Just a six-hour flight away with a mere three-hour time difference, Dubai presents itself as an easy destination for an extraordinary sunny vacation. If you love fine sandy beaches amidst the world's most stunning skyscrapers, if you revel in extravagance and contrasts, put your eco-friendly instincts aside and dive into this city of endless possibilities, emerging from nowhere, magnificent and excessive.
The Hotel to Settle In
For an authentic and cultural experience, the XVA Art Hotel is the ideal spot for art enthusiasts and those seeking a different side of Dubai. Ideally located on the Corniche, in the oldest historic district of Al Fahidi, this boutique hotel comprises 15 uniquely decorated rooms and suites (starting at 495 AED) distributed around three shaded courtyards. Don't miss their café in one of the courtyards, offering delicious vegetarian and vegan cuisine with mouthwatering salads and sandwiches. You'll also love their artisanal shop brimming with unique products from the region, including dishes, carpets, jewelry, clothing, perfumes, and their contemporary art gallery showcasing talented Middle Eastern artists.
Find all the details at www.xvahotel.com.
The Top Dining Spots to Reserve
For a beachfront lunch, head to Tago Mago. Located at the foot of Palm Jumeirah, Tago Mago is a beachfront restaurant with a cheerful and refreshing Mediterranean decor, offering a reinterpretation of traditional Spanish cuisine. Enjoy delightful paellas for two (250 AED), a surprising truffle tortilla (95 AED), tasty gazpacho (42 AED), marinated anchovies (88 AED), and crispy calamari (68 AED). When it comes to desserts, you'll have a tough time choosing between cheesecake (42 AED), churros (36 AED), or chocolate mousse (40 AED).
Check out all the details at www.tagomago.ae.
For a Scenic Aperitif
In the heart of Downtown, the rooftop of Fouquet's Dubai, with a breathtaking view of the Burj Khalifa, is the go-to place for a delightful aperitif with friends. Imagine a suspended garden amidst glittering skyscrapers adorned with parasols and lampposts, just like in Paris! Enjoy delicious cocktails (ranging from 70 to 90 AED) crafted by a renowned mixologist while listening to lively music, comfortably seated in charming armchairs.
Discover all the information at www.hotelsbarriere.com.
A Dinner in an Incredible Hotel
Recently inaugurated with great pomp by Beyoncé after seven years of construction, the magnificent Royal Atlantis is worth a visit! This new ultra-luxurious resort is an architectural marvel, resembling suspended Lego bricks up to 178 meters high. Animated walls with fireballs, giant aquariums, monumental sculptures, marble, and gilding compose this 2023 version of an Arabian Nights' dream. Choosing from the hotel's 17 restaurants, all led by renowned chefs, is a true challenge. We dined at Milos, a delightful seafood restaurant with Chef Costas Spiliadis at the helm, offering a simple and flavorful Hellenic menu. Freshly caught fish, ceviches, or tzatziki (ranging from 95 to 220 AED) are presented in their purest form, enhanced by delicious olive oil from century-old Koroneiki olive trees and sea salt from the Aegean Sea.
Find all the details at www.atlantis.com.
A Shopping Excursion
After a stroll through the alleys of Dubai's oldest district, Al Fahidi, a stop in front of the charming traditional wind towers, and a wooden abra boat ride across the creek to the other side and its souks, visit the Afghan shop Chuk Palu. Run by an Afghan expat, it's a haven for discovering handmade carpets, poufs, and cushions in exquisite colors crafted by Afghan women. Each piece is unique, and the dyes are natural. Be warned, you'll want to buy everything! Then, it's fun to get lost in the bustling and aromatic souks to buy spices, oud, or even gold jewelry at attractive prices.
An Escape into the Desert
Just an hour from Dubai, nestled in a nature reserve in the heart of the desert, you'll find the Somara Camp (starting at 480 AED), a stunning campsite for enjoying a sunset cocktail, camel rides, sandboarding, or archery if you wish. A gourmet dinner prepared by a Michelin-starred chef is offered, along with a belly dance show and fire breather performance to the tune of oriental music.
Get all the information at www.nara.ae.
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