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Intro Blah Blah LUXE Insider LUXE Loves LUXE Loathes Drab vs. Fab LUXE Itineraries1 LUXE DUBAI

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DubaiThe cult pocket city guides and mobile apps for the busy, sophisticated traveler

www.luxecityguides.com

Citi presents LUXE City Guides

In only 50 years this little Muslim pearl-fishing village, nestled between the Arabian Gulf and the desert, has transformed itself into a ritzy, decadent

playground of sun, sand, shopping and spa.

and what it doesn’t have, it’s building. To navigate the city, take the Gulf as north and Dubai Creek as

your center, then the original old quarter Deira is to the east, downtown Dubai, comprising happening

hubs Dubai Mall and sky-high burj Khalifa, is to the west, and continuing west along the coast are

glitzy Jumeirah and Dubai Marina. So, go on aladdin, rub that magic lamp…


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Weather: the perfect time to

visit is Nov-apr, take a pashmina

for the cooler evenings; avoid

Jul-mid-Sep when temperatures

can soar to the high 40s

(115°F and above)

Don’t use sunscreen,

use sunbLOCK

Check ahead and plan around

Ramadan month when the city

fasts from sunrise to sunset, or

the prophet’s birthday when bars

are shut, and virtue is essential

Dubai international airport

to Emirates Towers:

25 mins / DHS 60

English is widely spoken, and the

people are friendly

Dubai lacks a proper address

system and landmarks are often

used instead. Get your concierge

or driver to call ahead or get a

map faxed if in doubt

The metro is cheap and handy

for mall hopping, but taxis

are plentiful and the easiest

way to get around

Events to watch for: Dubai World

Cup (Mar) – gee-gees (sans

gambling); Dubai Desert Classic

– gold (Feb/Mar); art Dubai –

international contemporary art

fair (Mar); Rugby 7s – strapping

men in shorts (Nov/Dec); and

Dubai Film Festival (Dec) –

Clooney and Cruise fest

Dubai’s weekend is Fri-Sat.

Many small shops don’t open

until 4pm on Fridays, but all of

the big malls open from 10am

and trade until late

The city is very safe, there is

virtually no crime

Dubai is remarkably liberal,

both in behavior and dress, but

egregious displays of anger and

saucy behavior are frowned

upon, and there is a ZERO

tolerance of drunk-driving = jail

alcohol is served only in

restaurants/bars attached to

hotels, and the prices charged

are often criminal

Tipping is not obligatory,

but appreciated

Currency: uaE Dirham.

DHS 3.67 = uS$1 fixed

Country code is +971 and

4 for Dubai, local mobiles

start with either 050 or 055

and landlines 04

Directory enquiries 181,

international directory

enquiries 151

Police and ambulance 999,

fire 997


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lUXE insidEr

a former professional skier, bastien Gonzalez discovered

his calling after a serious skiing accident left him in need

of physical therapy. after attaining podiatry qualifications,

bastien used his scientific knowledge to enhance and perfect

the art of nail care in his now world-famous pedicures and

manicures. bastien has since opened 13 PEDi:MaNi:CuRE

Studios in exclusive hotels all over the world, as well as

launched his Révérence de bastien product range.

www.bastiengonzalez.com

baSTiEN GONZaLEZ


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1) What’s the one thing every visitor to Dubai must do and why?

You must visit World’s tallest building Burj Khalifa, a living wonder, and stunning work of art.

The views are simply spectacular.

www.burjkhalifa.ae

2) What are 3 of your favorite restaurants and why? What dishes do you order at these places?

i love Nobu in atlantis, the world-renowned Japanese, a truly stunning restaurant and

unforgettable experience. There is a sushi bar and sake lounge, i love the Nobu signature

dishes Sashimi Salad with Matsuhisa soy sauce dressing and black Cod in Miso. The Moroccan

restaurant Tagine in the Royal Mirage hotel has lovely, hand polished and waxed tobacco-

colored walls, and lots of lanterns, rugs and decorative pieces from around the region – the

couscous is amazing. and last but not least PierChic in the Madiant Jumeriah, the stroll along

the pier is just the precursor to one of the most romantic locations in Dubai, the seafood is

great and the views of the Gulf breathtaking.

www.noburestaurants.com • royalmirage.oneandonlyresorts.com www.jumeirah.com

3) Where is the best coffee (or tea) in Dubai, and why?

