Family Staycation in Hili Rayhaan by Rotana

Al Ain is undoubtedly one of the popular holiday destinations in the UAE. It is where Ed and I usually go whenever we need to take a breather. Fondly called as The Garden City, Al Ain is a total opposite of Dubai; no skyscrapers, no bizarre structures, lots of lush greens, and time seemingly moves slower! 

Now that my parents are here again on a short vacation and I think they have seen much of Dubai already, we decided to let them have a whole new experience; a change of environment by having a lazy family staycation in Al Ain. 

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Nature and Wildlife Drive in Sir Bani Yas Island

Probably the highlight of every visit to Sir Bani Yas Island, the Nature and Wildlife Drive kept me on my toes throughout the long journey from Dubai. The activity is included in the hotel stay package that we booked but is also open to day trippers.

We heard that early morning is the best time to visit the wildlife sanctuary in Sir Bani Yas island as it is when the animals are out and about. Hence, we signed up for the sunrise trip a couple of days before our stay and confirmed it when we arrived at Desert Islands Resort and Spa by Anantara. 

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Into the Wild: A Unique Staycation Experience at Sir Bani Yas Island

What's your favorite thing to do during long weekends? Ed and I, if we're not escaping to another country, love to do something new in the UAE. Our holiday checklist usually involves a relaxing staycation, tasting a new cuisine, and experiencing a new activity. 

And there is one destination where we were able to tick off all those three. Sir Bani Yas island!      

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A Repeat Stay at Danat Jebel Dhanna Resort

During the recent holiday, Ed and I ventured out to one of the most exotic places in the United Arab Emirates. We traveled to Sir Bani Yas - a natural island with a magnificent wildlife reserve situated miles away from the capital of the UAE.

Due to the distant location and the fact that we had to take two exhausting bus rides to reach Sir Bani Yas Island boat jetty terminal, we decided to rest for a while and spend a night somewhere close by. The good news is that our favorite hideaway - Danat Jebel Dhanna Resort - is the nearest accommodation we can find.

If you can remember, we have stayed at this wonderful 5-star property two years ago. Hence, I wouldn't deny that I was glad, or shall I say relieved, to see a familiar place less than 20 km away from the jetty when I looked into Google maps.

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A Special Arabic Lunch at Al Maeda Restaurant

Eat. Share. Love.

That is Al Maeda Restaurant's tagline. And that is exactly what we experienced when we went there for lunch last weekend! 

Location

Al Maeda is an upscale Arabic restaurant tucked inside Doubletree by Hilton Dubai - Jumeirah Beach. The hotel stands in a fantastic beachfront location at the end of The Walk - JBR. Thus, the dining venue offers amazing views of the Arabian Gulf and the nearly done Ain Dubai! 

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GourMed Brunch in Basilico at The Cove Rotana

Last weekend, Ed and I together with some friends headed North to try out the newest Friday Brunch in the UAE. Why travel for an hour just for brunch, you may ask. Well, the recently launched GourMed Brunch is held in Basilico at The Cove Rotana in Ras Al Khaimah. If you are familiar with this 5-star resort in the Northern Emirates, then you probably get me. But if not, allow me to share 10 reasons!

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Alfresco Dining at View by Dusit

How do you make the most of the short-lived UAE winter? While the air is crisp and the skies are blue, Ed and I spend most of our free time outdoors. It is during this time of the year when we love to take long walks (be it along the creek or in Sheikh Zayed Road) and dining alfresco is a top preference!

Mid-February, our love for dining under the stars led us to View by Dusit.

View by Dusit is the newest outdoor terrace in the city. It is located adjacent to Jones the Grocer in Dusit Thani Dubai. Knowing that the latter occupies a prime spot in SZR, we were not surprised to find a stunning view of Downtown Dubai's skyline with, of course, Burj Khalifa in the spotlight!

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What is it like to fly on Saudia and have a 9-hour layover in Riyadh?

For someone who works overseas, it is a blessing to be able to spend Christmas and New Year with the whole family. Hence, when the opportunity knocks, you just have to grab it!

However, coming from our 2016 holidays in the Philippines, Ed and I were hesitant about going home on super peak season again mainly because flights can be unreasonably expensive. But mid-2017, we found attractive (I mean, relatively cheap) fares on Saudia flights. 

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Beach Day in La Mer Dubai

I was one of the many people who got sad and shocked when Jumeirah Open Beach was closed to the public. Remember my 5 Reasons Why I Love Jumeirah Open Beach blog post five years ago? It was my favorite beach way back then.

Little did I know, my fave beach was not taken away from me and the rest of the beach-lovin population for good. It was closed for sometime to make way for a new beachfront property. 

Our beloved open beach was changed for the better, and it is now called La Mer!

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A Day in IMG Worlds of Adventure Dubai

One year after its grand opening, Ed and I were finally able to visit IMG Worlds of Adventure Dubai! It is currently known as the world's largest indoor theme park; breaking the record of Ferrari World which is also located in the UAE. 

Ed, being a fan of roller coasters, and I, being a sucker for theme parks, we felt it was just right to devote an entire day for the 1.5 million square feet fun zone. We arrived past 11 am, only a few minutes after the opening time, and left at around 7 pm.

Here's how our 8-hour visit went... 

   

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Staycation in Abu Dhabi: Capital Centre Arjaan by Rotana

Last weekend, I found myself once again inside a bus en route to Abu Dhabi. The capital has been our go-to-destination for short city breaks. This summer alone, we already visited twice! Although the almost 2-hour bus ride became a norm for us, Abu Dhabi never became a mundane destination. The huge emirate has a lot to offer!

