Robert Ettinger, CEO of Ettinger, told us about one of his favourite hotels in the world.
Having visited Dubai over the years, I now feel that it is maturing and developing an atmosphere and culture that defines it. It is hard to believe that Dubai was only founded in 1833 when the Bani Yas tribe first settled on the creek making a living from pearls, fishing, and trade with India and Pakistan. It was only then that Dubai declared independence from Abu Dhabi and has prospered under the Al Maktoum dynasty ever since. With the discovery of oil in the 1960s, huge sums were invested in the buildings and infrastructure and modern Dubai was born.
The only way to cross the creek was by Abra until 1963. Image by www.visitdubai.com
Just a stone’s throw from Dubai airport, The Park Hyatt abuts Dubai Creek. Surrounded by golf courses on three sides and the marina on the other, The Hyatt is a green oasis. It is low-rise, calm, quiet, serene. A place where I can breathe, rest and recover from long flights, different time zones and strenuous business trips to the Far East. You can enjoy the warm days and the cool evenings of the desert climate in our winter when there is much to be said for longer stays here, well away from the sticky heat of the tropics.
The golf course, hotel and Dubai creek. Image by The Park Hyatt, Dubai.
The hotel is Arabic in design with its white facades and blue domes. As it is low rise, every room has a serviceable and pleasant balcony with dining area and sometimes an additional lounging area overlooking the creek. From the balconies, it is fun to watch the dhows cruise by, the dragon boats in training for competition and the large array of birds visiting the grounds from hoopoes to bulbuls. The daily migration of thousands of gulls up and down the creek is something to behold.
The view of the hotel from the marina. Image by The Park Hyatt, Dubai.
The guest room interiors are pale in colour with contrasting wood features. Arabian accessories complement the look together with fresh flowers and works of art. They are spacious, cool, uncluttered and calming to the eye.
I love to start the day with a swim in the warm waters of the stunning and atmospheric old pool. Popular later in the day, I usually have it to myself anytime between 6:30 and 10.am. Beautifully designed with ample area for serious swimming and palm trees providing shade, it is a truly pleasurable way to get some exercise and work up an appetite for the more than abundant breakfast served either inside or al fresco by the creek.
The old pool. Image by The Park Hyatt, Dubai.
The spa here at The Hyatt needs a special mention, it is a real treat and I always try to find time for at least one massage. It is again very calm and serene and the spa menu ensures that you are spoilt for choice. I come away feeling relaxed and rejuvenated, the aches and tensions gone.
The Amara Spa, couple suite. Image by The Park Hyatt, Dubai.
This hotel also boasts a very reasonable and extremely useful hotel car service, which I always use. This makes getting around Dubai for business or leisure and to and from the airport both easy and convenient, particularly as taxis are not always easy to get and traffic congestion in Dubai at peak times can make journeys laborious.
The Women's Museum in Dubai. Image by womenmuseumuae.com
Dubai has lots to see and do even for those of us who do not want to visit the amazing, enormous shopping malls, that appear to supersede each other on a near annual basis. I like to enjoy Emirati food with locals, visit an amazing Arabic tile collection, view the important role of Arab women in history at the Women’s Museum and see the amazing costumes the tailors create for weddings and celebrations. Dig under the surface and there is so much of cultural interest, so much to admire in the history of this amazing desert race and the challenges they have overcome to not only survive but transform Dubai.
QD's Bar & Grill. Image by The Park Hyatt, Dubai.
If I am back at the hotel at sunset, I love to have a sundowner by the creek, the views are magnificent. I have time to contemplate where I am going to eat as the choice at the hotel, the golf club or the Marina is overwhelming without even considering leaving the complex.
The Thai kitchen live stations. Image by The Park Hyatt, Dubai.
For me, the icing on the cake at the Park Hyatt is the friendliness of the staff. You are welcomed back like one of the family. Your every need is met by helpful and kind staff who genuinely want you to enjoy your stay and make this hotel your home in the Gulf for a few days. Nothing is too much trouble; your requests are met with both efficiency and a friendly smile.
The Park Hyatt really is my home in the Gulf.
Visit The Park Hyatt, Dubai: www.hyatt.com