That New Dress Travels: Dubai Suprises

I’ve been lucky enough to have visited Dubai several times and although I have A LOT of love for it, I wouldn’t label it the most beautiful place I’ve been in the world.  The truth is you know you’re in Dubai when you can hear and see a hella lot of construction!  Where ever you are in the city there is ALWAYS a crane lurking overhead and another building site to endure.

So imagine my surprise when I stayed in the Marina district for a couple of days and was truly blown away by the spectacular views and humming atmosphere.  Grappling with magnetite of the Marina is an effort in itself; this manmade waterfront was excavated out of 3km of Dubai desert and with 8km of landscaped public walkways along the waterfront, there’s easily enough to see and visit.  Just the sheer size and number of skyscrapers is enough to delight and wow you.

On our first night we found ourselves wandering through and soaking up all it has to offer.  I can best describe it as a mix between Hong Kong and Puerto Banus.  There is just so much to marvel at from the moored yachts to incredible skyline and dancing fountains.  It does have a touristy element and hostesses will try hard to entice you into their restaurant which merely adds to the hustle bustle and vibrancy of the place.

In the end we grabbed dinner at a delicious Lebanese restaurant with tables overlooking the waterfront and palm trees dressed up in fairy lights.  The waiters wrapped us in blankets to keep the evening chill at bay, as we people watched those wandering along the boardwalk while sipping on fresh juice and nibbling on a selection of hot mezze dishes.

It was a wonderful first evening and truly got us in the holiday spirits!