Mary was fortunate enough to win an Emirates incentive trip, with tickets to Dubai up for grabs. Having never visited the United Arab Emirates, despite working in travel for over 20 years, she was genuinely excited. Dubai had long been a destination she had hoped to experience, but had never quite had the opportunity to visit.
By Mary Moran
Senior Reservations Consultant
Last year, I was fortunate enough to win an Emirates incentive trip, with tickets to Dubai up for grabs. Having never visited the UAE, despite working in travel for over 20 years, I was genuinely excited. Dubai was one of those destinations I’d always wanted to experience but had somehow never quite made it to.
The trip got off to an incredible start with an upgrade to Business Class on the A380. Champagne on tap, delicious canapés, the most comfortable flat beds, and without doubt the best inflight entertainment I’ve ever experienced. It was luxury from the moment we stepped onboard.
Arrival in Dubai & Staying at JBR
Despite landing in the early hours, we were warmly welcomed by friendly airport staff and escorted to our private transfer. We headed straight to Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), where we stayed at the JA Ocean View Hotel for four nights.
We had a sea view room, worth noting that all rooms are sea view, even though the hotel doesn’t have a private beach. Instead, there’s a walkway across to the public beach by the pool, and the hotel provides beach bags complete with mats, towels, and a parasol. The beach is literally just across the road.
This wasn’t really a beach break for us, so we didn’t use the beach much, but it’s a great option, especially when you consider it saves the £30 or so charged for beach access locally. There’s also a complimentary shuttle to Jebel Ali, where guests can access a private beach Sunday to Thursday, but we simply didn’t have the time.
The hotel’s location is excellent, and we mostly used it as a base for exploring the city. While the hotel has seven restaurants, we only ate breakfast there. Le Rivage offered an extensive buffet with something for everyone, you can eat as little or as much as you like.
Exploring Dubai Mall & Downtown
Our first full day took us to Dubai Mall, which is an attraction in itself. You could easily spend an entire day there without shopping at all. I lost track of time watching the spectacular indoor waterfall, and then we spent far too long admiring the incredible marine life at the Dubai Aquarium, although we weren’t quite brave enough for a shark dive!
After grabbing some lunch, we wandered along the waterfront promenade, home to the Dubai Fountain and the iconic Burj Khalifa.
Burj Khalifa & Fountain Views
Even if you’ve visited the fountains during the day, you must go back in the evening. It gets incredibly busy, so I’d recommend arriving early to secure a good spot.
If you’re planning to dine while watching the show, I highly recommend Abd El Wahab in Souk Al Bahar. Book early and ask for a balcony table, the views over the fountains are spectacular. The staff were wonderfully helpful when it came to choosing dishes, and the food was absolutely beautiful.
No trip to Dubai is complete without heading up the Burj Khalifa. Booking ‘At the Top’ or ‘Sky at Burj Khalifa’ is a must for the breathtaking views from the world’s tallest building. Book in advance, especially if you’re hoping for a twilight slot. And if heights aren’t your thing, simply admiring the Burj from the outside is just as awe-inspiring.
Desert Safari & BBQ Under the Stars
That evening, we headed out on a desert safari and BBQ dinner. On the way, our driver stopped at a small shop where we were immediately encouraged to buy Arab headscarves, which I initially declined. Big mistake! Definitely buy one unless you want to return looking like a windswept Bridget Jones.
Watching the sunset over the desert was magical, followed by an exhilarating but surprisingly manageable 4×4 ride across the dunes. Before arriving at the campsite, we enjoyed a short camel ride, which was included.
The evening continued with live belly dancing and traditional folk performances, all while enjoying a delicious BBQ. I was genuinely impressed by the quality of the food, dining under the stars in the Arabian desert is an experience not to be missed.
Souk Madinat, Burj Al Arab Views and Dubai Marina
Our next outing took us to Souk Madinat Jumeirah, perfect for shopping followed by a tranquil boat ride through the waterways. This is also where you’ll find some of the best photo opportunities of the Burj Al Arab, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a helicopter landing on top, like we did!
On our final evening, we enjoyed a Dhow cruise through Dubai Marina, sailing past the glittering skyline. The buffet dinner on board once again exceeded expectations, with an excellent variety of dishes. It was a wonderful, relaxed way to see Dubai by night.
It was the perfect way to end a truly fabulous stay in one of the best cities I’ve ever visited. If you think three or four nights in Dubai is enough, think again. There’s so much to see and do that you’ll almost certainly want to return. I’m not even convinced a week would be long enough, especially if you plan to factor in some beach time too.
Dubai completely exceeded my expectations, and I can’t wait to go back.
Mary was fortunate enough to win an Emirates incentive trip, with tickets to Dubai up for grabs. Having never visited the United Arab Emirates, despite working in travel for over 20 years, she was genuinely excited. Dubai had long been a destination she had hoped to experience, but had never quite had the opportunity to visit.
By Mary Moran
Senior Reservations Consultant
Last year, I was fortunate enough to win an Emirates incentive trip, with tickets to Dubai up for grabs. Having never visited the UAE, despite working in travel for over 20 years, I was genuinely excited. Dubai was one of those destinations I’d always wanted to experience but had somehow never quite made it to.
The trip got off to an incredible start with an upgrade to Business Class on the A380. Champagne on tap, delicious canapés, the most comfortable flat beds, and without doubt the best inflight entertainment I’ve ever experienced. It was luxury from the moment we stepped onboard.
Arrival in Dubai & Staying at JBR
Despite landing in the early hours, we were warmly welcomed by friendly airport staff and escorted to our private transfer. We headed straight to Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), where we stayed at the JA Ocean View Hotel for four nights.
