Dubai is an amazing city. A cultural mix of incredibly new and reassuringly traditional, it's a paradise for those that like a taste of luxury. The memories I have from my visit to Dubai are never to be forgotten. Here are my top 5 incredible experiences, you must have in Dubai.
Afternoon Tea in a luxurious hotel
Pouring the champagne down the centre of the glass
Dubai has many beautiful and iconic hotels, such as the Atlantis Palm hotel and Jumeirah Beach hotel and one thing you must do in Dubai is have afternoon tea in one of these hotels.
We had afternoon tea in the most iconic of them all - The Burj Al Arab. Known as the only '7-star' hotel in the world, it stands on an artificial island in the middle of the sea. The shape of the hotel is designed to mimic the sails of a ship and with butler service, 24 carat gold pillars and dancing fountains it is a stunning hotel.
The Burj Al Arab
Dainty pastries, tiny sandwiches, warm scones, and champagne poured 'just so' that the bubbles go up the centre of the glass make this one luxurious experience you will never forget. I still remember my son saying "Mum you didn't tell me they were going to treat us like kings!" and treat us like kings they did.
Watching the world from the top of the Burj Khalifa
The Burj Khalifa
The tallest building in the world the Burj Khalifa is a striking proposition on the Dubai's skyline. At over 829m, it is almost three times as tall as the Eiffel tower. You are whizzed up to the top in a lift and as you stand overlooking Dubai, looking over the tiny buildings everything appears so surreal.
Top of the Burj Khalifa
For a true luxury experience, watch the sun go down in the Atmosphere lounge 442 meters up whilst sipping a fruity cocktail creation. Foodies can eat at Jerome Lagarde's restaurant, a well-known chef with Michelin' stars under his belt in his illustrious career.
Shopping in the old souks or the amazing shopping malls
Dubai Mall
Dubai is a shopping mecca, having two of the largest shopping centres in the World - The Mall Of The Emirates and Dubai Mall, as well as the souks or traditional markets where traders and shoppers haggle for the best price.
The Mall Of The Emirates is a shopper's paradise with luxury brand names as well as high street stores and with over 700 retail brands it has something for everyone. If you are peckish there are also over 90 places to eat, as well as a multi-screen cinema and entertainment complex. You can also go skiing! Yes, you can in the indoor ski centre. Another great shopping centre is the Dubai Mall with the Dubai Aquarium, an ice rink, shops, Sega republic and a myriad of dining options.
Gold souk
For a more traditional experience head to the souks for a vibrant experience that bombards all your senses. In the gold souk, every store has shelves of beautiful necklaces and precious gems, and in the perfume and spice souks, the smells are incredible. You can even have a suit or dress made for you there and then in the textile souk.
Spending the night in the desert
Spend a night in the desert
For a real Arabian adventure try an organised excursion and camp like a bedouin tribe for a more authentic experience, complete with camel to carry your luggage. There are also few things more romantic than lying back on the sand, looking at the stars with your loved one by your side. It's a humbling experience as you realise what an insignificant part of the universe you are.
For the most adventurous among you why not go dune bashing in the desert? As you ride up and down the dunes in a 4 by 4 you are protected with the roll cage and safety harness but it still makes for an exhilarating experience.
Taking the 'leap of faith' at Aquaventure
Atlantis: The Palm hotel
Aquaventure in Atlantis: The Palm hotel is a water park for all the family. For the adrenaline junkies among you try the 'Leap Of Faith' a ride which hurls you almost vertically down a water slide at rapid speeds into the water below through a clear slide surrounded by sharks!
For the all the family the lazy river is a must, and if you want to soak up the rays and relax with a book try the private beach (but don't forget the high factor sunscreen!). As temperatures can hit over 100 degrees plenty of water and a hat it a must.
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So here are my top five incredible experiences you must have in Dubai. Check out the Dubai holidays and adventures you can have
For where to stay in Dubai this post can give you some ideas. This 7 day Dubai itinerary can give you some travel inspiration too. Have you been to Dubai? Which of these activities appeals the most?
