Publication:The Fearless Times Issue 1 2009/Looking for that ‘Princess’ Treatment
On Sunday, the 28th of June we were alongside in Abu Dhabi which is in the United Arab Emirates. It was a working day but short and we couldn't step ashore for short leave until the Commander of all Australian Forces in the Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO) Major General Kelly had addressed us all at a clear lower deck at 1130.
Leave was piped just after 1315 and very soon after LS Gunthorpe (Nicky), AB Creighton (Kat), SMN Corkill (Jess) and myself AB Whitfield (Sam) caught the complimentary bus from the ship at Mina Zayed to the Abu Dhabi Mall. We had lunch there at the Mugg & Bean Café and after a caramel frappachino from Starbucks we ventured on to the Emirates Palace Hotel. This place was amazing. Just have a look at the photos. As we approached in the cab we passed Ferraris, Porsches, and heaps of flash 4WDs. We didn't think that we would be allowed inside the building dressed in t-shirts and 3/4 pants, however the concierge opened all the doors on the cab and we walked straight through into the foyer. They were really very welcoming. We had just walked in to a palace that cost 3 billion US dollars to build which takes up 850,000m² of floor space. And it was all free. What a bonus.
Anyway, the traditional decor inside was astonishing. There was silver, gold, marble and glass mosaics every which way you turned and the chandeliers were made of Swarovski crystal. After wandering left and right throughout the building we asked several workers where the ladies salon was as we had it in mind that if we were in a palace then we might as well do what princesses do. And why not? After all we deserve it. I sound like an L'Oreal ad now don't I.
We were directed firstly downstairs then all the way through to the West Wing. Then once we got there we were told that we needed to go to the East Wing. This place was so big that not even the workers knew where the salon was. A long pampering massage was starting to look really good by this time. Eventually we caught the complimentary buggy outside the West Wing to the East Wing. Confused yet? The trip was amazing. On the buggy we got to see the entire outside of the Palace. There were many pools, spas, a marina, even a heli-pad and best of all, a water slide that we all planned to go on but alas didn't make it back there. Probably just as well as it would have likely cost us a pretty penny as we were to find out.
Eventually we made it to the salon and after seeing the price list for massages we decided we would leave it for the Le Meridian hotel instead. It was going to cost us around $220 Australian each for a half an hour massage. Yikes! We are princesses but princesses on a budget! So we caught a cab to the Le Meridian Hotel and we spent the rest of the day there lazing about the pool sipping on mocktails (of course) while one by one we all got a deep tissue massage. Ahhhhh! Afterwards we went to the steam room which was scented with eucalyptus just to make us feel at home, followed by bathing in the Jacuzzi spas with temperatures ranging from 33-38 degrees. Cooler than outside. To cap off our day we had dinner at an Italian Restaurant followed by some souvenir shopping and arrived back on the ship by 2200.
We had a great day and we all felt very relaxed and rested, ready for another 14 days at sea. Can't wait for the next port visit.
