One & Only Royal Mirage Dubai

Dubai, the city which keeps luring us back! Easter 23 was our eighth time in Dubai. This time, we stayed for six nights at the One & Only Royal Mirage Palace. On previous visits, we had always dreamt of staying at the One & Only one day. We used to look at it from the Westin next door and think one day we will stay there! The hotel is on another level to other hotels we’ve stayed at in Dubai. Yes, you pay a lot but you certainly get what you pay for! The staff were the friendliest we have ever come across in Dubai, they really couldn’t do enough for us. There was no issue with sunbeds (unlike other hotels we’ve stayed at in Dubai) even though it was a very busy time with it being the Easter holidays. There are several restaurants, Admittedly, we only dined in a few but they were all fantastic. Other times, we would eat out at JBR (Jumeirah Beach Residence) or a Mall where there are so many different restaurants for all nationalities and cultures. Eating out can be very reasonable in price. One of my daughters favourites is the Cheesecake Factory. For anyone who hasn’t heard of the Cheesecake Factory, it’s an American chain and you can actually have a meal there. We’ve been several times and never actually managed a Cheesecake for desert because the portions are huge! The location for us is perfect. The Marina and JBR (Jumeirah Beach Residence) is a short taxi ride away or if you’re feeling energetic, you can walk it. The tram is also opposite. We’ve never used the tram because we find taxi’s are quite cheap. Avoid Uber as its twice the cost of a Careem taxi. Mall of the Emirates is approximately a 15 minute drive away depending on the time of day and the hotel sits by the entrance to the Palm. This time, we decided to do the Desert Safari. We did it once before about eight years ago. First, we were taken to an area where people could use Quad Bikes (at an extra cost) then on to the actual safari. Before entering the Safari, they have to let the tyres down on the vehicles so that they can drive through the dunes. Some- how, whilst travelling through the dunes, we lost a tyre! It was soon fixed by other drivers of vehicles who came to assist and then we were on our way. Half way through the dunes, we stopped for a spot of Sand Boarding. One of most embarrassing moments ever occurred when I lost balance (even though I was sat on the board) managed to turn the board around and go down the steep hill backwards with my legs in the air, screaming!. All I could hear was everyone at the top laughing! Top Tip, if you’re scared of heights, maybe give it a miss as the slope is very steep and that’s what made me lose my balance. That’s what I’m telling myself anyway! After dune bashing and snowboarding, we were taken to a Bedouin Camp where they put on entertainment. Because it was Ramadan, there was no Belly Dancer but they replaced them with another act which was very good. My daughter specifically enjoyed the free Shisha! The food offered was a bar b que and buffet. It was ok but I’m quite fussy! I decided to fly with BA this time and a pleasant experience it was. We flew Premium Economy both ways and the service was excellent. I feel BA have really upped their game lately. The terminal in Dubai is much smaller than the huge Emirates terminal, which meant we queued less and were out of the airport quicker. Some tips for travelling to Dubai: Careem Taxi’s are the cheapest. Uber charge double to Careem Chauffer driven cars charge four times the Careem price You may be offered a Chauffer taxi without knowing so check the price before you get in. If the car isn’t cream, don’t be fooled! Dubai is extremely child friendly Avoid June, July & August. The heat is unbearable. We visited during Ramadan and hotel restaurants were all open, the malls were open too. I get asked a lot if Dubai is pretentious. I say only if you go to certain places like Beach Clubs etc. It’s as pretentious as you want it to be but you can avoid it. Dubai has everything. Fantastic beaches, shopping malls, water parks, culture, sky diving,. There is something for everyone and you can’t get bored.