Not only the skyscrapers of Dubai amaze me, the architecture of the desert city is just spectacular. In the lower right you can see the brightly lit Dubai Mall, where you can find an ice rink as well as over 1,000 shops

Welcome to Dubai, the city of superlatives with the world’s highest skyscraper, the world’s largest shopping mall, the world’s largest occurrence of luxury hotels and luxury cars. Where yesterday was a desert, today the largest city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) stretches, with international architects’ vertiginous creations. There is probably no city that has grown faster. And the construction boom does not stop. Dubai is the hotspot of the Persian Gulf, attracting 16 million tourists a year, fleeing European winter to combine beach holidays with power shopping. After reporting about Downtown Dubai, the souks and sightseeing highlights as well as the art scene and the most beautiful, public beaches in part I of my Dubai adventure, I now share my experiences about a desert safari, the island The Palm and one of the most beautiful hotels in the Persian Gulf area. But one after another…

On “The Palm Jumeirah” – the palm-shaped artificial island of Dubai – is the Resort Atlantis, a 50-hectare amusement complex and theme park

Who does not reside on the palm-shaped peninsula The Palm Jumeirah, should definitely plan a trip to the 2001 accumulated area. Here, private villas and five-star hotels accumulate like pearls on a string – the rooms in high season (November to April) are from 300 euros upwards!

The spectacular architecture of Dubais latest luxury spot The Bulgari Resort was realized by the Italian design office Antonio Citterio with a filigree facade that is reminiscent of corals

The finest and most beautiful hotel in Dubai is, in my opinion, the luxury hotel Bulgari Resort, which opened in late 2017 with excellent restaurants and an extraordinary spa. Instead of glitter and bling-bling, the guest can expect a discreet, modern design in warm colors and materials. The 101 rooms in total are equipped with high-quality details such as cashmere plaids, cedar shoe straps and a large Bulgari beach bag. Even a yoga mat was thought of, which I greatly appreciate as a yoga fan. The absolute highlight are the 20 noble villas that line the bay with its private beach. In addition to a butler service, they have their own pools in secluded gardens. On the sandy beach, the guest can book private pavilions, which are equipped with a small bathroom, bar, towels, sunscreen and what else you need for a pleasant day on the beach. Anyone can and wants to, docks in the Bulgari Resort with their own ship, because the luxurious five-star plus hotel has its own marina and club. (Deluxe room with beach view from 890 euros per night).

The suites and villas are decorated in warm colors and fine materials: Under the bed a Moroccan Beni Ourain carpet, on the bed a Bulgari cashmere plaid

My most impressing Dubai adventure: A dinner-sunset-safari in the Red Dunes (Safari: 70 euros per person via Arabian Adventures). With a 4×4 vehicle, we drive through the Red Sand Desert of Dubai with stops in front of a fantastic dune landscape. In time for the sunset with an XXL sun on the shimmering sky, an aperitif is being served before continuing by jeep over the sometimes steep and vertiginous desert slopes. I am lucky and see camel herds, gazelles and onyxes on the way. The evening ends in a Bedouin camp with delicious barbecue, camel ride and – if desired – a henna tattoo. Fascinating is the starry sky over the desert, a glitter and sparkle, so incomparable and intense, that one does not want to avert the view.

Dubai is a city of contrasts, unmissable is the socio-political contradiction. And yet a fairy tale from 1001 Nights that fascinates. BvH

Tip Dubai:

Can you afford Dubai as a person on average wage? Indeed, if known how: Who can tolerate temperatures of 30 degrees plus, should plan his trip from the end of April. I visited Dubai in May – during the Muslim month of fasting Ramadan* – and experienced a relaxed metropolis in which, despite religious restrictions, tourists hardly perceive differences. Shops and several restaurants are also open during the day, in the hotels alcohol is served, where a wine can quickly cost 15 or 20 euros – per glass. Overnight stays in the luxury hotels are offered for half the usual price and the sightseeing highlights barely have waiting time. (*Ramadan 2020 from April 24 to May 24)

