WHAT ARE THE BEST BITS OF THE UAE ?

There are 7 Emirates in the UAE, Abu Dhabi being the capital, but at the moment Dubai is more recognized as an all round holiday destination. What you do in Dubai is really weather dependent, so in the cooler months wander around Bur Dubai, Meena Bazaar, Bastakiya and take a trip on the Dubai Ferry. You could also see the Miracle Garden. Save the beaches, pearl museum, malls and eating indoors for when it's hotter. Realistically that's from the end of April till around the beginning of October.
Abu Dhabi has some great entertainment venues and luxury hotels and it isn't a long drive from Dubai. A must see is the Abu Dhabi Grand Mosque.
Al Ain is quite a green emirate and has some well known water parks.
Sharjah is very close to Dubai and has a growing cultural scene. It is more traditional than Dubai though. It has a very good wildlife park.
Um Al Qwain has a good water park and Fujeirah has long been known as a week end getaway destination, although Ras Al Khaimah is much nearer to Dubai and has the fabulous Waldorf Astoria that you must stay at!

April 13, 2017 by monica Leave a Comment

VICEROY PALM JUMEIRAH

The Viceroy Palm Jumeirah Dubai hotel opened in the first week of April 2017. Is it worth a visit or is it just another Dubai skyscraper with restaurants? Read on for an honest experience of the property on day 4 of it’s opening. Food focused review this time round.

The vibe at the Viceroy Palm Jumeirah

The vibe at the Viceroy Palm Jumeirah is ultra cool and we loved it. Think Miami meets Santa Monica right here on the Palm Jumeirah in Dubai. It’s even got a cool address – 1 Palm Jumeirah!

It has a very distinctive glass cube at it’s entrance that will have you looking in all directions and taking photos right away. You can see a long, not too narrow swimming pool immediately in front of you that forms the avenue of a poolside lined with that tall, thin variety of California type palm trees.

Beyond the pool are stylish beach decks and the sea. But the Viceroy Palm Jumeirah has used space at different levels of the pool side and there are 2 grass lined sun decks that can be reached via a spiral staircase. We also saw hotel villas set up to the left of the pool side with their own outdoor jacuzzis and smaller, grassy decks.

Food at the Viceroy Palm Jumeirah

On the ground floor there are 2 areas to dine that are open now, the casual Boulevard on One and the more formal signature Quattro Passi Italian restaurant. We had lunch at the Quattro Passi and really enjoyed the food, service levels, vibe and interiors of the restaurant.

There is a Chinese restaurant that is due to open later this month called Maiden Shanghai. We’ll review that in a separate post. There are a couple of items from each of the restaurants available on the Bar bites menu at Elevate, the bar on the 13th floor. Expect some spectacular views from here and a real lounge feel. It reminded me a little of the Restaurant at the Address Boulevard hotel in Downtown Dubai.

The food at Quattro Passi Viceroy Palm Jumeirah

Quattro Passi has a branch in Italy, between Positano and Capri on the Amalfi coast in Nerano and it also has one in Romilly Street in central London. This is the first branch to open in Dubai. The chef patron is Antonio Mellino from Nerano. The executive chef of all the dining venues is from Sweden – Robert Nilsson. He seems very cool and accomplished at his craft. See what you think…

The menu at Quattro Passi is quite short but we found more than enough to make a good selection for lunch. We chose a tuna tartare with avocado, shown above and a buratta dish served with wild rocket and tomatoes from Sorrento! They recommended we try the signature Linguine Nerano, so we did.

All three starters were excellent and I wouldn’t hesitate to order them all over again,
despite my reticence to eat pasta!

The linguine was cooked with parmesan and courgette and was delicious. The burrata was just a little runny, very creamy and drizzled with a good balsamic vinegar at our table. This was perfect with our sourdough bread.

We ordered 2 mains between 3 people but head chef Chef Antonio sent us out a third. We chose the sea bass with a cauliflower puree and the Italian classic melanzane parmigiana with a special spinach – scarola – on the side.

We were treated to another pasta dish, this time a plate of ravioli stuffed with a mixture of Italian mozzarellas, one of them slightly smoked. Again all 3 main courses were delicious and beautifully presented. I don’t think that was on the menu.

The smoked flavour of the mozzarella was subtle but worked very well. The melanzane again was excellent as was the sea bass. However I thought the portion of sea bass as a main coarse was a little on the small side for AED 185 and inconsistent with the very generous portion of our burrata starter although that was also a bit pricey at AED 120 for a starter.

