August 29, 2008

Luxurious Dubai - Lunch at The Four Seasons Golf Resort, Dubai

The Four Seasons Golf Resort is considered as one of the top 10 golf clubs in Dubai. Though I am not a golf-player, I do enjoy the greenery of the 18-hole golf course, especially it's built on a dessert.


































In addition, it's restaurant is very appealing as well. First it comes with elegant yet chic interior design,



and tableware, such as this pair of horns.

















More importantly, it provides outstanding food, such as this fillet steak which I still remember its tenderness.






















Not sure why it followed up with a few dessert dishes. Luckily, all of them are delicious.

The first representative is passion fruit cheesecake, then the chocolate mousse at the bottom and ends with petit four. 












August 28, 2008

Luxurious Dubai - Gold Souk and Spice Souk

Both Gold Souk and Spice Souk are traditional markets in Dubai which are interesting to visit.

The gold jewelry making skill in Middle East is truly spectacular as the people cherish gold so much. Yet, note that the gold is karat gold rather than solid gold.

















Hundreds of jewel stores at your choice.
















 
Despite of the dominance of gold, jewelry made in other materials is also available.

















Spice Souk is on the other side where you can find numerous types of spices or herbs. Ask a local expert to check out which types can meet your needs.

















Provided that there are numbers of tourists visit the market every day, why not sell some Arabic souvenirs, say hookah instead of joining the highly competitive gold and spice markets.

Luxurious Dubai - Abra (Water Taxi)

Tourist: Why so many people? What's happening?
Local: Don't you know it is a taxi stand?
Tourist: How can a taxi drive in water?
Local: Abra or water taxi can sail on the water.
















 

A water taxi on the way to the gold souk.


















Boat has played a key role in transportation  since the ancient time.



August 27, 2008

Luxurious Dubai - Play with Sand in Desert Safari

Dubai is a desert city. To experience its local natural landscape, one way is to visit Desert Safari.

Firstly, a 4x4 car team picked up us from the hotel we stayed.

















Here we were. We tried dune driving on 4x4. The up and down sand slopes made the drive as exciting as roller-coaster. The driver could adjust the excitement upon request.

















How about to take a rest and appreciate the desert after 20-min dune driving?


Had a cold rink at a desert camp would be better.

















Want to check out more about desert activities? You can try sand skiing.

















Or camel riding.

Luxurious Dubai - Bait Al Naboodah (The house of Al Naboodah)

The Al Naboodah House was established by a renowned pearl merchant and had been home for his children and grandchildren. The house is built in traditional Gulf shape. Now, this historical building is transformed to a museum showcasing the life and the culture of Middle East.


The Exterior of this 2-story building is full of Arabic elements.
 












There are 16 rooms in the building.















This design probably help to improve the air circulation inside the building.



















Private boat for traveling around? Yet, it seems too small.

Luxurious Dubai - Exotic Madinant Jumeirah

Madinant Jumeirah housed several hotels on the shores of the Arabian Gulf. With traditional Arabian settings, visitors can experience more about the unique culture.

Mina A' Salam, a grand boutique hotel according to the official website.


















It would be wonderful to have a function in this cosy area.

















A guest room in the hotel. It's more interesting to stay at a place with a touch of local culture rather those with standard settings.



Walk in the water of Arabic Gulf, a natural way to cool down the heat and appreciate the beautiful scene around.

















Al Qasr, another hotel at Madinant Jumeirah which replicates the traditional royal architecture.

















A handsome horse statute. Horse had a prominent role as a transportation device in the past.

















Fantastic mosaic art represents part of the traditional Arabic culture.

August 26, 2008

Luxurious Dubai - Snapshots

How to show off wealth? Building a tallest tower in the world is one of the ways. Burj Dubai (Dubai Tower) takes up the responsibility of getting the glory. It is still under construction however.























Greening in a dessert city relies on these water pipes. And huge capital to set up and maintain these pipes as well.


















A shopping mall in pyramid outlook. The colourful decorative ceiling glasses are beautiful.
 

The Atlantis The Palm Dubai which features lots of wonders is about to open.

Luxurious Dubai - 6-star Burj Al Arab

Dubai's icon - Burj Al Arab, the hotel which is said the services exceeds the best 5 star standard. So, it earns a nick name of the 6 star. The hotel is built on an isolated artificial island connected by one bridge. The whole project was backed by the power of liquid gold and dreams.

















A diver cleaning a large fish tank at the hotel lobby.
















The interior of the hotel lobby.






















Gold and blink blink are the major elements in the ballroom


View of waterpark from the ballroom. Build a waterpark on a desert is another dream comes true story.

















To be honest, I was more interested in the bedroom. Somebody showed me around though I couldn't afford to stay. The hotel assigns a butcher to each room to answer requests of hotel guests. Every room is huge and every amenity is strictly selected, only the best (or considered so). For example, the hotel provides Hermes shampoo and conditioner. There all contribute to the 6-star rating.