Tag Archives: luxury

Dubai – A History Unveiled

3 Replies

By Arwa Nakara

A world-class tourist destination known for its innovative architecture, spectacular amusements and luxury resorts, Dubai’s rich, native culture is often overshadowed by the glitz of its contemporary facade. Yet, it is the humble beginnings of this prosperous Emirate that lends Dubai its unique flavor.

It was with the discovery of oil in 1966, along with the visionary leadership of Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, that Dubai’s meteoric rise began. Nevertheless, the emirate has carefully preserved markers of its past, most commonly seen along both banks of the Dubai Creek. To the north, Deira and its bustling markets beckon to the curious traveler. An invaluable resource, the Creek is where Dubai originally took root as a pearling, fishing and trade port; it’s wind-swept teal waters still plied by colorful boats.

Here’s a list of must-visit historic sites along the Creek that unveil a very different side of Dubai.

Continue reading →

Howl-iday Hotels & Resorts

Leave a reply

‘Tis the season for some good ol’ fashioned family-bonding time. That also means it’s time for some good ol’ fashioned family-related headaches! But it’s my furry, four-legged family members who give me the most to worry about during the upcoming holidays and holiday parties.

While making plans for this year’s Thanksgiving get-together, I thought it would be so much more relaxing if I could bring my “fur-babies” to one of those really fancy dog hotels or resorts where the dog guests can go for nature hikes and have doggy ice cream socials. While researching these businesses, I learned that doggy pedicures, web cam access, and personal dog training sessions have actually become the norm in the world of high-end dog boarding.  Here are a few of the most interesting and unique dog hotels and resorts in the United states, offering services and activities for the most pampered of pooches, and providing a high-end environment where the dogs get their chance to party.

 

D Pet Hotels
Hollywood, California


Photo by D Pet Hotels

Have a dog that likes to sprawl out on your bed? Book a room at D Pet Hotels and let your doggy doze off on her own queen-sized bed in one of D Pet Hotel’s distinguished Uber Double Suites. Their luxurious double suites come complete with a 42” flat screen TV and modern room décor. During the day, dogs can play in one of three dog parks, altogether spanning 6000 square feet, and with each one exclusive to petite, medium or large sized guests. The most stylish way to get to this hound-loving Hollywood, CA hotel is to book a ride through their D-Chauffeur service, where you can choose between a Ferrari 458, Lamborghini Gallardo, Bentley, Porsche or Rolls Royce to deliver your darling dog. Keeping up appearances also applies to physique, though! Dogs packing on a few pounds can hit up D Pet Hotel’s Pant gym and run on one of Pant’s just-for-dogs treadmills. Then they can pretty up at the full-service D-spa, where puppy can primp up with a detoxifying and rejuvenating D-Wrap thermal body wrap. Continue reading →