Me on a sand dune during the “Sundowner Dune Dinner Safari” with Arabian Adventures. A perfect desert tour, but the so-called “dune bashing” is not for everyone

Over two-thirds of the United Arab Emirates are occupied by the northern foothills of the Great Arab Desert (Rub al-Chali)

A sundowner and an extraordinary backdrop… The silence and vastness of the Red Dunes desert have impressed me the most

The desert tour ends with a lavish barbecue in a Bedouin camp

… before, there is a traditional dance performance, which is only performed by men during Ramadan…

The camp’s camel herds…

…me cuddling with one of the camels…

…here my new friend again in profile; Look at these incredibly long eyelashes!!!

My henna tattoo. It lasted six weeks, by the way. Since you should think about, where the tattoo is placed and if it fits at home in everyday life or to the job

The Bulgari Resort Dubai on a private peninsula infront of Jumeirah Beach

The exclusive beach pavilions at the Bulgari Resort are reminiscent of Asian safari tents and are each equipped with a small bathroom, kitchenette, towels, etc.

View from the balcony of a suite to the hotel’s private beach with the Dubai skyline and the outstanding and overtopping Burj Khalifa in the background

One of 20 private villas with private pools and butler service. More is not possible…

Exactly my taste: The rooms of the villas and suites with Italian design and furniture by Maxalto, Flos and Flexform for great comfort and cosiness

Attentive and lovingly prepared delicacies for a very personal anniversary: I was touched

Again the view to my own pool terrace, where you can relax on loungers by B&B Italia

Pure luxury: The private infinity pool of the 540 square meter presidential villa. Paradise is calling…

Protected under a coral canopy: The 1,700 square meter spa area with comfortable outdoor daybeds and a view to the Gulf

The next surprise awaited me in the spa after a relaxing massage… It will also make my stay at the Bulgari Resort Dubai unforgettable

On the way to downtown, you will pass the futuristically inspired and pioneering architecture, which is typical for Dubai

From the island The Palm, I can see the coast and the famous, sail-shaped hotel Burj Al Arab, the symbol of Dubai. If you want to spend a night in a deluxe suite, you have to fork out 1,600 euros – per night of course

Me infront of Dubai’s landmark, the luxury hotel Burj Al Arab. Only hotel guests have access. Unless you have a reservation for the “Skybar” on the 27th floor, preferably at sunset

…followed by a dinner in the underwater restaurant Al Mahara. Everything here is just wow, including the prices…

…and the encounter with impressive – and sometimes quite scary – sea creatures. The sensational sight of the underwater world with its rays, sharks etc. is after all free of charge

أنت تعيش مرة واحدة فقط – you only live ones: Friday night in Dubai is the night of the nights and it is celebrated. The trendy in-restaurant Zuma serves Asian-European dishes. A Wagyu steak costs 215 euros, the bottle of rosé wine 125 euros and a Cosmopolitan cocktail 15 euros

See you soon in Dubai:

The next Dubai highlight will be the world exhibition Expo from October 2020 to April 2021

More travel stories you can here.
Part I of my Dubai adventure you can find here.

The post Dubai – The hotspot in the Middle East, Part II appeared first on My Stylery.

What a View: Vista from the 148th floor of Burj Khalifa to Downtown Dubai and the XXL-Dubai Fountain

Dubai, the city of superlatives with the world’s highest skyscraper, the world’s largest shopping mall, the world’s largest occurrence of luxury hotels and luxury cars. Where yesterday was a desert, today the largest city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) stretches, with international architects’ vertiginous creations. There is probably no city that has grown faster. And the construction boom does not stop. Dubai is the hotspot of the Persian Gulf, attracting 16 million tourists a year fleeing European winter to combine beach holidays with power shopping.

