Escaping the City Lights: Our Soul-Soothing Stopover at Mirfa After a Long Drive

Yes, it's me again sharing with you our escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Before summer sets in and the desert sun turns intense, my husband and I decided to make the most of the gentler days by exploring a few hidden corners of Abu Dhabi. Life in Dubai had been go-go-go, and we craved stillness, nature, and some time away from traffic and to-do lists. We both needed just a quick escape.
Our destination was Damal Island, a remote paradise that’s quite a distance from Dubai. Because the ferry schedule to the island is limited. We realized we wouldn’t make it on time. So, my husband decided to stop over in Mirfa, which is just about an hour’s drive from the port where the ferry departs. Not knowing where to stay for the night, we roamed around the quiet town until we found ourselves at Corniche Park. While taking in the peaceful surroundings, we searched online for accommodations, and my husband quickly booked a room at Mirfa Hotel.

When we reached the hotel’s parking lot, I’ll be honest, my gut reaction was hesitation. The area was too quiet. I didn’t see anyone around. And only a few cars were scattered in the lot. The building itself stood tall and completely white. It felt like walking into the opening scene of a mystery movie. I half-joked to my husband that the place looked like it belonged in a ghost story. I laughed it off, but somewhere deep inside, I was already wondering if we’d just made a mistake.

We stepped inside the hotel, everything changed. It was awesome, spacious, clean, and stylish. The air conditioning was perfect. The smell was calming, and the staff welcomed us with a warm smile. I immediately felt safe, settled, and almost silly for thinking spooky thoughts outside. On the right was a cozy bar with warm lights and lounge chairs. And on the other side was a restaurant that was pleasing and well-maintained.

Our room was relaxing and spacious, offering the right ambiance after a tiring trip. What we loved most was the balcony. It gave us a peaceful spot to sit back and enjoy the calm and beach vibe. We put our things and had a cup of coffee while just relaxing. We took a few minutes to rest and refresh, then we decided to explore the area.

We went to the pool area and we were stunned by the amazing view. We were instantly greeted by the sight of those big white masks standing tall and still. Their smooth, expressionless faces gave the space an artistic and slightly mysterious vibe. The pool overlooked a beautiful stretch of beach, with the calm sea that blends into the view. The place was so relaxing. The landscape made the scene feel both eerie and captivating. It makes you stop, take a deep breath, and grasp the moment.

We saw a giant chessboard placed on the path. It instantly caught our attention. My husband, excited by the sight, told me we should play a game. I smile because I didn’t know how to play chess! It was fun watching him get into it, and we shared a few laughs trying to figure it out together.

My husband was excited to swim into the pool. As he lowered his foot, he noticed the water was cold. He didn't proceed. Just relaxing at the poolside while enjoying the calm vibe of the place. The golden light of sunset began to color the sky. We stared at each other and had to walk to the beach.

I couldn’t ignore taking a few photos of the palm trees lining the path. We could hear the gentle waves of the sea and the sounds of birds. That quiet moment wrapped us in a deep sense of tranquility.

We continued our peaceful walk, then came across a castle tower that suddenly appeared in view. It stood tall and quiet. The sight of it against the background of the setting sun made the moment feel more magical. We paused and admired its structure. Snapped a few photos, surprised at how this unexpected encounter added a charm to our afternoon walk.

We finally found a good spot to take in the sunset. The sky was striped in the shadow of gold, orange, and soft pink. The sun’s reflection shone across the surface of the sea like clear light. The view was nothing short of stunning. It was dreamy and beautiful that we couldn’t help but stand there in awe. Letting the calm and beauty wash over us.

Photos taken using Samsung S24 Ultra
Collage using Canva

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