It may be winter in Dubai but there’s not a cloud in the sky, and the barometer is sitting at a very comfortable 28 degrees.
I’m lying on a sun lounge by the pool at the Taj Dubai Hotel, with a book in my hand and the sweet smell of frangipani flowers wafting over me.
If my kids were here, they’d have the whole pool to themselves, watched dutifully by a lifeguard, as they play in the refreshingly cool water.
If my husband were here, he’d be inside at the Jiva Spa and Fitness Centre, indulging in one of their blissful massages.
But I’m content to sit, soak up some sun and take in the magnificent view of the Dubai skyline, including the famous Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building.
My morning at the Taj Dubai began leisurely with the most extensive buffet breakfast I have ever eaten. With breakfast offerings inspired by Indian, Arabic, American and European cuisines, it has to be seen to be believed.
The hotel staff can’t do enough to help me. As I’m sitting at the breakfast table, reading the complimentary newspaper, they offer me tea, coffee, waffles, eggs, anything! They ask me about my plans for the day and we chat amiably.
I could seriously get used to this.
I plan to spend the afternoon at the Eden Beach Club with some friends, so I head up to my room to get ready. Housekeeping have refreshed my room while I was at the pool, and have left some macaroons for me to enjoy later with a cup of tea. How thoughtful.
I connect to the free hotel wifi to double check the time that I’m meeting my friends. Once showered and dressed, I head down to the lobby to make my way to the beach.
Lunch and a lazy afternoon of swimming and lounging around with friends at the Eden Beach Club meant there was only one thing to do when I returned to the Taj Dubai – indulge in a bubble bath.
After a long soak in the generously sized bath tub, using the luxurious Molton Brown toiletries that are provided, I realised that housekeeping had been back again to turn down my bed, and had left my slippers and fluffy robe out for me.
Ahh…as I said, I could seriously get used to this!
After spending five nights at the Taj Dubai, I feel sure that my next stay will also be at the Taj, but will include my husband and three children.
The hotel’s close proximity to the Dubai Mall (and the plethora of family friendly activities that can be found there) make it the perfect location for holidaying families.
There are family rooms at the hotel, and there is even a fenced playground that you can walk to in just a few minutes.
While the hotel rooms don’t have kitchens, there are a number of dining options at the hotel, and endless options in downtown Dubai.
There’s also no guest laundry at the hotel, so be sure to pack enough clothes to last your trip, to avoid having to search for a laundrette.
They say that breaking up is hard to do… almost as hard as checking out of such a beautiful hotel. See you again soon, I hope, Taj Dubai!
Taj Dubai is located on Burj Khalifa Street, Business Bay, Dubai. For more information, or to make a booking, visit www.tajhotels.com.
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