It’s said that the best vacations are the spur of the moment ones, and that’s exactly what Dubai was for Nitin and I. We were chatting about our 2017 travel plans a few weeks ago, when I mentioned that I wanted to head somewhere hot for a few days to escape our lovely Canadian winter. While I was thinking more along the lines of Scottsdale or L.A., Nitin’s idea was a little more grand, and it didn’t take longer than 2 seconds to sell me on Dubai.

WHERE TO STAY – PALM VS CITY

Our biggest challenge when booking our hotel was deciding whether to stay on the palm or in the city. I pushed for the palm because there is nothing better than waking up to a beautiful view and sand on your toes. We stayed at the Walford Astoria Palm which is absolutely incredible (I highly recommend it). The rooms are beautiful, the staff are extremely friendly and helpful, the food is delicious and the overall experience is 5 stars. Not to mention, their private beach and pools are lovely to hang around (don’t expect beaches like those you see in Hawaii and Cuba).

A major downfall about staying on the palm is the traffic. We missed two dinner reservations because of a lane closure, so a drive that would normally take 20 minutes was looking closer to 2.5 hours; thanks, but no thanks! Keep in mind there is only one road to get on and off the palm, and because the palm is still being built up (there are tons of new hotels and offices being constructed) traffic can be a nightmare. The Atlantis hotel is only a 7 minute drive from the Waldorf Astoria, but it took us 35 minutes to reach there one evening because of the traffic.

While the palm offers some stellar views and private beaches, you are closer to a lot of popular restaurants and other attractions if you stay in the city. I loved the palm experience, but Nitin and I both agreed that we would stay in the city next time we’re in Dubai.

Top Luxury Hotels on the Palm

1. Walford Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah
2. Atlantis The Palm Dubai
3. Anatara The Palm Dubai
4. Sofitel Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa
5. Fairmont The Palm Dubai
6. One&Only The Palm

Top Luxury Hotels in the City

1. Jumeirah Beach Hotel
2. Burj Al Arab Hotel
3. The Oberoi Dubai
4. Four Season Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach
5. Armani Hotel Dubai
6. Al Qasr Jumeirah 

WHERE TO EAT

Nitin and I are huge foodies, and were in complete heaven with the vast array of restaurants to choose from in Dubai. From celebrity/ Michelin star chefs to authentic middle eastern cuisine, our taste buds were on a high the entire trip.

Dubai has two extremes for dining; high end or super casual/ street food. Be prepared to spend! We unfortunately didn’t get a chance to check out any street food, but here are our top restaurant recommendations:

1. Mekong (Asian) – Located in the Anatara hotel on the palm, the stunning décor and delicious dishes do not disappoint!
2. Nobu (Japanese) – Whether you’re dining at Nobu in Dubai, New York or Miami, the beautifully crafted menu and lively ambiance makes it a hot spot you don’t want to miss.
3. Pierchic (Seafood) – This restaurant is constantly voted one of the most romantic restaurants in Dubai, and with its private pier, there’s no guessing as to why.
4. Coya (Latin American) – New to the Dubai food scene, Coya is known for its bold flavours and top notch service.
5. Angelina (French)  – Located in the Dubai mall, get ready for a Parisian experience in this gorgeously designed cafe, which is home to the most delicious chocolate cake & macaroons.
6. Ossiano (Seafood) – Calling all seafood lovers! Away from the hustle and bustle of the Atlantis crowds, get ready to enjoy a carefully curated menu in an elegant setting, surrounded by floor to ceiling views of the aquarium.
7. Le Café at Emirates Palace – Ever wonder what gold tastes like? Home to the world famous 24K gold cappuccino, the cafe is the perfect spot for afternoon tea. This cafe is in Abu Dhabi, but worth the trip!
8. Ravi (Pakistani) – If you’re looking to step away from all the fine dining Dubai has to offer, Ravi’s is the perfect choice for a quick and casual meal. While we didn’t get a chance to check it out, this famous joint is known for serving up some of the best food in Dubai, and at a fraction of the cost of most of the restaurants.
9. Social by Heinz Beck (Italian) – Hailed by Vanity Fair Italia as one of the top 15 best Italian restaurants outside of Italy, 3-star Michelin chef Heinz Beck offers a true culinary experience using innovative techniques to elevate even the simplest dish. This restaurant is located in the Waldorf, so if you are staying there I also recommend their delicious breakfast (the eggs benny is amazing) and chicken shawarma.
10. At.mosphere – Situated on the 122nd floor of the Burj Khalifa, enjoy panoramic views of the city’s skyline while tingling your tastebuds with a menu ranging from foie gras to chicken wings.

Stay tuned for my Dubai Travel Guide (Part 2), where I’ll share my favourite things to do, how to dress and other tips on traveling to this beautifully luxurious city!

xo, Kiki