The land of luxury and shopping, UAE is open for International tourists now, after months of lockdown, and is also the venue of the Indian Premier League, a mega cricket event.
The world’s best cricketers are living the good lifein the UAE and enjoying the best hotels and the most luxurious experiences here. Here are glimpses of the riches of the UAE
STAY
The St. Regis Abu Dhabi. Courtesy: Instagram
Atlantis, The Plam is a world-class resort located between Arabian Gulf and the majestic Dubai skyline. It has exclusive guest rooms, suites and signature suites offering views of an aquarium filled with 65,000 marine animals, while the Royal bedroom suites connecting the two towers, offer 360-degree views of Palm Island and the Arabian Sea. You can dine at restaurants by celebrity chefs Gordon Ramsay, Gregoire Berger, Nobu and Ronda Locatelli amongst others. It also houses Dubai’s largest aquarium and Aquaventure Waterpark.
The St. Regis Abu Dhabi is situated in the heart of Abu Dhabi. It has 283 luxurious rooms overlooking the Abu Dhabi Corniche. Just like Atlantis, The Palm’s Royal Bedroom suites, The Abu Dhabi suite located on the sky bridge in between the two Nation Towers offers a 360-degree cityscape view.
The book-lined library is a perfect spot for workation. It has 4 PC workstations, a trained staff and offers secretarial services, Wi-Fi, printing and faxing facilities. Amongst the world-class dining options available, two unique experiences offered are; Helipad Sunset Supper and Brunch in the Clouds. Other amenities include the Remède Spa, fitness facilities and a number of swimming pool with the Nation Riviera Beach Club.
Qasr Al Sarab by Anantara is located on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi, in the world’s largest sand desert, the Empty Quarter. There are 140 rooms, 14 suites and 52 pool villas built amidst the sand dunes. The most luxurious villas are the Royal Pavilion Villas, a secluded sanctuary in the dessert. Many adventure activities are in the offing as well: desert drives, guided desert walk, camel trekking, archery, sand boarding and more.
Zaya Nurai Island is a private island resort, which is a 15-minute boat ride away from the shores of Abu Dhabi. It has Beach Villas, Sea View House with 2 bedrooms and 18 sq.mtr pools, Water Villas with 4 bedrooms and Estate Villas with 5 bedrooms, private gardens, private beach, infinity swimming pool and reflecting pool. In-house restaurants are Frangipani, Hooked, Ginger Mermaid and more. The hotel also has an award-winning Nurai Spa and a glass-walled gym. You can go scuba diving, jet or water skiing or opt for snorkeling, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding and fly-fishing, windsurfing and wakeboarding, banana ride, etc. You can also catch your own fish and get it cooked at Hooked. There is also a waterpark for kids and a special kids club, Petit Z.
W Abu Dhabi, Yas Island is a 5-star island hotel. It is a 499-room keys property. Each room is equipped with floor-to-ceiling windows, offering a mesmerising view of the race track or marina. There are 7 unique restaurants and bars. So you can dance to the resident DJ’s beats at W Lounge, kick back at the poolside at WET Deck rooftop, have some family time at SUN Deck rooftop and do much more. They also have amenities such as a FIT gym, spa and a modern kids’ zone.
DINE
Mezzaluna. Courtesy: Mandarin Oriental
Mezzaluna – Emirates Palace is an Italian restaurant, serving hand-crafted, regional Italian specialities. The great food is complemented by a stunning view of the sandy beach, crystal blue waters of the Arabian Gulf and the Emirates Palace Marina
Ellorais a seasonal restaurant by Michelin star Chef Vikas Khanna. It was started recently in partnership with JA Resorts and Hotels. It serves seasonal culinary experience, inspired by the traditional flavours of India.
TOMO, situated on the 17th-floor of Raffles Hotel offers authentic Japanese dishes and a great view of the Burj Khalifa. To experience the real taste of Japan in the UAE, TOMO will be your go-to place.
COYA located at Four Seasons Hotel, The Galleria, Al Maryah Island, serves Peruvian cuisine. Drop in on a Friday to experience their special COYA brunch with cocktails, a delicious brunch menu and live entertainment.
Pierchic is believed to be the most romantic restaurant in Dubai. It has won multiple awards for its fresh seafood, located on the Jumeirah Al Qasr’s private pier.
SHOP
The Dubai Mall. Courtesy: Instagram
The Dubai Mall is the home of the Dubai shopping festival. Its Fashion Avenue has stores of more than 200 luxury brands such as Bvlgari, Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Christian Louboutin, etc. You can explore the VR Park, Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, Dubai Ice Rink or visit the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa.
The Galleria Al Maryah Island is home to a collection of luxury brand stores; Chanel, Burberry, Emporio Armani, Dior, Fendi, Gucci, Jimmy Choo and more. In fact, the world’s first Kendall + Kylie standalone boutique opened in this mall recently. Amongst the best dining places here, Signature by Sanjeev Kapoor is a must-try.
Mall of the Emirates’ Fashion Dome celebrates luxury with stores by Audemars Piguet, Etro, Givenchy, Hermes, Prada, Saint Laurent, etc. The recreational experiences offered include; Magic Planet – a family entertainment centre, Ski Dubai – an indoor Snow Park and Dreamscape – a ‘Free Roam’ Virtual Reality world.
Dubai Marina Mall has 140 outlets and a gross leasable area spanning 390,000 sq. ft. You can find brands like Balmain, Hugo Boss, Kiehl’s, L’Occitane en Provence, Steve Madden, Timberland, etc. The mall is also known for conducting grand events such as festivals.
Al Wahda Mallis home to luxe stores by Sephora, Swarovski, Tommy Hilfiger and more. The mall also has a lot of things for entertainment such as a cinema, games corner, dungeon games hall and much more.
