Why Go?

Unlike any other place in the world, Dubai is a land of contrasts. Culture & tradition clash with futuristic buildings, designer hotels, the world’s largest malls, dining inside an aquarium under a canopy of Swarovski crystal or on the sand in the desert. Where else can you buy gold out of an ATM machine? Yet the Arab women still wear burkas. Knees and shoulders must be covered when outside. The juxtaposition of modern vs old world traditions. Why Go? Warm weather,  beaches, jeep safari’s, gold souks, Arabian markets, international dining, nightclubs and gold everywhere.   A once in a lifetime must see.

Does being married or single influence Where2Stay? Location, cost, size & child friendly all play a part. Do you want your hotel, hip & modern with sexy dark lounges, a DJ spinning “singles” on the roof? Or do you prefer a quiet, elegant & romantic hotel? Sometimes you might want to “marry” the two which is the hardest to find. You will see an M (married), S (Single), or an MS (married/single) next to each hotel.

 Click on Hotel to Reserve

Burj Al Arab – This “7 star” hotel will take your breathe away. Covered in Teflon the building is white by day and rainbow colors by night. All duplex suites come with private butlers & start at 1800 square feet. Have cocktails above the clouds where the bartender brings the bar to your table or dine subterranean with the fishes in their aquarium restaurant.  If you have to ask the price… (M)

Park Hyatt Dubai – An oasis of calm next to the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club. Book a Spa Room, splash in the pool nestled amidst palm trees or pamper yourself at the Amara Spa. (M)

The One & Only The Palms– Ironically there is more than one but we love The Palms located on Palm Dubai.  Moorish in style ( think huge palace) it’s a mini city on the water with fountains, gardens and pools. The kids will be thilled w/their  kid camp ( think camel rides & belly dancing lessons).  Like nothing you have ever seen (MS)

Jumeirah Beach Hotel -Shaped like a hugh wave, 26 stories high, with 20 restaurants, private beach villas & a Sinbads Kid Club.  Don’t miss the 360 Club, one of the hottest outdoor bars for a cool drink.  Jutting out over the water you gain entrance by  walking down a private broadwalk & climb upstairs for the awesome view.

Raffles Hotel Dubai – The hotel shaped like a pyramid offers enormous over sized luxury rooms all w/ private balconies. Splurge on a club room complete w/ butlers and espresso makers. The newest bar to hit Dubai is their Red Lounge Terrace. This sleek and contemporary Chinese bar (echos of the meat packing district) is the only bar to serve alcohol until 3 AM. Choose between an ” in house tea master” or  their signature “Code Red” drink with “secret ingredients” (is there a choice?)  A sleeper five star hotel (S)

Where2Eat –

Armani/Ristorante. The new Armani Hotel offers up their signature Italian restaurant. Just like Armani clothing, decor is sleek, understated and elegant. Everything is designed by Mr. Armani himself from the fork to the furniture. Dress up -the men and women are gorgeous. Located in the tallest building in Dubai, the Burj Khalifa with the iconic dancing fountains (five football fields long) right outside your door. . (MS)  Reserve admission to the over the top Armani Prive Nightclub .

Traiteur – Most people work half day on Friday’s and then head out for brunch (what a great idea!) Traiteur, located in the Park Hyatt is an extravaganza of endless champagne, outside stations for fresh lobster, oysters, Middle Eastern delicacies w/additional food served inside their state of the art kitchen. Settle back, dance  & watch the yachts. It is one big party that goes on into the night!

Cavalli Club – No one does it better marrying zebra, personalized vodka & dripping crystal than Roberto Cavalli. An absolute must!

Where2Shop 

Dubai Mall – The world largest w/over 1200 stores, an aquarium, Lego Land, an amusement theme park & Gold Souk. Not enough? Cab it over to the Mall of the Emirates with Ski Dubai, Magic Planet & every designer in the world represented there. Luckily, it’s too hot to be outside!

What2Do

Arabian Adventures – Climb into a 4 wheel vehicle, fly up & down sand dunes ending w/an Arabian feast on the sand. Low couches, belly dancers, henna tattoos & a hookah complete the picture.

Head up to the Sky Bar at the Burj (reservations required) & Shyan, their master mixologist will create a cocktail from his movable cart of endless ingredients. Barb’s “Thai Twist” involved passion fruit, pineapple, lime juice,leaves, vodka and flaming rosemary sprigs. We’ll drink to that!

Coming up for air!