3 Days in Dubai

1. Check in at the One&Only The Palm

Watching over the horizon from the very end of the West Crescent of the Palm Jumeirah, the One&Only The Palm offers an unparalleled and exclusive experience of luxury in the megacity that is Dubai. Located 35 minutes from the Dubai International Airport, this One&Only property strikes the perfect balance between tranquility and easy access to some of the incredible experiences that the city offers.

The One&Only The Palm is situated on the Palm Jumeirah, an artificial archipelago that is home to over 20 hotels and resorts, alongside a number of restaurants, shopping centers, and entertainment venues. The hotel is within a short driving distance of several popular attractions such as The View at the Palm (which offers a 360-degree view of the Palm, the Arabian Gulf, and Dubai City), the Dubai Harbour, the Marina, and the popular Mall of Emirates.

Home to a series of unique experiences, the One&Only The Palm invites guests to relish its 90 rooms and suites, all of which boast a gorgeous contemporary interior design that incorporates Moorish details and homages throughout. While the architects at WA Internationals drew inspiration from the 14th century palace, Alhambra, to design its exteriors, its interiors completed the Arabian looks with luxurious materials and fabrics, plush king-sized beds, full marble bathrooms, and private terraces that offer views of the stunning gardens.

Guests of the hotel also benefit from exclusive experiences such as the only Guerlain Spa in the United Arab Emirates, as well as Two-Michelin starred culinary journey at Stay by Yannich Alléno.

2. Breakfast at Arabian Tea House Café

One of our favorite discoveries in Dubai was a lively little spot called the Arabian Tea House Café. Tucked away within the sandy alleys of Al Fahidi in Bur Dubai, the café is a gorgeous, rustic address that promises a great start to an exploration of Dubai’s historic areas.

Though the restaurant does have an outlet right on Jumeirah Beach, we highly recommend making the trip – just over 30 minutes – to Old Dubai to enjoy the splendid décor and atmosphere. The interiors of limestone walls, high ceilings, indoor plants, and cushiony benches is the perfect place to relish some authentic Emirati dishes.

Our pick:

Drink: Pot of Karak Tea

Mains: Emirati Breakfast Tray or the Mr. Ali’s Favorite Breakfast

3. Visit Bur Dubai

A historic area of Dubai that is located on the western side of Dubai Creek, this is the place to go to get an idea of the humble yet promising beginnings of Dubai. Originally established as a small fishing village in the 18th century, Dubai experienced an unrivalled growth to its economy in the early 21st century, making the city one of the most populous cities in the United Arab Emirates. And while the city is now home to a high number of luxury avenues, boutiques, hotels, malls, and much more, the historic sights of Bur Dubai remain one of its most popular attractions, even today.

We recommend taking the short trip aboard the traditional boats at the Abra Station that takes guests and visitors across the Creek.

Home to several landmarks such as the Grand Mosque, the iconic, blue-tiled Iranian Mosque, as well as the country’s only Hindy Temple, Bur Dubai is where one experiences the life-force of the city. Visitors can wander about the many souks, filled with souvenir shops, snacks, spice and tea shops – ideal to pick some exotic floral and herbal infusions for every need – as well as various jewelry shops.

4. Lunch at La Cantine du Faubourg

On the way back to the city center is the ideal lunch spot: La Cantine du Faubourg. Created by duo Pierre Pirajean and Helena Paraboschi, and located in the Emirates Towers, the restaurant offers a culinary experience that blends French gastronomy with Arabian sensibilities.

Within an elegant setting that aims at pleasing all the senses – for the restaurant also hosts art exhibitions and live performances – guests may experience the eclectic menu of Chef Gilles Bosquet, whose philosophy is to keep things simple but high quality. Guests also have access to GOHAN, the Japanese restaurant by the same team of La Cantine.

Our pick:

Starters: Foie gras terrine, caramelized onion, toasted walnut bread 

Mains: Grilled lamb chops, cashews, dried apricot, red curry, peanut oil

Dessert: Vanilla mille-feuille, salted caramel

5. Take a walk along Alserkal Avenue

Located just 10 minutes from La Cantine Du Faubourg, Alserkal Avenue is the artistic hotspot of Dubai. Home to numerous artist and designer studios and galleries, Alserkal Avenue gives visitors the opportunity to not only observe, but also interact with the artists and discover their history and techniques.

One such artist is El Seed. Renowned around the world for his unique style of mixing Arabic calligraphy with the medium of graffiti, El Seed’s art is informed by his dual nationality of French and Tunisian, and his motivation is to connect various cultures and communities through his art.

6. Dinner at Stay by Yannick Alléno

For this first night in Dubai, dinner at Stay by Yannick Alléno is a must. And the great thing about it is that it’s right there, at the One&Only The Palm itself.

As the flagship restaurant of the hotel, the Stay invites guests into a gorgeous contemporary Arabian setting to embark on the ultimate culinary experience designed by Michelin-starred Executive Chef Yannick Alléno. Offering a sumptuous French menu to its guests, Stay by Yannick Alléno is the result of contant back and forth between the chef and his team, allowing for incredible dishes that continue to push the limits of haute gastronomie.

Our pick:

Entrée: King Crab Topped with Farmhouse Cream

Mains: Slowly Cooked French Wild Turbot Fillet

Dessert: Soft Chocolate with Seaweed Jam

1. My Farm Dubai in the Desert

The desert is one of those unmissable activities in Dubai. However, there are more ways than one might think to make the most of this impressive location. Within its high sand dunes, the desert hides many adventures that may very well become an unforgettable experience.

