Enjoy diving into the world’s highest infinity pool 650ft above ground in Dubai
GAZING up at a clear blue sky, it’s almost as if I’m floating above the clouds.
It’s not difficult to imagine you’re soaring skywards as you splash across the surface of the incredible AURA Skypool — the world’s highest infinity pool — some 650ft above ground.
The newest infinity pool in Dubai promises 360-degree views of glistening skyscrapers and the ocean below.
And the must-see attraction has already become a bit of a celeb hangout, despite being only a few months old. It’s easy to see why — the skyline makes an impressive backdrop to any selfie.
But I wasn’t here just for the selfies, (although I couldn’t resist taking a few).
The pool is one of the most tranquil places to take a dip while polite staff proffer cocktails and snacks.
I’d fretted that Dubai was just for the rich and famous, but I was wrong. I’m neither of those and I had a blast — coming back relaxed and raving to my pals that they “just have to go”.
I was staying at the Park Hyatt Hotel on the banks of the Dubai Creek, its sleek, contemporary rooms all with balconies looking out over the river to the skyscrapers.
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The palm-fringed pool is set in tropical gardens but it was the Lagoon Beach with luxury loungers on pristine sands that called to me.
The breakfast here is not to be missed with fresh fruit, curry, pastries and vine leaves. If you think you can’t combine all these dishes at 9am, you are wrong.
I could have sat for ages watching Dubai Creek from my balcony, but there wasn’t time as I had a morning yoga class.
It was taking place “underwater” — next to the huge aquarium at the Atlantis The Palm hotel, famed for its pink arch. As someone who finds it difficult to concentrate on yoga, watching the fish float by helped.
Sting rays, clown fish and even baby sharks darted around me as I bent, stretched and, ultimately, fell over.
Despite what influencers make it out to be, Dubai isn’t all parties and shops.
There is a chilled side to the city and that’s what I’m here to discover.
If an under-the-sea yoga class is not your idea of relaxing, there are mellow beach bars and sumptuous spas aplenty.
Nothing feels more zen than a sound bath class at Seva Wellness Centre, though.
I was sceptical as I stepped into a large bowl while the practitioner banged his gong against the metal edge. But as the incense wafted through the room and soft music reverberated around me, I was converted.
SCENT OF INCENSE
When the scent of incense loses its appeal, the Oo La Lab in the Alserkal Avenue district has perfume-making classes where you can blend your own fragrance that you’ll name and take home in a bottle.
Playing about with a floral base and top notes, I took my time deciding on the perfect combination. “This is way more fun than GCSE chemistry,” I exclaimed to the bemused-looking perfumer.
Of course, no trip to Dubai is complete without a visit to the desert, just under an hour’s drive from the city.
I joined safari company Platinum Heritage for a morning trip through the wilderness, spotting gazelles as we sped across the sands.
And we watched in awe as a display of falcons, the national bird of Dubai, soared above our heads in a spectacular performance.
Then it was time for camel rides. It is rare that someone can say they have ridden the same camel as Hollywood’s Will Smith, and yet I now can.
It was raining when I landed back home, but I didn’t care.
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There was still sand in my shoes and the smell of handmade perfume on my wrists.
Each spray of the bottle will take me straight back to Dubai’s golden sands and sun-drenched skyline.
