Two’s Company get into trouble on Tuesday - Dubai's Beachfront: Sun, Sand, and $upercars

The hotel minibus dropped us off about 30 minutes away at Kite Beach. The moment we stepped out, the desert heat meeting the sea breeze felt warm, at once coating us in a dry sizzling feeling.

The short walk across the road was on a pristinely kept walkway and boardwalk, running alongside a dedicated cycle and scooter track. The palm tree lined beach saw people standing in line almost waiting for someone to move from under the tree’s canopy, poised to jump into any shady space made available.

By now, we realised it was very warm strolling along hundreds of metres of pristine beach, much of which was clear of people as we headed towards the Burj Al Arab. The sea was clear and gentle waves crashed against the shore.

The Unexpected Dress Code

Helen decided we should duck into one of the massive beachfront hotels for a bit of respite from the brutal heat. As we approached the front door, the contrast was immediately stark. Not saying we stood out like sore thumbs is an understatement, but everywhere we looked, people were wearing business suits and looked completely chic.

In our cut-off shorts and T-shirts, Helen wearing her bucket hat (which, though cute, looked like an upside-down plant-pot next to these people) we were a walking fashion disaster. Nevertheless, we went for it. Helen marched in with confidence, side-stepping porters and security, with me following close behind.

It wasn’t long before a member of staff approached us. Looking politely at Helen, he inquired "Are you a resident of the hotel?"

"Not yet, we are just looking to decide if we might like it here!" was Helen’s response. At this point, he very politely offered us a couple of bottles of water and asked us to leave.

As we walked out the door, Rolls-Royces glided past, Ferraris parked and Teslas and Range Rovers dropped off high-profile guests. If we had not already realised Dubai is about money and making it, we knew it now. Everything is for sale and selling is the way to thrive here.

Onward to Palm Jumeirah

We made our escape via Uber “Tesla of course!” and continued onward to The Palm. A ride on the monorail allowed distant, hazy views of the Burj Al Arab. The man-made island, Palm Jumeirah, in Dubai, is spectacular; it is plain to see why this area is iconic.

Situated at the apex, the resort Atlantis was the first to open back in 2008, featuring a huge water park (one of the largest in the world), aquariums and even underwater suites and a restaurant. Alas, we did not experience the delights of Atlantis. Even for two's company being shown the door twice in one day would have been too much!

One final stop back at Kite Beach an enthralling, but very warm day was complete, another box ticked as Helen managed her paddle in the Persian Gulf.

After a brief dip in the pool, it was back into the hotel for some serious air conditioning relief and a bite to eat!

What a fabulous day we’d enjoyed!

Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow

Well, that was yesterday. Today, Wednesday, we hit the majestic Mall of the Emirates, older in architecture but nevertheless as impressive as the Dubai Mall.

Emirates Mall

Today has already been a long day, tomorrow will be spent travelling. We head off in a couple of hours to catch our 4:00 AM flight to Kuala Lumpur to make our connection to Bali. No doubt we'll be ready for some serious relaxation over the next few days.