Dubai's your oyster - UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Once of sandy desert plains, now a city sprawling with skyscrapers, with unexpected pockets of greenery and colourful blooms. The city has transformed and blossomed into a luxurious playground full of riches, where prestigious cars saturate the streets and is home to some of the world's 'most tallest, largest and luxurious' structures. Dubai is a city of all cities, where parts of the world are all rolled into one. Everything you could possibly imagine is here and more, from the best restaurants, bars, shopping malls, hotels, entertainment, beaches, marinas, historical and modern sights. Dubai is a city riding in the fast lane, and before I finish writing this piece, the chances are another building is about to be completed!

Dubai Fountain & Burj Khalifa (on the right)

With constant changing landscapes, thanks to the wealth the discovery of oil brought about 50 years ago, Dubai went from sandy desert plains to extravagant cosmopolitan city. Making the United Arab Emirates one of the world's richest countries.

Dubai is home to the worlds tallest building - the Burj Khalifa. Standing mighty high at 829.8 metres and appropriately positioned, next to the world's largest mall - the Dubai Mall. This mall has over 1,200 stores, with all the major brands and luxury designers under one roof. This mall is built to mammoth proportions, so much so, that it even has it's own aquarium and underwater zoo. Which of course, is the largest suspended aquarium in the world. At some point you'll also stumble across the Dubai Mall's indoor ski resort, a cool contrast to the sweltering Dubai heat. The mall really is of colossal size! - http://www.thedubaimall.com/en/Index.aspx

Just outside the Dubai Mall is the Dubai Fountain, with the world's largest choreographed fountain system, of course! A spectacular water performance, paired with light and music, on every 30 minutes from 6pm. Best seen when the sun is setting.

Downtown Dubai has many of the 'world's most,' a place you could easily spend a day exploring and enjoying. However, if you want to head to the top of the Burj Khalifa, make sure you get your tickets early, as these are a hot item.

Burj Khalifa

Dubai Mall in Downtown Dubai

Dubai Aquarium inside the Dubai Mall

Dubai Fountain

Not quite done with the 'world's most,' Dubai also has the world's largest artificial man-made island, called The Palm. Fittingly, created into the shape of a palm tree, with a tree trunk, 16 palm branches and a crown. Apparently built so big, that it can be seen from space!

Another smaller man-made island, regardless of how small, is occupied by the world's first 7 star hotel - the Burj Al Arab. Built like the sails of a ship, surrounded by ocean water, the Burj Al Arab Hotel is known to offer only the finest, hence earning itself the 7 stars.

The Atlantis Hotel located at the crown of the Palm

The Burj Al Arab Hotel 

One of Dubai's refined and stylish districts is Dubai Marina. This region consists of the world's largest waterfront expansion, an area where many luxury yachts are moored. High-rise apartments, with lavish views reside. The Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), where 'The Walk' and 'The Beach' can be found, with bountiful options for shopping and dining. The Dubai Marina Mall, where more shopping can be had and Pier 7 - consisting of 7 levels of 7 different restaurants along with superb marina views. As you can see, the options in the Dubai Marina region are endless.

Dubai Marina high-rise apartment views

The Beach - at Jumeirah Beach Residence

Along the beach of the Jumeirah Beach Residence, a meal containing eggs can be had all day long at 'Eggspectation.' Treat yourself to a satisfying breakfast, lunch or dinner with beach views. With the number of options available on their menu and everything looking so appealing, the choice doesn't come easy, but no matter what the choice, it's probably going to be a good one - http://eggspectation.com/locations/dubai/jumeirah-beach-residence/

Lobster benedict from Eggspectation

Everyone loves a weekend champagne brunch and in Dubai the Arabic weekend begins on a Friday. Dubai is a Muslim city, but alcohol flows quite freely, especially within the confines of hotel establishments. Book yourself and your friends into a Friday brunch and experience brunching on another level. Begin while the sun is still high and ride into the night. There are many brunch venues to choose from such as Zero Gravity, Bar 44 and 360 degree, only to name a few.

