If the United Arab Emirates are synonymous with one thing, it’s luxury. Home to the biggest and best attractions and experiences the world over, a trip to this part of the planet is comparable to nowhere else. So without further ado, here are 8 luxury experiences in the UAE to tempt you to this sun drenched part of the world…
Awe the Burj Al Arab Hotel
Built to resemble a gigantic ship sail, the Burj Al Arab is one of the defining points of Dubai’s skyline. It sits on its own private island with its own private beaches and celebrities arrive by helicopter to soak up the offerings at this prestigious facility. Boasting six different restaurants, a spa set across two floors with 14 different treatment rooms, a resort club, two infinity pools (as if one wasn’t enough!), all complimented by amazing décor it’s no wonder it’s been dubbed the only 7 star hotel . If your pockets won’t stretch to meet the price tag for a night in one of the 202 suites, don’t despair, you can hit the elevator to the Skyview bar on the 27th floor without being a guest!
Shop ‘til you drop at Dubai Mall
Consuming more than 12 million square feet (let that figure sink in for a second!), Dubai Mall is the largest shopping complex in the world. With more than 1,200 shops contained within, you can buy literally anything your heart desires; the trouble you’ll have is knowing when to stop! Afterwards, feel free to explore the Dubai Aquarium and Discovery Centre, take your pick from 120 restaurants and watch any film you want at the 22 cinema screens. If that wasn’t enough to keep you occupied, there’s also an indoor ice rink and an indoor theme park! This is truly a wonderland for everyone.
Scale the world’s tallest building
Once you’re done shopping, you can proceed to scale the world’s tallest building which is built above Dubai Mall. Not literally of course but inside the elevator which will rocket you up the floors in no time at all. When you reach the top prepare yourself for views like you’ve never seen before from a man-made structure, at a staggering height of 2,716.5ft! The observation desk on the 124th floor presents uninterrupted 360°views across the city, sea and desert through floor to ceiling panes of glass. This really is a unique architectural wonder that you can’t miss during a trip to the UAE.
Hail a hot air balloon over the desert
If your trip up the Burj Khalifa hasn’t quenched your head for heights, perhaps a hot air balloon ride over the desert will fit the bill? A hot air balloon ride is one of those things that most people would like to experience once in their life but when you do so atop burnt orange sand dunes as far as the eye can see, at sun rise or sun set, well…there can’t be much better, can there? Keep your eyes peeled for a myriad of creatures including gazelle and camels of course.
Enjoy a luxury dinner cruise
There’s something romantic about a river cruise and when you throw the word luxury into the mix it becomes so much better. With the twinkle of lights as your backdrop, it’s way to dine out and see the sights all at once!
Shop for gold in the Gold Souks
The UAE is renowned for its souks but no more so than the Gold Souks. There’s something about gold that makes our eyes light up and you won’t be able to close them when surrounded by tonnes of shimmering gold in shop windows here. Far removed from the modern, sleek and shiny shopping malls, this is a traditional part of the culture with haggling not only expected but actively encouraged. Whether or not you want to buy is completely up to you but do be sure to take a wander around this part of town. You will also be dazzled by silver, platinum and even diamonds!
Live it up at Palm Islands
Perhaps one of the most extravagant islands in the world, the artificial archipelago of the Palm Islands sits off the coast of Dubai and when viewed from above, unsurprisingly resembles the shape of a palm tree. It’s so large that this group of islands can be seen from space and so naturally one of the best ways to view it is by air, perhaps on a helicopter ride. There is plenty of entertainment awaiting you on the actual islands themselves including water parks and more.
Set foot in the most expensive hotel in the world
Ever wondered what and where the most expensive hotel in the world is? Well it’s found in Abu Dhabi and goes by the name of Emirates Palace. Thought to have cost around £2 billion to build, it’s no surprise that nightly rates start at £300, ranging to a luxury package for 7 nights with a price tag of $1,000,000 US. The stats are mind boggling; for starters, there are 13 restaurants in the premises, 2,600 hotel staff, 140 elevators and a 1.3km long private beach! Set amid 100 hectares of lush, tropical gardens and with a dizzying list of facilities, this is one hotel you won’t ever forget.
So, for a truly luxury holiday, enjoy of these 8 luxury experiences in the UAE during your holiday and return home with memories that will last a life time.
