Hi, my name is Samantha, and while I’ve always loved traveling, I hadn’t experienced anything truly exotic or lavish—until I visited Dubai. A group of friends suggested the trip to celebrate a milestone for one of us, but my initial thought was, No way! I can’t afford Dubai.

Enter my friend Karyn, the deal-finding wizard. By early July, she announced she’d found an amazing package: $2,283 per person, including flights and a full-board stay at The Dukes The Palm, a Royal Hideaway Hotel. Suddenly, it seemed doable. The planning began—conference calls, flight searches, and rapid decisions as prices fluctuated. Despite my hesitation, I finally said yes.

Then, as our trip neared, our friend Karyn couldn’t make it due to a family emergency. We debated cancelling, but with her blessing, we decided to go.

November 21st – Departure Day

After endless chats about packing lists, sightseeing plans, and spending money, it was finally time! The first surprise? Our flight wasn’t directly with American Airlines—it was subcontracted to British Airways. The flight to Heathrow was incredible: great food, generous drinks, and friendly staff. After a short layover in London, we boarded an Airbus for the final leg to Dubai.

We landed at 11:45 PM local time. Dubai’s vibrant energy hit us the moment we left the airport. The city lights, towering skyscrapers, and even familiar brands like Tim Hortons and Nando’s made us wonder if we were still in Toronto. But nothing prepared us for the grandeur of The Dukes The Palm. From the chandeliered lobby to the impeccable service, it was breathtaking. Exhausted but thrilled, we collapsed into bed, ready to explore the next day.

Jetlag almost got the better of us, but Cynthia, the group’s energizer bunny, rallied everyone just in time for lunch. We headed to Little Britain, the hotel’s buffet restaurant with everything: fish and chips, sushi, salads, seafood, lamb, and more. Our waiter, Lin, quickly became a favourite for his excellent service.

Day 1 – Exploring Dubai

Later, friends took us to the Gold Souk, where I saw more gold than I’ve ever imagined. I also tried Turkish pistachio ice cream for the first time—life-changing! Dinner was at Anar, an authentic Persian restaurant where I fell in love with lamb stew and Persian cuisine.

Day 2 – Desert Adventures

We started with a Dubai Desert Safari that included dune bashing (equal parts thrilling and terrifying), a camel ride, and dinner with live entertainment. Though I was initially nervous about riding the camel, it turned out to be one of the highlights of the trip.

Day 3 – Private Yacht Tour & Global Village

We joined a private yacht tour around the Dubai Marina, soaking in the sun, sipping refreshing drinks, and marveling at the luxurious yachts. The crew was amazing, and the views were unforgettable.

That evening, we visited Global Village, a must-see during the winter months. It felt like a whirlwind trip around the world, with pavilions showcasing food, clothing, and culture from different countries. Of course, we stopped for pistachio Turkish ice cream again—our newfound obsession.

Back at the hotel, the staff surprised us with a personalized dessert featuring our picture in white chocolate. Such a thoughtful touch!

Day 4 – Abu Dhabi Excursion

We took a premium tour to Abu Dhabi, booked through Expedia, with our fantastic guide Aleem. The highlight was the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, a masterpiece of intricate design and jaw-dropping beauty. Words can’t do it justice—you have to see it in person.

We also bought scarves and dresses from the souks and Global Village to wear during the visit, making the experience even more special.

Day 5 – JBR Walk & Farewell

On our last day, we explored JBR Walk (Jumeirah Beach Residence), a lively area reminiscent of South Beach. The patios were packed, the nightlife was buzzing, and the aromas from the restaurants made it nearly impossible to pick one for dinner.

So, is Dubai on your bucket list? Dubai is a city that defies expectations at every turn. It’s full of unforgettable experiences—from the bustling souks to serene desert landscapes and everything in between. If you’ve been dreaming of a fun and exotic getaway, Dubai might just be the perfect destination.