According to the Hotel Ranking gods, this place is it. The ultimate standard by which to compare all other hotels. The most amazing place you could ever dream of calling home for a night, or two, or ten. It has a seven star reputation, though only five of those coveted golden gems can actually be awarded. It’s the epitome of extravagance.
Could you imagine…
“Would you like your airport transport via Mercedes, Rolls Royce, or Helicopter, sir?” or “Thank you for spending your holiday with us, Mrs. Tmsk. We hope you enjoyed your time here. That will be $2,175.24 (3,305.60GBP) for your ONE. NIGHT. STAY, please.”
Welcome to Dubai’s Burj Al Arab.
It’s a world of luxury that I just cannot even strive to touch. Or comprehend. Or want.
But a chance to see this impressive structure from the inside and actually get a little tiny glimpse into this fantasyland that so few in our world today could ever hope to see? I couldn’t pass it up!
For my birthday, my wonderful parents gifted me an incredibly generous Afternoon Tea with my mom (and free babysitting a la “Gampa!”) in the majestic Sky View Bar at the top of this sail-shaped wonder. I’m not sure whether I was more excited about a chance to go shopping, get dressed up and enjoy time with my mom sans baby or the adventure of entering this exclusive compound for such a girly, regal activity, but I soaked up every moment of the decadent event.
We arrived at the hotel a few minutes early to listen to the jumping fountains, gush over the impressive jewels and gifts in shop windows, and see the gold-plated elevators and walls with our own eyes. I should say my own eyes, I suppose – my mom had already had the opportunity to explore this wonderland with a small handful of special guests over the years, but she kindly indulged my virgin amazement anyway! Shortly before 4pm, we let the reception desk know we had arrived and patiently waited our turn to be ushered 200m above sea level for a fancy glass of bubbly followed by an array of delicacies that made your taste buds dance for hours. Delicious dates, tart berry tarts, succulent meats, dainty sandwiches, and divine desserts all accompanied by a warming Moroccan Mint tea. It. was. heavenly. And the magnificent sunset views over Dubai, the Palm Island and the World Islands were far greater than words or pictures can capture.
A perfectly special afternoon with my most favoritest lady in the world!
Photo Credit: Margie Becker
Susan Bauter
How absolutely wonderful. Love Mother and Daughter things
Margie
Thanks for another beautiful account of memories being made!
oykristen@gmail.com
STOP IT. This looks like the raddest birthday gift on Earth!!! PS your mom is blonder. She is a hottie. And so are you.