ARABIAN HEIGHTS
Leave Dubai’s skyscrapers for the mountains of Hatta
Enjoy an action packed holiday in the desert heat, but don't worry, there are plenty of places to cool off
I’VE always wondered what it would feel like to be a reality TV star.
Now two reality regulars are sitting adjacent to me on the plane from London Gatwick to Dubai.
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One of them is from Love Island, the other, Towie — or so that’s what I’m told by the obsessed 20-something next to me trying to nab a sneaky snap of the pair.
Like many “celebs” before them, they’re heading to the sunny UAE for a well- earned break from cameras flashes and salon visits.
For the brief allure of escapism, I decide that on my travels I’m going to pretend that I’m a reality star . . . just without the six-pack and whitened teeth.
Seven hours later, we land in Dubai at the biggest and shiniest airport I’ve ever seen.
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I pick up my bag and head straight for the mountainous region of Hatta — which sits just near the Oman border, 80 miles south of the city.
JA Hatta Fort hotel is the perfect place to try something new and kick start your adventure in reality television, it seems.
It lists a host of outdoor activities; archery, kayaking, swimming, to name a few.
But first I tested myself with mountain biking.
I was chaperoned out to the trail and then set free to pedal furiously as if I had just entered a spin class full of Love Islanders.
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The terrain is extremely tough in parts and some routes are geared towards experts, but there’s a lot of fun to be had. I only came off once (a bonus) but, be warned, if you’re a beginner, stick to the green routes.
And avoid the midday heat — otherwise your Bear Grylls survival skills will be put to the test.
Who said watching reality TV was bad for you?
If the desert heat becomes too much, a good option for cooling down is kayaking on the calm water of Hatta Dam.
The dam is situated at the bottom of the mountains, so you can enjoy views as you splash around at your own pace. Sixty AED (£12.50) is reasonable price for an unlimited paddle.
After all that exercise and adventure, you’ll want some chill time and a chance to relax those muscles.
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The on-site spa is the place for this — tranquil and extremely thorough is the best way to describe it.
The hotel’s a la carte restaurant Jeema offers a mix of international and Middle Eastern dishes and boasts stunning panoramic views of the Al Hajar mountains.
Go at sunset and you will not be disappointed. After a few days of adventure in the Hatta region, you’ll be ready for the bright lights of Dubai.
JA Palm Tree Court hotel, just 30 minutes down the coast from Dubai, offers everything you could want from a trip abroad — relaxation accompanied by great food options and superb service.
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If swinging a golf club is your thing, the nine-hole course is a beauty.
Tiger Woods, Nick Faldo and Ernie Els are among the big-name pros to use the course ahead of big tournaments in the country.
If it’s good enough for Tiger, it’s good enough for me.
If you get time, make sure to grab a lesson with the coaches on site.
They had me hitting a ball straight in no time, despite horrendous golfing ability.
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White Orchid, my favourite option for food on site, serves up a detailed Asian fusion menu and both the food was outstanding.
The lobster curry was worth the trip alone. If you are looking for variety in your day, you have found a real gem here. Swimming pools, yoga, gym with squash and tennis courts, plus camel-riding on the beach and a whole selection of watersports are all available.
Wakeboarding and paddle boarding were my choice excursions and, despite me being a little bit wary of the jellyfish in the Persian Gulf, the staff were on hand to help me keep afloat.
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The resort is nicely located away from the hustle and bustle of the busy city.
And it’s a 15-minute drive to the newly built Dubai Parks and Resorts, where you can spend half a day at Motiongate, the Hollywood-inspired theme park.
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MOST READ IN TRAVEL
If its thrill rides don’t fulfil your adrenalin fix, try the world’s longest urban zipline with XLine.
Trying it out was one of the scariest — but most enjoyable — experiences I have had in a long time.
Be sure to have your email on hand, as the team will send you a horrifying video close-up of your journey.
Mine has been deleted and will not be submitted in my Love Island application.
GO: Dubai
GETTING THERE: Emirates flies to Dubai from Heathrow, Stansted and Gatwick with lead-in fares from £340 return. See .
STAYING THERE: Rooms at the JA Hatta Fort hotel are from £200 per night and at the JA Palm Tree Court are from £352 per night. See.
OUT & ABOUT: Tickets to Dubai Parks and Resorts cost from £33pp.
See .
XLine Dubai is from £137pp. See .
Mountain biking in Hatta can be arranged via .
MORE INFO: See .
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