Desserts at Quattro Passi Viceroy Palm Jumeirah

Apparently a separate kitchen is required to make all the ice creams according to local regulations so none are being made on the premises as yet. However some sorbets are made off site and we were delighted with our selection of mango and raspberry. They tasted just like sorbets should, full of tart, fruity flavours, not too icy and just slightly sweet.

We also chose a hazlenut mousse that turned out to be more of a semi freddo than a mousse. While we loved the black cherry flavours coming through, none of us really warmed to the taste or consistency of the mousse. The hazlenut ice cream wasn’t available for reasons already stated.

There are 9 desserts to chose from, one of which is an Italian cheese selection.

To drink at Quattro Passi

We simply ordered a glass of rose and allowed the staff to choose for us. We weren’t disappointed.

What is worthy of note though is the selection of waters on the menu. There wasn’t a separate water sommelier as at the Montage in Beverly Hills, but our waiter was very knowledgeable none the less.

The Water at Quattro Passi

There are 15 types of water available at Quattro Passi! Choose from Italy, France, Switzerland, Austria, Scandinavia or New Zealand! There is a picture of each bottle available with the composition of the minerals contained in the water. Prices range from AED 18 for half a litre of Natia or Ferrarelle from Italy to AED 30 for the same amount of Veen water from the Lapland region of Finland.

Service levels at Quattro Passi

Service is generally very good in Dubai, but the serving staff at least in Quattro Passi have a friendly confident air about them that is really refreshing to experience.

“Can I have a hard copy or even a photocopy of the menu please”, I asked our server – another Antonio. “Of course, why don’t I give you this one….” was his charming, confident response!

Go and eat at Quattro Passi, but don’t expect much choice from the menu if you’re vegetarian. But I think this is the kind of place that would not leave you hungry, they’d make something special – just for you.

Ambience at Quattro Passi.

This is a light, clean, welcoming elegant restaurant with floor to ceiling windows of the pool area of the hotel. It’s a place you’ll find hard to leave at least at lunch time! Go try it and tell me what you think.

I now have to try Quattro Passi in London this summer but am looking forward to Made in Shanghai at 1 Palm Jumeirah first,and if you’d like to hear us TALKING about this restaurant on The Ticket Dubai Eye, then just click here..I have a show called Food News with Monica.

Follow DoinDubai on Instagram and Facebook to find out where we’re eating next….You may want to enter our latest competition to WIN a meal for 2 at KIZA in DIFC.

Thank you Monica.

May 7, 2015 by monica 1 Comment

SIR BANI YAS ISLAND ABU DHABI

Sir Bani Yas Island

TOP TIPS if you’re planning to stay on Sir Bani Yas Island
A short video
What is Sir Bani Yas Island?
Where is Sir Bani Yas Island ? With Google Map
How do you get to Sir Bani Yas Island?
Where should you STAY on Sir Bani Yas Island?
What’s the best place to EAT on Sir Bani Yas Island?
What is there to DO on Sir Bani Yas Island?
Is Sir Bani Yas Island worth a visit?

TOP TIPS if you’re planning to stay on Sir Bani Yas Island

1. Leave PLENTY of time to get to the jetty, at least 4 hours if you’re driving from Dubai

2. Choose your ACCOMMODATION type carefully! It will make a real difference to your experience. I recommend the AL YAMM villas.

3. Take your DIVING SHOES for yourself and any children, alot of the beach has tiny fossil type shells and rocks, so you’ll be more comfortable.

4. Do eat lunch at the SAVANNAH GRILL at Sahel ON THE TERRACE behind the restaurant, inside is too dark.

5. Try the GAME DRIVE if you’re only doing one activity, it’s really worth it. Take binoculars if you have them and prepare to get really DUSTY. We saw 2 cheetahs and loads of game!

6. If you need to eat a meal on the way home when you’re back on the mainland in Abu Dhabi, I recommend the poolside service at the Jebel Dana hotel. The Indian Biriyani is DELICIOUS and both the vegetarian and non vegetarian are equally good. About 15 minutes drive from the jetty when you get off the boat, you’ll be sustained for the long drive back to Dubai.

A short video

By the way I know I say Tropical Island a couple of times but I know Sir Bani Yas is part of the Desert Islands! Just felt tropical sometimes!

What is Sir Bani Yas Island?