Historically speaking, there should be no better place to drink coffee than here in the Middle

East – it was first roasted in nearby Yemen. Café Bateel, a Saudi-owned chain, is keeping

traditional arabic coffee (often referred to as Turkish coffee) en vogue with local Emiratis. in

many respects, bateel is the Middle East’s answer to Starbucks and there’s as much emphasis

on dates and shisha as there is coffee. Nonetheless, the coffee is delicious – it isn’t filtered

and is flavored with an array of spices – principally cardamom, but also saffron cloves,

and cinnamon.

www.bateel.com

4) Where would you go for a cocktail and what would you order?

101 sits on the very tip of The Palm’s crescent, but can also be reached via boat from sister

hotel One&Only Royal Mirage. With sweeping panoramic views of the Dubai skyline beyond,

the striking 101 dining lounge with alfresco seating overwater also features a chill-out lounge

with seaside tables and bar. You can enjoy a selection of light Mediterranean food; from tapas

and large fresh salads to seafood (the seafood paella is my favorite) it’s the perfect setting for

afternoon cocktails. Order the mojito!

www.jumeirah.com

baSTiEN GONZaLEZ


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5) What’s the best day trip to take from your city, and why?

There are some amazing day trips and over night trips in the desert. You can drive to the

northern Musandam Peninsula in the Sultanate of Oman, a simple 120-minute journey from

Dubai with beautiful setting of the Mountains on one side and sandy beach on the other.

Recently for my birthday i stayed at the Qasr Al Sarab in abu Dhabi’s spectacular Empty

Quarter. i stay in many luxury hotels around the world but for me this place was truly amazing,

i will definitely return, you are literally in the desert and then this fortress appears from

nowhere. Peaceful, tranquil, it was the perfect weekend. i even got to eat couscous under

the stars – true arabic style!

qasralsarab.anantara.com

lUXE insidEr

baSTiEN GONZaLEZ


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Al MAhA ReSoRT ANd SPA

Stay overnight or simply dine at this bedouin-style

retreat within a 225sqkm conservation area where wild

oryx and gazelle roam amongst the five-star, tented

suites, each with its own plunge pool. Dine in private

on your balcony overlooking the dunes, or take a camel

ride to the fantastic spa, or the shaded champagne bar

terrace for blazing sunsets, and don’t forget to practice

your archery and falconry!

Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve / off the Dubai to Al Ain

Highway / +971 4 832 9900 www.al-maha.com

Hotel

ARMANi hoTel

Sashay down the catwalk corridors of Giorgio’s temple

of beige and gold minimalism with leather walls, tatami

flooring and green marble bathrooms with namesake

products for use, plus exclusive armani/Privé lounge,

Milan’s prestigious Peck Deli, swank spa and armani retail

in the hotel and adjacent Dubai Mall.

Burj Khalifa / +971 4 888 3888 dubai.armanihotels.com

Hotel


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ZuMA

Sip and sup at this elemental dream of

soaring glass, granite, steel and timber

‘izakaya’ where suits and models rub

shoulders at blond wood tables, the

sushi and robata grill counters or the

slick mezzanine lounge. The two or

four course lunch is great value.

Bldg 6 / Gate Village / DIFC / +971 4 425 5660

zumarestaurant.com

Dining

Shu

Hang out with the locals at this

popular Middle Eastern mezze and

shisha lounge where the laid-back

atmosphere, vibrant furnishings, glass

bauble chandeliers, and chill patio are

ideal for watching the passing parade

along trendy Jumeirah beach Road.

Jumeirah Beach Road / opp. Jumeirah Beach Park / +971 4 349 1303 /

10am-2am daily www.jumeirah.com

Dining

XVA GAlleRy

a quaint renovated traditional majilis-

style boutique hotel in the heritage

area of chain-dominated Dubai,

with wind towers and shaded open

courtyards to enjoy the nearby calls to

prayer. The adjoining vegetarian café

with legendary mint lemonade is a

favorite among locals and celebrities.

Bastakiya / Bur Dubai /

+971 4 353 5383 xvahotel.com

Hotel

PieRChiC

Stroll along the candlelit pier to this

romantic love-den set over the gulf for

the ideal place to propose or rekindle,

and say yes to delicious Gallic seafood

dishes, impeccable service, balmy

breezes and azure waters. an added

plus is that no children under 10 are

allowed. Peace, perfect peace.

Al Qasr / Madinat Jumeirah / Jumeirah /

+971 4 366 6730 madinatjumeirah.com

Dining


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360°

Panoramic views of the city and

the Persian Gulf lull loungers and

groovers at this circular offshore

siren situated at the end of its

own pier. Sip sundowners on the

deck or twirl and whirl under the

starlight in the hedonistic electronic

playground above.

