Set in the peaceful grounds of a private polo estate, the Desert Palm in Dubai is the perfect choice for ladies who need to unwind, charge their batteries and have some fun. Located just minutes from the centre of Dubai, this stylish boutique property features 38 guest suites and pool villas and 10 two bedroom pool residences – the perfect spacious rooms for sophisticated sleepovers with friends. The property offers two

Desert Palm - LIME Spa

award winning restaurants – Rare and Epicure, an internationally acclaimed LIME Spa and an inviting bar which overlooks one of the four championship sized polo fields and the Dubai skyline beyond.

LIME Spa at Desert Palm is perfect for ladies to relax and revitalise from the moment they arrive on their last minute holidays to Dubai. Guests can revel in the incredible spa facilities looking out over the plush polo fields. Features of the spa include bespoke treatments from Parisian beauty experts Anne Semonin, as well as a range of facials from award winning Eve Lom.

For those who prefer to ride than relax there is an incredible Equestrian Centre and four championship polo fields which host the Cartier International Dubai Polo Challenge and the Desert Palm UAE Nations Cup. Whether it be a canter around the fields, a dressage or polo session, or just the chance to watch a championship polo match, the beautifully manicured gardens and polo fields

Desert Palm

add an exciting dimension to the Dubai experience.

A stay at the Desert Palm is a serene and luxurious experience which can be combined with some amazing shopping opportunities in the world renowned city centre malls just around the corner on your bargain holidays to Dubai. The Desert Palm offers a personal styling session with world class style consultant Marissa Wood and her team of experts for those who need a little extra help.

After a day of pampering or shopping at the Dubai malls you can enjoy a delicious meal whilst looking out over

Desert Palm Dubai

the polo fields and desert skyline at Rare, the signature restaurant which showcases succulent cuts of the finest steak, fresh seafood and creative vegetarian dishes. Before moving on to the bars of Dubai, enjoy a custom cocktail at Red Bar and Lounge. For a relaxed evening in, guests can float around the pool on a bean bag whilst watching their favourite classic films.

According to figures published by the Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing, Dubai’s hotel industry has seen a strong growth in the first quarter of 2011. The DTCM reports that there were 2.38 million visitors (up 13.6 percent) and guest nights rose by a staggering 35.4 percent. Hotel rooms rose from 64,143 in the first quarter of 2010 to an amazing 72,419 in 2011 which made a great difference to the number of people visiting Dubai.

With many new hotels opening in the near future this trend is expected to continue throughout 2011.

The Palm Jumeirah will see the opening of the five star Kempinski Hotel & Residences Palm Jurmeirah. Set in a prime waterfront location, the seven storey Kempinski has classically-inspired architecture and will be welcoming it’s first guests at the beginning of July.

Situated in the heart of Deira are two new Rotana hotels which will be greeting guests by the autumn. The five star Al Khor Rayhaan and the deluxe hotel apartments Al Khor Arjaan come with cutting edge technology and access to the luxury Zen the Spa, fitness centres and swimming pools.

The Hilton group will be launching the Double Tree by Hilton and the Dubai Jumeirah Beach Residence which is located on Jumeirah Beache’s golden mile.

Dubai was originally a small fishing village but is now considered by many to be the pearl of the Middle East. Today Dubai offers so much to do and see that visitors are spoilt for choice on their holiday packages to this amazing destination.

Offering a vast range of attractions, Dubai offers fascinating souks (markets), cultural attractions including museums, mosques and historical buildings

Jumeirah Mosque

and monuments, shopping malls and shopping events, sandboarding in the desert, desert safaris, beaches, parks, theme parks, zoos, golf courses and much much more. And of course the extraordinary Ski Dubai, the indoor ski centre which is a must to visit on your bargain holidays to Dubai.

Dubai Creek is a natural seawater inlet that divides the city of Dubai into two parts – Deira Dubai and Bur Dubai. Visitors to the city can take an abra (water taxi) along the creek to see the old trading port and the dhows (traditional arab sailing boat) from the water. The abra’s criss-cross the Creek from the souks of Deira to those on the Bur Dubai side. Located at the inland end of the Creek is a large, shallow lagoon which is now a wildlife sanctuary and a haven for migrating shore birds and the Greater Flamingo who have made the Creek their permanent home. A leisurely walk along the wharf will give you an insight into Dubai’s trading heritage and traditions, it is here that the dhows dock to unload their goods. These Dhows still operate along the ancient trade routes to places such as India and East Africa.

Atlantis, The Palm in Dubai has just launched two competitions for holidaymakers to win a trip to Dubai.

Both are open to anyone and close at midnight, Dubai time, on the 25th June 2010.

Atlantis The Palm

More information and entry to both competitions is available at http://www.atlantisdubaibigbreak.com.

ATLANTIS THE PALM ROMANTIC RENDEZVOUS COMPETITION

This gives participants the chance to win a romantic break for two at the Atlantis resort. All you need to do is answer a multiple choice question, which is based on a short video on the competition site. 