Sir Bani Yas Island is one of 8 natural islands in Abu Dhabi that are collectively known as the Desert Islands. In 1971 under a Greening of the Desert programme initiated by HH Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Sir Bani Yas was earmarked to become a conservation area and home to a variety of birds, animals and plant life. Today Sir Bani Yas is one of Arabia’s largest wildlife reserves. To read more about the island click on this link to the official TDIC website. I met some of the very knowledgable staff from the TDIC at this year’s Arabian Travel Market in Dubai who informed me about a number of new initiatives connected to Sir Bani Yas Island. So do scroll down the TDIC link page to find out the latest information presented in a very user friendly fashion.

Where is Sir Bani Yas Island ?

How do you get to Sir Bani Yas Island?

1. DRIVE all the way to the jetty in Jebal Dana (Abu Dhabi) then make a 20 minute boat journey. Then be picked up by the resort staff for a 20 minute or so ride to your hotel. You don’t need a car on the island and your own vehicle is safe at the Anantara Jetty in Jebal Dana.

2. FLY from either Dubai or Abu Dhabi all the way to the airstrip on the Sir Bani Yas Island. Note flights from Dubai only go twice a week.

Where should you STAY on Sir Bani Yas Island?

There are 3 options of where you can stay on Sir Baniyas Island all of which are operated by the Anantara Resort.

1. The original hotel

The first set of accommodation built on the island, with a lively atmosphere and a choice of restaurants. It can feel a little busy at times though and this does feel a little dated relative to the Al Yamm and Al Sahel.

2. The Al Yamm Villas

30 beachfront villas, this is where we chose to stay and I would recommend you do too. It felt as if we had the place to ourselves, although it was nearly full! Easy access to the beach, pool, restaurant and your villa room. Gorgeous terraces and great opportunities to walk.

3. The Sahel Villas

The Anantara have recreated a real African Lodge type atmosphere with the Sahel villas on Sir Baniyas Island, independant villa rooms in a green, savannah type environment, children will love this atmosphere.

What’s the best place to EAT on Sir Bani Yas Island?

Our FAVOURITE MEAL was lunch at the Savannah Grill restaurant in the SAHEL PROPERTY. We sat outside on a rustic terrace facing some woodland. A couple of baby sand gazelles were oblivous to us taking photos of them! My lunch was excellent value at Dhs 50 for a fillet of fresh sea bream, homemade coleslaw and hand cut chunky chips!

A blanket appeared from no where when I said I was cold so full marks for food, service, value and ambience on this one. We also ate at Amwaj, the Middle Eastern restaurant at the original hotel for dinner, and while food and service was excellent, the ambience wasn’t quite right for the evening. It was dimly lit and the decor was very bare, rattan furntiture detracted from our dining experience, so maybe this one is better for lunch in the open air facing the sea. Our Italian restaurant at Al Yamm was good and we really enjoyed our LEISURELY BREAKFASTS with the views of the mangroves, beach and gazelles!

What is there to DO on Sir Bani Yas Island?

Apart from enjoying the nature, food and generally chilling, there are a number of activities you can get involved in while you stay on Sir Baniyas Island, shopping is NOT one of them! We LOVED the wildlife game drive and despite it being the morning of the worst sand storm of the year, it was still a fabulous experience. We even saw 2 cheetahs! It was worth the Dhs 250 per person for an almost 2 hour drive with a very experienced guide and 4 wheel drive vehicle.

Other activities include

Wildlife walks
Snorkelling and scuba diving
Kayaking
Mountain Biking
Deep sea fishing and horseriding.

Is Sir Bani Yas Island worth a visit?

Yes I think so but choose the right time of year when it’s not too hot or cool so you can enjoy the sea but you won’t get too tired from walking around the mangroves! Deals in the summer are best if you are on a budget.

If you found this helpful then why not SHARE IT using the buttons here…. Let me know if you’d like to explore DoinDubai HELPING YOU CREATE multimedia clips with voice overs for your business.

Thanks Monica

March 16, 2015 by monica 2 Comments

QASR AL SARAB

Welcome to Qasr Al Sarab in the Rub Al Khali

(via the Emirates National Auto Museum)

This post is the second part of our Abu Dhabi 2 night trip. The first was at Eastern Mangroves Resort and Spa.

Where is the Qasr Al Sarab hotel?

In the Empty Quarter or the 2nd largest sand desert in the world!

About 2 hours and 15 minutes drive from Abu Dhabi, into the Empty Quarter. The seclusion of the setting really adds to the whole experience of the trip. It’s not a difficult drive, but you mustn’t miss the E65. It is nothing like going to Bab Al Shams in Dubai. Qasr Al Sarab is a much grander and bigger affair.

