It’s halfway through the summer and I’m searching for exciting ways to spend quality time with my family. Wanting to really treat all of us, I decided to book a stay at one of the luxurious Jumeirah hotels.

This time my choice fell on Jumeirah Zabeel Saray. I have always been curious about the hotel because of its grand architecture and stunning interior inspired by the opulent Ottoman Era. It is a truly lavish beachside resort located on the west crescent of the iconic Palm Jumeirah overlooking the Arabian Gulf and Dubai’s impressive skyline. The hotel promises unrivalled luxury with an imperial touch at the culturally-inspired 405 rooms and suites and 38 Royal Residences. A wide range of activities is on offer, including access to the award-winning Talise Ottoman Spa, one of the largest most luxurious spas in the Middle East, where guests can truly indulge in exquisite treatments and facilities. Guests may also enjoy private beach access, infinity pool, various water sports, tennis courts, kids club as well as 12 restaurant and nightlife options. The number of facilities offered combined with thoughtful service makes for an opulent hospitality experience.

Convincing me to book my stay this time is Jumeirah’s recent special offer, Summer Breaks, where one can enjoy 10% off on the Best Available Rate with a host of value added benefits. Rates start from AED 900 and includes

• Buffet breakfast 
• Access to Sinbad’s Kids Club 
• Exclusive private beach access
• Internet access

…and much more …

Follow this link to book your stay online at any of Jumeirah’s properties: www.jumeirah.com/summerbreaks.

You may also call:

Dubai 800 JUMEIRAH (800 5863 4724) **
Saudi Arabia 800 897 1439
Bahrain 800 00555
Qatar +971 4 364 7541**
Kuwait +971 4 364 7540**
**IDD rates apply

or email reservations@jumeirah.com

On the road, they notice the postlights are very bright.  All streets are widely spaced and very well lit unlike Manila’s, they say.  And they start talking about politics – that if only road funds will be well utilized, Philippines can be as bright as Dubai.

They also notice the orderliness in the streets; the huge malls, the towering skyscrapers that make Ayala and Ortigas minute.

Then they see a Ferrari and a Lamborghini parked on an ordinary streetside. “They just park these luxury cars here?” they asks. “In the Philippines you can’t dare to do it.”

After a quick rest we had lunch in a chicken fastfood. They’re not used to dining without rice, and with a bigger serving. “So that’s why you’ve grown bigger here…” they said.

As we were strolling around, they notice how people use their gadgets untroubled that someone might snatch them away. They feel it is safe in the city that everyone seems to flaunt their gadgets out. Again, not in the Philippines.

“So where is the desert and the camels?” they asked.   Although they’ve seen Dubai in the media with these buildings and modern structures, they still thought that we live in a desert.

After the first 24 hours of impression, they say “Parang Pinas pa rin, ang daming Filipino.”  “But even if Philippines don’t look as shiny as Dubai, we already miss home. we will never get tired of the irking sounds of trike and jeepneys, and of the adventurous streets of Manila.”

Indeed, the heart can never love two at a time equally.  We can be amazed and impressed by other nations, but eventually, there will always be one place that we truly love – though not as great as others, but we’ve learned to accept what it is, and what it is not. Philippines will always be our home.