It’s no secret that I love Dubai. I call the city my second home and have made so many wonderful friends and colleagues over the years so I come visit for work or pleasure whenever I can. There’s something so captivating about the elegant, modern city built in a vast desert and I love all the opportunities it holds, for work, pleasure or relaxation.
In Dubai, you can feel as if you’re in the most extravagant city but if you need to relax, you can also escape. The city isn’t only about luxury and shopping, you can enjoy 360 of life, from spending the afternoon in the desert having tea with locals, to feasting on an array of international food, swimming in stunning pools and visiting unique sites and attractions. Plus everything in Dubai is so well organized, high tech and convenient!
This spring, why not make a trip to this beautiful city? Here are my five favorite spots to relax, recharge and enjoy Dubai.
Tea at the Jumeirah Al Naseem
I love to spend the afternoon drinking tea at the Jumeirah Al Naseem, one of Dubai’s loveliest resorts with an incredible waterfront view. Just steps from the beach, it’s a wonderful place to take a stroll along the water to cool down from the desert sun and then sip an iced tea in the tea room while catching up with colleagues or girlfriends.
Rejuvenate at the Talise Spa inside the Madinat Jumeriah
The Talise Spa is the ultimate place to relax in Dubai and I can’t miss a visit each time I’m in the city. This is a true oasis of calm that rejuvenates me from the inside-out. All of the treatments are personalized and the spa covers all sorts of treatments. I usually book a deep-cleansing facial or an energizing massage (I love the organic natural oils they use here) and can’t skip a trip to the sauna. If you need some pampering, nothing beats this wonderful paradise.
Dine at Abd El Wahab Restaurant
Abd El Wahab is a delicious restaurant that boasts excellent Lebanese cuisine and has a spectacular view overlooking the Burj Khalifa skyscraper. Located inside the Souk Al Bahar, the outside terrace has a view onto a delightful lake where you can admire the Dubai Fountain, the world’s largest choreographed fountain system that will dazzle you while you enjoy your meal. Be sure to order hummus, tabbouleh salad, stuffed grape leaves and my favorite chicken fatteh, with decadent slices of chicken with a chickpea paste, drizzled with warm yogurt and topped with fried bread. And don’t miss dessert!
Shop at The Dubai Mall
This glamorous mall is a real experience. This architectural masterpiece is filled with over 1,000 luxury brands and 200 international restaurants, making it a wonderful place to shop, relax and enjoy your holiday (and it’s a perfect escape from the heat!). The Dubai Mall also plans events, including food festivals and visits to the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo (located on the second floor).
Explore at the Ajman Museum
If you want to relax and really experience the culture of Dubai, head north to Ajman and pay a visit to the Ajman Museum. This 18th century fort was the ruler’s residence until 1970 and is filled with archeological finds, ancient manuscripts and weapons, jewelry and more. Stepping inside always makes me feel like I’ve been transported into a completely different world and each time I feel immediately home and protected.
Have you ever been to Dubai? What are your favorite places to visit?
Happy exploring!
