How to have an unforgettable Dubai experience

How to have an unforgettable Dubai experience

How to have an unforgettable Dubai experience

Dubai has redefined the experience of luxury and consistently expands the definition of ‘Grand Opulence’. It is a haven of magical hotels, superlative restaurants, and extravagantly themed shopping malls. More than a city of sun, sand, and shopping, I was especially blown away with the gamut of once-in-a-lifetime experiences the City of Gold has to offer.

 

Where to Stay

One&Only Royal Mirage

This hotel surpassed even our highest expectations of an über luxurious and exclusive experience. Aromatic vistas of scented gardens invited us in as we arrived at the Residence & Spa beside the warm waters of the private beach. Straight out of the charm and indulgence of ‘Sex & the City 2’, this intimate sanctuary is perfect to languish in the comfort of pampering service. The bars and restaurants here feature gourmet dishes of the creme de la creme of Dubai’s finest masters. After a fabulous time spent luxuriating in their relaxing pools and 5-star spa, we were loath to leave.

How to have an unforgettable Dubai experience

How to have an unforgettable Dubai experience

How to have an unforgettable Dubai experience

How to have an unforgettable Dubai experience

How to have an unforgettable Dubai experience

How to have an unforgettable Dubai experience

 

Raffles Dubai

The sheer size of our suite at Raffles Dubai with stunning views of the city skyline took our breath away! Surrounded by lush private gardens, the pyramid-shaped edifice is a sumptuous treat to the senses. Of the hotel’s half-dozen restaurants and pubs, two require special mention: head to the basement to enjoy superb steak and seafood at Fire & Ice along with a selection from their award-winning wine list. Marvel at the iconic Dubai skyline at the pyramid’s pinnacle at TOMO, a Japanese Izakaya-inspired restaurant. A shopping adventure lies around the corner as the hotel adjoins Wafi, one of Dubai’s most exclusive shopping malls.

How to have an unforgettable Dubai experience

How to have an unforgettable Dubai experience

How to have an unforgettable Dubai experience

How to have an unforgettable Dubai experience

How to have an unforgettable Dubai experience

How to have an unforgettable Dubai experience

 

Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf

We topped off our exotic vacation with our very own Arabian palace. Gently winding our way on a spectacular waterway, we were led to an enchanting private two-story summerhouse cottage. You truly feel like royalty with access to your own butler service, a dizzying range of delectable dishes from over 40 restaurants, bars, and lounges, a souk with over 75 boutiques, a theatre, and a spa. We enjoyed a splashing day with complimentary access to the Wild Wadi Waterpark, and then entered a world of imagination and entertainment at the Sinbad’s Kids Club.

How to have an unforgettable Dubai experience

How to have an unforgettable Dubai experience

How to have an unforgettable Dubai experience

How to have an unforgettable Dubai experience

How to have an unforgettable Dubai experience

 

Intercontinental Dubai Festival City

InterContinental Dubai-Festival City is right where all the action is and is the perfect starting point for your urban adventure. Wake up to a beautiful view of the Dubai Creek, dine at their Michelin-starred restaurant, and then set out to explore the dozens of internally connected shopping malls and leisure facilities. Relax at the end of the day at their rooftop temperature-controlled infinity swimming pool or de-stress at their impressive spa with saunas and steam baths.

How to have an unforgettable Dubai experience

How to have an unforgettable Dubai experience

How to have an unforgettable Dubai experience

How to have an unforgettable Dubai experience

How to have an unforgettable Dubai experience

How to have an unforgettable Dubai experience

How to have an unforgettable Dubai experience

How to have an unforgettable Dubai experience

 

Where to Enjoy Nightlife

Asia Asia

This lavish restaurant & lounge bar is situated right at the Dubai Marina, boasting a fusion of flavours and cultures from across the spice route. We booked one of their exclusive lounges, each of which has individual decor inspired by destinations such as Thailand, Persia, Bali etc. Their mixologists enthralled our taste buds with fantastic drinks, further augmented with original specialities including Sriracha butter lobster, Sambai chicken tajine, Persian style black cod, and Lamb kofta siew mai.

How to have an unforgettable Dubai experience

How to have an unforgettable Dubai experience

How to have an unforgettable Dubai experience

How to have an unforgettable Dubai experience

How to have an unforgettable Dubai experience

How to have an unforgettable Dubai experience

How to have an unforgettable Dubai experience

How to have an unforgettable Dubai experience

 

Oscar’s Vine Society

No reservations or suit jackets here; this cosy space welcomed us to sink in and unwind. We sampled several delicate bouquets of more than 100 types of grape as the staff shared the ins and outs of the various regions. The menu focuses on stews, soups, and game dishes, while the cheese platters are ideal for sharing. Its French provincial theme with a cave-like setting and painted floral motifs afforded the ideal intimate setting.

