Dubai, once a desert, is now a vibrant metropolis adorned with skyscrapers, luxury malls, and world-class attractions, as noted by Sarah Robertson, Senior Reservation Consultancy. Just a seven-hour flight from the UK, it combines city sophistication with stunning beaches, making it an ideal escape from the 9–5 routine.
By Sarah Robertson
Senior Reservations Consultant
Dubai, once a desert, is now a vibrant metropolis adorned with skyscrapers, luxury malls, and world-class attractions. Just a seven-hour flight from the UK, it combines city sophistication with stunning beaches, making it the perfect escape from the 9–5 routine.
Arriving in September, we immediately felt the intense heat, making air-conditioned hotels, shopping malls, shaded souks, and refreshing swimming pools extremely welcoming. A cocktail or two was a bonus!
To see a different side of Dubai, we took the hop-on hop-off bus, exploring Old Dubai from an open-top deck. The panoramic views of traditional buildings, bustling streets, and the dramatic skyline provided a unique perspective. Commentary on the city’s history and culture enhanced the experience.
Dubai Museum, Abra Rides & Souks
We hopped off at Dubai Museum and took a traditional abra across the Dubai Creek for just 1 Dirham (about 25p). On the opposite bank, we explored the gold and spice souks, enjoying the sights, smells, and sounds of authentic Arabic culture. The calls to prayer and winding alleys made wandering the markets a memorable experience.
Downtown Dubai
In Downtown Dubai, we stayed at Manzil Downtown, featuring vibrant Arabic artwork, a beautiful chandelier, a rooftop pool, and a lively courtyard perfect for cocktails, shisha, and dining. Its location was ideal, just a short walk from Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall.
We also visited The Rove Hotel, known for its stylish, affordable, and social-media-friendly design. From human-sized hashtags at the entrance to guest photos displayed on large screens, the property is perfect for Instagram enthusiasts.
No visit to Downtown Dubai is complete without seeing the Dubai Fountain, set on Burj Khalifa Lake. The choreographed water display reaches heights of 50 feet and is illuminated with colorful lights. Experiencing the fountain while enjoying local cuisine or even a simple burger and milkshake was unforgettable.
We visited Dubai’s iconic beaches and luxurious resorts. One highlight was the Fairmont Dubai, offering shaded pools, tranquil surroundings, and stunning views of the city skyline across the water. Its elegant setting combines luxury hospitality with leisure and relaxation.
Abu Dhabi – Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque & Arabian Adventures
Next, we traveled to Abu Dhabi to explore its renowned hotels and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. The mosque’s scale and beauty are awe-inspiring, with seven crystal chandeliers and intricate Islamic architecture.
Visitors must follow a strict dress code; we wore traditional abayas. Our guide from Arabian Adventures provided fascinating insights into Islamic customs, religion, and local heritage, making the visit both educational and inspiring.
After a packed itinerary visiting world-class hotels, cultural landmarks, and vibrant city streets, it was time to return to the UK. Dubai and Abu Dhabi combine tradition with modernity, luxury with culture, and city life with beach relaxation, explaining why they are top destinations in the Middle East.
We left effervescent and eager to return, there’s always more to explore in these dynamic cities.
Dubai, once a desert, is now a vibrant metropolis adorned with skyscrapers, luxury malls, and world-class attractions, as noted by Sarah Robertson, Senior Reservation Consultancy. Just a seven-hour flight from the UK, it combines city sophistication with stunning beaches, making it an ideal escape from the 9–5 routine.
By Sarah Robertson
Senior Reservations Consultant
Dubai, once a desert, is now a vibrant metropolis adorned with skyscrapers, luxury malls, and world-class attractions. Just a seven-hour flight from the UK, it combines city sophistication with stunning beaches, making it the perfect escape from the 9–5 routine.
Arriving in September, we immediately felt the intense heat, making air-conditioned hotels, shopping malls, shaded souks, and refreshing swimming pools extremely welcoming. A cocktail or two was a bonus!
To see a different side of Dubai, we took the hop-on hop-off bus, exploring Old Dubai from an open-top deck. The panoramic views of traditional buildings, bustling streets, and the dramatic skyline provided a unique perspective. Commentary on the city’s history and culture enhanced the experience.
Dubai Museum, Abra Rides & Souks
We hopped off at Dubai Museum and took a traditional abra across the Dubai Creek for just 1 Dirham (about 25p). On the opposite bank, we explored the gold and spice souks, enjoying the sights, smells, and sounds of authentic Arabic culture. The calls to prayer and winding alleys made wandering the markets a memorable experience.
Downtown Dubai
In Downtown Dubai, we stayed at Manzil Downtown, featuring vibrant Arabic artwork, a beautiful chandelier, a rooftop pool, and a lively courtyard perfect for cocktails, shisha, and dining. Its location was ideal, just a short walk from Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall.
We also visited The Rove Hotel, known for its stylish, affordable, and social-media-friendly design. From human-sized hashtags at the entrance to guest photos displayed on large screens, the property is perfect for Instagram enthusiasts.
No visit to Downtown Dubai is complete without seeing the Dubai Fountain, set on Burj Khalifa Lake. The choreographed water display reaches heights of 50 feet and is illuminated with colorful lights. Experiencing the fountain while enjoying local cuisine or even a simple burger and milkshake was unforgettable.
We visited Dubai’s iconic beaches and luxurious resorts. One highlight was the Fairmont Dubai, offering shaded pools, tranquil surroundings, and stunning views of the city skyline across the water. Its elegant setting combines luxury hospitality with leisure and relaxation.
Abu Dhabi – Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque & Arabian Adventures
Next, we traveled to Abu Dhabi to explore its renowned hotels and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. The mosque’s scale and beauty are awe-inspiring, with seven crystal chandeliers and intricate Islamic architecture.
Visitors must follow a strict dress code; we wore traditional abayas. Our guide from Arabian Adventures provided fascinating insights into Islamic customs, religion, and local heritage, making the visit both educational and inspiring.
After a packed itinerary visiting world-class hotels, cultural landmarks, and vibrant city streets, it was time to return to the UK. Dubai and Abu Dhabi combine tradition with modernity, luxury with culture, and city life with beach relaxation, explaining why they are top destinations in the Middle East.
We left effervescent and eager to return, there’s always more to explore in these dynamic cities.
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.
An error has occurred, please try again later.An error has occurred, please try again later.
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.
