A September Staycation was deemed in order after a month’s worth of weekends spent celebrating a string of birthdays. Plus, the weather is feeling almost bearable again after another long, hot, Dubai summer.
My husband and I take ourselves off to Le Meridian Mina Seyahi. All of 3km from home and yet a world away from daily reality. We have 24 hours!
On arrival, our room isn’t quite ready so we explore the grounds a little and end up poolside at the Horizon Bar for a welcome drink. Jason starts with a beer but I dive right into the cosmopolitans, just like I intended to dive into the pool as soon as the room is sorted and I can change…
Soon after our drinks arrive, our decision to hold out for lunch until we’re established on a sun lounge is confirmed. Our room is ready.
We pass by reception for the keycard and open the door to our 5th floor room, greeted with views of the hotel’s gardens and pools, over the beach and out to The Palm. I reflect again on what an amazing city we live in.
Our bags are already here so, after a short rest and a chance to unpack a few things. We change and head on out to claim that sun lounge. Soon I have my second cocktail in hand a pizza & salad ordered from Mare by Bussola, the wonderful adults only pool and bars. Actually, from Le Meridien, it’s possible to access the entire Mina Seyahi complex which includes this adults only area at The Westin, next door. Plus the W Hotel and Barasti on the other side.
Mare by Bussola
Settling into the groove for the afternoon, we take a short dip. The weather is certainly still hot enough for the chilled water of the lagoon style pool to be refreshing. Palm trees sway over head, small birds flitter down to the water’s edge, also intent on a quick cool off and the sky’s calming blue lulls my thoughts away to wherever it has blown all the clouds.
The Other Side
It’s quite chilled here in other ways too. There is music piped throughout, service staff float around taking orders and kids are kept on the ‘other side’. A bridge over the water being the delineation between the family and adults sections. I eye a couple of kids pushing the boundary, but the lifeguard is watching and herds them back to the right side where they can splash to their hearts content.
Not that the family area is lacking. Not only is three quarters of the lagoon style pool accessible for families and children, the resident water park and kids clubs cater for everything they could possibly need to remain entertained. The waterpark, Jungle Bay, contains slides, a splash park and a giant bucket that overflows, tipping water over eager children waiting to be drenched. The kids club provides indoor (air conditioned) activities as well as an outdoor football pitch, table tennis and playground.
Back To Mare
With no excuses available, my child free bubble, along with my staycation goals of peace & quiet, remains protected.
Shortly our entrees arrive. Jason has selected the beef carpaccio and I have ordered a tomato burrata salad. Both turn out to be excellent.
In between our starters and mains we take another languid dip in the pool. Floating around and enjoying the hot air from the cool water, plus the views of the lovely Marina skyline forming a backdrop to our afternoon.
The mushroom truffle pizza and seafood salad complete our food order with the pizza proving the preferred option. The seafood salad rates a very low second.
By the time we have floated our lunch away with more time in the pool, not to mention another drink or two, it’s time to call it an afternoon.
Heading back to the room as the sun sets, we shower and change with a short rest before heading out to dinner.
Fish Taverna
Dinner is a high point of a September Staycation and the restaurant Fish, promises a night of Aegean inspired delights. From the path leading up to the Maitre’d all the way through to the last bite of promised tiramisu.
It certainly is decorated in the heady bright white and turquoise, the one that come to mind when thinking of Istanbul’s Blue Mosque. Promising the comforts of home food, sourced and prepared by some of Turkey’s most experienced chefs, it touts an honest culinary experience.
We order a glass of rose to kick us off and the calamari and cheese thing for entree. Meanwhile some homemade bread with some truly excellent olive oil and balsamic, set the scene for the promised honest fare.
Unfortunately when the starters arrive, my pick of dish, a sumptuous sounding cheese and crusted pistachio ensemble, turns out to be a salty, inedible selection (there’s not much I won’t eat!) but I give this one a miss. We stick with the delicious and wholly edible, fresh calamari.
For main course I have selected the lavraki, a grilled sea bass with sautéed baby potatoes, sun dried tomatoes, lemon, fennel and red cabbage salad. Jason has the salmon and we order some sides. The fish is okay but not as outstanding as I might have hoped. The sides turn out to be the star of tonight’s meal with the asparagus being perfectly tender yet still crunchy, the fries hot and wonderfully salty and the grilled vegetables, a delectable mix with just the right hit of herby seasoning.
Not Quite Dessert
I contemplate dessert after running out of time this afternoon but once again, we decide to give it a miss. The warm afternoon of lazy relaxation combined with the food and wine are lulling me into bed.
Morning
The next morning I wake us up too early after having forgotten to cancel my regular morning alarm. Understandably annoyed, Jason rolls over for a longer nap but I’m restless and can’t manage to get back to sleep.
Eventually he stirs and we make our way downstairs for a buffet breakfast. The highlight of which is a very respectable version of French crepes. I have two! Some fruit and a tasting selection of other bits later and Jason has finished his second coffee. I can tell he’s contemplating a third but with our staycation time dwindling, we head back to the room to change and take up a sun bed for the rest of the morning back beside the adults pool.
Finally with one last dip we admit that our September Staycation time is expired and we head back to the room once more to pack up and concede the end of our peaceful staycation.
Good To Know
Le Méridien Mina Seyahi is a five star beachside resort in Dubai. It fronts on to the new Dubai Harbor area, overlooks the Palm and is in close proximity to JBR and the Marina.
The broader complex including neighboring hotels and resorts incorporates enough options to stay put and enjoy the experience whilst being close enough to other options, including Skydive Dubai for the thrill seekers and Mall of The Emirates (approximately 10 minutes by taxi) to boast something for everyone.
The resort offers all inclusive packages, perfect for a September Staycation. Prices vary depending on seasonal availability.
Would I Return
Yes.