TWICE AS NICE

Pack in double the fun on a twin-centre break to Dubai and the Maldives

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There are three big advantages to a twin-centre holiday. The first is that instead of one long, tiring flight, you get a midway break. Then there’s the fact that when you come to the end of your ‘first’ holiday, you don’t get that sinking feeling on the way back to the airport, because instead of going home you’re going on ‘another’ holiday. And the third is that it feels like you’re away for longer because you see so many different things.

I kicked off my two-stop trip in Dubai. It’s just shy of an hour’s drive from the airport to JA Resorts Palm Tree Court and you get to see a few of the sights, such as the iconic Burj Khalifa, on the way. The resort does feel quite a distance from the hustle and bustle of the city, but that only makes it more relaxing when you arrive.

I was shown straight to my room after a speedy check-in - a bright and airy sea view suite with the biggest bed I’ve ever seen. There’s no danger of kicking your partner in the night here! Then it was off to explore the resort, which has eight temperature-controlled pools (so no shivering at the side for 10 minutes before you get in), a wide sandy beach and an impressive 25 restaurants and bars.

HORSING AROUND

You will never get bored at this resort - it offers everything from water sports and golf to tennis and beach volleyball. There's even an equestrian centre, where I signed up for the Swimming With Horses experience.