With 828 meters the tallest building in the world: The Burj Khalifa

This is the home of luxury. In top hotels such as the Armani and The One and Only Royal Mirage, a night in the high season costs well over a thousand Euros. Not only for overnighters one has to dig deep into the pocket. Even sightseeing makes the budget shrink. A visit to Burj Khalifa, which is 828 meters high, is part of the Dubai visit. Here, the purchase of an online ticket with Fast Track is recommended to avoid the hours-long queues, especially in the high season (November to April): With the 30 Euro basic ticket you can get on the 124th floor of the elegant skyscraper in seconds. In the “ticket without queuing” for 120 Euros, the viewing platforms on the 125th and 148th floor are also included. The visit is worth it, because you can experience spectacular sunsets, views reaching to the desert and the Dubai Fountain, the XXL fountain, that invites to fascinating water shows  every night from 19.30 o’clock for free. These can also be watched from one of the surrounded restaurants of the Dubai Mall, such as the Katana (sushi from 15 Euros). Great is the restaurant Zeta which lies below the excellent Address Hotel Downtown with direct views of the Dubai Fountain and excellent Asian food. Speaking of cuisine: Highly recommended is the Galliard Brasserie (also in the Address Hotel Downtown), where I first enjoyed an avocado salmon tartare and then a mega-delicious truffle pizza. Yummy!

Huge sculptures at the waterfall in the Dubai Mall

“Shop till you drop” – was this saying invented for Dubai? Every (luxury-) label is represented in Dubai’s largest shopping mall with 1,200 stores. Overall, shopping is expensive, both among international designers and fashion chains such as Zara, where the collections cost about one third more than in Europe. Exceptions are the Dubai Shopping Festival (January 1 to February 2, 2020) and the end of Ramadan*, the month of fasting, when huge discounts and discount promotions attract shoppers to the desert city.

Fancy a break? Then off to the aquarium (admission 25 Euros) with 30,000 exotic sea creatures, who buster in a million liters of water. Tip: A gigantic window on the ground floor of the Dubai Mall offers a free view of sharks, rays & co.

In front of the entrance of Grand Bazaar in Dubai

And yes, there is still the original in Dubai: I cross the river Creek in an Abra (25 Cent), an open wooden boat, past old barges, the so-called Dhaus, which still transport goods across the water. For me, a stroll through the oriental souks in Arab countries is part of the deal, because I love the smell of spices and the hustle and bustle. Haggling is welcomed! Unfortunately, the dealers in Dubai’s Grand Bazaar and the Gold Souk are very intrusive. In the oldest part of Dubai, I stroll through the districts of Bur Dubai and Bastakiya, a restored fairytale setting with narrow streets, small shops, galleries, cafes and the Dubai Museum in the historic Al-Fahidi Fort. Tip: The boutique hotel XVA with historic wind tower house. Since 2003, the US-American Mona Hauser has been running her hotel with an art gallery and café with much dedication (overnight from 149 Euros).

Not only for art lovers: The Art District in the industrial area around the Al Serkal Avenue

To art lovers, I recommend the Art District in the industrial area around the Al Serkal Avenue. Both, established galleries and young artists have settled here in factory halls. In the surrounding hip coffee shops and food trucks, the many impressions can be processed with smoothies and co.

Relax on the beach: The family-friendly District La Mer offers a water park in a quiet bay, surrounded by red brick buildings in trendy industrial chic with cafes, restaurants and shops. Really casual! At Jumeirah Beach, you can sprawl on daybeds, extend yourself on a jet ski and refresh in one of the many restaurants that string together at the white-sanded beach mile.

Skyscrapers and snow-white beach mile at Jumeirah Beach

Dubai, a sunshine paradise that can be reached in just under eight hours by plane and takes the traveler to another, mysteriously world. BvH

Infos Dubai:

Arrival to Dubai: With Lufthansa or Emirates Airline (from 645 Euros)
On the go in Dubai: E.g. Green and red metro line (daily ticket five Euros)

*Ramadan 2020 from April 24 to May 24

Don’t miss:

Dubai, Part II with tips for a desert safari and my personal insights into the most beautiful luxury hotel, the Bulgari Resort Dubai.
Coming soon on MyStylery.

