Do It Yourself with a trip to Dubai

Can’t resist a midnight snack after a night out? Does your baby need its bottle at 5am? Hotels are great, but sometimes holidaymakers want to do it their way. An increasing number of travellers are looking for alternatives to the traditional hotel experience, and the emirate is keen to cater for this expanding market. Dubai is inviting visitors to create their own ‘home from home’ amid its world-class surroundings with a growing range of serviced apartments to suit all tastes (and budgets!).

Dubai’s popularity continues to grow, and the government has been sure to develop a highly desirable, increasingly diversified premium tourism product, to meet the needs of an ever-expanding audience. Dubai’s plethora of prestigious developments has therefore been joined by a new breed of quality, affordable luxury accommodation.

Similarly, as more of us look to do things ‘our way’ on holiday, the self-catering market has rapidly expanded to ensure that holidaymakers’ needs are not only met, but exceeded, during their trip to Dubai. From 24 hour room bookings at the portfolio of The Address hotels and apartments, to video-on-demand at Jumeirah Living, Dubai‘s self-catering offering reflects its outstanding hospitality that has been one of the key factors in establishing it as one of the world’s premium destinations.

Ian Scott, UK and Ireland director, Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), applauds the diversification of the emirate’s diverse accommodation offering: “Over a short period of time, Dubai has successfully established itself as one of the world’s premium destinations. Much of its success is due to its ability to exceed visitor expectations; and we can see the emirate harnessing its hospitality expertise to grow its self-catering offering and extend Dubai’s appeal to a new audience. There is no doubt that self-catering gives travellers increased flexibility, particularly those with young families.”

Leading the way in luxury self-catering is flagship development Jumeirah Living. Housed within an exquisitely designed tower, Jumeirah Living offers well-appointed simplex and duplex flats, as well as providing residents with an exceptional lifestyle concierge service. From personal shopping to travel transfers and restaurant reservations, a team of specialists is on 24 hour call to ensure that visitors want for nothing during their stay.

Elsewhere, Angsana Dubai invites guests to stay in its contemporary Asian themed apartments. Guests, who can unwind at the world-renowned, award-winning Angsana Spa, are also able to sample the hotel’s range of restaurants should they not wish to eat-in at their own luxurious suites.

Families – particularly those with young children – often seek out the sea on their holidays. And the proximity of the Oasis Beach Tower to Jumeirah Beach makes it a perennial favourite for families looking for a little more flexibility in their accommodation arrangements. Offering spacious apartments with two to four bedrooms, guests also have access to a private swimming pool and on-site restaurants. The development is within walking distance of The Walk – perfect for family fun, this outdoor promenade is home to 350 retail outlets and 45 restaurants and coffee shops including affordable big brands such as Starbucks and Wagamama.

Nearby is the TAMANI Hotel Marina which is ideally placed for visitors looking to sample the myriad attractions – from sport to shopping – that Dubai has to offer. The property – which boasts stunning views of Dubai Marina and The Palm Jumeirah – is just five minutes from the celebrated Emirates Golf Club, and two of the emirate’s principal shopping havens, the Ibn Battuta Mall and the Mall of the Emirates. The apartments are also an ideal base for business travellers, as they are located within striking distance of Dubai Media City, Knowledge Village and Dubai Internet City.

Shopaholics can also take advantage of the concierge shopping service which is available for residents at The Address Burj Dubai. Staff will accompany guests or independently visit the vast array of stores in the newly opened Dubai Mall (the world’s largest shopping mall) or nearby souks to source top items at the best prices – they’ll even haggle on your behalf! The hotel is also the first in the region to offer 24 hour room bookings which means that visitors don’t incur extra charges for late check-out. The hotel also boasts a gourmet court, home to cuisines from around the world, which is open to residents and non-residents alike.

So, as the move for travellers to take more control over their holidays gathers momentum, serviced apartments are perfectly placed to offer an alternative to Dubai’s luxury hotel offering. With an ever expanding portfolio of properties, more visitors will be able to check-out of hotels and try DIY self-catering in Dubai instead.