Choosing the destination for your honeymoon is not an easy task. The degree of symbolism and the euphoria which it carries make this choice a difficult one. And yet, even in this sector of leisure tourism, the Emirates demonstrate their high degree of competitiveness, distinguishing themselves with numerous ad hoc packages for newlyweds, which offer romantic and intimate moments, capable of imprinting themselves forever in the minds of the protagonists and permitting them at the same time to acquaint themselves thoroughly with the territory, its atmosphere and evocative charms.
The welcome reception at the hotel, which constitutes the first important contact after arrival at the airport is of the most romantic. In effect, the preparation of the suite or apartment will be refined by a myriad of rose petals covering the bed with delicious little chocolates scattered among them. A splendid cake, with a personal dedication, accompanied by a bottle of quality champagne – or fruit juices and/or flavored teas for Muslim newlyweds, will make the beginning of the stay even more charming. The bath will also be scattered with rose petals and all the spaces will be wafted with a splendid intoxicating aroma. Bewitching background music will put the final touch to this setting, giving it that hint of magic that every couple deserves.
During the stay, a thousand little marks of attention will be dedicated to the newlyweds: relaxing and rejuvenating treatments, to be experienced as a couple and conceived in order to offer unique moments of intimacy and enjoyment, will be performed by expert wellbeing operators, and will
include delicious snacks, herbal teas and irresistible sweets and cakes. In the restaurants also, the maitre will dedicate special attention: from advice on the most sought after specialties to little complementary dishes on the house, and to particular preparation of the table and the perfumed candles which will go to create an exclusive atmosphere. Newlywed packages frequently also include special excursions, of which the element of romance is always part and the places to visit offer particular elements of pleasure.
At Dubai, the kaleidoscopic icon of the Arab Emirates, the honeymoon will be marked by a thousand different experiences and atmospherics which will each day be novel and unexpected. Apart from the splendid hospitality offered by the hotel, which places ever greater emphasis on the proverbial hospitality of the Arab, and is composed of the most modern of facilities, excellent service, impeccable organization and use of human resources at the service of the guest, the thing that is most striking is the multiplicity of attractions offered by the metropolis.
Among these, the couples will not be able to renounce a day spent at Atlantis, the Palm, the resort inspired by the mythical submerged city of antiquity, in which one can enjoy unforgettable experiences alongside the gigantic Aquarium, the Lost Chambers, of Aquaventure, tasting irresistible gastronomic specialties in one of the many restaurants, and maybe even treating themselves to the luxury of a night in one of the splendid suites among the 1,666 available! All of this comes to pass on Palm Jumeirah, one of the three archipelagos of artificial islands which adorn the coastline of Dubai and form three enormous palms which can be admired from an airplane or thanks to satellite pictures.
Now the wealth of choice becomes intense: we are in a hot country, in the tropics, yet…why not choose to spend an exciting day in the snow? At Dubai, this is possible, thanks to Ski Dubai, the marvelous structure constructed right in the middle of the city beside the Mall of the Emirates, the brand new shopping mall to which it might even be worthwhile dedicating another entire day, and the splendid Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates. At Ski Dubai, the slopes are covered with real snow which is renewed daily, and each slope has a different degree of skiing difficulty. Restaurants and refreshment places, shops of various kinds, an entertaining cableway and even some mountain cabins will all contribute to your entertainment and relaxation.
The third opportunity is all to be ….sailed! Apart from the marvelous sea of the Arabian Gulf, Dubai offers the evocativeness of its Creeks, the long inlets which permit the waters of the sea to reach parts of the city which otherwise would not be able to view it even from a distance and which give life to evocative seafronts, tourist ports and panoramas which are completely unique. Along the Creeks, from the numerous pier docks, the characteristic Dhows set sail – these are large dark wooden cabined vessels, with a double prow, which offer a romantic mini-cruise which skirts all of the Creek, until they emerge from it to offer unforeseen and fascinating visions of the coast and of the city seen from the sea. A view, charged with atmosphere, of a city which never ceases to surprise.
The desert. It will be difficult to choose the means of transport with which to visit it: with tried and proven off the road vehicles for a fast moving safari? Or on board an immense hot air balloon, to steal otherwise unimaginable pictures from the sky? Or yet again on the back of a camel, for the
most classical of tours? Let the choice go the newlyweds! In any event, it will be an unforgettable experience, which will transmit the truest essence of this land.
After the desert, the sea. A day spent on one of the white sand beaches of Dubai is priceless. Not just for the golden tan which it will give you, but also for the beauty of the landscape, the charm of the crystalline sea and the infinite range of water sports activities available.
A plunge into Arab history and culture then awaits the newlyweds, offering architectural glimpses and atmosphere from other times in the old historical district of Bastakia, in Bur Dubai, right in the heart of the city. Here, the majestic Fahidi Fort, which houses the not to be missed Dubai Museum, is set solidly against the Great Mosque, which dominates the same square, in the centre of which there is a splendid naval vessel. All around, there is ancient Dubai: period buildings, structures which cannot be found in the modern districts of the city, crafts workshops and little shops, wind towers (which refreshed the air in the houses until just a few decades ago, when air conditioning did not exist, and which today are among the most admired elements in Arab architecture) and ample green spaces and gardens, which give particular charm to the entire area.
Do the newlyweds love and play golf? Perfect choice, since they can treat themselves to a day on some of the most prestigious greens in the world, like for example the Arabian Ranches Golf Club or The Montgomerie, which at the same time also offer luxurious hotel hospitality and restaurant services of great prestige.
And the alluring as much as romantic theme of refreshment? Dubai boasts an infinite multitude of restaurants inspired by the gastronomic arts of the world, based constantly upon the quality of the basic ingredients, served in environments which are luxurious, characteristic, modern or casual, but
always faithful to the highest standards of quality. It is really quite impossible not to allow oneself to be seduced by the culinary specialties, also served in the open air, in traditional Middle Eastern premises. Do our newlyweds love to dine to the accompaniment of alluring music? All they will have to do is choose their favorite musical genre: for this also, the panorama of restaurants and music bars offering live music is unlimited.
The day dedicated to shopping, already outlined in the mention of the Mall of the Emirates will unquestionably require a visit to at least a couple of the many traditional souks in Dubai. The choice falls upon that of Deira, located on the evocative Deira Corniche, characterized by ancient wooden
porticoes and rich in the most characteristic of Arab merchandise and spices. Not to be missed, on the other hand, is the much more luxurious Madinat Jumeirah Souk, inside the fascinating resort bearing the same name opposite the Burj Al Arab, which reproduces an ancient Arab village, in which its romantic atmosphere will pervade the senses of its guests making it an accomplice in this most romantic of days.
Not to be missed, there is also the opportunity to enjoy a tour in the neighboring Emirates, from Abu Dhabi to Sharjah, from Ajman to Fujairah (the only one which is washed by the Indian Ocean) from Ras Al Khaimah to Umm Al Quwain. Each has its own distinctive character, though they are all
magnificent pieces in a mosaic which is also ideal for a honey moon: the Arab Emirates.
Photograph provided courtesy of M. M. Testerman