Dubai and the Maldives, a classic twin centre, combines the vibrant and futuristic city of Dubai with the dazzling beaches, picture-perfect waters and technicolour house reefs of the Maldives. 

The fun began in Dubai, where I stayed at Anantara The Palm, a fantastic resort style hotel set on a private beach on the eastern crescent of the Palm. During my stay I explored the Downtown area, visiting the vast Dubai Mall, the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa, and Aquadventure Water Park located at Atlantis the Palm. 

Following on from this, I hopped on a four hour flight to the Maldives and stayed at two luxury resorts, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, accessible by a scenic seaplane transfer from Male, and Coco Bodu Hithi, reached via speedboat. At both beautiful resorts I stayed in an expansive beach villa that boasted a private pool which was only a moments away from the warm blue waters that hosted the vibrant house reef. Relaxing days at these resorts passed by reading my book around the pool, unwinding with a massage at the spa or sipping cocktails at the beach bar.

Whether you’re looking for an all-encompassing city break, a relaxing beach escape or a stopover en route to the Indian Ocean, Asia or beyond, Dubai is a playground for adventure and has something for everyone. For me, Dubai is the perfect stopover destination, as well as a holiday destination, providing a fantastic combination of activities, cuisine, impeccable service and, of course, sunshine!  

An escape to the Maldives is typically very high on many traveller's bucket list and it is no surprise as to why. You will constantly be in awe of your mesmerising surroundings and the view of endless blue ocean – it really is a private island experience. Your holiday to the Maldives is what you make of it. If you want to unwind and completely switch off, this is the place for you. However, there are plenty of activities on offer at many of the resorts to keep you occupied, from glass bottom boat trips to kayaking and cocktail classes to cinema under the stars on the beach. What’s more, resorts in the Maldives offer unique and exceptional dining experiences, from the world’s first underwater restaurant named Ithaaa at Conrad Rangali Maldives Island, to indulging in a five course dinner under a private pergola on the beach at Coco Bodu Hithi - there truly is nowhere in the world like the Maldives!

My highlight of the holiday was snorkelling at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island. The house reef was absolutely stunning and teeming with marine life including technicolour fish, rays and many nurse sharks – definitely one of the best places I have ever snorkelled!

En route home from the Maldives, book a few nights in Dubai to round off your trip. Travelling through Dubai Airport and witnessing the sun shine over the skyline was difficult as I was on my way back to rainy London!

As we stayed on the eastern crescent of the Palm, it takes a while to travel anywhere in Dubai, whether that’s the city or the desert, and can take even longer if there is traffic. Consider a stay in Downtown Dubai (e.g. Taj Dubai) so you are close to the Burj Khalifah, Museum of The Future, Dubai Frame and the traditional souks, or spend some time in the Arabian Desert (e.g. Bab Al Sham Resort & Spa), where you can enjoy an array of activities such as camel riding, 4WD desert safari and archery.

For more inspiration take a look at our Dubai Holidays pages and our Maldives Holidays pages.