Zero Gravity is located in Jumeirah Beach Residence at 'The Beach' area, across from Skydive Dubai. Don't worry about early wake-ups, because brunch doesn't begin until 3pm. Enter through the tunnel to Zero Gravity and be met with a large illuminating circular bar, two levels, an outdoor grass area, with an outdoor bar and sandy beach front with gorgeous views. At Zero Gravity, the brunch is brought to your table in three courses - entree, main and dessert. If you like something in particular, you can ask for more. Same with the drinks and alcoholic beverages, non-stop food and drinks, during your 3 hour brunching session! Eat and drink to your hearts content. After brunch, stick around for the evening events and dance the night away - http://0-gravity.ae/

Zero Gravity bar

Brunch at Zero Gravity - Entrees

View from Zero Gravity

Outdoor area of Zero Gravity

If you're looking for some great food, you can find it at Pier 7, next to the Dubai Marina Mall. There are 7 restaurants, each serving different cuisines, on each separate level. Each restaurant has the treat of the marina views. For delicious foods from around the world, go to Fume Restaurant. An eclectic venue with bare ceilings and cement walls, sophisticated lighting features and impressive views. The food is nothing short of satisfying and the drinks are fantastic too! - http://www.fume-eatery.com/index_pier.html For other restaurants at Pier 7 go to - http://www.pier7.ae/en/Dine/dine.aspx

Fume Restaurant at Pier 7

Delicious food & drinks from Fume Restaurant at Pier 7

View from a Pier 7 restaurant

For something a little different and a lot of fun, experience an Arabian desert night. Book yourself on a desert safari and leave the sprawling city behind for some peace and quiet amongst the desert dunes.

Arabian Adventures have different types of tours, but don't go pass the 'Sundowner.' A late afternoon to evening desert safari, that starts with a falcon show. Then onto dune driving through the desert, up and down peaks of sand, where you'll be dropped off in the middle of no where and see nothing but sand for miles - indulge in the amazing sunset. Then bash more dunes to arrive at the Arabian desert dinner grounds, where you'll meet some camels for a brief ride. Within the dinner grounds, an Arabian style buffet will await. Dinner under the desert stars, surrounded by sand dunes, accompanied by music and entertainment - just perfect! - https://www.arabian-adventures.com/en/tours-and-safaris/find-tours-and-safaris/dubai.aspx

Dune driving with Arabian Adventures

Sunset watch

Desert camel ride

Arabian style buffet

View from the dinner grounds of the illuminated sand dune

The capital city of the United Arab Emirates is Abu Dhabi. From Dubai, a taxi ride to Abu Dhabi is 1 - 1.5 hours and costs about 200AED. No special car arrangements need to be made, you can easily hail a taxi from the streets and they'll be happy to take you.

Worth the visit in Abu Dhabi, is the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. There are free walking tours throughout the day lasting about 45 minutes. The mosque was completed in 2007 and is the largest in the UAE. It can fit over 30,000 worshipers at any one time. The monumental mosque was built with materials sourced from around the world. Made from marble stone, with more than 80 plump domes, topped off with gold tips. Luscious greenery and pools surround the mosque, reflecting back it's beauty. While inside, a chandelier of grand proportions hangs in the centre. Made from millions of Swarovski crystals, casting warm colourful hues and 24 karat gold. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is grandiose from all angles.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Some of the thousands of columns within the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Reflective pools that surround the mosque

Chandelier inside the mosque made of millions of Swarovski crystals

There is plenty to do in Dubai and there will be plenty more to come, this city is expanding on a rapid scale and no doubt there will be another 'world's most' coming soon. The city is electric, call it the 'new city of lights.' Spectacular structures, amazing man-made islands, large scale shopping malls, along with an abundance of fine and fabulous restaurants and bars, this city is your oyster. Dubai welcomes foreigners with open arms, however be mindful and respectful of their laws. The choices in Dubai are bottomless and although there are many riches visibly seen cruising the streets, it's really a playground for all.

The Burj Khalifa

Desert sunset

There's something peaceful about sitting in the middle of the desert

View of Dubai from the sky

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A piece of paradise - MALDIVES

The Maldives is a destination, where waking up before the dawn, feels like an indulgence. Waiting to witness the first break of sunlight spread across the horizon and reflect over the pristine blue waters, that's peacefully lapping beneath your feet - a non-guilty pleasure. Feels somewhat like a dream, yet it's the true definition of 'heaven on earth.'