We had a sea view room, worth noting that all rooms are sea view, even though the hotel doesn’t have a private beach. Instead, there’s a walkway across to the public beach by the pool, and the hotel provides beach bags complete with mats, towels, and a parasol. The beach is literally just across the road.
This wasn’t really a beach break for us, so we didn’t use the beach much, but it’s a great option, especially when you consider it saves the £30 or so charged for beach access locally. There’s also a complimentary shuttle to Jebel Ali, where guests can access a private beach Sunday to Thursday, but we simply didn’t have the time.
The hotel’s location is excellent, and we mostly used it as a base for exploring the city. While the hotel has seven restaurants, we only ate breakfast there. Le Rivage offered an extensive buffet with something for everyone, you can eat as little or as much as you like.
Exploring Dubai Mall & Downtown
Our first full day took us to Dubai Mall, which is an attraction in itself. You could easily spend an entire day there without shopping at all. I lost track of time watching the spectacular indoor waterfall, and then we spent far too long admiring the incredible marine life at the Dubai Aquarium, although we weren’t quite brave enough for a shark dive!
After grabbing some lunch, we wandered along the waterfront promenade, home to the Dubai Fountain and the iconic Burj Khalifa.
Burj Khalifa & Fountain Views
Even if you’ve visited the fountains during the day, you must go back in the evening. It gets incredibly busy, so I’d recommend arriving early to secure a good spot.
If you’re planning to dine while watching the show, I highly recommend Abd El Wahab in Souk Al Bahar. Book early and ask for a balcony table, the views over the fountains are spectacular. The staff were wonderfully helpful when it came to choosing dishes, and the food was absolutely beautiful.
No trip to Dubai is complete without heading up the Burj Khalifa. Booking ‘At the Top’ or ‘Sky at Burj Khalifa’ is a must for the breathtaking views from the world’s tallest building. Book in advance, especially if you’re hoping for a twilight slot. And if heights aren’t your thing, simply admiring the Burj from the outside is just as awe-inspiring.
Desert Safari & BBQ Under the Stars
That evening, we headed out on a desert safari and BBQ dinner. On the way, our driver stopped at a small shop where we were immediately encouraged to buy Arab headscarves, which I initially declined. Big mistake! Definitely buy one unless you want to return looking like a windswept Bridget Jones.
Watching the sunset over the desert was magical, followed by an exhilarating but surprisingly manageable 4×4 ride across the dunes. Before arriving at the campsite, we enjoyed a short camel ride, which was included.
The evening continued with live belly dancing and traditional folk performances, all while enjoying a delicious BBQ. I was genuinely impressed by the quality of the food, dining under the stars in the Arabian desert is an experience not to be missed.
Souk Madinat, Burj Al Arab Views and Dubai Marina
Our next outing took us to Souk Madinat Jumeirah, perfect for shopping followed by a tranquil boat ride through the waterways. This is also where you’ll find some of the best photo opportunities of the Burj Al Arab, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a helicopter landing on top, like we did!
On our final evening, we enjoyed a Dhow cruise through Dubai Marina, sailing past the glittering skyline. The buffet dinner on board once again exceeded expectations, with an excellent variety of dishes. It was a wonderful, relaxed way to see Dubai by night.
It was the perfect way to end a truly fabulous stay in one of the best cities I’ve ever visited. If you think three or four nights in Dubai is enough, think again. There’s so much to see and do that you’ll almost certainly want to return. I’m not even convinced a week would be long enough, especially if you plan to factor in some beach time too.
Dubai completely exceeded my expectations, and I can’t wait to go back.
Michelle Laldenga, Senior Reservations Consultant, shares her stay on Denis Private Island, a peaceful Seychelles retreat where nature, privacy, and simple island living take centre stage.
Matt Phillips of Travel Chaps explores the Maldives’ shift from its traditional honeymoon reputation to a more family-focused island escape, visiting four standout resorts: Adaaran Select Meedhupparu, Heritance Aarah, Constance Halaveli, and Constance Moofushi.
As travel picks up back to Oman, Lisa, Senior Reservations Consultant, has just returned after experiencing one of the country’s most talked-about luxury resorts.
We asked our agents, who recently joined us on a fam trip to Mauritius, which Beachcomber Resort stood out as their favourite and here’s what they told us.
Denise Jaye, a former employee at Beachcomber Tours, shares her recent experience of staying at Adaaran Select Meedhapparu in the Maldives, offering an honest insight into what it’s really like from arrival through to departure.
From Muscat’s grand mosques and vibrant souks to the mountains of Jebel Akhdar, the deserts of Wahiba Sands, and hidden oases like Wadi Bani Khalid, this Oman journey blends stunning landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality.
Mary Moran, Senior Reservations Consultant, described her trip to Dhigali as unforgettable, noting that encounters with playful dolphins and breathtaking sunsets made the escape truly magical.
Recently, Sarah, had the pleasure of heading to Mauritius on a very special agents’ trip, but this time, we brought some junior travel agents along: their children. It was the perfect opportunity to see just how family-friendly Beachcomber Hotels & Resorts really are, and to share some special moments with……
In June 2025, Michelle Laldenga visited eight Maldives resorts, including Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, Sun Siyam Iru Veli, Heritance Aarah, and Emerald Maldives, experiencing the ultimate Atoll exploring.
In November 2024, Jodi spent a week island hopping in the Seychelles, with Platte Island standing out as a highlight. She stayed at the newly opened Waldorf Astoria, which has transformed the once uninhabited island into a refined and secluded retreat.
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WIN A LUXURY MAURITIUS HOLIDAY
To celebrate the launch of our brand-new website, we’re running two exclusive competitions, one for our customers and one for our travel agent partners. Both winners will enjoy the ultimate island escape with a 7-night stay for two at the newly refurbished Trou aux Biches Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa, one of Mauritius’ most exceptional resorts.
