Dubbed the “Vegas of the Middle East”, Dubai not only promises year-round sunshine but with a plethora of new openings there’s always somewhere fabulous to stay, a Beyoncé-approved beach club to visit and the latest wellness trend to try out – and of course, a decadent high tea in the clouds is always a good idea!
Stay – SLS Dubai Hotel and Residences
Fancy a chic stay in Dubai with a difference? Join the trendsetters and opt for a one-bedroom king loft apartment at one of the newest Business Bay boltholes, conveniently located a 20-minute taxi ride from Dubai International Airport with the Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa only 10 minutes away.
SLS Hotel Dubai is the first Middle East outpost from the design-led chain, with others in sexy locations such as Beverly Hills, South Beach and Cancun.
From kerb appeal with its towering stained glass mural emblazoned with the motto “Fortune favours the bold” to its gleaming Sky Lobby on the 71st floor, it leaves a lasting first impression.
Apartments have spacious living areas that feature floor-to-ceiling windows and giant hologram murals, as spiral staircases lead to the bedroom, a plush space with comfy beds and en suite bathrooms.
The ultimate USP? Not one, but two infinity pools sit atop the 75-storey tower giving a 360-degree panoramic view of the city and the perfect Insta backdrop. Soak up the dramatic skyline while you sip on the moreish gin and elderflower cocktails and tuck into melt-in-the-mouth pulled beef crispy tacos and lobster brioche rolls.
Its signature outpost is Fi’lia, the first female-led restaurant in the region celebrating Mediterranean cuisine with an Italian flair. Top tip? Order the truffle gnocchi which would make most Italians weep tears of joy.
And the surprises keep coming at SLS so head to the Ciel Spa on the 69th floor where you can unwind on the terrace with popcorn after those spell-binding deep tissue massages.
Rates for lofts start from AED 1,200 (£255) in low season and AED 1,700 (£360) in high season.
book.ennismore.com/hotels/sls-hotels/dubai
Indulge – Luxurious high tea at the Burj Khalifa
The Burj Khalifa is always a good idea but throw in an indulgent afternoon tea at Atmosphere on the 122nd floor and it takes things to the next level.
After closing its iconic doors for six months, the fine dining restaurant and lounge in the world’s tallest tower recently reopened to reveal its stunning transformation.
Celebrity guests are once again flocking here for the deliciously curated menu of sandwiches, hand-crafted sweet delicacies, freshly baked scones and gold-carat topped cappuccinos. And for a decadent twist, there’s also a main course to enjoy where guests may tuck into the likes of Wagyu oyster blade, wild seabass or duck leg confit.
The art-deco inspired lounge is the perfect Insta-worthy backdrop as our server Tarek turned creative director while we dined. Effortlessly capturing the iconic views of Downtown Dubai, he instructed us to sip the finest bubbly on cue while capturing the priceless moments on our phones – and the results were exceptional. As far as once-in-a-lifestime experiences go, dining in the clouds is high up there.
Relax – Nobu by the Beach
As the world’s first Nobu by the Beach club, the renowned Japanese haunt brings Ibiza-style beats and dining to Atlantis The Royal – and it’s magical.
Ask Beyoncé if you don’t want to take our word for it. The US superstar was spotted having a cosy date here with hubby Jay-Z before her show-stopping concert at the opening of the mega 795-room resort earlier this year.
Now everyone can soak up the A-list vibes by the luxurious palm-tree framed pool while the resident DJ provides feel-good house tunes. An ode to pared-back Japanese architecture, the restaurant is a laidback space and epicurean’s dream as chefs whip up a feast of classic Nobu dishes such as the spinach and avocado dry miso salad, Wagyu beef sandwiches with truffle mayo and melt-in-the-mouth black cod bites served in crisp lettuce leaves.
Nobu Satshushia has long been a celebrity favourite and this oceanfront haven with genetically-blessed staff is by far the hottest new spot on The Palm.
atlantis.com/dubai/dining/nobu-by-the-beach
Recharge – Contrast sauna and ice studio
A trailblazer in the wellness world, Dubai always boasts the latest new treatments – step forward the infrared sauna.
Promising several health benefits from weight loss to reduced stress levels, Contrast houses five private sauna cabins and immersive ice baths.
The brainchild of Layla Kardan and Hamdan Al Khafaji, the region’s entrepreneurial husband and wife duo have created a Mediterranean-inspired haven – think relaxing blush palates, curved architecture and marble finishings.
Sauna cabins feature 32-inch smart TVs so you can catch up on your favourite Netflix show or tune into a Spotify playlist during your 45-minute session. The ice bath, however, isn’t for the faint-hearted and with no Wim Hof (or Contrast staff) to guide wellness warriors through breathing exercises, extra caution is advised for first-timers.
Promoting healing for mind, body and soul, Contrast is the ultimate place to recharge your batteries – whether that means a hot, sweaty afternoon in the sauna, an IV drip or a restorative massage – this wellbeing hub has it all.
