In her new TV series ‘The First Class Travel Show’, Josie Gibson stays in ultimate luxury at a resort in Dubai for £16k a night, but she also reveals a ‘destination dupe’ for a fraction of the price
In her upcoming TV series Josie Gibson The First Class Travel Show, the This Morning presenter travels to a luxury Dubai hotel that sets punters back a cool £16k per night. Happily, the Big Brother winner offers some ‘destination dupe’ that’ll deliver a similar experience, but for much less.
Heading out to the desert, Josie stayed at Al Maha, a luxury resort and spa destination in Dubai. “It’s like stepping into a movie,” she said upon arrival in the palatial digs. “This place is incredible.”
The one-of-a kind destination is located in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, which spans over 225km. The resort itself is made up of 42 private villas — and in order to get to hers, Josie had to clamber into a golf buggy.
The average two person villa at the resort costs between £1,000 and £2,000 per night, depending on the season. But the most upmarket villa — The Royal Villa — costs up to a whopping $20,000 (£16,000) a night.
Upon entering, Josie is faced with what is to believed to be one of the biggest hotel beds around. “I feel like a princess. I reckon you could fit eight people in here,” she exclaims.
Luxury inside extends well beyond the sleeping chambers. In total, the villa features two bedrooms, with two giant walk-in closets and two equally as spacious bathrooms. Sitting in the tub, you can enjoy the ultimate relaxation as you gaze across the golden sand dunes.
The villa also features a spacy courtyard, with enough room for staff to stay, as the villa is often used by royalty who travel with their chefs and other staff. In the morning, guests are served with a “floating breakfast”, full of colourful fruits and oatmilk pancakes.
A stay at the villa also includes two activities — a buggy ride across the dunes and a camel ride. “I’m in the middle of the desert, just had a glass of champagne and now I am about to ride a camel — welcome to first class travel,” says Josie.
But just a short flight from Dubai is a luxury experience that is similar but for a fraction of the price. Arguably Dubai’s ‘destination dupe’, the city of Doha in Qatar is known for its modern skyscrapers, world-class shopping malls and hosting the 2022 Football World Cup.
Like much of Doha, the Mondrian Hotel is just a few years old and is themed on the fantasy of the Arabian Nights. After immediately entering the doors, Josie is greeted with welcome drinks and an opportunity for pampering. “Never in my life has a hotel offered to spruce up my hair as soon as I have entered the lobby,” cheers Josie.
A ‘Deluxe Loft Suite’ at The Mondrian costs £500 a night, expensive but a fraction of a price of the villa back in Dubai. But for those wanting even more savings, a room at the hotel can be found as low as £150 per night.
“I feel like pretty woman,” Josie shares. “It is like someone has transported me to another world.”
The suite looks out over the city, including The Pearl Island — an artificial island with an area of nearly 4 square kilometres. The hotels luxuries include Swarovski chandeliers in some of the rooms, textural walls creating a multi-dimensional experience, a 12-room spa, a nightclub and an array of restaurants and bars.
Around The World In First Class begins Friday, 28 February at 8pm on Channel 5.
