geeminds EATS, PLACES AND WHAT-HAVE-YOUS PLACES Adventure Time at Sandy Beach Hotel & Resort 2 Another jampacked weekend with a lot of first time activities. Our weekend getaway with one of the prominent beach resorts in Fujairah, Sandy Beach Hotel and Resort was one for the books. Surely had a great time staying here. Since check in time was at 3.00pm, we left Dubai at around 10.30am (enough for us to prepare our stuff). Dubai to Fujairah, another of the 7 emirates, takes 2 hours to drive. We arrived at the hotel at 12.30pm and fortunate enough to have our rooms ready. We had 2 studio type rooms (Aed900/rm) for a group of 6 adults and a baby. Originally, we opted for the 2 bedroom chalet but the hotel was already fully booked. We were advised that if we wanted to book our preferred rooms, we should book 3 weeks ahead. But nonetheless, we had a spectacular view. I love the concept of the hotel. It is not your typical high rise hotel. The hotel resort’s area is huge and divided into several types: studio, 1BR, 2Br and chalets. It is a nice place to stay for families and also if you’re in for adventure. After resting from the long drive, we decided to try the parasailing. Parasailing… such an exciting experience Should you wish to take advantage of this, you must proceed to the nearby hotel, Miramar Beach Hotel and Resort. lobby of miramar hotel Fee: AED250 for 30minutes (with boatride) If you want to take your photos taken, you have to pay an extra (hear me out!) another AED250. Too much, if you’re going to ask me. But the experience was worth the record. We were taken on a speedboat and rode a few meters away from the shore. There were 3 groups, us and another 2 couples. When asked by the boat staff who wants to go first, we got all giddy and raised our hands, me and my other 2 friends. They placed us on a saddle and hooked us up at the sail and were instructed to just sit tight and hold the ropes that attached us to the sail. We followed like kids and up, up we went, high at the sky. It was tranquil above with breathtaking views of the mountains and oceans. Loved the breeze (it was almost sunset). After 10minutes and photos taken, we were pulled down. The operator even had a playful descent so were splashed with water. Overall, it was a smooth ride. And once on the boat, we were applauded by the entire group. Haha! Came next were the couple who were afraid at first but when they saw us having a great time up there, they relaxed and looked forward to their turn. All through out the trip, Bob Marley was our background music. Brought me back to Boracay days that I sorely miss. Going back to the hotel after that fun adventure, we grilled some porkchops and sausages beside the hotel, a campsite (and it is for free) where there were a lot of campers who enjoyed the same view that we have. Since we weren’t booked in a chalet that has its own grilling station, we had no choice but to proceed to the campsite which was just a 10minute walk from the hotel. Didn’t matter though. Still had fun. After dinner, we strolled within the hotel’s vicinity. There’s an outdoor pool, a mini park, sprawling greeneries. The place too has its own bar where a live band plays at night. If you have nothing else to do, you can unwind and listen to contemporary music. They also have buy 1 take 1 promo every 10.00pm till 11.00pm. There’s a lounge area as well which I found so cozy and nice for gazing stars. We ended the night having a few drinks. The next day we woke up early to hit the beach. Once again there’s so much beauty. Snoopy Island, as what they call it, is a famous spot for diving and snorkeling. And it is just across our hotel. We rented our gears (AED70) at the hotel’s own Diving Center and swam towards the Snoopy Island. If you opt for a guide, the Center has an extensive menu of its services. No photos though were taken because we were too excited to start another adventure. The snorkeling took a good one hour (back and forth). Just a reminder before you snorkel, better eat something because it is a very tiring activity. Left the hotel with a smile on my face. We all had a wonderful stay. And went back to Dubai with this beautiful sunset snap. Service: 4/5 Cleanliness: 4/5 Price: quite costly Will we go back? Most definitely. Posted in Places, Travel, Uncategorized Tagged adventure, beach, escapade, family, fujairah, outside the city, parasailing, snoopy island, snorkeling, uae, weekend Nov 04 After The Walk comes The Beach 2 I was ecstatic to learn that a new ‘go to’ place has opened. And it is a 10-minute drive from home. Jumeirah Beach Residence has what you call The Walk, a strip of restaurants and shops. It is a long stretch of good eats and good finds. After a few years of non-stop construction that brought a lot of hassles to the residents and to the visitors of The Walk, The Beach has finally opened. And it is a few levels up from The Walk. The Beach is the IT destination. It reminds me of the Santa Cruz Boardwalk in the US minus the rides and the seals. Likes Beach is open for everyone… For FREE! No curfews (so night swimming is allowed). If you’re a beach bum, this is your place. Beach water park in the middle of the sea (you gotta swim first to enjoy its facilities) You’ll feel the energy, the vibe! Music. Entertainment. Food. They have a lot of activities to offer. Outdoor Cinema with beanbags on the sand Selfie booths (coolest!) ‘People Watching’ (yup, another form of entertainment… Check out the people’s latest fashion) Cinemas by Reel Cinemas… 10 huge ones but normally viewing time starts at 1pm Different cuisines so you have a wide range to choose from. Some restos are open for breakfast Baby changing rooms which are awesome for mommies like me Wide Parking lot Fountain show that starts at 7pm (they use laser lights which are cool) at the La Piazza Dislikes Heavy traffic due to ongoing construction of the tram Parking costs Dhs20/hr ($5.50/hr) Food is expensive (most restos are upscale so better be prepared) Check out the photos and you’ll know why there’s so much hype. From Indoor cinemas to outdoor ones, various prominent restaurants to beach park…. You’ll definitely fall in love with this place. Posted in Places, Travel Tagged cheesecake factory, cinemas, dubai, family, food, houseofcurry, JBR, magnoliabakery, park, pfchangs, restaurants, the beach, vintage Oct 29 Post navigation Search RECENT POSTS How to handle yourself when difficult people are in your midst Yummy Buttered Chicken A day before I say hello to a new age A Doctor with Terminal Cancer Writes to His Baby Daughter “He Has Aspergers” and Everything Else I Never Wanted To Hear About My Son RECENT COMMENTS ilonagee on Oreo Cheesecake Cookies tastehitch on Oreo Cheesecake Cookies ilonagee on Adventure Time at Sandy Beach… JDo on Adventure Time at Sandy Beach… ilonagee on After The Walk comes The … ARCHIVES February 2018 June 2015 April 2015 March 2015 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 CATEGORIES Food Homecooking Places Reblog Restaurant Thoughts Travel Uncategorized Work Life META Register Log in Entries feed Comments feed WordPress.com Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com. 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