Dubai is a city where style, culture, luxury, and grandeur come together effortlessly. It’s a haven for culinary excellence and boundless ambition. A place where I can switch off yet still feel committed to routine. Most importantly, it offers a restorative retreat after long-haul flights. With this in mind, selecting Atlantis The Royal as our accommodation this year was an effortless decision. Its renowned opulence and unrivalled sophistication embody the pinnacle of luxurious and restorative living.
Personally, I found 96 hours in Dubai during July the perfect amount of time, and here’s how to make it worthwhile.
WHERE YOU STAY MATTERS MOST
Choosing a hotel that includes all in one amenities during peak summer is essential. The luxury of having a gym, wellness studio’s, yoga & pilates, beauty salons and spas enables you to simply relax during the day without exposing yourself to extreme heat. And for the jet lag sufferer, this will come in handy. I also find it comforting knowing I don’t need to leave the hotel given how exclusive it is.
When it comes to staying in Dubai, the Palm will always have my heart. There’s just something so dreamy about the calm waters of the Arabian Sea wrapping around you, all while the city’s glittering skyline shimmers in the distance. It feels like the best of both worlds, total tranquility with that iconic Dubai energy just within reach.
Atlantis The Royal is the spot if you’re after 7 star luxury. Think sky-deck infinity pool on the 22nd floor (yes, the views are as jaw-dropping as you’d imagine), plus direct access to the waterfront for those lazy beach days. But if Atlantis isn’t quite your vibe, the Palm is sprinkled with some of the world’s best hotels. Last year I stayed at Raffles, and it was every bit as indulgent, with all the five star touches you’d expect.
And the best part? The Palm is only about 25 minutes from downtown Dubai. So you can indulge in the calm, reset by the pool, and still make it to the city for dinner plans. Just allow extra time for travel if you’re in the city for dinner reservations.
THE ART OF DINING LATE IN DUBAI
A change to one’s schedule on holiday is a passage we willingly accept. Maybe it’s a late breakfast followed by a midday swim, then a late lunch, and suddenly it’s 9:30pm and you feel fine. Desert conditions have that effect in July. This is why scheduling dinner late is often preferred amongst locals to avoid the heat. For me, dinner at 10pm was perfect, and we always keep to this when visiting Dubai.
As for the culinary scene this year, my recommendations are as follows:
- Cipriani DIFC Dubai: Having been to a few Cipriani’s, I can confidently say Cipriani Dubai located in the International Finance Centre is one of the best in the world. Think a blended haven of style, gorgeous rague and that true Italian flair. Simply fabulous.
- Sexy Fish: Considering the lavish interiors and Japanese delights, I would recommend Sexy Fish for anyone who enjoys 2000’s pop and eccentric design. It was impressive to experience, both food and atmosphere.
- Nobu by the beach: Perhaps bias considering it’s located within Atlantis The Royal, however Nobu by the beach was akin to paradise. A swim followed by sushi is any girl’s dream.
A DAY IMMERSED IN DUBAI’S RETAIL LANDMARK
More than retail therapy, Dubai Mall is a world of fashion, flavour, and spectacle. A luxury haven particularly useful when avoiding the heat. From couture to cuisine, a day here is a journey through Dubai’s grandeur. It offers luxury shopping, fine dining, an Aquarium, Ice rink, and direct access to the Burj Khalifa, making it more than just a shopping destination.
It’s only upon leaving that you consider the experience in full. Well rested, overly indulged, and rejuvenated fit the narrative. Atlantis The Royal is definitely worth its reputation, and worth exploring if you crave sophistication and excellence. Too is discovering Dubai during summer, as there is always so much to explore, see and do.
With love,
The Blonde Duo x
