Where to go this weekend?

[Chilli]

I have to entertain my sister and partner this weekend....any ideas? Done most of the usual touristy stuff. Thought a trip to Jordan would be good, but hotel availability is almost non-existant.
Oman? Somewhere with a fantastic beach, Dolphins that kinda thing.

Any ideas?

[cs174]

What about Fujairah?

About an hour and a half drive, fantastic snorkelling at Snoopy Island. Nice beach and good hotels.

[Harris_I]

Ras Al Khaimah Hilton Beach Resort. About 1-1.5 hrs from Dubai. Not the main Hilton in RAK but the resort. Actually it makes more sense with kids so perhaps not the place for you?

Or cross the Oman border just after RAK and head to the Golden Tulip Hotel - book yourself a dhow trip (call the hotel in advance) and watch the dolphins race you through the fjords. You're more likely to see dolphins in the morning. Takes a bit longer to get there from RAK (depends on the border crossing but add another hour). Do it in a nice car: the mountain road is great (even a fully laden X5 was fun - now has blistered tyres!).

[Chilli]

Cheers gents, good options.

[Mattt]

I'm (apparently) doing an overnight dhow trip this weekend up towards Mussandam. Looking forward to it!!

[Chilli]

Mattt said:

I'm (apparently) doing an overnight dhow trip this weekend up towards Mussandam. Looking forward to it!!

Ooooh, that's the place that got my sister thinking about Dolphins etc!

1. Who are you going with?
2. When are you going?
3. Can I come?
4. Why wasn't I invited in the fiorst place?!

[DubaiJohn]

I can highly reccomend those Dolphin trips from Golden Tulip, a brilliant day out. Then to the Zebra bat in the hotel to get 'refreshed'. Don't expect too much in the food stakes at the hotel mind.

I would suggest the St Georges ball at the Grand Hyatt tomorrow but all sold out. HM Royal Marines band are here this year, always a good night out for a bit of jingoistic belting out of Jerusalem (and bacon sarnies served at 2am!)

[cs174]

If you do drive to Oman, it'll be worth double checking that your car insurance covers Oman. I currently have a hire car and the insurance only covers the UAE. I think I remember reading somewhere that they check whether you have valid car insurance at the border.

[PhillT]

Harris_I said:

Or cross the Oman border just after RAK and head to the Golden Tulip Hotel

My girlfriend informs me that the Golden Tulip has an offer on rooms at the moment/soon. 300AED for a room is pretty decent - the hotel's quiet and right next to the beach, it's very nice for a couple of nights away on a weekend.

[Mattt]

Chilli said:

Mattt said:

I'm (apparently) doing an overnight dhow trip this weekend up towards Mussandam. Looking forward to it!!

Ooooh, that's the place that got my sister thinking about Dolphins etc!

1. Who are you going with?
2. When are you going?
3. Can I come?
4. Why wasn't I invited in the fiorst place?!

Would've done mate if I was remotely involved in the organising, and hadn't just tagged along myself

[Chilli]

PhillT said:

Harris_I said:

Or cross the Oman border just after RAK and head to the Golden Tulip Hotel

My girlfriend informs me that the Golden Tulip has an offer on rooms at the moment/soon. 300AED for a room is pretty decent - the hotel's quiet and right next to the beach, it's very nice for a couple of nights away on a weekend.

Cool, thanks. Just checked and iit was $500 for 2 rooms....Still not too bad.

Mattt, I understand mate....honest!

[oilydan]

Great fishing up there too.

They will even cook your catch for you. Take your own condiments though, dolphin is not good without some soy sauce.