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When we went to Dubai last February we pretty much thought it was a once in a lifetime opportunity. Therefore, we stayed at the Atlantis, swam with dolphins, and went on the desert safari. This fall, when we figured out my mom’s October visit would coincide with the kids’ fall break, we had to choose a destination for all 5 of us. Mom mentioned that she’d love to go to Dubai. Knowing the weather would be awesome, it wasn’t hard to convince us to go.
We researched it and found out was possible to go again, just on a different budget. :) We took Etihad Airways again, whose tickets from Belgium to Abu Dhabi are the same or cheaper than it costs to fly to the US. We took a free hour shuttle from the airport to our nice hotel apartment in Dubai. We were also able to buy breakfast foods and drinks at a local mini market which helped bring down the costs.
The apartment was spacious (about as big as our first house!) and had access to a roof top pool and a small workout center. My mom thought it was comical that when choosing between two rooms Nicholas chose the one with the full size bed for himself and told Nana she could sleep with Lindsey in the room with two twin size beds! Both kids were thrilled with this decision as you can imagine. :)
When you stay at the Atlantis there really is no reason to leave the complex as everything you need is right there -- water park, beach, restaurants, pools, aquarium, gift shops, etc. This trip we were forced to explore more of Dubai (a good thing) even though we spent one lovely day at the Atlantis resort with friends who were staying there. You can pay general admission and gain entrance into the water park (about $300 for the 5 of us! -- Thanks, Nana!).
When you aren’t staying at the Atlantis, you also realize how many American restaurants are in Dubai. A list of the places we ate: Cold Stone Creamery, Applebee’s, P.F. Chang’s, Tim Hortons, Starbucks, Pizza Hut, Burger King. It was quite obvious we were traveling with kids on this visit and unfortunately, my mom didn’t get to experience the local cuisine.
Other things we were able to do this time that didn’t happen on our last visit (if you remember, Lindsey was super sick and spent our first day in the hospital): visited a public beach for the day with friends who were staying at the Atlantis, while Paul played golf with her husband, went ice skating at the Dubai Mall, shopped and dined at a touristy souq, went through the Aquarium at the Dubai Mall (where Nicholas held a Burmese Python around his neck), and visited a local park with friends from Belgium who moved to Dubai.
Three things we were not able to fit in were: a visit to the one local mosque that allows visitors to take a tour and learn more; Indoor skiing and shopping at the Mall of the Emirates; and visiting traditional souqs/markets where they sell spices, jewelry, fabrics, etc. I wonder if it’s possible we can talk Paul into going a third time!?
