Every cloud has a silver lining…
Aura Skypool, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
Just got back from a short winter break to the UAE (Dubai and Ras Al-Khaimah). We last visited in 2010 and boy has it changed!
The first half of the holiday in Dubai was a mad dash to revisit a few old sights and see the new. Day one was our very own version of ‘Planes, Trains and Automobiles’… starting off with a taxi ride to the Palm monorail and a trip along the palm to the Atlantis hotel followed by a long… and I mean long, walk along the Boardwalk that runs all the way round the outer palm defence wall. A quick drink in the Atlantis (no mean feat getting into the place – security is everywhere! Probably explains why Dubai is an ultra-safe place to visit).
Then back on the monorail, take the tram back to the main metro interchange at Dubai Marina and then the Metro line all the way into the city centre for the Burj Khalifa. First shock – it’s a bloody long walk from the nearest Metro Station (Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall) even with 7 travelators along the route. We don’t dawdle but it still took us 20-25mins to reach the mall entrance! Goes a long way to explaining how we managed 25,000+ steps each day!
The second shock – to go up the Burj Khalifa is simply extortionate! Peak hours are 12:00-20:00 at a cost of 553 AED (£120.00 as near as dam it). Its only discounted between 09:00-11:00 & 21:00-22:00 for 399 AED and its pitch black by that night time so we hummed and harred for an hour before knocking it on the head.
Note to others: pre-book tickets in advance… it’s a bit cheaper.
Luckily, Mrs R does exceptional research and planning for our holidays (I usually just pack my camera bag and turn up) and had booked us in for the sunrise slot (6:00-9:00) at the Aura Skypool. I hadn’t heard of this place. It’s the world’s highest 360 degree infinity pool offering incredible views of the Dubai skyline. Situated on the Palm Jumeirah on top of the Palm Tower Hotel, this was the #1 highlight of the holiday and more than made up for the disappointment of the Burj Khalifa.
Having a flat white at 6am with your feet dangling in an outside heated infinity pool on the 50th floor is a unique experience – Costa needs to up its game!!!
I think a picture can paint a thousand words…..
Every cloud has a silver lining…
Aura Skypool, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
Just got back from a short winter break to the UAE (Dubai and Ras Al-Khaimah). We last visited in 2010 and boy has it changed!
The first half of the holiday in Dubai was a mad dash to revisit a few old sights and see the new. Day one was our very own version of ‘Planes, Trains and Automobiles’… starting off with a taxi ride to the Palm monorail and a trip along the palm to the Atlantis hotel followed by a long… and I mean long, walk along the Boardwalk that runs all the way round the outer palm defence wall. A quick drink in the Atlantis (no mean feat getting into the place – security is everywhere! Probably explains why Dubai is an ultra-safe place to visit).
Then back on the monorail, take the tram back to the main metro interchange at Dubai Marina and then the Metro line all the way into the city centre for the Burj Khalifa. First shock – it’s a bloody long walk from the nearest Metro Station (Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall) even with 7 travelators along the route. We don’t dawdle but it still took us 20-25mins to reach the mall entrance! Goes a long way to explaining how we managed 25,000+ steps each day!
The second shock – to go up the Burj Khalifa is simply extortionate! Peak hours are 12:00-20:00 at a cost of 553 AED (£120.00 as near as dam it). Its only discounted between 09:00-11:00 & 21:00-22:00 for 399 AED and its pitch black by that night time so we hummed and harred for an hour before knocking it on the head.
Note to others: pre-book tickets in advance… it’s a bit cheaper.
Luckily, Mrs R does exceptional research and planning for our holidays (I usually just pack my camera bag and turn up) and had booked us in for the sunrise slot (6:00-9:00) at the Aura Skypool. I hadn’t heard of this place. It’s the world’s highest 360 degree infinity pool offering incredible views of the Dubai skyline. Situated on the Palm Jumeirah on top of the Palm Tower Hotel, this was the #1 highlight of the holiday and more than made up for the disappointment of the Burj Khalifa.
Having a flat white at 6am with your feet dangling in an outside heated infinity pool on the 50th floor is a unique experience – Costa needs to up its game!!!
I think a picture can paint a thousand words…..