On top of the world

Home to iconic, mind-blowing architecture, few cities can match Dubai’s combination of extravagance and opulence. Sarah Highfield takes us to her favourite places

Offering a world of ultra-luxurious hotels, fine dining, high-end shopping, and exclusive experiences. Dubai is a city where extravagance knows no bounds. From soaring skyscrapers to helicopter rides, it’s a city that embraces the high life in every sense. So, whether you like to indulge in award-winning cuisine, kick back by the pool, or explore in style, a world of opulence awaits – a world where one visit is never enough.

Dubai is a city that I’ve come to know well over the years. Through work and leisure I’ve enjoyed some of it’s finest hotels, restaurants and attractions, and I hope you enjoy my pick of the top spots.

Raffles The Palm Dubai

Situated on Palm Jumeirah’s West Crescent and inspired by the grand palaces of Europe, this 389-room resort is as lavish as it gets. Maximalist in every way, Raffles shimmers with 24-carat gold leaf and sparkly chandeliers. The hotel’s spacious and regal rooms are impeccably designed with antique furnishings, stately marble bathrooms, and private balconies or terraces.

You can expect VIP treatment as soon as you arrive. Guests are treated to a 24-hour butler service, six world class restaurants, renowned Cinq Mondes Spa, and access to a 500-metre-long private beach. The hotel’s famous Blüthner Hall Afternoon Tea will transport you back to 18th-century Europe, complete with delicate pastries and a grand piano. Meanwhile its Italian restaurant, Piatti by the Beach, takes you to the seaside in southern Italy.

Raffles is the epitome of sleek luxury, a place you will not want to leave. The hotel is stunning in every sense, and staff are genuinely warm, attentive, and always one step ahead.

The hotel is also home to Matagi, which serves delicious contemporary Japanese cuisine in an intimate setting. The elevated Izakaya menu, designed by Head Chef Rajiv Devnani, will please the most discerning palates with signature dishes such as Saikyo Miso Marinated Black Cod, Kurohana Japanese Wagyu A5 Striploin, and an amazing Chef ’s Moriawase. With theatrical Japanese plates, an open kitchen, and sushi counter, the attention to detail at Matagi shines through in its food, service, and restaurant design.
raffles.com/thepalm-dubai

Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, The Palm, Dubai

Seamlessly fusing Indian and Arabian grandeur, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa is a six-storey resort, offering 258-rooms and 67-suites. From the moment you step into its grand, light-drenched atrium, the city’s buzz fades into a tranquil hush of curated luxury. Rooms and suites exude understated sophistication with a splash of signature Taj opulence. Think soft gold accents, plush linens, and private balconies with sweeping views of the Arabian Gulf or the glittering Dubai skyline.

The resort’s J Wellness Circle spa is a peaceful haven offering ancient Ayurvedic healing treatments and holistic therapies. The 70-metre infinity pool is both a showstopper and the longest on Palm Jumeirah’s East Crescent, while the private beach serves up perfect sunset moments, cocktail in hand.

Culinary excellence can be found at Varq, which delivers gold standard Indian fine-dining, while Palm Kitchen serves global flavours on a sunny veranda. Consider the tasting menu at Varq for a selection of the most popular dishes – it’s perfect for serious foodies. Be sure not miss the Murgh Sirka Pyaz, a fiery chicken curry, or the Rara Gosht, a succulent mutton curry, both are delightful and demonstrate Chef Sonu Koithara’s flare for pushing the boundaries of South Asian gastronomy.

Taj Exotica Resort & Spa truly feels special, providing an immersive journey into a world where magnificence, detail, and comfort converge into an unforgettable experience. exoticadubai.tajhotels.com

NH Collection Dubai The Palm

Colourful and full of character, NH Collection is positioned just off Palm West Beach and houses 526 light, airy and modern rooms, each adorned with floor- to-ceiling glass windows and balconies. The 50-metre rooftop infinity pool looks like something out of a James Bond movie with breathtaking sunset-facing views and tasty poolside bites.

Alternatively, you can head downstairs to lounge on the sandy Palm West Beach or enjoy the vibrant 305 Beach Club. Soul Senses Spa is a tranquil sanctuary on the hotel’s mezzanine floor and offers guests access to skilled therapists and rejuvenating massages. Furthermore, gourmands are spoilt for choice with five international restaurants, including Arabian flair at Maiora, and award-winning mixology at SEEN bar.

The crowning glory at The Palm is the glamorous rooftop restaurant, View 180, where you’ll find a multi- sensory experience overlooking Dubai Marina’s skyline and the famous Dubai Eye. It serves flavour-packed, international dishes to suit all palettes. Crowd-pleasers like Moroccan Spiced Lamb Chops, Spiced Truffle Risotto, and Spicy Asian Chicken Bao will keep you satisfied, along with zesty dishes such as Citrus-Chili Glazed Octopus for more adventurous appetites.

The NH Collection is refreshingly casual and hip. It has luxury touches, fantastic food, and impressive amenities, while still being entirely affordable. Conveniently, the hotel’s central location puts it within walking distance of various tourist attractions, entertainment, lively nightlife, shopping malls, and water sports activities. In a nutshell, there is never a dull moment. nh-collection-dubai-the-palm

Appetite for opulence

Dubai is rich in incredible fine dining experiences, and often the fun of exploring a city for the first time is exploring the streets and choosing a place.

To help you find your new favourite dish, these – along with those in the hotels mentioned – are my go-to restaurants for something special.

Inspired by Nuska, the Mesopotamian god of light and fire, picturesque Nuska Beach is located on the sunny beachfront of Jumeirah Beach Hotel and dishes up a medley of Mediterranean and Levantine flavours. The food is beautifully presented, and the service is seamless with staff happy to share their recommendations.

Popular dishes include Spinach & Feta Borek, Watermelon Salad, Ribeye Steak, and the Cold Seafood Platter. With breathtaking views of the Burj Al Arab hotel and a menu full of delicious sharing plates by Head Chef, José Cacciavillani, it is the perfect restaurant for a long and leisurely lunch.

Located at the top of St. Regis Tower on Palm Jumeirah, Sushisamba serves a vibrant blend of Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian cuisine with one of the most spectacular views of Palm Jumeirah. The 51st floor restaurant delivers the wow factor as soon as you walk in thanks to its panoramic views of the city, lush indoor plants, and 3D-printed ceiling installation. The menu is equally exciting with tempting plates such as Crispy Japanese A5 Wagyu Beef Taquitos, Sea Bream Seviche, Shrimp Tempura, and Seafood Cazuela Rice. Sushisamba is also perfect for a little celeb-spotting, and is the place to see and be seen.

Perched some 200-metres high in St. Regis Tower on Palm Jumeirah is Aura, an unmissable restaurant with the world’s highest 360 degree infinity pool – so make sure you take your swimwear! More than just a restaurant, it sets the scene for a day out, and I recommend lunch followed by an afternoon of poolside lounging. The futuristic-looking restaurant serves a cosmopolitan menu curated by Executive Chef Craig Best, featuring sophisticated sharing dishes with a Pan- Asian twist. Standout dishes include King Crab Salad, Aura Sushi Platter, Grilled Lemongrass Chicken, and Yuzu Lemon Cheesecake.

Elevate your experience

If an exhilarating, sky-high adventure over Dubai is your thing, take a VIP flight with the award-winning HeliDubai Helicopter Tours and see all the main sights in one go, including the Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, Atlantis Hotel, and the World Islands. HeliDubai is recognised by Les Clef D’or of UAE as having the best aerial tours in the city, and they leave from the city centre, so are easy to access.

Guests can choose from different tours or hire a pilot to private charter a helicopter for a bespoke trip of a lifetime. The entire HeliDubai team are wonderful, and I guarantee that you will love seeing Dubai from a different perspective. You can also head out on the water on a traditional Abra ride on the Burj Lake, and enjoy a breathtaking show of sights and sounds. The Dubai Fountain Lake ride gives you front row seats to the world’s largest performing fountain. helidubai.com

The sky’s the limit

As the world’s tallest skyscraper and a marvel of engineering and design, the iconic Burj Khalifa is not to be missed. At 828-metres tall, the magnificent structure attracts visitors from across the world. The ‘At The Top’ viewing platform is on the 124th and 125th floors, and there is also a premium ‘At The Top’ sky viewing platform on the 148th floor. For sunrise and sunset views, you will be pushed to find a better spot to view the city. The best way to arrange your visit is via sightseeing app, Go City, which offers reduced rates, and a handy digital pass for Dubai’s top landmarks.

A serene take on the city

If you are keen to take closer look at the sprawling mansions on the Palm while catching some rays, then paddleboarding is a serene way to round off your trip. It is a fun, wholesome way to get a better look at the exclusive houses on the fronds of the Palm, and there are numerous watersports centres in the area offering paddleboarding. Among them is Ignite Water Sports at the base of the Palm, which offers both paddleboard hire and lessons.

CHIC & READY: DUBAI STYLE

Here’s our author’s pick of luggage and accessories to ensure that your trip is as smooth as it is stylish.

Three-in-one bag: The versatile and stylish Laneway Totepack from Bellroy has you covered from inner- city eats to family days out. It also folds up small when not in use.
Swimwear: The one-size-fits-all Camille swimsuit by sustainable swimwear brand, Hunza G, is a luxe favourite for poolside elegance.
Comfortable shoes: For unparalleled comfort, Archies slides are light-weight and beach-friendly while also being smart enough for brunch.
Luggage: The carbon-neutral Paravel Aviator Carry-On More is a no-brainer for luxe-escapes where impeccable design and first impressions count.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Born in Hong Kong and based in London, Sarah Highfield is a travel and lifestyle writer. Follow her on Instagram: @SarahHighfield