Our staycation spot, this time, is in the center of the business district! Sounds ironic, isn't it? But in our home for the weekend - Capital Centre Arjaan by Rotana, business amazingly goes well with leisure.

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Wakeboarding in Abu Dhabi Al Forsan Sports Resort

He has rode the fastest roller coaster, sky dived over The Palm, and bungy jumped at the world's highest commercial bungy! My husband obviously loves to feel the adrenaline rushing through his veins! 

Although I'm scared every time Ed decides to go on an extreme adventure, I love seeing him smiling from ear to ear with fulfillment. I'm not an thrill-seeker like him, not a KJ wife either; hence, the best thing I could do is to stay on the sideline and cheer. 

And it was deja vu a few weekends ago!

While we were staycationing at Marriott Hotel Al Forsan in Abu Dhabi, he told me that he wants to go wakeboarding! 

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Summer Stay at Marriott Hotel Al Forsan

Every summer, I vow to endure the hellish heat and make the most out of the sunny days! The soaring temperature can be punishing sometimes. Well, yeah, cross that out. It is punishing most of the time. But I couldn't just stay in our room all summer long, especially when there's so much going on outside! 

So, to kick off summer this year, Ed and I headed to Khalifa City in Abu Dhabi! Our main agenda is to stay in Marriott's newest baby - Marriott Hotel Al Forsan, and to check out the latest adrenaline rushing activity in the UAE - Wakeboarding!

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Dubai Do-It-Yourself Tour 3 Days Itinerary

This blog post is inspired by the emails and Facebook messages I have received from blog readers who are planning to visit Dubai. Aside from FAQs like "Is Dubai safe?" and "How can I go from here to there?" , I was also asked to check DIY tour itineraries a couple of times. 

So, I thought, why not share my own 3-day Dubai DIY tour itinerary?

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Danat Al Ain Resort: Weekend Retreat in The Garden City

Known as The Garden City, Al Ain has been one of our favorite destinations for holidays and quick breaks. We have been frequent visitors, especially during our first few years in the UAE when one of our friends lived there.

Al Ain is breathtaking. The lush greenery, rugged mountains and mineral springs are the reasons why we always welcome the possibilities of spending long weekends in the laid back town. Hence, last week, when Ed and I had another opportunity to have a quick break from work, we head back to Al Ain.

And this time, we stayed in a resort nestled in the heart of the oasis.

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Skydive Dubai: Extreme Adventure over The Palm

This post was written by my husband. He blogs about his exhilarating adventures, mostly about the activities I would never dare to try, once in a blue moon! Let's give it up for my dearest Ed - a loving husband, a thrill-seeker, and a sporadic blogger! :) xoxo, Lady    

Birthday = Adrenaline Rush.

I personally think that turning a year older is a valid reason to do something epic, something that encompasses my passion and would make me feel thankful to be alive! So, I always reward myself with an adrenaline rushing activity every September.  

Last year, I parasailed over the Indian Ocean with my wife who happily obliged to my birthday request though it's way beyond her zone. Two years ago, I slid in the first 360-degree looping waterslide in the region. And way back 2011, bungee jumping in Macau Tower served as my late birthday reward. 

This year, I jumped off a plane and skydived above Palm Jumeirah!

Skydiving above Palm Jumeirah 

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Boat Ride and Sunset in Fujairah

A few weeks before we went to Fujairah, our lovely host at Aparthotel Adagio Fujairah sent me an email about a possible boat trip at Fujairah International Marine Club. I immediately confirmed that we're up for it while hoping she could successfully book for an afternoon trip on a weekend. 

And we're so glad that everything went according to plan! :) 

Cruising' along the coast of Fujairah

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Friday Brunch at iL Centro in Ibis Fujairah

I happily stared at the restaurant banners in the hotel lobby and, for the nth time, thought about how awesome Fujairah is in every aspect. With the commodity prices on the rise, I never though that in this day and age, a 95 AED Friday Brunch and a 100 AED dinner buffet in a hotel can still exist.

I love Fujairah... from the stunning landscape to the friendly weather, from the low cost of living (according to the residents we have met) to the budget-friendly hotel restaurants! Dubai, please don't be jealous. I love you so much, but I just couldn't help but adore Fujairah more and more. :)  

iL Centro at Ibis Fujairah

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Dubai Budget Trip: Where to Stay, Where to Go, Where to Eat

Dubai and Budget are two words that may not seem to go along very well. People have associated Dubai with ultra-luxurious lifestyle, the 7-star hotel and the world's tallest skyscraper that it scares the budget savvy travelers.

I've been here for 7 years and I can say that Dubai is not a cheap travel destination if you want to experience the glitz and glamour that it is famous for. But, there are ways on how you can appreciate its wonders without breaking the bank.

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Aparthotel Adagio Fujairah: Our Home in the East Coast

Fujairah has always been a delightful destination. We have fallen in love with the rugged Hajar mountains and the pristine sands that we make it a point to visit at least once a year. So, on another glorious sunny weekend in the desert, when the temperature soared to 40 degrees Celsius, Ed and I couldn't be happier that we were in a bus heading to the beautiful east coast where the summer weather is much friendlier.

During our past trips, Ed and I guiltlessly wasted our days unwinding in beach resorts. We would go home knowing that we have a lot more to discover in the city; hence I instantly embraced the invitation to stay at Aparthotel Adagio Fujairah although it meant I must squeeze it in my one and only day off!

Novotel, Ibis and Aparthotel Adagio Fujairah

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