Feb,2020
Every year during our anniversary, we generally plan an international trip to celebrate our years of togetherness. 2020 was no different, apart from the fact that this was our last trip before the onset of the pandemic.
Now, the first choice for most people travelling to the United Arab Emirates is Dubai but after a thorough research, we found out that Abu Dhabi had the same things to offer as Dubai in a much more significant way minus the shopping and since we are not very fond of shopping, we knew what our obvious choice would be! Moreover, Abu Dhabi is much calmer, more traditional and has a lot many hidden gems to explore, one such being the Zaya Nurai Island.
Through our experience and some of the pictures and videos that we could capture, we would like to take you on a virtual journey through one of the most fun vlogs you might have ever read about UAE!
Day 1:
Delhi to Abu Dhabi takes close to 4 hours by flight. Since, it was a friday , both of us had requested a half day leave and reached the airport by 2 pm. Our flight was scheduled to fly at 4.30 pm IST and reach Abu Dhabi by 7 pm UAE time.
We had a comfortable flight and landed on time to be amazed by the professionalism and prompt service that the airport staffs provided there. We already had our visas done as there is no visa on arrival facility for Indian travelers and we were out in no time to be greeted by a series of airport taxi service cars on the arrival. A taxi from the airport taxi rank will be around 110 AED fixed price one way. Return is by meter which is usually a little cheaper.
We had booked the entire stay of 5 days and 4 nights at the Corniche Hotel overlooking the Corniche. The room was cozy and the view was phenomenal. We checked in by 9 pm and were too tired to even have dinner. We just had a cup of tea and dozed off in no time.
Day 2:
We got up early and rushed to the dining area for breakfast as we were very hungry. Also, it was important to overindulge as it was going to be an action packed and eventful day.
After finishing off our breakfast, we took a quick shower and then headed off to the Abu Dhabi Promenade bus stop for the Big Bus (Hop on and Hop off). The frequency of the buses is 30 minutes and the first bus starts at 9 am. We were able to catch the 10.30 am bus. We had bought the Classic 1 day hop on hop off ticket which catered to 2 different routes (red- city tour and green-island tour).
Hop on and Hop off buses are our personal favourite and we try to avail their services wherever we go, if the facility is available. We generally plan our trip in such a way that the first day is reserved for this experience. It's a great way to figure out your itinerary for the rest of your stay. It offers a great perspective where you can get a tour of the whole city figuring out which attractions you would actually like to visit ,the routes and an incredible opportunity to sightsee at your own pace.
That's what we did on Day 2 only to stop at the Mosque and the Louvre which is a must visit when in Abu Dhabi. The grandeur of the Sheikh Zayed Grand mosque should not be missed. The architecture is breath-taking, housing the largest hand woven carpet and chandelier . What we need to keep in mind is our dressing - Visitors are required to dress modestly and behave respectfully. Men should wear long trousers and women are required to wear an Abaya which is provided by the Mosque itself.
The Louvre, Abu Dhabi is the replica of the one in France , with the difference being that this one is recently constructed. It has become the hot favourite spot for Art and history lovers in UAE.
In the evening , we decided to have a couple of beers at the Buddha Bar Beach, St. Regis Hotel. The ambience there was splendid and the food cheered up our taste buds. You must try their pizzas and chicken wings!
Day 3:
This was the most awaited part of the trip. We had acquired our day passes for the Zaya Nurai Islands. This is indeed a hidden gem of UAE and words fall short when describing the sheer beauty of this island, almost comparable to Maldives.
The day pass costs 10k INR per person which is redeemable on food, drinks, spa and activities but the whole experience is worth every penny. We needed to assemble at the Saadiyat Island from where it is a 20 minutes boat ride. The boat ride is included in the pass. The boats leave at an hour's interval for the island. The island has two infinity pools overlooking their private white sand beaches, a world class oceanside spa, five fine and casual food and beverage outlets and a beach club.
We boarded the 10.30 am ferry and left back by 6.30 pm. We had a whole day to ourselves at this beautiful wonderland. We started off with a plunge in their infinity pool, followed by some beer and snacks at their bar. We then indulged in a couple of indoor activities like pool and table tennis. At about 1pm, we headed over their main beach (Smoking Pineapple) for some sun, sand and cocktails. We had our lunch at their restaurant -"Hooked" which serves cuisine that marries the true taste of the Levant with sublimely fresh sea fare. One bite and you’re ‘Hooked’!
For the video version of this experience at Zaya Nurai Islands, please click the play button on our video below:
Day 4:
For the fourth day, we had booked the desert Safari. Abu Dhabi safari is costlier than Dubai but the service quality is much better. You get picked up by private vehicles from the hotels, served tea/coffee and snacks on arrival followed by belly dancing , some Hookah and BBQ dinner in the evening. Abu Dhabi deserts are larger and provides a more thrilling experience of dune bashing.
You can book the experience at the concierge of your hotel and you will get picked up by 2.30 pm afternoon. In the morning, we took a leisure walk along the beautiful corniche and stopped for a coffee and ice cream along the way.
The safari experience starts with some dune bashing which was thrilling and rip roaring unlike any experience we have had before! We also had options to indulge in camel riding, sand boarding, henna painting and shisha smoking. Buffet dinner and refreshments were a treat in the evening. Dinner was followed by traditional dances like Tanoura dance and belly dance. We had a fun time relaxing and enjoying.
Day 5:
This was our last day at Abu Dhabi and we had reserved it for the Ferrari World, which has something for every age and skill and the adventurer in us came to life there. We experienced a deadly ride on the fastest roller coaster in the world and were thrilled after taking a ride in Formula Rossa.
Our return flight was scheduled to leave at 11.30 pm UAE time. We returned back from the Ferrari World at around 6 pm. Our luggages were already packed and we rushed to the airport to reach well within time.
As our vacation drew to a close, we found ourselves already feeling nostalgic for the moments that had only just passed by at the same time feeling happy that we got the most out of it!!
The Benjabi recommendation and Pointers:
1. The stay at Zaya Nurai would be a tad bit too expensive. Hence, we recommend a day trip to the Zaya Nurai Islands.
2. You haven't seen the real Abu Dhabi unless you experience the Desert Safari
Also, find the links to our youtube and instagram channel below:
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0kc8LRLKTCA23oQHXqWGuw
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.benjabi.affair/
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-By The Benjabi Affair
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