How to have an unforgettable Dubai experience

How to have an unforgettable Dubai experience

How to have an unforgettable Dubai experience

How to have an unforgettable Dubai experience

How to have an unforgettable Dubai experience

How to have an unforgettable Dubai experience

 

White Dubai

Get the party started at White Dubai, a top-class club consistently ranked at the #1 spot. Chart-topping pop stars, superstar rappers, and acclaimed DJs present fresh and elaborate entertainment. As they perform in the middle of the round bar, get up close and personal with some of your favourite international celebrities.

How to have an unforgettable Dubai experience

How to have an unforgettable Dubai experience

 

Where to Shop

Store trawling is the major attraction in Dubai, and Dubai’s shopping experience is unrivalled in the world, as the malls offer surreal attractions and experiences of unrestrained fantasy.

As the world’s largest retail, leisure and entertainment destination, The Dubai Mall was the first stop on our shopaholic’s list. With more than 1,200 stores, the mall is home to all of the world’s biggest brands, from clothing and accessories to houseware and electronics.

How to have an unforgettable Dubai experience

How to have an unforgettable Dubai experience

The gargantuan Mall of the Emirates has an indoor ski slope with real snow. Between shopping and hitting the beach, we could not resist a quick slalom. There’s even a resident troupe of penguins who live in their own icy enclosure, emerging for special Penguin Encounters with the public. This is surpassed by the Mall of Arabia at 10 million sq. ft. of a shopper’s paradise, complete with a real-life Jurassic Park ~ like a dino park, called Restless Planet.

How to have an unforgettable Dubai experience

Nestled along the banks of Dubai Creek, the traditional souk markets still retain much of their original charm. The exotic gold and spice souks lie together on the Deira side of the creek. Upon arrival, we were hit by a fragrant cloud of scent, as cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and other spices jostle with clouds of frankincense. The Textiles Souk is on the other side of the creek ~ a 2-minute journey on an abra, water taxi. As we were staying long enough, we sought out tailors to run up some local outfits for us. Our suitcases fairly bulged with reams of colourful fabric and stacks of exquisite scarves and pashminas.

How to have an unforgettable Dubai experience

How to have an unforgettable Dubai experience

 

Where to Eat

Pierchic

Cuisine: European, especially seafood

Ambience: A romantic outpost far from the noise, set on a bedecked pier outing out into the Arabian Gulf.

Delicious Entrees to Dessert: The menu sports classics including oysters, scallops, sashimi, and lobster, as well as an array of fresh fish. Of the mains, the lobster thermidor is a sheer crustacean delight, beautifully presented with roasted cauliflower and a mustard sauce. Also, sample their scrumptious apple tart and chocolate mille-feuille.

How to have an unforgettable Dubai experience

How to have an unforgettable Dubai experience

How to have an unforgettable Dubai experience

 

Majlis Al Bahar

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ambience: Located on the magnificent Burj Al Arab’s private island, it features a simple yet divine décor of tables on the sand.

Delicious Entrees to Dessert: Feast on barbecued shrimp, lobster, kebabs, and seasoned chicken, all cooked with a grin on a live flame.

 

Al Hadheerah

Cuisine: Traditional Arabian

Ambience: An isolated oasis resort hidden amongst and surrounded by dunes. We were entertained by actors riding horses and acting out swordplay, with belly dancers and henna artists.

Delicious Entrees to Dessert: It is a haven of Arabic cuisine, with dishes lovingly prepared in front of your eyes at live cooking stations, wood-fired ovens, and spit roasts. Whole lamb, skewered chicken, and grilled-to-order fish are all on the menu, not to mention the huge array of desserts to choose from ~ so make sure you leave some room.

How to have an unforgettable Dubai experience

How to have an unforgettable Dubai experience

 

Must Experience at least Once-in-a-Lifetime

Zip-line

Enjoy a thrilling zip-line ride over downtown Dubai. From 90 metres above Emaar Boulevard, I could not suppress a gasp at the breathtaking city skyline. A gentle push had me gliding through the air, the wind in my hair and freedom soaring in my heart. Winding over the Dubai fountains to the rooftop of Dubai Mall, it is one of the longest zip-lines and offers a new vantage point as you float over familiar landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa from up above.

How to have an unforgettable Dubai experience

 

Desert Safari

Ride across the desert of Dubai on an exciting dune drive. Try your skill at sandboarding or quad biking. After an adventurous drive dune bashing, we stopped at a camel farm and enjoyed camel rides for that perfect Arabian fantasy. Dressed in the traditional garb of an Arabian prince/princess, we sat down to a delicious barbeque along with shisha and Arabic coffee. At the end of the most exotic day, we watched the sunset over the desert as it bathed the landscape in brilliant yellows and oranges.

How to have an unforgettable Dubai experience

How to have an unforgettable Dubai experience

How to have an unforgettable Dubai experience

 

Skydiving

For the most daring and heart-palpitating experience, leap and feel the thrill of a free fall with a tandem jump with an expert skydiver. The whole experience is a full-scale immersion of the senses. As you swoop over the man-made island of Palm Jumeirah and the Dubai Marina, the incredible views and heavenly feeling of flight is bound to leave you speechless. Most certainly an unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime experience!

