Dubai: an unlikely activity holiday destination
Want an action-packed adventure holiday? Then why not visit the city that never sleeps!
Dubai offers spectacular skylines, countless bars and restaurants, 24/7 shopping outlets and golden sandy beaches. Does Dubai have it all? Well, if you’re after an unusual holiday then read on.
With the blistering heat blasting all year round you definitely won’t miss out on your dose of vitamin D. Those bargain hunters amongst you will certainly be able to find a cheap flight and hotel during some point in the year – because of the lovely weather all-year-round, you can be really flexible when deciding when to visit.
If you are restricted to school holidays then remember to pack a sun hat and plenty of sunscreen because the daily temperature in the height of summer can reach well over a scorching 40 degrees! So, if you can handle the heat, get packing ready for next summer.
Ski Dubai
Yes, you read that right. You can ski in Dubai!
You can’t visit Dubai without checking out its phenomenal indoor ski slope, because snowboarders, skiers, adrenaline junkies and penguins from all around the world unite here. Not only can you ski at this indoor palace, but you can also zip line down to visit the penguins – this place can’t get any cooler, literally.
Stay active
Although the weather is scorching most of the year round, that doesn’t stop those who like to stay active on holiday. Whether that’s swimming, hiking, kayaking or playing tennis, there is an abundance of activities for whatever the weather or mood!
Why not try tennis? It is very popular in Dubai, and many people visit just for the spectacular tennis courts, with professional players training in Dubai in order to try and battle the heat. Check out Five Star Tennis Holidays for an activity holiday with a twist – go alone, in couples, or with a group of friends to learn a new skill and explore a new city.
Go wild at Wadi
With over 30 wild water rides against the backdrop of the Burj Al Arab, this wet and wild experience will certainly set your pulse racing.
So why not relax on the lazy river, let your heart leap down tantrum alley, or laugh in the face of fear with a roller coaster ride on the notorious Jumeirah Sceirah? This Wadi water park is open nearly all year round, so whether you have children or are just a big kid yourself this is definitely the place to cool off.
Adrenaline junkies only!
I don’t know about anyone else, but driving a buggy through the sand dunes almost sounds too much fun!
If you are a bit of an adrenaline junkie then seek out the popular local tour operator, Arabian Adventures. They run a wide range of exciting excursions, both around the city and out into the desert, giving visitors a taste of ancient Arabian traditions with a modern twist.
The most popular package, ‘Sundowner’, is an all-inclusive experience, starting the day with dune buggy racing across the sand dunes, followed by an exciting falcon show, then a bumpy camel ride, and even a traditional belly dancing performance accompanied with a buffet meal full of delicious local cuisine.
But where to stay?
With Dubai quickly becoming one of the most popular cities to visit, there is of course an abundance of hotels to stay in, but here are my top picks to suit all budgets.
Splurge: The Movenpick Hotel Ibn Battuta Gate is currently ranked as the number one hotel in Dubai on TripAdvisor, and with more restaurants and swimming pools than you can possibly use, this hotel is a must if you fancy a bit of luxury. Don’t expect a bargain, though, with peak prices even in the ‘low’ season.
Spend: The Jumeirah Beach Hotel is a five-star hotel with all the luxury touches you can imagine. From the outside the design is a wave-like building – which means all of the hotel rooms enjoy a sea view – and if that isn’t enough to convince you, the hotel has its very own private beach where you can relax on the golden sand. As a bonus, this hotel is only a short drive from the airport and has plenty of activities going on all year round.
Save: The Hilton Dubai Resort has an ideal location, within walking distance of the beach, bars, shops, casinos and a wide variety of restaurants. This hotel is the ideal base for busy bodies ready to explore the city, and though it may not be quite five star, it still has all of the amenities you could think of, with touches of indulgence too.
Are you convinced yet? Book your ticket and enjoy exploring the vibrant city that is Dubai!
