In 2003 we booked a special trip to the Maldives and onto Dubai for 5 days. We had heard so many great reviews about the Maldives so expected the ultimate dream trip. However the island we picked was a tiny one and was surrounded by coral so swimming wasn't so easy for us. AND the food was so expensive it shocked us! The room was clean and 'ok' but nothing special so we were pretty disappointed. BUT as usual a holiday is what you make it so we spent most of the time on boat trips - we were so comfortable with our own company , we NEVER went anywhere and not enjoy ourselves. THEN we flew on to Dubai which was like comparing chalk and cheese. The hotel was jaw droppingly fantastic, right on the beach and HUGE. We had the chance to upgrade the room for almost pennies so we did. Every morning our breakfast was delivered to the balcony together with a basket of fresh fruit and a bottle of wine. It was amazing and we both felt like royals. We went to the 'royal horse racing' and it was definitely something to remember. Whilst there we met a couple who lived a few miles from us and we all agreed to have a special meal at the Burj al Arab hotel. We drank cocktails in the top floor bar which overlooked the bay and city - then went to the restaurant which was an experience to remember forever. Another wonderful time had with my lovely John I am so going to miss our trips sweet pea - nothing will be the same again Loved you before , love you now and will always love you from the bottom of my heart xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx