Home comforts

Stepping on to the balcony, I took a deep breath. Sunlight danced on the crests of azure waves lapping the talcum powder sands below. Palm trees swayed. The sound of children’s laughter drifted up, and wafts of mouth-watering seafood being cooked in a restaurant made my tummy rumble.

I could have been in the Maldives or the Seychelles, it was so picture-perfect. The only clue to my real destination – the skyscrapers of Dubai Marina – glinted in the distance.

No last-minute rush to the airport, or delays waiting for my flight. I’d left home 20 minutes ago, and was now standing in my deluxe suite in the Waldorf Astoria, Dubai Palm. And this, it has to be said, was every bit as stylish as those dream destinations – if not more so.

After all, the Waldorf Astoria is the epitome of five-star luxury, and what better way to enjoy the global brand that its founder Conrad Hilton declared was the ‘greatest of them all’ than on my own doorstep?

The ‘true Waldorf service’ began before I’d even arrived. The moment my room was booked I received an email from my personal concierge asking exactly what I would like to do throughout my stay. Nothing was seemingly too much trouble.

After an effortless check-in, I was swept up to my suite – decorated in cool shades of beige, cream, taupe and peppermint green with marble floors, it lived up to the brand’s promise ‘better than home’. How could it not? I’ve never lived in a giant apartment with Marina views, a bedroom bigger than a JLT one-bed, kitchen, enormous living room and access to the Waldorf Astoria Lounge that served snacks and drinks throughout the day.

I was tempted to stay in my suite and watch one of the two giant flat screen TVs but there was too much to explore outside. So I went to lay by the pool, and later took a walk along the beach, dipping my toes into the surf.

Afternoon tea at the Lounge was delicious, but I didn’t overdo it as I wanted to sample plenty of dishes at Lao – named after the ancient tribe that settled across south-east Asia. The menu has Thai, Vietnamese and Cambodian dishes and I tucked into foie gras dumplings, onion pancakes, honey and ginger braised duck breast followed by prickly pear sorbet. Yum.

Breakfast the next morning was equally sublime, followed by another languorous day by the pool. Reluctantly, as the sun set, I left the Waldorf Astoria for the, ahem, 15km drive home. I arrived back in the Marina refreshed from one of the best staycations ever. It had everything a holiday could offer – luxury and an amazing location, right here on my doorstep.

Low-down: Rates start from Dh935 per night. Call 04 818 2222 or email dubai@waldorfastoria.com

It was my first staycation and I was beyond excited – I was about to have a holiday without having to take my passport or a flight. In fact this literally was going to be a home away from home, and what better place to go to than Anantara – a tropical-sounding ‘paradise’ that was actually just at the end of the Palm.

As soon as I drove into the resort I knew I was going to enjoy every moment. With its luxurious and unique Thai-inspired decor I felt like I was in Koh Samui rather than Dubai.

Greeted by a member of staff in traditional Thai dress, I was informed my room wasn’t quite ready as I was early. But there was no time to be disappointed – I was swiftly shown to the pool area, where I was handed a coconut water to sip. Now it was time to face my first tough decision – dive into the infinity pool or float around in one of the three lagoons? I chose the former, chilling in the cold (oh so refreshing!) water where I could access the swim-up bar when I fancied a delicious mocktail.

I dried off just as my room was ready, and decided to take a peek. It was gorgeous with a balcony with direct access to 10,000 square meters of lagoon pools. Bliss!

Relaxing, I watched as a member of staff slowly made his way towards me on a market boat to hand me a cold drink. That’s what I call service, and all with a Thai touch. Already my home in Tecom, Dubai, felt a million miles away – not just a 20-minute drive.

Next it was time for some ‘official’ pampering – a signature body massage in one of the water villas. It was a beautiful setting with the ocean all around me. I closed my eyes and soon the therapist’s hands were working in time to the crashing of the waves outside, and all my city stresses ebbed away… Sixty relaxing minutes later, it was over and I had to get ready for dinner, which was in the Asian restaurant, Mekong.