Sunrise in the Maldives

Sitting on the edge of the over water villa

This speckled piece of paradise is located in the Indian Ocean and is made up of over 1000 coral islands, of which only about 200 have been populated. Planning a holiday here, means choosing the best resort for you. Each resort occupies a small island, far from anything else, where you'll be spending most of your time. Depending on what your holiday desires are in the Maldives, there are many resorts to choose from. Whether you plan on doing as little as possible and just relax or plan on making use of the resort facilities and going on excursions, there's a resort in the Maldives to suit. There are also different types of accommodation, but nothing beats your own over water villa with private balcony and direct access into the ocean.

A holiday in the Maldives is a lavish one and can be very costly. Resort accommodation can cost a pretty penny and on top of that, there are additional charges such as airport transfers, to and from your selected resort. Transfers can cost anywhere between USD$200-$800 per person, depending on the resort islands distance and the mode of transport. For islands closer to the Ibrahim Nasir International Airport, transfers can be made by speed-boat. Other resorts, which are further, will require travel by sea-plane, which will obviously be on the higher end of the cost scale. Other charges you can also expect to see, is the 6% government tourist tax and 10% service charge, added to every bill for things such as dining, mini-bar beverages, spa services and excursions.

The coral islands which make up the Maldives

Over water villas at the Olhuveli Beach Resort & Spa

Direct access into the ocean from the water villa

The Olhuveli Beach Resort & Spa is a 45 minute speed-boat ride from the Ibrahim Nasir International Airport. This resort has the best of both worlds. It is sizable enough for you to find an alluring secluded place to relax and has plenty of activities, excursions and facilities to keep you occupied. Whatever your desires, this island is your little slice of heaven - http://www.olhuvelimaldives.com/

Surrounded by white powdered sand, crystal clear waters and tropical greens, low tide reveals secluded sand banks, that make for great escapes. Equipped with two infinity pools, four restaurants & four bars, a fitness centre, resort activities and evening entertainment, Olhuveli Resort has it all. It also has it's own house reef, a modest area for snorkelling to visit the Maldivian sea life. If that's given you a taste to explore the greater ocean, go on a snorkelling safari to see more.

The Olhuveli Beach Resort & Spa water villas

The Olhuveli Beach Resort & Spa water villas

The water villa balcony view

Water villa bathroom view

Revealed sand banks at low tide

The Olhuveli Beach Resort & Spa infinity pool

Intimate beach dining at the Plankton Grill at the Olhuveli Beach Resort & Spa

The snorkelling safari is a worthwhile excursion to go on. The coral reefs are breathtaking and are home to some of the most vibrant, colourful and stunning Maldivian creatures. Immerse yourself in the underwater world and swim side by side with the rainbow of fishes. You may even cross paths with some turtles or playful dolphins. The experience is truly thrilling, underwater on a grand scale.

Click on the following link to see the dolphins we came across and had a swim with, while on a snorkelling safari in the Maldives. Certainly a magic Maldivian moment - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=feKlbsYYL4M

Maldives coral reef

Snorkelling at the Olhuveli Beach Resort & Spa reef

Visitors on the snorkelling safari

Don't let the premium prices deter you from a holiday in the Maldives. It's worth every single penny. And if you're going to visit the Maldives once, do it in deluxe style and stay in an over water villa. Surrounded by the warm clear waters of the Indian Ocean, you'll meet some of the swimming sea life, going about their business. Restore your soul or fall more in love, the Maldives is truly a placid piece of paradise, right here on earth. Eye-catching surrounds at every turn, you'll have a permanent smile anchored across your face the entire stay, it's called the Maldivian affect. It's impossible to feel anything else, but pure bliss!

Enjoy the Maldives - Love Tran

On a sand bank at low tide

The Olhuveli Beach Resort & Spa

Perfect for a romantic private dinner at The Olhuveli Beach Resort & Spa

Sunset in the Maldives

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