What comes to mind when you think about a perfect vacation destination? I imagine picturesque beaches – soft white sand and clear warm water lapping against the shore. Giant cabanas intended for the sole purpose of napping. Magnificent sunsets that usher in endless summer nights full of vibrant city colors and world class restaurants. And since this is the ‘perfect’ vacation, a zero percent chance of rain.
Situated along the Persian Gulf, surrounded by some unlikely neighbors and decades of unrest, sits Dubai – a peaceful, friendly, beautiful place – and just maybe, the perfect place for vacation. Pearl diving sustained Dubai for centuries, but it was with the discovery of oil that the world became its oyster. In the years to follow, Dubai turned a sterile desert into a thriving city that stops at nothing to entertain and impress.
Luxury resort hotels line the waterfront, indulging beach go-ers with extravagant frills and amenities. Among these grand hotels is the Burj al Arab, masquerading as a giant sailboat moored off the coast. Described by some as the worlds only 7 star hotel, the building delights your imagination as private helicopters drop off guests on the 60th story cantilever helipad. It’s doubtful I will be calling this hotel home on my next trip to Dubai, but I can certainly dream.
Just a few miles away is the Burj Kalifa, the centerpiece of downtown Dubai and the tallest building in the world. Standing on the open air observation deck on the 124th floor, the most impressive view was straight up – at the 80 floors still above us.
But the sublime beaches and architectural marvels are just the beginning. Dubai is playing a competitive poker game against itself and after each bet, it raises big. There are several mega malls with some of the finest retail shops ready to test even the most seasoned shoppers. World class shopping inside a mall may not surprise you. But the giant aquariums, simulated sky diving tubes, indoor theme parks, and the indoor ski resort might.
Dubai’s favorite trick is expanding its coast line by creating artificial islands. Referred to as the Palm and World islands, these expansions of land house luxury apartment buildings, hotels and boat docks.
Our time in Dubai was split between catching up with Jay (Dean’s childhood friend) on the old and the new, and catching rays of sun at the Mina al Salam beach front hotel. When we reached our UV limit, we headed south toward the country of Oman to Wadi Adventure where we went white water rafting. In an exciting and harrowing ride, our raft capsized, sending some of us to the infirmary for bandaids, and all of us to the wading pool for a low-intensity afternoon. The three of us also took off on an evening desert safari where we bashed through the sand dunes in a 4×4, saw camels, rode quad bikes, sand boarded and enjoyed a traditional middle eastern feast under the setting desert sun.
With any luck, we’ll be back in Dubai again. Inshallah.
thewonderdownunder 