I was picked up from my room by a tuk-tuk, which transports guests around the resort, and so I arrived, giggling, convinced I really was in Thailand now.

Inside Mekong I was hit by the sumptuous smell of spices. I opted for Panaeng Wagu beef with cumin peanut and coconut milk, which melted in my mouth. For desert the chef recommended the Choco-Banana, which were tiny wheat balls crammed with bananas and chocolate. Delicious! Full, and relaxed from the massage, I was ready for an early night.

The next day there was just enough time for a dip in the lagoon pool before a delicious breakfast. My staycation was only 24 hours but I came back feeling like I’d had a week-long holiday in Thailand. Fantastic!

Low-down: Rooms start from 1,270 per room per night. Call 04 567 8888, or email dubaipalm@anantara.com, www.dubai-palm.anantara.com

Picking my way across the gaps between each thick white slab of stone that lay the path from reception at The Chedi, I felt myself slow right down. I had to take longer strides, think about each step. It felt as if I was gently navigating lily pads across a pond.

I have no idea if this was a deliberate design detail. A way of making you consciously slow down, while evoking frivolous childlike thoughts. Either way, I was impressed at how my mood had changed within moments of checking in.

To be honest I’d heard such good things about The Chedi, I was all ready to arrive and see it through ‘it-can’t-be-that-good’ eyes. But the setting alone is enough to blow away the fog of city life in an instant.

Close to the majestic Al Hajar mountains and edging on to sparklingly serene waters of the Gulf of Oman, the hotel stands in all its bright white glory as a collective of 158 Omani-influenced guestrooms and villas, set in a beautifully kept 21-acre garden oasis. The feeling of space is marvellous – there’s not a convoluted junction or overbearing tall building in sight.

Before even stepping into my room or trying out any of the facilities – including a 13-suite Balinese spa, three swimming pools, (one of which is 103-metres long), a health club plus six restaurants, two lounges and a gorgeous boutique – I was feeling relaxed.

Arriving at my sea-view suite, or shall I say apartment, I opened the door and my friend and I instantly felt our jaws drop. The living room was equipped with a massive TV and a built-in sofa that wrapped around two walls. I looked to my left and glimpsed the cavernous bedroom – a calming airy haven of muted tones, dark wood and crisp white sheets. But the main attraction was the bathroom with its marble tub bigger and deeper than a small swimming pool. ‘Wow that would take all weekend just to fill,’ my friend gasped.

Instead we went for lunch at the beach restaurant, before rolling on to a massive Bali bed by the pool overlooking the sea.

That night we headed to the main restaurant (simply called The Restaurant) for dinner. It serves up a menu of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Southeast Asian and Indian cuisine, a mix complemented by the Asian and Omani design touches crafted by Japanese interior designer, Yasuhiro Koichi.

I opted for the selection of sashimi to start, followed by the tuna steak – both truly delicious and surprisingly generous portions for a fine dining restaurant. The relaxed setting, the food, low lights, the overall quiet – it begs for an early night and as my head hit the marshmallow soft pillow I fell into a sound sleep, the soundest for a while in fact.

The next morning after breakfast on the terrace – a spread of eggs, mushrooms, beef bacon, a fruit platter and coffee, juice and ice cold water – we headed to the spa, next to the hotel’s long pool (it really is very long!). My treatment room was light, airy and big enough to live in comfortably – at least for a couple of hours! And after a deeply relaxing four-handed massage I drifted out, down the stairs and to our room – gently coming to terms with the fact it was soon time to leave. My stay was short, but sweet, and as I left I knew I’d joined the Chedi Club – a body of people singing the hotel’s praises for all to hear.

Low-down: Rates from Dh1,830 per night for a Serai Room. To book visit www.ghmhotels.com/en/muscat/or call 00968 24 52 44 01 or email reservation@chedimuscat.com