Overlooking the silhouette of Dubai from the artificial island The Palm

Hip: The industrial-style district La Mer…

…directly located by the beach and with fantastic sightlines to Dubai’s skyline

Overlooking Dubai

For example from the Dubai Frame, with 150 meters height – another observation deck in town (admission 15 Euros)

View from the 148th floor of Burj Khalifa into 800 meters depth…I still felt safe, although I look a bit pale

The viewing platform on the 124th floor of Burj Khalifa is included in the basic admission ticket

Inexpensive Sightseeing: With an Abra – a traditional wooden boat – across the Creek river…

…which connects the districts Bur Dubai and Bastakiya with Deira…

… where, for example, the souks are situated. Here’s the Gold Souk – lots of bling-bling for not always little money

Address Hotel Downtown Dubai

The Address Hotel Downtown…

…with excellent gastronomy like the Brasserie Galliard…

…where I had delicious truffled pizza

View from my suite at the Address Hotel Downtown to the spectacular evening light show at the Burj Khalifa …

…with changing illumination of its façade…

…and an impressive water show at the Dubai Fountain

Swimming in the cooled (!) pool with a backdrop of the highest building in the world the Burj Khalifa…

…and then relaxing on the luxurious daybeds: Both is possible here

A wonderful alternative: The boutique hotel XVA in the old part of Dubai

Don’t miss Dubai, Part II, coming soon on MyStylery!
More travel stories you can find here.

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The Battery – Private memberclub in a former marble factory in San Francisco: discretion inside and outside

What do you do if suddenly you are richer by $ 850 million? This question had to be faced by the British entrepreneur Michael Birch and his wife Xochi 2008, when they sold their social network startup ‘Bebo’ to AOL, which in England, Ireland and New Zealand was bigger than Facebook. The studied physicist and the business owner did not have to think long. Michael and Xochi love English pubs and bringing together people. And where can both be better united than in a private members club? How the Germans love their lives membersclubs, so love the English their club culture: apparently a genetic predisposition. Thus, the art-loving Internet-millionaires bought a turn of the century-factory in the Financial District of San Francisco, renovated the five floors, the new home of The Battery.

Livingroom and bar in The Battery*

Where marble used to be processed, The Battery has been living in the street of the same name near the waterfront with its piers for three years. An elegant club on over 5,000 square meters with restaurant, four bars, wine cellar, library, gym and spa as well as a courtyard with garden and 14 hotel rooms which can also be booked by me as a non-member. Just like the glass penthouse on the roof, which offers fantastic views of San Francisco’s Transamerica Pyramid and the Bay Bridge. The interior design of the former factory hall has preserved the old building elements such as visible redstone walls and steel beams and has been cleverly integrated into the interior concept. The American interior designer Ken Fulk is responsible for the successful, eclectic mix of boho, industrial and vintage styles.

One of 14 suites in The Battery: The interior design of the former factory hall has preserved the old building elements such as visible redstone walls and steel beam*

If it were for the owners, the club would be a meeting place for artists, philanthropists or even drag queens. In fact, the nerds and technology freaks of the Silicon Valley are lolling between plush velvet sofas and sweeping leather chairs in front of rustic wood paneling. Even Germany’s former Minister of Defense, Karl Theodor zu Guttenberg – now on the road to the Internet – is happy to make a reservation at The Battery. With an annual contribution of 2,400 US dollars, the club is probably not for everyone. Especially since future members must be nominated by an existing member and a committee decides who will be accepted. A procedure similar to the Soho Houses, a successfully established club culture also from the United Kingdom. Exclusiveness has its price. BvH