Accommodation at the Qasr Al Sarab

Comprises of Arabic style rooms, suites, private and royal villas depending on your requirements and budget. We stayed in a terraced room. (These rooms can sleep 3 and have spectacular views of the desert scenery) I have come across pillow menus in luxury hotels, but this was the first time I was offered a soap menu too! Choose from Cedar wood, Vetiver or Ginger flower!

Food at the Qasr Al Sarab

We had dinner at the Bedouin style set up Al Falaj. The atmosphere is just right for this type of setting but this dining area will close in the summer months as it is out doors. The meals come as a set package comprising of many little courses and are fairly good. I thought the mezzes though should have been of a higher quality for this kind of hotel. There is a fine dining restaurant called Suhail on the rooftop that serves a very international menu that includes fois gras! I suggest you have a drink or 2 during Happy Hour here. An excellent deal for Dhs 30 that includes cocktails and very posh canapés. This fact isn’t well advertised around the hotel.

Activities at the Qasr Al Sarab

There are a number of activities you can get involved with during your stay here, paid and unpaid. The pool areas and very well equipped gym are free of charge, but other activities listed here must be paid for and booked as early as possible as they are very popular. We did the Falcon and Saluki dog show and it was extremely impressive but I think a little over priced at Dhs 310 per person. You could choose from Desert walking, Archery, Dune Bashing, Falcon and Saluki show, Horse Riding, Camel Trekking, Fat Biking or even Desert yoga!

Areas for Improvement at the Qasr Al Sarab

Prices of some of the activities: We thought that Dhs 310 per person for the Saluki dog and falcon show was a little overpriced for what it was, especially if you had older children.
Roll away bed quality: This was better at the Eastern Mangroves according to our teenager!
Quality of the mezzes at Al Falaj: As mentioned above, could have been better.

Worth Knowing

Cocktails at Suhail Rooftop bar: Dhs 30 for cocktails with high quality canapes at Suhail is a fabulous deal.
The In room Soap menu: The Vetiver is one for the guys!
The Conquer the Dune Challenge in Conjunction with Operation Smile. Read about this ongoing challenge here: Conquer The Dune

Worthwhile stops on the way to Qasr Al Sarab

The Emirates National Auto Museum. About an hour’s drive from Abu Dhabi, this museum houses around 200 vehicles belonging to Sheikh Al Nayahan of Abu Dhabi. The vehicles range from cars, jeeps, dune buggies, army carriers and desert rovers! This is a fascinating collection and has to be seen to be believed. The Rainbow motif appears alot on many of the vehicles and reminded me of the 60’s with all the multi coloured Mercedes Benzes.

I LOVED the classic Mercedes Benz that are obviously not seen much now but still ooze style and panache. Note that costs Dhs 50 to enter the museum and they don’t take credit cards. There are toilets and a very good juice shop in the grounds, so a good idea before you continue on for another hour and a half or so to stop off here.

If you are filling up with petrol AFTER your stay at Qasr Al Sarab then I recommend you fill up at the first petrol station and buy some of their excellent quality Coffee Planet organic coffee to keep you going!

Has this post inspired you to stay at the Qasr Al Sarab?

Thanks Monica

March 9, 2015 by monica Leave a Comment

ABU DHABI LUXURY HOTELS

CRITERIA for choosing Abu Dhabi luxury hotels

There are so many Abu Dhabi luxury hotels. How would you choose which one to go to?

Perhaps PROXIMITY to Dubai is important. Sometimes you don’t want to drive more than an hour or so.
Hotel SETTING is important. Abu Dhabi luxury hotels have settings that range from desert islands to autodromes.
UNIQUENESS of the property is also a factor.
Sometimes you may want to stick with a BRAND of Abu Dhabi luxury hotels you know something about.
Or maybe you just choose based on what you READ on Trip Advisor!

Which Abu Dhabi luxury hotels did we choose?

Our first hotel choice for a two night break over half term was the Anantara Eastern Mangroves hotel and Spa. It was an hour from Dubai and I had heard so much about the green Mangrove setting. Then we chose the Anantara Qasr Al Sarab because of the uniqueness of the setting in the Empty Quarter –Rub al Quali (Khali means empty in Hindi).

Stopping for a night at the Eastern Mangroves to begin our StayCation broke up the long drive and gave us an opportunity to see the Grand Mosque.

This post is part 1 of 2 posts reporting on an HONEST ACCOUNT of our Abu Dhabi luxury hotels (StayCation) experience. So you will read about everything that worked well and some areas that both hotels could improve upon.

Where is the Eastern Mangroves Hotel and Spa?

About an hour’s straight drive from Dubai along the E11. Very easy.

