H I G H 5 : D U B A I S TAY C AT I O N S
JUMEIRAH CREEKSIDE HOTEL THE ACTIVITIES ONE It’s perhaps a little bizarre to venture so close toward Dubai International Airport, only to check-in at a nearby hotel. But the memories of winding visa queues will fade when you trundle into the chasmal lobby of this Garhoud gem. The Crimson Gallery greets you at reception, with a host of other spaces for work, rest and play dotted around the nine-floor complex. If you craned your neck on the way in, then you’ll have already noticed the eighth floor pool, peeking out of the Cu-ba rooftop bar and over the corner of the lobby. You’ll have also seen some unexpectedly avant-garde artworks, of which there are 482 pieces across the whole hotel – all by Middle East artists and all belonging to the Creekside’s owners. Not every piece may be to your taste, but it’s refreshing to see a hotel not play it safe. But it’s not all about art and scratching your head. Not only are the tennis courts of the Aviation Club Tennis Centre on hand, a sports club is annexed to the hotel. Beyond a typical fitness centre, the ‘entertainment centre’ is a spot to work out, unwind and re-energise. A variety of racket sports and equipment are provided. Just don’t forget to book. And you will have worked up a hunger. Head for Nomad. Adjacent to the main, outdoor pool, the sprawling restaurant is described as a hub of exciting new cuisine. It is just that. A Friday brunch gives you the option to nibble your way around Asia and beyond (and only set you back a pretty affordable Dhs195 for soft drinks). Overall, it’s easy to forget where you are within this climate-controlled, artsy warren. It’s not as gaudy as many of Dubai’s other offerings and you won’t have to worry about tripping over any faux-majlis cushions as you stroll to your suite. GETTING STARTED The Summer Flavour campaign gives you complimentary breakfast, complimentary lunch or Z_dd[h WYheii *& @kc[_hW^ h[ijWkhWdji" ed[ ZWo½i X[WY^ WYY[ii Wj @kc[_hW^ 8[WY^ >ej[b WdZ ed[ ZWo½i WYY[ii je M_bZ MWZ_ J 9i Wffbo \hec :^i,+&1 free Wi-fi; jumeirah.com). <_dZ @kc[_hW^ 9h[[ai_Z[d[nj je j^[ ?h_i^ L_bbW][ WdZ Aviation Club.
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Lonely Planet Traveller Middle East June/July 2013