Luxury Desert Experiences near Dubai in the UAE

If you have thought of going to Dubai you have undoubtedly thought of towering skyscrapers and a bustling city of luxury and excess right on the coast of the Persian Gulf. But did you know you could also experience luxury away from the city and combine that with the beauty and mystery of the desert? If you didn’t you’re not alone. Actually there are two great resorts that can offer you these great qualities, the Al Maha Desert Resort and the Jumierah Bab Al Shams Resort and Spa.

First let’s look at the world renowned Al Maha Desert Resort. Al Maha is a Bedouin style eco-resort located on the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve which has received 11 international awards. If you are looking for a romantic getaway resort this is a fantastic option. One of the great aspects of this lavish resort is their ability to balance a great sense of privacy and luxury without the feeling of complete isolation. This is accomplished through the layout of the suites, which are all stand-alone tent-roofed structures that each offer their own chilled pools and patios with stunning views of the desert panorama. The views that are offered cannot be easily overstated. The orange dunes scattered over the horizon mixed with greenery and the majestic long-horned oryx, for which the resort is named, grazing just over the next hill create an amazing experience that can’t be replicated any where else. There is also no lack of activities you can choose from which are included in your stay. There is archery, falconry, a whole host of spa treatments, and many others. You can even enjoying strawberries and champagne as you watch the sun set over the desert after a tranquil camel ride. Finally, the dinning experiences that The Al Maha offers are exquisite. Not only is the food amazing but you can enjoy it anywhere from their beautiful main restaurant, to dinner served at your own suite, to somewhere deep in the heart of the desert.

Are you looking for luxury but perhaps want to bring your kids along? Then the Jumierah Bab Al Shams Resort and Spa may be just the place for you. Situated 45 minutes outside of Dubai it is well worth the trip. This 5-star resort appears like an oasis out of the desert, surrounded with palms and a gorgeous pool overlooking the desert. The rustic Arabian décor creates a truly unique ambiance that will give you the feeling of royalty. The maze-like design of the resort also provides for hidden staircases, romantic terraces, and quaint little courtyards. At night the beauty of this resort is further enhanced by the light of candles and lanterns that illuminate the exterior. When you want to go have some fun, feel free to drop the kids off at the Sinbad Kid’s Club while you explore the desert, go horseback riding, or relax for a spa treatment. With respect to relaxation, this is where Bab Al Shams really shines. They offer a whole host of spa treatments designed especially to ensure your comfort and ability to unwind. When it’s time to eat there are several options to choose from, offerings ranging from traditional Arabian fair, to Indian, and even Italian.

If you’re ready to spend a little time in the desert for an experience unlike any other that will compliment the rest of your vacation we can offer a tour package that will include one or both of these resorts. For more information call or e-mail us at dan@latitudeworldtours.com, and be sure to check out our other offerings at http://latitudetours.com/pages/dubai-8-day-dubai-oman-focus. - Derek H.

Ski Dubai

If you are going to Dubai there are certainly plenty of activities that you can occupy yourself with, perhaps you have thought of riding camels, going on a desert safari, or going shopping. But there is probably one activity that didn’t cross your mind, how about skiing? When you think of the Arabian Peninsula skiing doesn’t usually cross your mind unless it is down the side of a sand dune (also very fun!). But if you travel to Ski Dubai you can brag about your experience skiing on snow in the middle of the desert!

Ski Dubai, located at the Mall of the Emirates, has been around since 2005 and is the largest indoor snow park in the world. Ski Dubai is truly a technological marvel with a lot to offer any traveler. They boast 5 different ski runs with varying difficulties as well as the world’s first indoor black diamond run. Ski Dubai offers many of the same features that you would expect from an actual mountain, a snow park for kids to build snowmen, a quarter-pipe and some jumps for experienced skiers and snowboarders, and areas for beginners. If you have never skied before you can even take lessons from professional instructors. And after you enjoyed the slopes you can take pleasure in a warm meal at either the St. Moritz or Avalanche café.

Ski Dubai can make for a wonderfully unique day trip experience that could compliment any Dubai tour and we would be happy to include it in any of our packages. If you would be interested in more information please call or e-mail us at dan@latitudeworldtours.com. Also check out some of our other offerings at http://latitudetours.com/pages/dubai-8-day-dubai-oman-focus . - Derek H.

Abu Dhabi

While we specialize in Dubai, another classic destination within the UAE is of course Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi is a more traditional Middle Eastern city, yet modern, bustling and connected with the larger world. It's a fascinating place well worth 2 -3 nights to experience. Naturally we offer a variety of excellent tours and fine hotels for tours within and around Abu Dhabi. Call us if we can help arrange a package tailored to your dates, interests and budget.

