A tranquil escape on the shores of Dubai's historic creek.

In a year that has made travel near-impossible for many of us, the recent festive break meant that staycations were on the agenda for those who chose to spend the winter in the UAE. While there are plenty of hotels and resorts to choose from, we at FACT were looking for somewhere truly special and a location that would make us feel as though we has escaped the bustling metropolis of Dubai, if only for a day or two.

We knew our decision to book the Park Hyatt Dubai was the correct one from the moment we drove off the floating bridge in Deira and entered into the grounds of the luxury property. We could feel our cares drifting away as we drove down Palm Tree flanked boulevards as the low-rise facade of the Park Hyatt Dubai appeared before us, like an unexpected mirage.

The luxury resort does little to give away its fifteen-year heritage on the banks on Dubai's creek, a thoroughfare that divides Dubai in two, separating the new and the old, the traditional and the modern. Admittedly we don't spend as much time as we should in the Deira neighbourhood, and the Park Hyatt Dubai offers the perfect jumping-off point for souk exploring or a round of golf at the adjacent Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club. That is if you can muster the energy to leave the hotel's luxurious surroundings with its repertoire of exciting dining options, swimming pools, and even a lagoon (more on that later).

Room With A View:

The accommodation options at Park Hyatt Dubai include 223 rooms including 34 suites, each with skyline, lagoon or lagoon beach views. No matter which room category you end up in, we can assure you that you will feel pampered. Whether gazing out at the Dubai skyline with the image of the Dubai Frame and Burj Khalifa standing proud against majestic sunsets or watching the waters lap upon the sandy shores of the resorts very own man-made lagoon, Park Hyatt Dubai guarantees views for days.

With such an idyllic setting for a luxury getaway, we almost don't want to leave our expansive Lagoon View room with a king bed. The room has been thoughtfully and tastefully designed in neutral tones and plush carpets that lead to rather than detract from the stunning view outside of our window. With a comfortable bed complete with plump pillows and deep duvet, we would've struggled to tear ourselves out of bed each morning, were it not for the promise of a substantial breakfast spread. 

A marble-clad bathroom containing a free-standing egg-shaped bathtub, separate wet room, double vanity and walk-in wardrobe meant that we were in complete heaven. Though the workspace, mini bar and large flat-screen television were also appreciated. 

In all honesty, with the weather so perfect during Dubai's winter season, we spent a great deal of time on the balcony with its cushioned wooden furniture that is the ideal spot for an early morning coffee, reading nook or a post-dinner nightcap.

Boundless Recreation: 

Park Hyatt Dubai offers several recreational activities including the award-winning Amara Spa for those looking to pamper themselves or for the sportier amongst us; there is the option for a round of golf amidst the verdant greens of the picturesque Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club. 

The hotel features a stunning 25-metre swimming pool with in-set palm trees, and four whirlpools, one in each corner. Surrounded by lush tropical gardens, this is an option for those seeking solitude and downtime away from the busier lagoon pool. With tiled flooring and a bar area that feels more like a living room thanks to its sundeck and soft furnishings, the swimming pool area and much of the hotel's communal outdoor spaces indulge the feeling of a Moroccan riad, accessible from the main hotel building via a combination of courtyards, pretty stairways, raised walkways and passages.

The setting's beauty is significantly enhanced by the expansive nature of the resort that stretches out along the Dubai Creek, seductively hugging the shores of the vast body of blue water. Follow the meandering pathways through manicured gardens and swaying palm trees, and you'll soon reach the lagoon, which is the hotel's main draw. A relatively new addition to the Park Hyatt Dubai, the majestic 100-meter infinity lagoon is essentially a private beach in a location far from the Arabian Gulf. Featuring elegant sun loungers and pristine white sands, the lagoon is the ideal spot for taking it all in from the whitewashed hotel punctuated by blue domes which provide a Santorini-like feel, to the memorable sunset vistas. 

For those travelling with little ones, there is also a kids club with beach volleyball, fuse ball tables and plenty of fun activities to keep children of all ages occupied.

Essential Eats:

World-class cuisines, stylish decor and waterfront views collide at the Park Hyatt Dubai where a selection of dining options cover everything from Thai to French cuisines. The restaurants include Brasserie du Park, a recent Fact Dining Award Dubai 2020 winner in the 'Best Mediterranean' and 'Favourite Friday Brunch - Fine Dining' categories. On this occasion, however, we dine at The Boardwalk. This restaurant takes full advantage of its creekside location by offering floating platforms upon which to eat, complete with those remarkable skyline views. The popular restaurant has become somewhat of a Dubai institution having opened a quarter of a century ago, perfecting the art of seafood with its fresh market-style approach and a menu that includes oysters, antipasti, a lobster section, signatures and dishes from the Josper oven. Our advice, don't miss the oven-baked Greek feta or the black seafood risotto embellished with 24K gold.

If it's tapas your after, then we suggest heading to Casa de Tapas. There's also The Lounge for afternoon tea, The Thai Kitchen for authentic and aromatic Thai specialities or if you're after a sense of New England, then it has got to be NOÉPE. No matter your preference, Park Hyatt Dubai offers a plethora of dining options to suit any palate. 

Park Hyatt Dubai feels a world away from the city and instils guests with a feeling of elegance and luxury. Every moment at this five-star resort has been meticulously curated to ensure a sophisticated and enriching experience for every guest. 

GO: Email dubai.park@hyatt.com or call (0)4 602 1234 for reservations and more information.