Image via Sofitel Dubai
Exotic Dubai has, for the past few years become a popular tourist destination. The city, known for luxury shopping, modern architecture and a lively night scene strives for excess. Be prepared for sensory overload from the moment you touch down in the desert city that rose like a mirage to the powerhouse it is today.
5 Places to Stay
1. Burj Al Arab
The iconic sail-shaped hotel has long been the trademark of Dubai. Standing tall at 1,053 feet on an artificial island off Jumeirah Beach, Burj Al Arab’s 202 massive suites are all bi-level, with floor-to-ceiling glass windows, a dedicated butler service, fully equipped private bars and opulent velvet upholstery.
Image via Burj Al Arab Jumeirah
2. Sofitel Dubai, Jumeirah Beach
Rising magnificently from Jumeirah Beach, Sofitel Dubai is situated in the heart of Dubai’s most popular promenade “The Walk” and the new beachfront low-rise leisure “The Beach”. This luxury 5-star hotel provides 438 guest rooms and suites that open to private balconies with sea-views.
Image via Sofitel Dubai, Jumeirah Beach
3. Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara
A palatial retreat in the midst of the world’s largest uninterrupted sand desert, the Qasr Al Sarab is like a dreamy mirage. Rooms are decorated in subdued earthy tones with intricate mosaics and jewel-encrusted accessories. All rooms have views of the expansive desert, some overlooking the sandy dunes.
Image via Qasr Al Sarab
In a city of excess, Shangri-la offers first-class luxury in a more restrained manner: Sleek lines and warm décor best describes Shangri-la’s style. The hotel’s location on Sheikh Zayed Road puts it right in the centre of Dubai’s action, with shopping, entertainment and wild skyscrapers just a few blocks away.
5. Bab Al Shams
Literally translated to “gateway to the sun,” Bab Al Shams is the destination for a romantic Arabian getaway. Nestled in the dunes of Dubai, the exclusive low-rise resort in the desert offers guests a one of a kind traditional desert experience. Shaded courtyards, walkways and water features provide cool shelter like an oasis in an Arabic fort. Rooms look out over the vast desert of perfectly landscaped gardens, offering guests the ultimate luxury experience.
Images via Bab Al Shams
5 Places to Visit
1. Burj Khalifa
A trip to Dubai is not complete without a visit to the Burj Khalifa. Currently the tallest structure in the world, the building also boasts the world’s highest mosque as well as the highest and fastest elevator. If you’re not afraid of heights, the observation deck at the top offers spectacular views across the city and surrounding desert.
2. Dubai Mall
Right next to the Burj Khalifa is the Dubai Mall. Along with its 1,200-plus shops and 150 restaurants, the venue is home to an indoor theme park, an ice rink, a huge indoor waterfall, a choreographed fountain and a giant aquarium and underwater zoo.
Image via Gray Line
3. The Palm
Dubai is dotted with various man-made islands but none as iconic as The Palm – the island is literally in the shape of a palm tree. Atlantis on the Palm, is by far the most unique and stunning piece of architecture, not only offering luxury accommodation, but plenty of shops. The Aquaventure Park in Atlantis features several slides, including one through a real shark pit!
Image via Highway Tourism
4. Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
The oldest neighbourhood in the city is a fresh change of scene away from the glitz and glamour the rest of Dubai offers. Best explore on foot, this area offers a nostalgic view of a bygone era with traditional wind towers and winding alley ways. After exploring, take an atmospheric abra ride to the souks on the other side of the Dubai Creek.
5. Dubai Creek
The saltwater estuary is where the Bani Yas tribe settled, and its waters were vital for what used to be Dubai’s main form of economy: pearl diving and fishing. Today, the area is home to the Dubai Museum as well as the labyrinthine alleyways of the gold, spice and textile souks.
Image via It’s About Dubai
5 Things To Do
1. Dine With The Fishes at the Al-Mahara Restaurant
Although not actually situated under the sea, guests are seated around a large cylindrical floor-to-ceiling aquarium, teeming with exotic fishes. The experience at Al-Mahara Restaurant starts with a simulated underwater submarine ride from the reception to the dining room. Although it’s a bit kitsch, the setting is plush, tranquil and offers a pretty unique experience.
Image via My Magic Places
2. Explore the Sand Dunes
Travel by 4×4 across the deserts of Dubai while admiring views of the barren yet magnificent landscape. Visit a traditional camel farm and take a camel ride around the enclosure. Then, master the art of “surfing on sand” and race down the sand dunes during an adrenalin-rushing experience. Enjoy a traditional dance show, get a henna tattoo design and feast on a delicious barbecue dinner as you watch the sun set. It’s an experience that could be straight out of One Thousand and One Nights!
Image via Wigeon Travel
3. Watch the Choreographed Fountains
Spectacular, exciting, and best of all – free! Dubai is livelier after the sun sets and the temperature cools down. If you’ve seen the Belaggio fountains in Vegas, be prepared for the taller, bigger and louder version in Dubai. The fountains are situated outside the Dubai Mall. For an even better experience, book ahead to dine on the terrace of one of Dubai Mall’s restaurants and see the fountains in all their glory.
Image via The Dubai Mall
4. Snowboard or Ski at Ski Dubai
Take a break from the desert heat in Ski Dubai. A surreal experience, this massive indoor winter wonderland is never without fresh powder, even when the city is enveloped by sizzling temperatures! Ski Dubai boasts five ski runs, the longest of which spans more than 1,300 feet with a 197-foot vertical drop, a freestyle snowboard zone and even a chairlift – you will absolutely forget that you are in a desert!
Image via Oceanair Travels
5. Bargain for Gold at the Gold Souk
Dubai is, and has been, a titan of trade for centuries. To get a sense of what commerce was like back in the day, take a stroll through one of the city’s traditional souks, or bazaars. The Gold Souk, located in Dubai Creek’s south bank, features a glittering display of necklaces, bracelets and earrings from more than 300 retailers. You’re also guaranteed to get what you’re pay for as the traders in the souk are tightly controlled by the government. Happy shopping!
Ms Chinoiserie Says: A truly memorable experience – ultimate luxury in the desert!
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