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Dubai looks like such a fab place to visit - definitely on my wish list!!
ReplyDeleteThis looks awesome! I'd love to visit Dubai sometime.
ReplyDeletewow what an incredible adventure, I'd love to do something like this but I think it would require a lotto win, a gal can dream!
ReplyDeleteIt does help to have money in Dubai however you can certainly go without any. Jumeriah beach is lovely and of course free!
DeleteHoly smokes this all looks so amazing. Dubai is absolutely on my bucket list.
ReplyDeleteWow. I'd love to visit Dubai sometime. I would have thought I'd like to go to the top of the Burj Khalifa, but your picture just gave me vertigo. Lovely pictures and you've piqued my wanderlust.
ReplyDeleteI will tell you a secret, I don't like heights but this didn't bother me at all. It's so high it is surreal.
DeleteI would love to go to Dubai especially for the beautiful views from the tall buildings and of course the shopping x
ReplyDeleteYou are a girl like me Rhian!
DeleteI'm so jealous that you visited Dubai! I would love to go there some day!
ReplyDeletelooks fab - I'm not sure if Dubai is a place I'd like to visit or not.... not sure if it's 'me' or not
ReplyDeleteDubai looks incredible to visit, I'm always jealous of people's pictures!
ReplyDeleteMaybe one day your other half will take you and treat you Lucy!
DeleteWow what incredible places to visit!
ReplyDeleteI had no idea that there was such thing as a 7 star hotel that is pretty incredible but I can see why. I would love to go on the 'leap of faith' ride x
ReplyDeleteYou are a brave girl Ana!
DeleteDubai sounds amazing, I would love to visit one day.
ReplyDeleteI have always shun away from visiting Dubai because I think of it as a rich man's land but I think I could definitely overlook that and just go and enjoy
ReplyDeleteIt does help if you have a healthy pot of spending money but they have lovely beaches too and you don't have to spend a fortune to enjoy yourself.
DeleteI would love to take the leap of faith. I have heard that Dubai is such a fun place to visit.
ReplyDeleteIn all honesty, Dubai has never been a place I've wanted to visit because it hasn't got any history behind it and it's overrun with the rich (which is totally not me haha), but I do like the idea of spending a night in the desert! ♥
ReplyDeleteI've been camping in the woods, but the desert would be a very different experience. The buildings in Dubai are gorgeous! You all definitely have some awesome architectures there.
ReplyDeleteThe desert would be a very different experience, I agree.
DeleteDue to my fear of flying I'm never likely to visit but love seeing about all the amazing things that are available in other countries
ReplyDeleteThat's a shame. I don't like flying either which is ironic for a travel blogger but it hasn't stopped me travelling so far. Here is a post I wrote for the travel blog I write with my husband, with tips on how to deal with the fear of flying
Deletehttp://www.flydriveexplore.com/traveladvice/top-tips-to-prevent-the-fear-of-flying/
I would love to go to Dubai. The buildings are stunning and the biews from them always look amazing. I'd love to try that water slide and spend a night in the desert too
ReplyDeleteIt all looks so fantastic. i so want to visit Dubai. Kaz x
ReplyDeleteThese all sound like amazing things to experience. I've always wanted to go to Dubai. I've just pinned the post incase I ever get the chance :)
ReplyDeleteLouise x
Thanks for pinning the post. Hope you get the chance to go one day Louise.
DeleteDubai is one of my favourite places in the world, I loved Wild Wadi, the most fabulous water park ever.
ReplyDeleteI haven't been there, so thanks for the tip!
DeleteI would absolutely love to visit Dubai. They are all amazing experiences and I have seen lots about the leap of faith experience.
ReplyDeleteDubai is such an interesting country Amy.
DeleteDubai is on my bucket list but probably only if I win the lottery lol
ReplyDeleteIt's not as expensive as you think Deborah.
DeleteWow what an amazing experience! I'd love to visit Dubai.....fingers crossed I'll get there some day.
ReplyDelete