The HIGHLIGHTS of Abu Dhabi luxury hotels:

The MANGROVE setting

It is incredible how green this bit of Abu Dhabi is, just parallel to the Sheikh Zayed Road. The Mangroves in Abu Dhabi are all protected; thankfully this means there are no jet skis whizzing up and down like on some public beaches in Dubai. The water is 9 parts salt so stick to swimming in the hotel pool! The walk directly at the back of the hotel is called the Eastern Mangroves Promenade which makes for a very pleasant stroll. We had a lunch at Cafe Blanc on the terrace adjacent to the water.

There is also a small Waitrose in case you need to stock up before you head home. Apparently the Boa steakhouse and Carluccios in this development also serve alcohol. I was told this later but if I’m right please let me know in a comment. Husband and teenage daughter went on the kayaks into the Mangroves and LOVED it! A 2 hour or so trip with a guide for Dhs 160 was money well spent. You do have to book before hand and they only take small groups. The boats go out twice a day. I wasn’t tempted by the much more expensive wooden abra type pearl journey boat that was about 90 minutes long but cost Dhs 500.

The SPA and TURKISH HAMMAM treatment

I was a little skeptical about this experience having heard all about being beaten with brush sticks and being left with raw skin. Nothing could have been further from the truth! This was one of the best spa treatments I have ever experienced. It comprises of 6 or 7 stages of washing, exfoliating and massaging all of which are carried out while you lie on a warm marble Hammam platform.

They do hot yoga here sometimes too so will have to come back for that class. My therapist from India was extremely competent, very well spoken and put me at my ease immediately. I literally fell asleep at one point in the treatment! Have any readers ever experienced a bubble pillow wash before?! Do ask for a tour around the spa, I loved it. This would be the PERFECT pre bridal party for a group of friends. If there are 25 of you, you can have the whole hammam and spa area to yourselves.

The CLUB rooms floor

We stayed on the club room floor which like most hotels offered afternoon tea and drinks with canapes in the early evening. The canapes were much more generous and high quality than I have sampled in many hotels and the view again over the mangroves is extremely relaxing.

They have a well stocked library that is open till late at night, we had coffees here after our dinner at the Thai restaurant Pachalayan.

The Service and FRIENDLINESS of the staff

We all know that good service makes or breaks any trip. The staff here were exceptionally good. I was waiting for fresh Saj bread at Breakfast in Ingredients restaurant and didn’t realize the plate being prepared was for a staff member who then insisted I have her breakfast while she waited for another batch. The quality of food at Ingredients was excellent. The Mezzes I thought were on par with Dubai’s Wafi Gourmet.

Areas for IMPROVEMENT

My personal view was that some aspects of the Thai restaurant Pachalayan could be improved upon. The ambience in the evening (only open for dinner) is slightly lacklustre; compounded by the too dim tone of the lighting. While the food the food was tasty the presentation was a little old fashioned in it’s use of lollo rossa lettuce and carved carrots for garnishing dishes.

In the impressive lobby I felt that purple and yellow colour combination for the flower arrangements was jarring and didn’t add to the ambience of the well proportioned and bright lobby. There were also some red rose arrangements left over from Valentines so the whole effect felt a little un co-ordinated.

Special Deals at Abu Dhabi luxury hotels

Stay on a Thursday or Friday night for Dhs 1200 per room (for 2 people) to include room, breakfast AND the excellent brunch worth Dhs 475 (including alcohol)

Must See’s while you’re staying at Abu Dhabi luxury hotels

The Abu Dhabi Grand Mosque (you will need to cover your arms and legs completely ladies if you don’t want to wear standard edition abayas. Also note TAKE your ID with you (I didn’t take anything other than camera equipment so had to wear a special coloured abaya for those without ID!)

The Yas mall if you need a quieter shop than Dubai mall. By the way the circular building that you see advertising the Yas mall houses the offices of ALDAR who own Yas Mall.

We spent a very relaxing night at the Eastern Mangroves and after breakfast drove on to The Anantara Qasr al Sarab in the Empty quarter via another must see but lesser known attraction: The Liwa auto museum.

Did you know about the Thursday/Friday deal at Abu Dhabi luxury hotels?

Do share the article with friends and tell me what you thought in a comment.

Stay subscribed to read Part 2 of the Abu Dhabi luxury hotels (staycation)review in the mesmerising Rub al Qali.

If you’d like to look at a whole range of hotels in Abu Dhabi, then I think this Holiday ME’s link is pretty comprehensive.

Coming soon:

A review of Art Dubai 2015.

If you want more immediate updates then it’s easy to follow on Twitter and Instagram.

Thank you Monica