For those of us who cannot afford a taste of summer on the French Riviera, Arabian Adventures is offering a unique catamaran excursion along Dubai's shoreline.
Voyagers meet or are transported to the Dubai International Marine Club and then transferred by speedboat to the 64-foot French-made catamaran.
However, fashionistas beware, all shoes must be left on shore at the loading bay, with the exception of soft flip-flops.
Once on-board, platters of fresh fruit and chilled soft beverages are virtually on tap. Voyagers have a choice of getting comfortable on a trampoline, or beanbags in the sun, or relaxing on sofa benches in the shade.
The fibreglass cruiser, so wide it needs double parking, is also quite sensitive and flammable.
As the engines roar to life and we set off into the Arabian Gulf in the late afternoon, the Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence skyline came into view. Smoothly curving around, we travelled at a tranquil seven knots parallel to the Palm Jumeirah.
A spot of sightseeing
Our first and main photo-stop was at the Atlantis Hotel, a perfect spot for photography lovers to get incredible shots of the hotel in all its glory.
A few minutes later, the engines roared to life once more and the journey continued towards the anchor point outside Burj Al Arab Hotel.
For those lucky enough, on a day when the winds are just right, the sails are opened and the engines shut off, as the catamaran glides across the seabed at slightly faster speeds of between 15 and 20 knots.
Once a stone's throw away from the Burj Al Arab Hotel, the engines are shut off once more and the anchor is dropped seven metres to the seabed. Voyagers are then free to hurl themselves off the bow of the catamaran into the Arabian Gulf to cool off.
For the more timid swimmers, a staircase leading to the water is the way to go.
Traditional meals
Meanwhile, the crew prepares a delicious traditional Arabian barbecue. The meal consists of a traditional meze, including hummus, fatoush and taboulleh. The main course is an assortment of kebabs, chicken and lamb chops.
Travelling along the return route, the greatest pleasure of the day is the incredible view of the sunset, arriving back at the marina just in time to see the skyline light up, ready to welcome the night.
