DUBAI is a city of sand and steel, of malls and fast-paced, expensive cars, but it takes a ride on a Seawings plane to know just how many outdoor swimming pools the emirate has! Or that the World Islands have actually started shaping up to somewhat resemble the map of our planet.
Seawings, a luxury seaplane tour operator, recently launched ‘Seawings Lifestyle’, an ideal complement to the 40-minute Seawings Silver Experience, which TTN got a taste of, aboard a nine-seat Cessna 208 Caravan seaplane. After a thrilling take-off from the World Islands, we laid our eyes on the beautiful Palm Jumeirah and the iconic Burj Al Arab, the Dubai Creek – where it all began, the Mina Rashid port with its docked cruises, the green Ras Al Khor sanctuary, and, of course, the Burj Khalifa and Sheikh Zayed Road in all its gleaming daytime glory. Seawings Lifestyle offers guests packages including wildlife drives, luxury yacht charter and intimate experiences, such as a walking tour and dinner cruise. On a wildlife package, for instance, guests can discover the UAE’s flora and fauna, watch Oryx, Gazelle, Arabian Red Fox and various bird species. The package includes unwind time on the poolside at Al Maha, A Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa. The total cost per person is Dh2,995 ($815).My Walking Tour Package includes a seaplane tour of Dubai and a guided walking tour of historical sites. Guests can explore gold and spice souqs, watch trading boats, experience an abra ride across the Dubai Creek, visit the Dubai museum and Al Fahidi historical district and more for Dh2,395 ($652) per person.The Dinner Cruise Package, also for Dh2,395 ($652) per person, is a five-star dining experience in Bateaux Dubai, which cruises along the tranquil waters of the Dubai Creek.The newly launched Yacht Charter experience in Dubai combines with the Seawings Gold Tour, an exclusive Seawings seaplane experience for up to nine guests who can continue the private experience in the spacious, air-conditioned interiors of their luxury yacht. The total cost for this exclusive package, for up to nine people is Dh15,995 ($4,355) per person.The World Journey, with check-in at the Waldorf Astoria, and other new packages will follow in the New Year, including exclusive spa, fine dining and desert excursions. By Rashi Sen