Burj al Arab and Jumeirah Beach Hotel

If you have a burning desire to stay at the Burj al Arab- one of the world’s iconic hotels, shaped like a sail towering high into the air above the turquoise Arabian coast - the best time for the best value is when it's burning up outside in the Arabian summer. The best rates are from June 1 to September 20. While this may be the hottest time of year, the Burj naturally is climate-controlled inside, and the beach and swimming pool are always just outside your door.

To accentuate your time in Dubai, we can arrange exciting touring both within Dubai and in the other Emirates via air-conditioned car and van. So just because it's hot, don't let a good value slip away if you have the passion to spend an evening or two in one of the leading hotels on Earth.Even then, at a relatively good value, the Burj is not for most travelers - it is simply too expensive for most travelers no matter when you travel. However, right across from the Burj is another simply wonderful 5-star hotel, with it's own unique shape, in the form of an giant shimmering wave. That hotel is of course the Jumeirah Beach Hotel, owned by the same group as the Burj, with outstanding services and facilities. It's also about 4 or 5 times less expensive!

If you are looking for a fantastic hotel to complement your overall Dubai (or Muscat) experience, just call us or email me at dan@latitudeworldtours.com, and we can make a recommendation based on your travel style and budget needs. Just remember that when you travel can influence what we might suggest.

Radisson SAS Deira Creek in Dubai special rates

We just received word from our operations department that the 5-star centrally located Radisson is offering our clients special rates. The hotel is easy to include in any of our packages, including the 3 day Dubai Highlights (though I usually suggest 3 nights, not two, like it is online). The Radisson Deira Creek is an outstanding choice for travelers seeking comfort and centrality, in the heart of it all, with each room we book for our guests coming with a balcony overlooking for Creek. Call us or email us for more information.

Be happy you are just visiting!

I found this to be incredible:

http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/markets/the_gulf/article5663618.ece

It's a story about ex-pats leaving their cars at the Dubai International airport, to the tune of 3,000 vehicles (so far), fleeing the country and their loans (that presumably they are defaulting on).

Dubai remains a simply outstanding country to visit, and generally speaking, the great steps the government has taken to diversify their economy have put the UAE in a good position to weather the global economy crunch, but before you buy real estate here or elsewhere, think about it long and hard!

Dubai and Oman - our best tour for the money

I was helping a client today with a custom 8-day Dubai and Oman Focus proposal, and it dawned on me, that I should write an entry about why that trip is the best all-round tour for Dubai and Oman for many travelers.

~ It's short; you can see the highlights of both countries in 8 days, plus one on each end for travel days.

~ It's customizable; depending on your interests, we can switch out "x" activity and replace with "y". For example, instead of the day trip to Sharjah, check out the desert in a private 4WD excursion, or choose to have a free day of R&R and enjoy Dubai on your own.

~ We can tailor the trip to the best price for you. If you have a certain budget, just let us know, and using the itinerary as a blueprint, we can fashion the best Dubai and Oman tour for you and your wallet. Obviously, there are many different hotels, hotel specials, excursions and date choices that we can draw from in order to help you best.

~ You pick the date. Among the many options with this trip - as good as it is, "as is" - you pick the date you want to go. Naturally we can help with recommendations for best climate, lowest prices, etc. but we leave the timing to you.

~ Options. You can choose public excursions - shared with other travelers seeking the best value - or you can opt for private tours, private guides, private vehicles, if finances allow.

~ The tour can accommodate any number of travelers, there are no group minimums or maximums.

Here is one example of a recommended schedule, or recommeded itinerary for Dubai and Oman:

Day 1, Friday: Arrive Dubai - most flights get in late ... Fridays are the "down" days in the region so they make good days to arrive and depart generally.

Day 2, Saturday: Afternoon Dubai discovery tour/ Evening dhow dinner cruise along Deira Creek.

Day 3, Sunday: Dubai development tour, and/or 4WD evening desert escape and BBQ dinner out in the sands.

Day 4, Monday: Abu Dhabi, full day exploration / or Sharjah discovery / or a 4WD trip out the wadis, coast and/or desert mountains

Day 5, Tuesday: Full day touring to Muscat, o/n Muscat (or if traveling solo, fly to Muscat, it can be a better "deal").

Day 6, Wednesday: Muscat city discovery tour, including a not-to-be-forgotten visit to the majestic Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque.

Day 7, Thursday: Nizwa - a must see - full day.

Day 8, Friday: Depart Muscat - perhaps relaxing in a public park with local families or lounging on the beach prior to your flight home (typically in the evening).

For a specific quote and recommended itinerary, we just need to know what date - generally or specifically - you want to go, how many people would be traveling, and what kind of hotel (economy, moderate, luxury) you'd prefer.

Of course, this trip is online, at http://www.latitudetours.com/pages/dubai-8-day-dubai-oman-focus and you can always email me, at dan@latitudeworldtours.com or call me, at 866.949.9940 x701, or direct, at 303.495.3432 for more information.