Sir Bani Yas Island

Oryx and Gazelle

I crack the curtains and the sun streams into our cabin.  We are moored at Sir Bani Yas Island. It’s already 8am but given that it was a late night for all of us, I’m glad that we’ve been able to have a bit of a relaxed morning. … Read the rest

Zaya Nurai Island

Zaya Nurai Island

“Where are you going?  Who are you going with? What time will you be home?”.

“Umm, I’m not really sure” I respond.  I’m not trying to avoid the questions, I just don’t really have the answers.  I’ve been invited along on a boat rally. … Read the rest

Zero Gravity

Zero Gravity

Zero Gravity.  I’d heard the words before, heard about Dubai brunches, the partying and excesses of the well-to-do generation of Dubai inhabitants that live for the weekend.  Nothing has really prepared me for this.

My husband has asked me here on a date. … Read the rest

Snoopy Island

Snoopy Island

Sandy Beach Hotel in Al Aqah, Fujariah boasts direct access to Snoopy Island, a rocky outcrop just off the mainland in the Gulf of Oman.  Great for snorkelling, beach play, paddle boarding and family fun.

Sandy Beach Hotel

We battle the Thursday afternoon traffic out of Dubai and the usual 2 hour trip takes us 3.5 hours, arriving just as my youngest withers with fatigue at the end of the week.… Read the rest

Kite Beach

Kite Beach

Kite Beach, just north of the Burj Al Arab in Dubai, is a great day out and there is something to do for everyone.  We started out at the skateboard park just across the road from the beach.  It’s a hot day (40 degrees Celsius) but the kids don’t care and are off around the ramps, jumps and bowls doing things that I can’t watch for fear of a fall and a trip to the hospital.  … Read the rest

Messina

Sweeping views of Messina

Messina.  Another glorious day, another glorious port.  After feeling that I missed out in Valetta yesterday, I am well equipped for today and have a trail planned out.  This pivots around being in the city’s main square at midday to see the clock chime 12pm and the mechanical performance that enshews.… Read the rest

Ornos Beach

Blue Water, Ornos Beach

Ornos Beach, Mykonos has the vibe of a small fishing village that has been invaded.  You can tell this was once a sleepy little town but tourism has taken over and today it’s hot and busy.  It’s the closest beach to the town of Mykonos with sun beds and umbrellas for rent on the fine white sand.… Read the rest

JA Palm Tree Court

JA Palm Tree Court from Pool Side

JA Palm Tree Court is part of the Jebel Ali Resort, an oasis in the truest sense of the word.  Located in the southern region of Dubai, near the base of the undeveloped Palm Jebel Ali and next to the Jebel Ali Free Zone and port area, it’s a lush green space set on the coast between sand and sea. … Read the rest