Dubai

After overnighting at the airport we were up at 3:30 am to make our way across the road for our 6:00 am flight on Emirates to Dubai. This is the start of a 4 week trip booked through eCruising, but subsequently rebranded as "33 degrees Experiential Luxury Tours". It includes 3 days in Dubai, 1 in Johannesburg, 5 in Sabi Sand reserve adjoining Krueger National Park, 4 in Capetown and then cruising on the Queen Elizabeth from South Africa to Perth with stops in Reunion and Mauritius.

We arrived in Dubai in the early afternoon and we transferred to the Banyan Tree Al Wadi Resort, a bit over an hour out of Dubai city. This is without doubt the most lavish resort we have ever stayed in. 

The main building complex was quite impressive...

...but the "rooms" we're amazing - Huge - with our own 10 m temperature controlled pool...

...with an isolated feel, overlooking a game reserve...

...with Arabian gazelle wandering past.

The inside was just wow!! - two interconnected wings, one tv lounge/bed/desk...

....the other free standing bath/ shower/toilet room 

We settled in, and did a bit of an explore. The sunset colours were lovely...

...but could only stay awake for a very early dinner. Looking forward to tomorrow.