First Stop - Abu Dhabi

Etihad is a gem of an airline. Our journey from Brisbane to Abu Dhabi was as smooth as silk...warnings of air turbulence equated to the same severity of driving over a speed bump at 20kms! Both A330s on each leg were slick, spacious and a welcome surprise compared to Qantas' aging fleet. Female flight attendants with their perfectly coiffed hair and glamour faces were a sight to behold. Service was spot on. Food was a notch above. Etihad is up there with the best of them based on our experience flying Economy.

After about 17 hours (including a quick Changi stopover) our night in shining armour arrived in the shape of a chauffeur-driven glossy white 7 series BMW. After a minor hiccup with our room at Le Meridien  we're happily ensconced in our gold and burgundy balconied suite. Bed at 2am. Silk doona cocooning our bodies, air con on, comfort mode switched on 'high' the 'zeds' came quickly. 5.30am wake-up and a quick look at the lush garden view from our balcony. Time for buffet breakfast and the Hop On Hop Off bus for our introduction to this Arabian hotspot - the largest city and capital of the UAE's seven Territories. Year round sunshine, souks, mosques, malls...the Montys have arrived!