Raffles Dubai - wow!!! 6 August

Our package here is from Luxury Escapes and includes a number of upgrades (bear in mind that this is the "off season" in the UAE - and it is very hot) but this hotel is something else. We have a Club class upgrade to a huge suite (lounge suites, desks, massive bed etc, very large balcony - and our drapes open and close electronically when we enter and leave).

The standout however is the staff. They are just so incredibly pleasant and customer focussed - stand still and you will be swept off your feet with offers of help. I was not even allowed to carry my omelette back to the table at breakfast. Breakfast was at around 10am, given that it was close to 2am when we checked in.

We adjoin the WAFI Mall, a big mall by our standards, but nothing compared to what we will see. Full of designer shops but without a lot of customers. No purchases, then back to Raffles for some time around the pool - towels, cold drinks and an umbrella before our bums hit our seats.

Our upgrade includes afternoon tea (served like a High Tea) then off on the Dubai Metro. We have a 300M walk to the station and its air conditioning. The Metro is brilliant, just two lines running across Dubai. Beautiful stations and trains (every few minutes), spotlessly clean, driverless and announcements in perfect english. Managed the system,  including a transfer easily and travelled 12 stops to the Mall of the Emirates.

This is a huge Mall, linked to the Metro by a long air conditioned walkway with travelators. It seems to go on and on. I am sure you could spend two days here there are so many shops spread over three levels - certainly good for exercise. Apart from size, the standout feature of this Mall is its internal ski slope with ski lifts, tobogganning etc - and it even has penguins!!! Quite a sight with the locals in there in their traditional clothes.

Back on the train to Raffles for canapes and drinks in the Club Lounge.  Canapes, however, are effectively a meal with soup, salads, terrines, cold food, hot food, fruit and cheese board - and they keep refilling my scotch!!! Just as we are about to leave, we struck up a conversation with Paul & Gail Carroll from Perth. Paul is a shoe wholesaler and retailer with many shops, including one in Camberwell. Gail has a dance school and taught Todd McKenny to dance. Good company and we are last to leave, just beating lights out!!!

Day over.