The Middle East is a melting pot of glamour, luxury, and fashion, with Dubai being a hub for over 200 cultures and expats. It is located in the southeastern part of the Persian Gulf and boasts a luxurious reputation in the United Arab Emirates. Dubai is a city of contrasts, with its dazzling skyline made up of unimaginably tall skyscrapers and a modern collection of stores and eateries that provide every option a traveler desires.
In addition, you can enjoy staying at luxurious hotels that cater to even the most particular travelers with style and extravagance. Moreover, there are stunning deserts that feature rolling hills of sand imprinted with the footprints of Arabian oryx and gazelles.
The souks are also worth visiting, with their maze-like stalls and overflowing bins of spices that fill the air with delightful fragrances. Lastly, you can experience a traditional abra boat ride, taking you across the historic Dubai Creek.
Where to stay
Armani Hotel Dubai
The Armani Hotel Dubai, created by designer Giorgio Armani, is a luxurious hotel located on eleven floors of the famous Burj Khalifa skyscraper in Dubai. Guests can access the hotel through a private entrance and enjoy amenities such as a deluxe spa and direct access to the Dubai Mall. The hotel features seven restaurants, each offering sophisticated dining options. For example, Armani Hashi serves Japanese cuisine with a modern twist, and Armani Privé is a popular nightclub. Multiple rooftop pools and a luxury spa with various treatments are also available at the hotel.
Royal Central Hotel and Resort The Palm
The Royal Central Hotel The Palm, situated in Dubai, offers a private beach area, terrace, and 24-hour front desk. Its in-house restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine, providing guests with comfortable accommodations while they make use of facilities like the tour desk to arrange sightseeing or purchase tickets, and the business center for conducting work. Suites come with private beach access, complimentary Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs.
Dukes The Palm
Dukes The Palm, a Royal Hideaway Hotel is situated on Palm Jumeirah. It offers a combination of British charm and cosmopolitan luxury. There are options to relax in the lazy river or enjoy various water sports activities on the beachfront. The hotel accommodates 279 luxurious rooms and 285 tastefully furnished serviced apartments. Both offer stunning views of the Arabian Gulf, bordered by the iconic Marina skyline.
It features The Great British Restaurant (GBR) which offers a wide variety of dishes with a British twist. Guests can enjoy an all-day dining experience at GBR while taking in the breathtaking view of the Dubai Marina skyline. Dukes Bar is also known for its exceptional Martinis.
In addition, the property provides a modern gym with advanced equipment for guests to maintain their fitness routines. The gym is situated on the 14th floor and offers stunning views of the Dubai Marina Skyline through floor-to-ceiling windows. Additionally, there is a well-known hair salon available on-site for guests who wish to indulge in some self-care.
Palazzo Versace Dubai
Palazzo Versace Dubai has a design that resembles a 16th-century Italian palace. It boasts a grand entrance with high ceilings, beautifully landscaped gardens, and carefully crafted Italian furnishings. Each of its 215 hotel rooms, suites, and 169 residences is decorated with furniture and fabrics exclusively designed and made by the House of Versace for the Palazzo Versace Hotel in Dubai.
The hotel has eight restaurants and bars, each with an al fresco terrace that pays tribute to the tradition of palazzos. In the past, people would gather and dine in the internal courtyard, making the most of the good weather.
This luxury hotel in Dubai offers three outdoor pools adorned with mosaic tiles. The pools are encompassed by palm trees and flowers, providing a beautiful backdrop for weddings and social events. Additionally, the hotel’s landscaped gardens and unobstructed views of Dubai Creek and the city skyline add to its appeal as an ideal venue.
Where to eat
SAL
During your visit to Burj Al Arab, you can visit SAL to grab a bite to eat before unwinding by the infinity pool that overlooks the Arabian Gulf. SAL specializes in Mediterranean cuisine and fresh seafood, such as King Crab. Some of their dishes include homemade trenette pasta with fragrant, fresh basil pesto, plump tomatoes, espelette chili, and tangy balsamic; or the light tomato gazpacho with capsicum, cucumber, and crispy bread.
Brasserie 2.0
Dubai has many luxurious restaurants, but there is an exceptional over-the-top brunch buffet that stands out. It offers more than 10 live cooking stations and a juice and smoothie bar, which guests can enjoy on the outdoor garden terrace. If you love seafood, then this is the perfect place for you in Dubai. The brunch is available on Fridays, and it is recommended to make reservations in advance.
Atmosphere
The dining experience at Atmosphere is exceptional. Not only do you enjoy breathtaking views from the 122nd floor of the world’s tallest building, but the restaurant also offers a wide variety of delicious foods, including crepes, egg dishes with freshly shaved truffles, towers of fresh cheeses, meats, fruits, and freshly-squeezed juices such as mango and orange. Moreover, you can have a golden coffee to complete your meal—after all, everything in Dubai is coated in gold.
Al Hadheerah at Bab Al Shams
Al Hadheerah offers a dining experience beyond just a meal with ten live cooking stations where guests can feast under the stars in the midst of the desert. Along with classic dishes such as shawarma and lamb ouzi cooked underground, guests can also enjoy salads such as hummus and tabbouleh, and delicious desserts including kunafa cheese and baklawa. Reservation is recommended.
Home Bakery
You can visit his bakery to enjoy traditional French and European pastries with a Middle Eastern twist. Don’t miss the chance to try the almond and saffron loaf, which is flavored with spice, has a pink rose sugar glaze, and is decorated with edible roses. Another delicious option is the cardamom loaf sponge cake or the date and coconut cake. You can find these treats and more at different locations, including one at The Dubai Mall.
What to do
Ski Dubai
The Ski Dubai indoor ski resort is one of the world’s largest and most luxurious. Located inside the Mall of the Emirates, it offers a variety of activities such as skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing, tube rides, and chairlift rides. It also has several restaurants and cafés that offer hot beverages so you can warm up after a long day on the slopes.
Burj Khalifa
Our Dubai travel guide must include a visit to the Burj Khalifa, which is an iconic building in the city skyline. It is over 2,716 feet tall and has 160 stories. The Burj Khalifa has numerous world records, including being the tallest building globally, having the highest number of stories in the world, and having the highest outdoor observation deck and tallest service elevator in the world.
Hot Air Baloon Ride
A hot air balloon ride over the desert during the sunset is a must-try experience on your next Dubai vacation. The ride offers a peaceful and calm journey with hardly any sensation of movement. As other balloons can be seen in the distance, riders get to enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the sunrise over the desert. The tour is led by professional pilots from Dubai’s longest-operating hot air balloon company, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. When the balloon lands, vintage Land Rovers will bring guests to an extensive breakfast filled with local favorites.
Safari in the Dunes
There are different ways to see the rolling sand dunes near Dubai. For those who want to spot animals, an eco-friendly desert safari is recommended. Depending on your preference, you can choose to tour using a vintage Land Rover or a modern Range Rover. This will allow you to explore the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve and spot Arabian oryx and gazelles. Just a reminder to wear layered clothing as it can be very cold in the morning and warm during the day!
