Recently in UAE Category

Dubai seems to get all the headlines these days, but Abu Dhabi is the second largest city in the United Arab Emirates, with a business and cultural sector to rival any in the Middle East. If you've ever been curious to see this glimmering island emirate, here's a grand opportunity. Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi is one of this week's participating Starpicks properties, with last-minute rates of at least 20% off regular rates for stays during the next two weekends. This stunning hotel is like an oasis of calm amid the hustle and bustle of Abu Dhabi, with manicured gardens, indoor and outdoor pools, luxurious guest rooms and suites, and inspiring views of the Arabian Gulf and the verdant public gardens of the Corniche. So come visit Abu Dhabi for a couple of days and explore some of the city's many attractions, from the Qasr al-Hosn, the oldest stone building in town, dating back to 1793; to Heritage Village Abu Dhabi, an ethnographic museum that preserves the traditions of Bedouins and other cultures. But be sure to save time to investigate the hotel as well, which has activities and amenities to please the most discerning traveler. From a cutting-edge fitness facility to get your blood pumping to a sauna and steam room to relax after a great day, you'll feel rested and refreshed in no time. Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi is just one of many Starpicks properties this week, so check the list for the latest deals.

When is a piece of toast more than just a piece of toast? When it's served at the Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, which recently introduced its new Flexi-Toast program. Don't laugh, some people take their toast very seriously, and Westin has come up with an innovative solution to the problem of soft, uninspiring bread when you're trying to enjoy breakfast in bed, or on the terrace of your guest room overlooking the sea. Flexi-Toast is a rechargeable, battery-powered toaster that fits snugly on the room service trolley. With a choice of light, medium, and dark toasting options (I'm a medium-toast guy myself), Flexi-Toast turns out the perfect slice, every time. That way, you breakfast entree will always have an appropriate bread accompaniment, helping you get off to a great start every morning of your stay. As if that wasn't enough, each slice pops up with the Westin logo to remind guests what the Westin Difference is all about. There's so much going on in Dubai right now that you might as well come for the Flexi-Toast, because you'll surely stay for the endless opportunities to experience the Middle East at its best. Located on Jumeirah Beach, with both a private beach and a full-service marina, the Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina is a destination to remember, so check out the hotel's special offers and book your stay today. And when evening rolls around, drop by the Senyar cocktail lounge or Oeno Wine Bar and propose a toast to Flexi-Toast.

Jeremy McCarthy is the Director of Spa Operations Development and Marketing for Starwood Hotels & Resorts and thelobby.com's expert on everything spa.

While in Dubai, I couldn't resist taking a few runs on one of the world's largest indoor ski slopes at the Mall of the Emirates, one of the world's largest indoor malls. I brought along Bobby Griffiths, the new Spa Director for the Heavenly Spa at The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina. She was a beginner, but I thought, "it's indoors, how hard can it be?" Little did I know that the top of the run (about 85 meters high) is steep enough to make even an intermediate snowboarder take pause. She got a free lesson from one of the kind instructors who helped her make her way down. And I got a cool break from the desert sun on the snowy slopes of Ski Dubai.

Jeremy McCarthy is the Director of Spa Operations Development and Marketing for Starwood Hotels & Resorts and thelobby.com's expert on everything spa.

The new Westin Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina recently opened their Heavenly Spa by Westin featuring a variety of Comfort Zone spa treatments and the signature Rollerssage treatment which is exclusive to Heavenly Spas. The spa has highly trained, experienced therapists and a cozy, intimate feel which makes it a great escape from the over-the-top opulence typically found in Dubai hotels. A lounge chair by the pool facing the crystal blue waters of the marina is a great landing pad for post-spa meditation. To learn more about this new resort and its spa offerings, be sure to check out their blog.

Over the past ten or so years, Dubai has emerged as one of the most fashionable hot spots on the international travel circuit, boasting high-end shopping boutiques, fine dining, and entertainment options that have to be seen to be believed. And in case you've never been to Dubai, here's your chance. Le Méridien Dubai is one of this week's participating Starpicks properties, with last-minute rates of at least 20% off regular rates for stays through January 1, 2008. So enjoy a couple of days in this seaside paradise and check out the nearby Gold Souk, Dubai Zoo, or Mumzar Park. But save plenty of time to properly explore this exquisite hotel, which features 38 acres of landscaped gardens, three outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts, and fifteen restaurants. Indulge in a relaxing treatment at Natural Elements Spa, followed by some exquisite French cuisine at Café Chic or Italian dishes at Casa Mia. Both restaurants were recently recognized by Wine Spectator magazine for their unique and extensive wine collections. Le Méridien Dubai is just one of many Starpicks properties this week, so check the list and let your travel impulses take you someplace new.