Marina Restaurant Rooftop / Jumeirah Beach Hotel / +971 4 406 8999 /

from 5pm daily / closed summer / re-opens September www.jumeirah.com

Bar

RoofToP BAR

The ultimate in cushion-strewn, laid-

back arab loveliness. This sheik-chic,

picture-perfect setting is the best

place in Dubai to watch the sunset with

cocktails, with knockout views of the

Gulf and the somewhat bizarre Palm

development. Great mezze nibbles too.

Arabian Court / One&Only Royal Mirage / Juemirah / +971 4 399 9999 /

5pm-1am royalmirage.oneandonlyresorts.com

Bar

Al NAfooRAh

This swish and zesty Lebanese

destination covers all bases – business

meets, family venue, post-retail

lunchkin or romantic diner, and sits

perfectly located for designer shopping

too. Check out the terrace (closed

in summer) and be sure not to miss

the excellent hot and cold mezze

and killer kebbeh.

Jumeirah Emirates Towers / Sheikh

Zayed Road / +971 4 319 8088 www.jumeirah.com

Dining

NASiMi BeACh

a Miami vibe in Dubai setting makes

this shoreline terrace the place to go

for full moons, international DJs and

ibiza-party crowds. Each evening, the

beach amenities convert to a lounge

club with music, ambient lighting and

sofas for drinks, shisha and lounging.

Atlantis Dubai / +971 4 426 2626 /

noon-12.3am Sat-Thu, till 2am Fri / closed summer

www.atlantisthepalm.com

Club


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AlAddiN ShoeS

For shoes to make your toes curl,

head to the best in the business,

where Mohommed can custom-make

beautiful, sequined Persian slippers

in only 2-3 days, with matching

embroidered belts. Just head to the

bur Dubai Old Souk abra and you

can’t miss aladdin.

Dubai Old Souk / Bastakiya / +971 4 050 515 4351

Shopping

AMARA

Moorish amara spa knows what

the weary traveler kneads: private

suites with personal walled garden,

outdoor rain shower, and a luxurious

assortment of massages, body and

facial treatments. Customize the

ambient music and prepare for a

pampering using skin guru anne

Semonin’s signature products. Then,

make a day of it with free reign of Park

Hyatt’s facilities, including pool, steam

room, sauna and fitness center.

Park Hyatt / Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club / +971 4 602 1234 dubai.park.hyatt.com

Activities

The ThiRd liNe

Expansive, edgy, tucked away gallery

that’s the place to see and buy regional

and international contemporary Middle

Eastern art. Cutting-edge exhibits

feature international-caliber diasporic

artists like Toronto-based abbas

akhavan and New York-based Youssef

Nabil, for public and collection.

Al Quoz Industrial Estate / Interchange

No. 3, Exit 42 / +971 4 341 1367 thethirdline.com

Shopping

The Blue SouQ (CeNTRAl MARKeT)

Ditch Dubai when looking for arabian

carpets. instead, this most famous of

Sharjah’s souks offers reputable vendors

and the best bargains, provided you’ve

honed your haggling skills. The floor above

houses the best carpet shop selection in

the country, plus gold jewelry and gems

galore. For authentic Nain and Kashan

rugs, Persian Carpet Kingdom within the

Souq is the safest bet.

Al Majaz / close to Sharjah Creek / +971

06 573 5098 / 9am-1pm & 4-11pm Sat-Thu, 4-11pm Fri

persiancarpetkingdom.com

Shopping


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ARABiAN AdVeNTuReS

Forget the headache of planning, this

polished outfit arranges desert safaris,

visits to racing stables, luxury cruises,

fishing, water sports, helicopter tours,

romantic dinners in exotic spots, golf

escapes and more. You can book privately

or join another group.

+971 4 303 4888

arabian-adventures.com

Activities


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July / AuGuST TeMPeRATuReS

High 40s (115°F and above), and

seriously not funny

CoNSTRuCTioN

Cranes (not of the fowl variety)

abound in construction

central Dubai

duBAi dRiVeRS

The international melange

of people in Dubai means

international driving tendencies

with blurred laws. be prepared

for some of the worst drivers

on the planet!