Located in the Arabian desert, My Farm Dubai is where French-born Mohamed Assaoui has founded his sustainable farm to allow everyone to start eating healthily. As the fifth generation of a farming family, Mohamed made use of his extensive experience in engineering to undertake a challenge that few before him ever attempted: created a functioning vegetable farm in the middle of the desert. Leaving behind a successful career back in France, Mohamed moved to Dubai to follow his passion. Fighting against the elements and extreme conditions, he would benefit from the support of no other than the Sheik of the United Arab Emirates himself, in his effort to make sustainable farming the standards of tomorrow.

In this exclusive experience, guests are able to spend the day in the company of Mohamed as he explains his process and the various ways through which My Farm Dubai aims to contribute to the global issue of sustainability. Additionally, the experience comprises a tour of the incredible farm, where guests can even partake in a sustainable cooking class.

Lunch at Nammos Dubai

And after a full day out in the heat of the desert, nothing beats stopping for lunch at Nammos. Within a fresh and relaxing setting that looks and feels like an oasis, guests can sit back, enjoy some good food, and relax.

Located within the Restaurant Village at the Four Seasons Resort Jumeirah, Nammos offers a refreshing Mediterranean menu inspired by the culinary heritage of Mykonos – with some of the finest ingredients from the Aegean region- a bespoke wine and Champagne menu, and all accompanied by an unbeatable panoramic view of the ocean.

Our pick:

Appetizer: Line-caught Fish Carpaccio

Main: Any cut from the Great Meats. The restaurant serves Grade A5 Wagyu and Kobe beef cuts.

Dessert: Almond Pie

2. Spa treatment at the exclusive Guerlain Spa

One of the One&Only The Palm unique experiences is its exclusive partnership with the luxury house Guerlain.

In December 2015, the One&Only The Palm had the pride to host the first and only Guerlain Spa in the United Arab Emirates. Complete with custom-made product and signature treatments designed by the French brand, the spa experience offers an array of unique treatments that are designed to rejuvenate and reinvigorate the body and mind.

Within a gorgeous Andalusian décor, guests are whisked away into a world of wellness and pampering where they can experience a wellness programme that is inspired by Arabic culture.

Our pick: The 8 Treatment (Face and body)

3. Dinner at Kayto

To end Saturday on a high note, Kayto’s stunning contemporary setting and gourmet menu is a no-brainer.

Located some 20 minutes from the One&Only The Palm, at the Jumeirah Al Naseem, Kayto brings the unique goodness of Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine to the United Arab Emirates. Boasting an incredible talent of Head Chef Cristian Goya, the menu of Kayto is fresh, flavorful and vibrant, inviting the guests to relish the best of two culinary heritages.

Our pick:

Starters: Rock shrimp tempura, Creamy spicy sauce

Main: Corn-fed Baby chicken, Truffle Teriyaki sauce

Dessert: Mochi Ice-Cream

1. A day at Aquaventure Park

For the final day in Dubai, we thought it best to keep it close to home and all fun. The Aquaventure Park ticks all the boxes.

Located along the Crescent Road of the Palm Jumeirah itself, the water park is just 10 minutes from the One&Only The Palm. With over 105 record-breaking slides and attractions, the Aquaventure Park is the world’s largest water park. With activities and areas for all ages and tastes, the park is ideal for both families, or just couples looking to relax.

The park is home to thrilling experiences such as the Lost Chambers Aquarium, the Atlas Village with the Dolphin, Poseidon’s Revenge, and much more. The park also offers a 1-kilometer private beach for the sole purpose of relaxing.

2. Lunch at SAL Burj Al Arab

Before heading to a destination that has become synonymous with Dubai itself, SAL is a great way to slowly get into that environment.

One of the most popular restaurants in the city, SAL invites guests to relish the glistening waters of the Arabian Gulf while enjoying a Southern Mediterranean menu that’s guaranteed to impress. Within a gorgeous setting of stark white and blue with a fitting nautical theme that still manages to incorporate some colorful elements of the local Arabic culture, guests can sit back and enjoy specialties from across the Iberian Peninsula.

Our pick:

Starters: Oysters

Main: Stone Oven Baked Lemon Chicken Empanadas or the Catch of the Day

Dessert: Selection of ice cream

3. Tour of the Burj Al Arab

After lunch is the real main course, for the next stop is at the Burj Al Arab. Arguably the best hotel in the United Arab Emirates, the Burj Al Arab is often hailed as the only 7-star hotel in the world.

Aware of its reputation, the Burj Al Arab offers an exclusive 90-minute tour of its interiors where a guide will tell stories of its origin and creation, covering its architecture and interior design as well. The tour can be elevated with iconic photo moments, snacks and drinks, including the option for an afternoon tea or handcrafted cocktails during sunset.

4. Dinner at Pierchic

And finally, to end an exquisite weekend in Dubai, Pierchic offers one of the most gorgeous settings for a romantic dinner.

A short 20-minute car drive from the hotel will bring guests to the restaurant, which is located on the private pier of hotel Jumeirah Al Qasr. The unique setting is located just above the water of the Arabian Gulf itself and offers an award-winning Italian menu conceived by Head Chef Beatrice Segoni and expertly crafted by her team of professionals.

The restaurant offers both a tasting menu and a la carte.

Our pick:

Caviar: Oscietra Royal Caviar

Starter: Capesante (Seared scallop, mushroom, hazelnut, green pea carrot puree, truffle oil)

Mains: Astice in Salsa Verde (Grilled Canadian lobster, green herbs sauce)

Dessert: Tiramisu