From our endless tales of luxury and countless tales of opulence, there is an incredible story that has yet to be told. It was from when our destinations met Balloon Adventures Emirates, billed as one of the most experienced balloon companies in the world (we were about to find out why). As if Dubai's majesty weren't enough, we soar over its desert on a balmy October morning in one of the world's largest hot air balloons dubai to bring you our own enchanting experience. So read on to find out, or better yet, create your own soon. And if you have one, make one again, we tell you!

arrival

So close, yet so far from the glitz and glamor of the city of Dubai, the serenaded journey begins at the desert campus of Skydive Dubai. Located on the Al Ain highway, it is a 30-minute drive from the Burj Khalifa and next to the famous Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, home to many native species such as gazelles and oryx .

We are glad to know that they pick up customers from their hotels. 4:30 M. Not exactly a time when you'd want to wander around Dubai in search of a giant balloon (although, between us, I would have too). After 45 minutes of adrenaline-filled driving on the Al Ain highway, we arrive at the balloon site. And they were greeted by Captain Mike. The captain is a veteran who was going to pilot our balloon. His years of experience shone in his eyes and greatly eased my beginner's nerves. And yes, that's right, "pilot".

balloon inflation

It's an incredible technical feat, this balloon, and it was inflated in the middle of the desert with the help of a lot of hot air and two huge fans. For a hot air balloon novice, it's quite a sight I must say! Same goes for the one with the red dunes, for anyone who hasn't witnessed it. The majestic mounds shimmered in the glorious mist of a desert sunrise.

basket

Our balloon, having been inflated to its full glory, was now ready for the journey, and so were we. So, after Captain Mike's boarding and safety instructions, the 23 of us climbed into the basket and settled in with six canisters of propane. We had no idea what was to follow. No corny movie and its endless sequences of action and romance aboard a balloon can prepare you for such euphoria.

lift-off

With a breath of hot air in the hot air balloon, we begin an ascent that will mark our adventurous lives. With the smallest of climbs, the view of the desert widened. The scenery could be described as surreal as we got closer and closer to the sun that had just woken up. As we got to 4000 feet it widened even further. It was a clear day with no fog and thanks to his keen experience the captain sailed in an orderly fashion. Now the sun, in its warm morning glow, seemed perfect.

see

With such skill, Captain Mike announced our descent. As we slid lower, we nearly brushed the sand dunes, hovering just half a meter above them. It must have been our lucky day because as the ground clearance increased so did the sightings in the landscape. So much so that we even saw Gazelles, glancing mischievously then running when they noticed our presence, the sound of the burners echoing in the vastness of the desert. For us, however, we were not just human but Herculean, flying above all else. The Hajjar Mountains were behind us, and emerald green oases below and nothing but glorious views and a wave of newfound inner peace.

After 60 minutes in the air, the end has finally come. And even though we knew he would, it almost seemed like we were hoping he wouldn't. Hope grew stronger when the winds started to interfere with our landing. Still, we touched down on instructions from captain Mike, only to recover until the ground crew secured the ball safely.

At the exit of the basket, light snacks awaited us. Like the memories that would visit us every time we tell our story and even when we don't. What makes it better, however, is the fact that a small HD video camera records the entire trip from the side of the globe and is then available for purchase. And that we can always come back when we want to be lifted into the air and fly again like we did! For 995