Back to the UAE on Qatar's A380 in J, Al Safwa Lounge, FS J Beach, PH Abu Dhabi
Mar 29, 2017, 11:32 pm
#31
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Geneva, Dubai, Paris
Programs: Disillusioned Cent
Posts: 1,880
Thanks!
Update: the next installment will be online later today.
Last edited by JohnRain; Mar 30, 2017 at 6:39 am
Mar 30, 2017, 6:53 am
#32
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Geneva, Dubai, Paris
Programs: Disillusioned Cent
Posts: 1,880
After another gluten-, dairy- and sugar-free breakfast,
...we went for a walk on the Marina...
...followed by some shopping at the Dubai Mall.
Rule No. 1 for a successful marriage: if your wife likes to shop...
... give her sufficient privacy (read: look for the nearest exit)...
...and make sure that a decent car dealer is nearby to kill a few hours discussing alloy wheels.
On my way back I came across President François Hollande's retirement plan...
...and a shop where I would definitely not meet Mrs JohnRain.
We went back to the hotel for some poolside relaxation.
Back to our room's terrace for some more relaxation...
...before Mrs JohnRain had to make some tough decisions.
The evening started with some drinks at Luna Sky Bar at the DIFC Four Seasons, where you get fine cocktails with a good view.
Later on we walked to nearby Zuma and ran into Madone59's other car, the one that -contrary to his primary car- is quite discreet.
One of my favourite spots in Dubai.
The tasting menu never disappoints.
And back home for a nightcap on our terrace.
Conclusion: Breakfast buffets and tasting menus on the same day equals gym at 7AM on the next.
Up Next: Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island
...we went for a walk on the Marina...
...followed by some shopping at the Dubai Mall.
Rule No. 1 for a successful marriage: if your wife likes to shop...
... give her sufficient privacy (read: look for the nearest exit)...
...and make sure that a decent car dealer is nearby to kill a few hours discussing alloy wheels.
On my way back I came across President François Hollande's retirement plan...
...and a shop where I would definitely not meet Mrs JohnRain.
We went back to the hotel for some poolside relaxation.
Back to our room's terrace for some more relaxation...
...before Mrs JohnRain had to make some tough decisions.
The evening started with some drinks at Luna Sky Bar at the DIFC Four Seasons, where you get fine cocktails with a good view.
Later on we walked to nearby Zuma and ran into Madone59's other car, the one that -contrary to his primary car- is quite discreet.
One of my favourite spots in Dubai.
The tasting menu never disappoints.
And back home for a nightcap on our terrace.
Conclusion: Breakfast buffets and tasting menus on the same day equals gym at 7AM on the next.
Up Next: Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island
Mar 31, 2017, 3:07 am
#36
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Geneva, Dubai, Paris
Programs: Disillusioned Cent
Posts: 1,880
You definitely should, BESVISOR, and don't forget to skip lunch. 
Yeah, flipping pancakes may be more in line with his skill set, CGRA.
Exactly, offerendum...
You gotta give him credit though for an impeccable taste in cars.
Talking about cars, what's your F1 prediction for 2017, Madone59? I'm pretty sure your money is on Lewis again. Well, I regret to inform you that he will get his derričre kicked by a german this year... again
Update: the next installment will be online later today.
You gotta give him credit though for an impeccable taste in cars.
Talking about cars, what's your F1 prediction for 2017, Madone59? I'm pretty sure your money is on Lewis again. Well, I regret to inform you that he will get his derričre kicked by a german this year... again
Update: the next installment will be online later today.
Last edited by JohnRain; Mar 31, 2017 at 7:15 am
Mar 31, 2017, 7:24 am
#39
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Geneva, Dubai, Paris
Programs: Disillusioned Cent
Posts: 1,880
It is a mystery to me why people are all excited when a hotel gym is open 24/7. To me opening times from 7AM to 9AM would be perfectly sufficient as I usually don't get up before 9AM when I'm on holiday. Unfortunately Mrs JohnRain is part of that former group of people and she (affectionately) calls my arms chicken wings. Result: here I am lifting weigths at 8AM. Over breakfast I raised the subject again and offered the following theory:
"A happy couple is all about finding the right balance, don't you think?"
"Yes."
"Would you agree that I'm better at earning money and you're better at spending it?"
She nodded.
"So let's also agree that I'm better at earning calories and you're better at burning them."
"OK."
There you go, the Yin & Yang of a happy marriage. Hopefully I never won't have to see a gym from the inside again.
After the gym I went back to my room to get ready for a few final hours at the beach/pool and took in a few more impressions of the FS.
Let them eat cake.
You know you're at the forefront of fashion when your trunks match your iced smoothie.
Lifebelt.
Getting ready for the transfer to Abu Dhabi.
The view from our Park Executive Suite.
There's no better way to eat chocolate cake than with berries.
Off to dinner at the Park Bar & Grill.
The right kind of view to start your day.
The breakfast spread is on the weak side at this property.
The view from our table.
Exploring the grounds.
The lovely terrace of our suite.
Private sun deck.
Conclusion: The Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi is an enjoyable hotel, but its lobby, hallways and breakfast spread could use an upgrade.
Up Next: Out and about in Abu Dhabi
"A happy couple is all about finding the right balance, don't you think?"
"Yes."
"Would you agree that I'm better at earning money and you're better at spending it?"
She nodded.
"So let's also agree that I'm better at earning calories and you're better at burning them."
"OK."
There you go, the Yin & Yang of a happy marriage. Hopefully I never won't have to see a gym from the inside again.
After the gym I went back to my room to get ready for a few final hours at the beach/pool and took in a few more impressions of the FS.
Let them eat cake.
You know you're at the forefront of fashion when your trunks match your iced smoothie.
Lifebelt.
Getting ready for the transfer to Abu Dhabi.
The view from our Park Executive Suite.
There's no better way to eat chocolate cake than with berries.
Off to dinner at the Park Bar & Grill.
The right kind of view to start your day.
The breakfast spread is on the weak side at this property.
The view from our table.
Exploring the grounds.
The lovely terrace of our suite.
Private sun deck.
Conclusion: The Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi is an enjoyable hotel, but its lobby, hallways and breakfast spread could use an upgrade.
Up Next: Out and about in Abu Dhabi
Last edited by JohnRain; Apr 4, 2017 at 2:20 am
Mar 31, 2017, 10:15 am
#42
Community Director Emerita
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Anywhere warm
Posts: 33,741
We are flying Qatar for the first time this spring. We'll have the long haul flight from the US, then short haul on to Yerevan, Armenia. It will be in business. Do you have any experience with their short haul business product?
Apr 1, 2017, 11:31 am
#45
formerly htang333
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Wi-Fi
Programs: Virtuoso, Top Ranked: Four Seasons (Top 25 Advisor), AMAN (Top 50), Rosewood, Hyatt Prive, etc.
Posts: 1,455