The Reception: Welcome to The Battery – you would say. I think the staff could be a little more friendly*

My „Battery“-Suite and my open suitcase…

… with design chairs from Platner

Pleasant luxury on 55 square meters

The rooms are equipped with nice details and high technology

Black-and-white photographs about the velvet sofa:

The Battery has its own art director, the German Thomas Moller, who is responsible for curating changing exhibitions and events for the club

Spacious bathrooms with Frette luxury towels and Molton Brown products pamper the guest

The library has an impressive ceiling lamp …

… and inviting leather sofas! The perfect cozyness

The Musto bar*

The green room*

In the restaurant 717B, leather armchairs and velvet sofas invite you to sit comfortably, on the walls art in gold frames and lamps by Serge Mouille

Contact The Battery:

thebatterysf.com

Pictures marked* from The Battery

Merken

Merken

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Beautiful views and the fine-sandy beach of Bridgehampton

As I recently got invited to my friends’ home on Long Island, I did not hesitate long: booked the flight, packed my suitcase, the hubby in tow and off we went. Conveniently, Air Berlin offers a non-stop flight from Berlin to New York. After two movies in the flight program, a little writing for MyStylery and a power-nap the plane landed eight hours later, in time on the John F. Kennedy Airport. There, a Blacklane limousine waited for us and chauffeured us comfortably to the Hamptons, where we were warmly welcomed by our friends with chilled drinks and a perfect sunset.

The villas in the Hamptons are protected by high hedges and heavy gates – mostly hidden for prying eyes!

Long Island is the Sylt of the American east coast, a playground for the rich, super-rich and not always pretty. Crazy lifted women – and yes, also men – you meet preferably in the Hamptons – inter alia consisting of Southampton, Bridgehampton and East Hampton: Island centrally located, a two-hour drive from Manhattan, from here you go another hour to Montauk, one of the easternmost points of the USA and the scene of one of my favorite novels by Swiss author Max Frisch. Who has a (second) home here – and this possibly by the sea or with a view – has made it.

Modern architecture with large window elements and airy terraces is the new trend in the Hamptons

Absolutely fantastic are the endless beaches, where private villas line up in different architecture together like beads on a string. Depending on the location, a house can cost around $ 60 million which is something, even for stars like Jennifer Lopez, Mariah Carey and Tiger Woods. Fashion designer Calvin Klein is said to have paid $ 75 million for his estate. Increasingly, you can see modern architecture, which large windows allow unrestricted views of the Atlantic. Ornate buildings in Tudor style are not so en vogue anymore.

Everything is organic: The Round Swamp Farmers Market in Bridgehampton is the ecological shopping paradise for vegan foodies and lovers of vegetarian cuisine

For the Fourth of July weekend everybody came by. Even in the Barre-class, in the Exhale Mind Body Spa, it was difficult to find a free spot. In the Round Swamp Farmers market, Foodies and friends of organic kitchen queued while convoys of Maseratis, Mercedes and Bentleys turned the road between Watermill and Bridgehampton into an endless traffic jam. The restaurants are fully booked since ages. How fortunate that we were invited to dinner Sunday night at the home of friends. Under luxury tents, two elegant tables with lavish floral arrangements were established. Movie star Scarlett Johansson plus husband Romain Dauriac – a French journalist – sat on my opposite. Pop legend Bryan Ferry, a close friend of the host was supposed to come. A perfect evening, including fireworks, albeit from neighboring properties.

Summer Vibes

Tired of the hustle and bustle? Then a small sidestep to the Shelter Island is a good idea. With a ferry we cross from the chic marina and fishing town of Sag Harbor in five minutes and then end up in a different world in which there is only one grocery store and the time seems to have stopped. The place to meet is the hotel-restaurant Sunset Beach, with feet in the sand, enjoying delicious fish or lobster with a glas of André Balazs’ rosé wine – made on Long Island. And all that topped by a magnificent sunset again. Life is beautiful. BvH

That’s me – by and luckily not in the pool – at the dinner party, enjoying a glass of Champagne and the amazing sunset

The surge is a dream for every surfer

Here one takes off shoes before entering the beach! Aw, those Americans!

