to hotel. One side is more relaxed. Muted tones. Baby pink and black and white which gave me a Miami beach vibe.
The other side was the same muted tones but with more music and more Ibiza Beach Club in style. It even has its own Beach Club full of Ibiza Babes taking selfies.
The floors and rooms themselves were the same muted tones but with flashes of neon light installations. With a Spa, Gym and some great restaurants including Gordon Ramsay’s Hells Kitchen and a new Asian restaurant that looked amazing and was just a few days away from opening. With jewelled tones and velvet seating it looked amazing!
We finished the afternoon with an hour in the Cove Beach Club for an hour in the sun and a glass of something cold.
Third and Final Night
Our final night was spent at the Waldorf Astoria and a Gala Dinner. With many of the UAE based Sales Managers their to host us. Once again served on the terrace in the gardens with views towards the sea. We were served a fabulous meze style starter followed by a BBQ with Lamb Chops, Tomahawk Steaks, Sea Bass and Prawns. Served with BBQ Corn on the Cob, Roasted Potatoes and made to order Risotto. Dessert was a selection of individual delights, including Crème Caramel, Miniature Eclairs with Gold Leaf and individual Fruit Tartlets.
A fitting end for a brilliant few days.
Travelling Home
It started early with a 3.30am transfer! Not sure I recommend the 07.45 flight!!
But again with limited restrictions. Just a quick check of our British Passenger Locator Forms Check-in was quick and simple and we were at the gates for a snooze!
The flight was uneventful. We were all asleep before take off I think. Surfacing in time for Breakfast of Chicken Biryani before landing.
After sailing through Security and Baggage Claim. It wasn’t long before I was walking over to collect my freshly valeted car before heading home.
In Summary
Whilst Dubai probably doesn’t make my Love List of Destinations. I do think it is the perfect winter sun destination and I would recommend it to people who want guaranteed winter sun without travelling too far.
With prices sometimes comparable to the 5* resorts of the Canary Islands and travel time less than 2 hours more, it is the perfect place to go.
For Families. Atlantis The Palm is a brilliant destination resort. A Wide choice of restaurants and the amazing Aqua Park.
For Couples. I couldn’t recommend the Jumeriah Madinat Resort enough. I loved it! With 3 hotels and dine around options. You would never need to leave.
For Friends. The beautiful Address Beach Resort with its infinity pool and private Cabanas and sunset drinks.
And for the Party People. Ibiza and Mykonos by Summer. Then look no further than Caesars Palace and the Cove Beach Club for the Winter,
Dubai really does have something for everyone. Even me!
Ready to book your Dream Dubai Holiday?
Email me on jules.taylor@premier-travel.co.uk or book in a time to talk here.
Until next time…
Jules x
