Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates is a trip of just deserts says SALOME MUNUO

I SQUEALED with delight as our 4x4 came crashing down over another huge sand dune.

The scene was straight out of a Bond movie. My boyfriend and I were not being chased by baddies but were enjoying a desert safari as part of our trip to Fujairah.

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If Dubai is the New York of the Middle East, Fujairah is the Hamptons. Just 90 minutes by car from Dubai airport, it oozes luxury and
it’s clear to see why the Emirates are such a hot spot for football royalty Coleen and Wayne Rooney.

Awesome
We stayed at the five-star Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort.

It’s a perfect oasis set between the Hajar Mountains. And the Indian Ocean coastline made for awesome views from our room.

The hotel boasts 218 rooms, each with ocean views, plus a selection of restaurants providing cuisine from Indian to Italian, while its bars, both beach and pool-side, mean a drink is always within arm’s reach.

Fujairah is a town steeped in history and we loved the Friday market.

The souk was packed with local produce from hand-woven carpets and rugs to exotic fruit and vegetables and is a feast for the senses.

We bought some dates and were tempted by a local delicacy – heart of the palm tree, which is said to have the same effects as Viagra!

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Fujairah is also famous for water sports. We enjoyed everything from wrestling a whopper dorado fi sh onto the deck on our deep-sea fishing trip to snorkelling among colourful schools of sergeant majors near the famed Snoopy Island.

The Arabian nights were filled with romance too. We dined in pools of moonlight and took part in a feast with the Bedouin.

They are a nomadic tribe and the evening was based in an open-air camp with music, entertainment and a buffet brimming with local delicacies.

After dinner we enjoyed a show of sexy belly dancing. A few drinks later, I even tried my luck at it and was greeted by cheers from the rest of our group. We had a magical time and made lots of friends that night.

Next day, to soothe my hangover I headed to the hotel’s Ayurveda and beauty spas. I booked a Vatha moisturising facial, which uses a customised blend of essential oils and botanical extracts.

My boyfriend chose a Balinese massage, which uses strong skin rolling and thumb stroking techniques as well as drumming movements to help tiredness and circulation.

Cocktails
After our treatments, we chilled out on the sun loungers and enjoyed the scenery while sipping on the cocktails.

Every mealtime was a delight, with the great choice of restaurants. Our favourite was Gonu bar and grill on the beachfront.

Nights out were not just limited to excursions. Evenings at our hotel were just as fun-filled, and spent at the Astro bar.

Based on the 20th floor, it is the place to be after dinner. The location itself makes for a breathtaking sight with it spectacular views of the Hajar Mountains. Very romantic.

Our trip to Fujairah was just like a Hollywood blockbuster filled with breathtaking adventure, discovery and romance.

We left feeling full of eastern promise – and ready for the sequel.