 

To conclude: Dubai is a constantly changing hub of exceptional experiences, a byword for luxury and extravagance galore. From sampling some of the best drinks to dining at restaurants featuring Michelin-star chefs, it was like going to the best party ever. I felt like royalty and a VIP all combined into a glittering experience. With its glamorous architecture, exotic adventures, thrilling activities around every corner, and the brilliant sandy beaches, Dubai is my top favourite luxury vacation. Whatever I have ever imagined, and some of it truly out of this world, Dubai made it happen!

 

Have you been to Dubai? If so, what do you think of my Dubai Travel Guide? Would you add anything else? Share your thoughts with me in the comments section below!

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* I love bringing together a bunch of conflicting items and weaving my own sense of one-ness to them. *

42 Comments

  • These photos are pretty amazing! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on Dubai, Tanya. I appreciate the recommendation. Thanks once again and I will be sharing this. xoxo

  • Absolutely love this comprehensive Dubai guide! Great to see you feature one fabulous destination after another, Tanya! Only you could make this blog work so well! xx

  • Amazing pictures accompanying a versatile and artistic post! Lucky me that I discovered your blog-site by chance… I appreciate your writing this helpful guide, and wish you the very best on your future travels, Tanya!

  • I’ve been a reader of Urban Diaries for a while now, and it’s been fascinating to watch the trajectory (or “glo-up”, if you like) of your work. The movement caught in those images is absolutely beautiful, too! Keep up the good work.

  • Awesome guide, Tanya! I’ve only been to Dubai once, but whilst walking through the streets, I could see how beautifully they would photograph! In any case, I’ll be subscribing to your newsletter and I hope you write again soon!

  • Thank you for these insights, Tanya. I am heading to Dubai this New Year’s, and look forward to exploring this amazing Emirate! I also wanted to know if there’s any place in Dubai where tourists can go horse-riding?

  • I recently spent 2 days in Dubai. The airport and process of entering are seamlessly organised. I chose the Big Bus, on and off for tours of the city, marina and beach. Well worth the beautiful sites and stories of Dubai. 🙂

  • Beautiful article ~ really interesting to read. Makes for a nice and simple guide for people planning to visit Dubai. 🙂 I saw the city while watching a live telecast of a cricket match in Dubai. The city looks beautiful ~ I would love to visit!

    • Always full of joy and wonderful things to say you are, Manish. Thank you so much, and I hope you get to visit soon!

  • I really like the blog you have put together, Tanya ~ it’s very informative. I think you covered almost everything ~ from hotels to popular places, activities, travelling, etc. Your thoughts are always on point… Keep up the good work!

  • It’s so true that the desert is one of nature’s amazing gifts to mankind ~ the sands beckon you with their hidden mystery! The Desert Safari Dubai seems like an amazing trip that provides a unique experience! Thank you for sharing, Tanya. xoxo

  • Mind-blowing photography and exquisite writing – phew miss Tanya, you are killing it! ❤️ I have already been to this city twice on an official tour, and in my opinion the best time to explore Dubai is in Winter.

  • You always have such thoughtful posts! Loved this one… it’s an excellent travel guide! I could imagine myself enjoying Dubai with my family as I was going through it, and I can’t wait to explore the Emirate to the fullest! Keep inspiring. ✨

  • Great post ~ it’s impressive how you’ve described an Emirate in such a creative and inspirational way! I think a lot of travellers are looking for more options to make a cultural connection… I know that I would love to spend a full fledged vacation here with my family very soon. Thanks for sharing.

  • Amazing work, you just get better and better! Well, it’s always a pleasure to see what’s new here… and Dubai seems like the perfect place to enjoy a holiday with family! Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

  • ❤️ It’s only when you travel from one country to another that you are able to write your own story… Your blog is a sensitive and depth filled piece (in imagery and words). Thank you!

  • Travelling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller. 🙂 Your narration reveals a one-of-a-kind trip and experience in Dubai! Like always, definitely enjoyed the way this was told.

  • This is a very comprehensive blog post on Dubai! The beaches and water parks, quality accommodation and food, and adventure activities make Dubai such a stand-out destination! Thank you for sharing your experience, Tanya. Have a beautiful day!

  • The undulating sands beckon… I was really happy to read your travel blog because I also love travelling. 🙂 And, I’m glad that your guide covers more than just luxury stay in Dubai… Loved this post, and the photos are amazing!

  • A definitive Dubai Travel Blog with a well-casted and well-rounded group of places to visit/things to do! Your post has literally provided me with all the impetus to visit Dubai with my family! ✨ Thank you for your inspiring individuality, Tanya!

  • It was a pleasure to read this Dubai travel blog and guide ~ beautifully inspiring work! The first thing that attracted me was the Desert Safari, of course. That’s definitely a yes for me! Now where did I place my passport… 😀

  • Not only am I beyond impressed and taken in by your photos but also by your narrative to accompany it! ❤️ Chic skyscrapers, malls, desert safari, adventure sports, and shimmering beaches ~ Dubai seems to have all the ingredients for an amazing family vacation! I’m keen to explore…

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