MIDE 7 27/5/09 14:55 Page 56
knowledge middle east
ttglive.com
Dubai
Shisha pipes make a great souvenir
Shopping is practically a national sport in Dubai
Spacious rooms at the Westin Mina Seyahi
The feelgood factor
Roving Reader Julie Arksy from intimate spa and visited The Address, which
Holidaysplease goes on a Dubai fam trip
spoils guests with Carita treatments.
with the DTCM, and finds the emirate makes
Hotel heaven
an excellent shopping and spa destination I regularly sell holidays to the Westin Mina
Seyahi as the location is ideal, being directly
Retail therapy However, warn your clients who like on Jumeirah Beach. I loved the food, which
Dubai Mall was my favourite shopping hub. hunting for designer bargains that there are caters for a wide range of tastes. The only
With so many stores under one roof, it is lots of fakes at these markets. negative is that the main restaurant is not
ideal for girly holidays and shopaholics, as very intimate. The hotel also has smaller
the air-conditioned surroundings allow you World-class spas restaurants – advise clients to book ahead.
to shop till you drop. We visited a selection of different hotel spas I was particularly excited by the cheese
We also went to the Mall of the Emirates with treatments from all around the world room where they hold cheese and wine-
by the Kempinski hotel. The mall has more – Dubai is the place to go for variety. Most tasting evenings.
than 450 shops, including Harvey Nichols, are open to non-residents, so it’s advisable to I really enjoyed my stay at the Westin. The
and there’s plenty to keep children enter- pre-book treatments at weekends. large rooms and fantastic swimming pool
tained, including a cinema and ski run. The spa at the Kempinski (main picture) was and garden area make it great for families.
The souks are also a must-see and provide my favourite, with its ayurvedic therapies But I would also sell this hotel to groups
an authentic shopping experience and some and St Barth products. with no children and couples, as there are
bargains. Top souvenirs include shisha pipes At the Westin, the steam room in the adult-only swimming and sunbathing areas,
and stunning cashmere pashminas, which I Heavenly Spa was one of the best I’ve been a real bonus and a great selling point for
could never afford at home. in. I also had a lovely relaxing evening in the anyone who wants a kids-free holiday.
It’s also worth suggesting souks to couples hot tub, watching a Richard Gere film – you For clients who want to feel they have
looking for bargain engagement rings, or really can do what you want here! escaped the city yet still have it on their
anyone looking for quality jewellery at good The Amara spa at the Park Hyatt also doorstep, I would highly recommend the
prices. One girl on my trip bought a lovely induces a totally relaxed state, leaving guests Park Hyatt with its beautiful gardens. It
charm in 14ct gold for a price which would feeling they are miles away from the buzz is great for anyone wanting an oasis of
have bought only 9ct in the UK. of a city. I also tried the Ritz-Carlton’s lovely tranquillity in the middle of the city.
56 29.05.2009
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