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.

Burj Al Arab

When one imagines Dubai, the mind conjures thoughts of lavishness, innovation and beauty. While there are several examples of these qualities throughout Dubai, nothing has come to symbolize them more than the Burj Al Arab hotel. Burj Al Arab has become world renowned for its innovative architecture and exquisite service. This is a property we can include in any of our tour quotes, though nights here, with taxes and breakfast, can easily reach over US$2,000/night. Most people can easily recognize it by its tall sail-like shape that dominates the Dubai skyline and offers a magnificent view of both the Arabian Gulf and Dubai. Once inside, your eyes are immediately drawn skyward as you marvel in one of the largest atriums in the world.

While the hotel only boasts 202 suites, each one contains two levels luxuriously decorated in vibrant colors and lavish furniture. These accommodations range between 1,800 square feet to over 8,300 square feet. The aesthetic appeal, however, is only half of the experience. They also offer world class service and, in fact, it is currently the worlds only (self-described) seven-star hotel. For those seeking relaxation and self-indulgence they offer the Assawan Spa and Health club, located on the 18th story surrounded by beautiful mosaics and a tranquil view of the ocean. Here you can treat yourself to everything from facials, body massages, Jacuzzis, and even entire ritual sessions lasting up to 150 minutes perfect for both men and women. After revitalizing yourself, you can easily head to one of the several amazing restaurants within the hotel offering fine cuisine from around the world. The signature restaurant, the Al Mahara, which has received numerous accolades, combines a stunning atmosphere with exquisite seafood. The most noticeable feature within Al Mahara is the enormous seawater aquarium in the center of the dinning area, which creates a unique and unforgettable ambiance. After enjoying a perfect meal, you can take a short walk around the hotel’s white sandy beach listening to the waves and admiring the beautiful hotel exterior as its lighting scheme changes throughout the evening. Before going back to your room for the night, head to the Skyview bar and overlook the breath-taking scenery from the 27th floor while enjoying a specially made cocktail and reflecting on the day’s events and planning for tomorrow.

It is no wonder that Burj Al Arab has attracted so much praise and attention from around the world; they don’t just offer a beautiful hotel but an entire experience for those seeking opulence and luxury. Among the tours you can consider including a night or two at the Burj is the Dubai Highlights tour, which is right here: http://www.latitudetours.com/pages/dubai-3-day-dubai-highlights. - Derek H.

Dubai Shopping Festival

I might not be the biggest shopper in the world, but that's not my mom's fault. She has tried her best. She is a unashamed "shop-a-holic." So when I told her a little about the Dubai Shopping Festival, it was like beautiful music to her ears. The Dubai Shopping festival is one of the world's premier events for shoppers, and understandable it's held every year in Dubai, a prosperous, leading city of the world with a rich history of trading and commercial enterprise.

The event in 2009 is running January 15-February 15, with many 'mini-events' within that time frame to keep a shopping enthusiast busy. One of our more popular day trips we build into our grander tours (Dubai transfers, Dubai hotels, and Dubai excursions) good anytime of year however is the full day shopping excursion.

Note that this is a full-day shopping tour by private car with - like always - one of our English speaking driver/guides, that will take you around the most luxurious & traditional shopping malls in Dubai.

The day tour includes the visit of 3 or 4 shopping areas, according to the location & distance between each other.

List of Recommended Malls:

- Dubai Mall, Opening in August ’08 and will be known as the biggest shopping mall with attractions in the world
- Mall of the Emirates, Connected to Ski Dubai
- Mercato, Italian Themed Mall
- Bur Juman, Luxury Designer stores
- Deira City Center, Near the Airport
- Ibn Battuta Mall, Architecturally subdivided in countries explored by the Moroccan explorer
- Waterfront – Dubai Festival City, On the Dubai Creek
- Wafi City, With Khan Murjan, handicrafts souq
- Dubai Outlet Mall

Call us or email us for more information about how we can help arrange your Dubai shopping tour, whether you want to go over the official Shopping holiday or any other time of year - shopping in Dubai is excellent anytime of year!