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.

DTCM’s Destination Dubai 2009 Tourism Manual Launched

The Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) released the 2009 edition of its yearly tourism manual - Destination Dubai. The magazine was officially launched at the World Travel Market (WTM) 2009 in London.

The colorful and attractive manual is a comprehensive book for all potential visitors to Dubai and documents the emirate's progress in trade, travel and tourism, sports in addition to listings of airlines, tour operators, shopping and other leisure options.'Destination Dubai 2009' features Dubai's fast transformation into a haven for sun seekers and shoppers and also a city of adventure, offering exciting discoveries in both mountain and desert terrain. The manual fulfills a genuine attempt to present Dubai's fantastic tourism options to a global audience.

Mohamed Khamis bin Hareb, DTCM’s Executive Director of Operations and Marketing said “This year 20 more pages had to be added to the manual which contains valuable information like tourist attractions, heritage sites, entertainment and tours and dining out options in a budding destination. It also has useful tips and information regarding visa, immigration and customs rules and regulations and a quick version of Dubai at A Glance, Dubai’s tourist map.”

Dubai's emerging reputation as a shopping and real estate oasis with features like the Dubai Duty Free and Dubai Shopping festival and the new projects like the Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Land and Dubai Waterfront are well represented in the manual. She added that Destination Dubai 2009 also explores the interesting spots in other emirates to offer a total UAE tourism experience for the visitors. A complete listing of Dubai's rapidly expanding list of hotels and hotel apartments, foreign embassies and consulates in the manual will help guide tourists through the multiple leisure options that are available in Dubai.

Of course, the Dubai tour experts at Latitude World Tours can help you customize your vacation in Dubai (whether for just your family or your entire goup), and help you navigate the ins and outs of traveling to and in Dubai.

--Daniel Crandall