Long Island architecture in classical style on the beach of Bridgehampton

Kind of a beach house

Life is beautiful

Long Island and especially the Hamptons are, because of their XXL beaches and the fresh sea air, a popular destination for New Yorkers

Here, minimalist design is now on the rise and is considered mega-hip

The Hamptons are a bit like the villages Kampen and Keitum on the German Island Sylt …

… only without thatched-roof houses, but with XXL residences

This property reminds me a bit of a bunker

Not every house on Long Island is award winning architecture

Photographing and walking Yoda? No problem for multitasking MyStylery

Interestingly, for the beach parking one needs a parking permit in the high season, which you can only get if you stay in the Hamptons. Exception: Main Beach in East Hampton

Celebrity hotspot with many facets

I take you along on a stroll through Bridgehampton: Here the venerable Community House

The Fourth of July – the Independence Day of the United States – is a big celebration. Fireworks and flagging are naturally included

Meeting place for lovers of French cakes and other delicious delicacies is the Pierre’s on Main Street

Seems very inviting with its Victorian facade: The awarded hotel Topping Rose House in Bridgehampton: MyStylery’s hotel tip!

The facades of Long Island houses are typically wooden lagging

Newly renovated and all in white: The church in Bridgehampton

The Historical Museum of Bridgehampton: It was built in 1840, making it downright ancient by American standards

I love love love hydrangeas! On Long Island they grow particularly luxuriant

Passing houses with Victorian facades on the way from Bridgehampton to East Hampton

Even for rather small houses prices are up to five million dollars … I have to check my bank balance …

… and passing coincidentally one of the oldest houses on the island …

Hello Southampton!

Welcome to Southampton’s famous Meadow Lane, also known as Billionaires Lane, as Forbes magazine headlined. Here are houses with direct beach access. Simply unbeatable!

White, Victorian Villa with estimated 2,000 square meters of living space

Probably the classiest address of a church on the American East Coast: Saint Andrew’s Dune Church on Gin Lane

Quite a perfect location: The Villas at Lake Agawam in Southampton. From here it’s a short walk to the Ocean

Good to know: Long Island lies on the east coast of the United States and is part of the US state of New York. The 190 km long island is about 190 km long, 20 to 32 kilometers wide, and thus about the size of Mallorca

Voted the best beach in the United States: Coopers Beach in Southampton

By the way: Prominent residents such as lifestyle queen Martha Stewart, pop star Billy Joel and fashion guru Ralph Lauren reside in the chic Lily Pond Lane in East Hampton. The American super-photographer Peter Beard lives in Montauk

In the 19th century there were only potato fields and poultry farms on Long Island, today there are a handful of long-established farmers whose families sell fruit, vegetables and homemade jam by the street, as in Watermill

Long Island Tip I:

The season runs from the last Monday in May (Memorial Day) to the first Monday in September (Labor Day). To escape the crowds and the related congestion, it’s best to come just before or after the season.
You want to rent a house? The average rent of a villa with four bedrooms from May to September is $ 180,000.
The early bird catches the worm: The few motels and bed and breakfasts on Long Island are busy months in advance.

From New York to Long Island and return

Long Island Tip II:

The bus lane Hampton Jitney departs from various stops in Manhattan to Long Island, for example, 39 Street/3rd Ave. From there, you drive 2 hours to Bridgehampton and about 2.5 hours to East Hampton. One should definitely book in advance. Tickets from $ 24: hamptonjitney.com

More stylish and much faster – namely in 35 minutes – one flies by Blane helicopter, directly from Manhattan’s Wall Street to the Hamptons. $ 495 per person, one way, of course

Featured pic by Sotheby’s

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