TRAffiC

Drivers are one problem, the

traffic is another. Prepare for 3hr

gridlock during rush hour, which

is every hour.

lUXE loathEs


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ARRiVe iN STyle

being stuck in traffic purgatory during

rush hour is infuriating when trying

to get to the Park Hyatt’s Terrace for

alfresco cocktails, so do the smart

thing instead and hire an abra (boat)

at 100Dhs/1hr to cruise along the

Dubai Creek to Park Hyatt’s marina,

arriving at The Terrace fresh and

cool. Simply board at any abra station

along the creek.

dubai.park.hyatt.com

drab vs. Fab

SKy hiGh

avoid battling with the hordes of

tourists for prime viewing real estate

on the observation deck of the world’s

tallest tower, the Burj Khalifa, by

chartering a helicopter from Arabian

Adventures and flying around

the burj instead.

www.burjkhalifa.ae

arabian-adventures.com

Pool TiMe

Swimming in the sea is pleasant, but

the construction residue and towering

cranes near the beaches are not, so

stick with the smart set by dipping

into the not too hot, not too cold, but

‘just right’ clean waters of the chilled

swimming pool bordered by beautifully

landscaped lush gardens at the

one&only Royal Mirage hotel.

www.oneandonlyresorts.com

uNdeRwATeR

The Persian Gulf’s vast network of on-

going land expansion has all but scared

away the marine life, so snorkelling,

sailing or diving can be less than

idyllic. instead charter a sleek cruiser

or fit-for-a-sheikh yacht for offshore

diving, deep-sea fishing, sunset sails,

or customized itineraries through

Art Marine.

artmarine.net

PeRSoNAl ShoPPeR

Getting lost in the world’s largest

malls and sprawling souks of retail

mecca Dubai can be no joke, so

discover the city’s hush-hush shopping

secrets with divine, celebrity-stylist

Kelly Lundberg’s team of crack

personal shoppers.

www.divine.ae


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Escape the summer heat in the urban-

glam Grosvenor house. Your personal

butler can arrange for breakfast in bed

before you venture to the old quarter of

Deira for the Spice and Gold Souks; the

souks open from 9am so cab there early

to avoid the notorious Dubai traffic, or

allocate plenty of extra time for gridlock.

after reaching the Deira Old Souk abra

Station drop-off point, take the tiny alley

that runs behind the area’s ochre-colored

shops to and find aromatic saffron, cumin

and the myriad delights of the Spice Souk.

The Gold Souk is further along the main

road up Old baladiya Road, but trot on

to nearby Souk Deira Street for a heady

concoction of perfume stores with their

signature jars of heavy oils. Escape the

encroaching heat by continuing down this

street and turning right to bring you to

the Old Souk abra Station. Embark your

chartered abra (see Drab vs Fab) and

cruise down the stunning Dubai Creek to

lunch at Park Hyatt’s scrumptious Middle

Eastern offering Café Arabesque. While

the a la carte items can be hit or miss, the

mezze buffet of fresh Jordanian, Syrian

and Lebanese starters is unmissable,

but don’t over-indulge as you’ll want to

make your way to your couples’ suite at

the Moorish-zen palace of the resort’s

Amara Spa (see LuXE Loves). Here, you

can choose from a wealth of spa packages

like the luxurious 5-hr Diamond Journey

that includes Thai, reflexology and indian

head massages to free blocked energy

and an illuminating facial to leave you

glowing. To maintain your zen, simply

step from the spa onto The Terrace for

fabulous sundowner views of the marina,

then take a leisurely cab to seafood haven

Pierchic (see LuXE Loves) to end the

evening at this lover’s fairytale set over

the Persian Gulf.

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STyle

The sun is shining and the thermostat

hasn’t climbed above 115 degrees (high

40s) yet, perfect time to take an Arabian

Adventures (see Drab vs fab) helicopter

ride around the city, over the stunning

coastline and the architectural splendors

of the manmade Palm Jumeirah

archipelago and the world’s tallest

building, the burj Khalifa. afterwards, take

the complimentary Royal Mirage Hotel

coach to Media City, and enjoy Middle

Eastern fusion salads and sandwiches

at lime Tree Café opposite. Escape the

now scorching heat at the Jumeirah

Zabeel Saray’s palatial Talise ottoman

Spa where their Turkish hammams and

hydrotherapy rooms are the icing on the

cake of luxurious treatments. a few hours

of this Turkish delight then it’s off to Souk

Madinat for a sweets and macarons stop

at Vivel Patisserie, sating the Dubai

sweet tooth since 1992. Marathon retail

is in order after such a patisserie feast,

so head to the Dubai Marina to partake in

the city’s unofficial sport, shopping. begin

on the northern end of the pedestrianized

Marina Walk, opposite the Ritz Carlton,

to behold high style emporium Boutique

1, where a divine shrine to labels from

Martin Grant to Thom browne, plus a

denim bar and personal stylists await you.