The prize includes round-trip economy airfare for two guests, three nights in an Imperial Club room, daily breakfast, one complimentary dinner in Nobu and Seafire respectively, a spa treatment for two in the Atlantis Spa and two Dolphin Adventures.

ATLANTIS THE PALM BIG BREAK COMPETITION

This gives entrants the chance to win a holiday at Atlantis for themselves and 9 friends.

You need to make a short film explaining why you should win. The winner will receive return economy class flights for all 10 guests, five deluxe rooms at Atlantis on a bed and breakfast basis, return private transfers, ten Dolphin Encounters at Dolphin Bay and a complimentary dinner at Ronda Locatelli.

If you are not lucky enough to win one of these competitions there are always lots of bargain holidays available on the internet.

Al Qasr, At The Madinat Jumeirah – Hotel Overview

The Al Qasr is ‘The Palace’ at the heart of Madinat Jumeirah, encircled by pools and waterways.

Location

The Al Qasr is located at Madinat Jumeirah resort, 30 minutes from Dubai airport, linked by beach boardwalk to Jumeirah Beach, Burj Al Arab and Wild Wadi Waterpark.

Accommodation

All 292 exquisite rooms and suites have a bath, separate shower, dressing room, air conditioning, tv, DVD player, telephone, minibar and balcony.
Arabian deluxe rooms have views of the resort and waterways. Ocean deluxe rooms overlook the beach and Gulf.
Premium leisure Arabian deluxe rooms offer additional benefits including private check-in and use of the Premium Leisure Lounge – with complimentary afternoon tea, and soft drinks and canapes during the day. 

Features

Restaurants, bars, swimming pools, kid’s club, windsurfing, sailing, kayaking and scuba diving. All Madinat Jumeirah facilities and leisure activities are available to Al Qasr guests.

This review has been supplied to us by our reader Stuart Evans-Moore

“I have visited Dubai many times on business and decided to take my wife and son on my last visit in April. Having never stayed at the Al Qasr before i had to rely on reviews and the recommendation of my travel agent. We were not disappointed – beautiful comfortable room, good food, great pool and beach, and excellent friendly staff. This became more like a holiday than a business trip as we had a marvellous time at Wild Wadi waterpark etc and i was able to spend quality time with my family, in a quality location.
We have decided to return again for just a family break, no business next time, and have found plenty of cheap holidays to the Al Qasr online so there is nothing stopping us.”

Jal Hotels has announced the opening of its new hotel, HOTEL JAL TOWER,  which will be opened later this year.

The hotel is located on the Sheikh Zayed Road, close to the World Trade Centre, and opposite the Dubai International Convention Centre and the Dubai International Financial Centre.

The hotel will have 471 rooms and suites and will cater for all markets, especially business visitors. With a Japanese theme, the new hotel will feature three Japanese restaurants and a ballroom that looks like it’s made from origami!

If you are looking for last minute holidays to Dubai, there are always great offers throughout the internet.

The world’s first hotel to be developed by Armani Hotels and Resorts is to open in the Burj Khalifa on the 21st April 2010.

Every part of the Armani Hotel Dubai has been personally designed by the fashion legend, Giorgio Armani.

Burj Khalifa

The hotel has 160 rooms and covers 269,000 sq ft, across the concourse, ground floor and levels 1-8 and 38-39 of the Burj Khalifa.

The hotel has 8 unique dining options and the world’s first in-hotel Armani Spa, complete with treatment rooms, thermal suites, fitness centre and an outdoor swimming pool.

The hotel will also be home to the Armani/Dolci chocolates store, an Armani/Fiori florist and an Armani/Galleria showcase of couture accessories.

Luxury holidays to Dubai are always available throughout the internet.

Jaz Hotels, Resorts and Cruises have just opened their first hotel in Dubai, the Emirates Grand Hotel.

The hotel is located within walking distance of the Dubai Mall on the Sheikh Zayed Road, just 15 minutes from Dubai International Airport.

The Emirates Grand Hotel is ideal for both business and leisure travellers.

Accommodation

93 Deluxe Rooms, 66 One Bedroom Suites with living room and kitchen, 127 Premier One Bedroom Suites with large living and sleeping areas, 123 Two Bedroom Suites with a Master Bedroom, twin bedroom, living, kitchen and dining area.

Sport and Leisure Facilities

Spa, Sauna (seperate for men and women), Steam Rooms,
Tennis Court, Yoga, Aerobics, Fitness Centre, Roof-top Pool, Jacuzzi.

The Spa consists of 13 treatment rooms, including 2 Rainmist Rooms.

Dining

All day dining Restaurant, All day In Room dining, Shisha Lounge, Lobby Lounge.

Business

Meeting Rooms, Business Centre, Boardroom, Pre-function Area.

Bargain holidays to Dubai are always available throughout the internet.

The Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa in Dubai has completed five successful years of operation with commitment by the owners to invest AED4 million this year in installing LCD screen TVs in all guest rooms, an IPTV system and opening an additional restaurant for their clients, so retaining its leading position in the Dubai market.
It is five years ago that this award winning hotel opened its doors to businessmen and tourists looking for a place to stay which offers them a feel of old Arabia and increases their knowledge about the heritage and culture of the region. During this time, the hotel has become a favourite due to its superior location and exceptional customer services at affordable prices.
Amongst the many awards won by the hotel including Best New Four Star Hotel, Best Leisure Hotel, Best Fine Dining Restaurant for its Mumtaz Mahal Indian Speciality Restaurant, Expedia Insiders Select and the recently announced Silver Prize for National Day Tourism awards by Ministry of Culture, Youth & Community Development.
The hotel has 173 rooms, a variety of dining and entertainment options, business services, health and recreation facilities including a Zaitoon Wellness Spa, making it a good choice for good value cheap holidays in Dubai.

Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa

The Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa is centrally located in Bur Dubai, next to Dubai Museum and in walking distance of Dubai Creek, Bastakiya Heritage Area, Souk Al Kabeer (Meena Bazaar), Textile Market, Bank Street, Computer Street and Port Rashid. The Spice Market, Gold Souk and Heritage Village are easily reached by the Abra (water taxi). The Dubai World Trade Center & Exhibition Halls and Sheikh Zayed Road, the business hub of Dubai, are just a short drive from the hotel. Dubai Airport is just 6kms from the hotel.

Guest Room

The hotels 173 rooms, including 41 Executive rooms and 23 lavish Suites, are all elegantly furnished in traditional Arabic décor. This is one of the only hotels offering a Wellness SPA in the area as well as outdoor swimming pool with sundeck, state of the art gymnasium, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room.

Business facilities at the hotel include a business centre, conference & meeting rooms as well as secretarial services. Other facilities include airport transfers, currency exchange, laundry/valet services, baby sitting, catering services, safety deposit boxes, Rent-a-Car assistance, tour assistance, valet parking, beauty salon, barber shop, gift shop.

Restaurant

Dining
Silk Route Asian Cuisine – lunch and dinner – authentic Chinese & Thai specialities.
Sherlock Holmes English Pub – open daily with thirst quenchers, pub fare, large screen TV’s and a lot more.
Mumtaz Mahal Indian Speciality – live music, entertainment and mouthwatering North West & Mughlai cuisine.
Bastakiya Café & Restaurant – a traditionally themed café & restaurant overlooking the museum courtyard – open daily – offering a wide variety of international cuisine.
Ahlan Lounge – open round the clock offering tempting snacks and delightful beverages.

24 hour room service facilities are available to the in-house guests.

Business Centre
Two meeting rooms on the lobby level with the flexibility to accommodate from 10-150 people in a variety of configurations.

Al Khaima Ballroom with its oasis fresh ambience by the poolside is an ideal venue for conferences, seminars, cocktail, receptions, dinners and get-togethers of up to 400 guests.

Spa

Leisure and Wellness
Wellness Spa, gymnasium, sauna, jacuzzi, steam room and outdoor swimming pools.

Premier Inn, the UK’s biggest hotel chain, has opened its third site within the Gulf region at Premier Inn Dubai International Airport.

This development follows two successful openings in Dubai over the last 18 months. 

Situated immediately opposite Dubai International Airport Terminals 1 and 3 and with a free shuttle bus circulating every 30 minutes, Premier Inn Dubai International Airport has 281 en-suite rooms, a restaurant, bar, Costa Coffee Shop, an al fresco refreshment area with pool table, swimming pool and whirlpool bath.

Premier Inn Dubai

Premier Inn has opened up the traditionally luxurious holiday destination of Dubai to travellers who are looking for great value for money holidays, making it an accessible exotic location for families and couples, of all ages, alike, as well as being a great value alternative for those travelling on business. 

The hotel operates under a strategic partnership with The Emirates Group, established to develop the Premier Inn brand within the Gulf region which started operating in 2008 when Premier Inn first introduced their high standard, “value” hotel model into the Gulf market.

The world’s tallest building has been opened with a fireworks ceremony and a surprise name change. Known as the Burj Dubai during construction, the tower has been renamed The Burj Khalifa after the leader of Dubai’s oil-rich neighbour, Abu Dhabi. Last month, Abu Dhabi gave Dubai a handout of £6.13bn to help it pay off its debts.

The Burj Khalifa

Though not complete on the inside, it was officially opened by Dubai’s ruler, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. In a surprise move he renamed it Burj Khalifa – after the president of the United Arab Emirates and emir of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahayan. The opening ceremony, held 1,325 days after excavation work started, was attended by some 6,000 guests.

Sheikh Mohammed described the tower as “the tallest building ever created by the hand of man”. “This great project deserves to carry the name of a great man. Today I inaugurate Burj Khalifa,” he said.

Opening ceremony

Sheikh Mohammed also unveiled a plaque inside the tower bearing the new name.

The Burj Khalifa in Dubai was revealed to be 2,716ft high, considerably taller than the previous record holder.

The tower also lays claim to the highest occupied floor, the tallest service lift, and the world’s highest observation deck, on the 124th floor.

The world’s highest mosque and swimming pool will be located on the 158th and 76th floors.