We were picked up by Gavin, our driver over many years. We were excited yet somewhat apprehensive to begin travelling following the pandemic. We had all of our documentation for check in including our vaccination status. The trip to Melbourne airport was uneventful and we arrived at 7.30pm for a flight departing at 11.30pm. Despite the grim warnings as to check-in delays and extended queues, we found it relatively simple and we were deposited at the Departure area following the passing through check in and then into immigration and Customs which is now all electronic. So what we thought of as at least an hour to 90 minutes in checking in actually took 15 minutes.

As a consequence we arrived at the Airport Lounge for Malaysian Airlines first and business classes at 7.50pm. so we had a lengthy wait until they called at 10.30pm for boarding.

Flight Melbourne to Kula Lumpur (Malaysian Airlines) .

The boarding was routine and very quick with the Business class passing quickly through their line and into the aircraft via separate air bridge to the Business compartment. We were greeting by 2 efficient and beautifully dressed crewmembers. We were sitting in the middle of the 1-2-1 configuration.

We were served drinks on boarding then hot towels, We decided against a meal and then had our flat beds prepared. The next thing we really remembered was the call for breakfast at about 5.30am. So we achieved a good sleep of some 5-6 hours. and even Jeanettew who rarely sleeps well slept through the flight.

The breakfast was served efficiertly with cold fruit platter and then a superb hot omelette and we were then prepared for arrival expected at 7.45am , but the pilot advised that they were likely to arrive some 15 minutes ahead of schedule, despite a slightly late departure.

The first part of our lengthy trip to Dubai has paased well.

We exited the aircraft and walked through the new air terminal to find the lounge for Oman air, which was a complicated security check in but superb facilities. We have about a 3 hour 30 minute layover before boarding. Ken decides to shower and shave. Then we relax and watch the planes. We have to catch the Airport rail shuttle to a new terminal . It is quite exciting and simply a brilliant set up. We exit the train at the terminal and are escorted to the walking pedestrian path. We then get to the lounge and have a short walk. We are excited as we are advised that Oman air is in many ways as good as its big 2 sisters being Emirates and Etihad .

This is an almost new aircraft in a stunning livery and everything is just superb with its cabin crew dressed beautifully in peacock blue. The Business class accommodation is in a stark white leather seats. The menu is as good as we have enjoyed an any airline and the wines are a match also with outstanding French Red wine and south African and French whites. All in all it is a stunning introduction.

Business class for this flight is about 50% full with the staff having the time to talk and meet or every need.

The following photos reflect the staff and the aircraft.

We enjoy our meal which is served after champagne. We have an entre of local food followed by fillet mignon and vegetables and a superb dessert.

We then settle and the blinds are drawn and we have an opportunity for another sleep or rest. The flight is some 7 hours 40 minutes from Kuala Lumpur to Oman.

An exceptional flight ends after we have enjoyed another snack and prepare our selves for arrival at one of the newest upmarket Airports in the world. It has stunning architecture. We visit to lounge whilst awaiting the royal Jordanian airlines flight from Oman to Muscat .

We take photos and are in awe of this airport being built in the desert .

We have found the two flights to date comfortable and we feel remarkably refreshed after sleeping.

This next flight is relatively short and we experience a totally different regime as we are treated to a superb meal covering many of the traditional tastes and flavours of Jordan.

The aircraft is comfortable and the fit out is also very good.

Jeanette thoroughly enjoys the meals and the service which is unlike any that we have previously experienced. We arrive and are transferred from the aircraft to the Terminal in a “special bus” which is fitted with individual arm chairs. We then progress through security through transit and to another totally different airport lounge inspired by the colours of the desert.and await the call for our last flight from Muscat to Dubai.

We have a layover of almost 3 hours and the length of the trip and the 3 stopovers is beginning to catch up to us. Ken falls asleep and has about an hours sleep in the lounge. The chairs are less comfortable but the time changes are catching up.

Our departure is delayed and our flight to Dubai is delayed by about an hour. Check in is slow and many people appear tired and there are some angry exchanges with the staff from several people. Clearly this is a flight mostly for business people and there appear to be few travellers life us on leisure etc.

Again it turns out to be an excellent flight with good service, excellent food and this is also a non-alcohol flight. doesn’t affect us.

Timer passes quite quickly and we are suddenly awake and after the earlier superb luncheon , we are anticipating arrival in Dubai .All has worked well. We arrive in Dubai at 15.20pm and are through Immigration and Customs within 25 minutes and then collect our luggage.

Our driver is waiting and has our luggage packed and ready for the 25 minute trip from Dubai International Airport into Habtoor Palace .

This has been an excellent start. Each flight whilst different has worked well.

The Oman Air was simply outstanding as we had been advised and the meal service on Royal Jordanian was also of a high standard.

This has all worked well. We are still shocked by the heat and the blast of hot air as we exit the Terminal in Dubai for transfer to our limo and to enjoy the 25 minute trip into the hotel.

Our transfer to the hotel in uneventful and the first impressions of the hotel are simply stunning. this is one of the Hilton newer Brands and this is a new resort being established in Habtoor City a new development within the city area of Dubai . We check in within 5 minutes having been greeted with cold drinks and towels.

We are taken to our suite , which is a master bedroom , separate walk in robes and bathroom and a separate lounge and formal dining area all superbly furnished. It is luxurious but not over the top.

Our time is short to unpack, relax and then prepare for dinner followed by the Sail boat at the Fountains at Dubai Mall at 9.30pm. Yes we are getting tired but also we are excited to be back in this mazing City.

Dinner is served this evening in a large room set up as an outside marquee and called Le Patio. A stunning set up with superb food. As we dine early there are only 2 other couples, but by the time we finish there are about 20 tables. The decore, colours of the rainbow and the livery are just exceptional.

We depart at 8.15pm fr the Duba Mall and the Lake and fountains. It is still about 90F degrees . But the place is abuzz. Our Taxi drops us off then we have to find the ticket centre., exchange our vouchers and then await for the boats to return. We watch the fountains for 2 full presentations of their amazing swirling to music. Similar to the Bellaggio fountains in Las Vegas but with a larger fountain dispaly.

You can only describe the fountains and music on the lake with the back drop of sky-scaper buildings as unique and somewhat surreal. We arrive back at the hotel by 11.30pm after a long but sensational day.

We fall into bed and despite the time differences sleep until almost 4.30am.

We then dose until about 7.30am shower and down to breakfast ..