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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