accessorize your new look with ornate

shoes and bags by Gina, Fendi, Dior and

more in nearby opera. Now that you

can dress to impress, throw on your new

threads for a night on the town starting

with supper at Zuma, and finishing at

ultra-slick Armani/Privé (see LuXE

Loves) nightclub, for a vibrant mix of

international beats, great drinks and hi-so

crowd. Tired? Why look further than a

suite at Armani hotel (see LuXE Loves)

downstairs…. how convenient is that!

lUXE itinErarY


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Dubai may be a business hub, but

that certainly doesn’t make it easy

to get around in. unless you want to

teleconference while stuck in a three-

hour long traffic jam, stay in Jumeirah

emirates Towers, located in the financial

district, and featuring with breathtaking

views of burj Kahlifa and complimentary

access to Jumeirah beach Hotel’s private

beach (in case you get a post-meeting

tanning window). With the hotel sorted,

let’s get your attire in order! if you have

48 hours in the city or you visit Dubai

regularly, take the time to get sized up at

Parmar Tailors for a custom suit made

from luxurious European fabrics – they’ve

been outfitting captains of industry

and young dandies since 1956. busy

businesswomen should contact divine

(see Drab vs Fab) for celebrity-stylist Kelly

Lundberg’s expertise. Now, with your

outfit in the works, it’s time to get rid

of any signs of and fatigue. Men can try

‘The Perfect Shave’ and a Thai or sports

massage at the decadent grooming

lounge for men, 1847, conveniently

located on the Emirates Towers boulevard

below the hotel. Ladies, freshen up

at armani Hotel’s signature Armani/

SPA with a customized treatment using

namesake products. Now you’re feeling

refreshed, head to you pre-booked lunch

table at zesty Lebanese Al Nafoorah. its

lovely terrace and specialty hot and cold

mezze dishes are sure to impress that

important lunch client. For a pre-dinner

drinks meeting, the laidback, beachside,

contemporary-arabian indoor/outdoor

Jetty lounge is the perfect choice, and

when it’s time to sign on the dotted line,

dinner at nearby 101 dining lounge and

Bar, with its Mediterranean tapas and

seafood dishes, plus sweeping panoramic

views of the Dubai skyline, is a sure-fire

deal-clincher.

BuSiNeSS

lUXE itinErarY


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Grosvenor HouseAl Sufouh Road / West Marina /

+971 4 399 8888www.grosvenorhouse-dubai.com

Café ArabesquePark Hyatt / Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht

Club /+971 4 602 1234dubai.park.hyatt.com

Amara SpaPark Hyatt / Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht

Club / +971 4 602 1234dubai.park.hyatt.com

PierchicAl Qasr / Madinat Jumeirah / Jumeirah /

+971 4 366 6730madinatjumeirah.com

thE EssEntials

STyle

Arabian Adventures (see Drab vs fab)

Lime Tree CaféJumeirah Beach Road (next to Spinney’s) / +971 4 366 9320

thelimetreecafe.com

Talise Ottoman SpaJumeirah Zabeel Saray Hotel / The Palm Jumeirah / Crescent Road (West) / +971 4 453 0455

www.jumeirah.com

Vivel PatisserieSouk Madinat Jumierah /

+971 4 368 6006www.vivel.com

Boutique 1The Walk at Jumeirah Beach Residence / +971 4 425 7888

www.boutique1.com

ZumaBldg 6 / Gate Village /

DIFC / +971 4 425 5660 zumarestaurant.com

Armani/Privé(see LUXE Loves)

Armani Hotel(see LUXE Loves)

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Jumeirah Emirates Towers / Sheikh Zayed Road / +971 4 330 0000

www.jumeirah.com

Parmar Tailors / 25c Street / Al Souq Al Kabeer / near the Astoria Hotel / +971

4 353 5648parmartailors.com

Divinewww.divine.ae

1847 / Jumeirah Emirates Towers / Sheikh Zayed Road/ +971 4 / 330 1847

www.thegroomingco.com/1847

ArmaniSPA (see LUXE Loves)

Al Nafoorah / Jumeirah Emirates Towers / Sheikh Zayed Road /

+971 4 319 8088www.jumeirah.com

Jetty Lounge Beachfront / One & Only Royal Mirage /

Jumeirah / +971 4 399 9999thepalm.oneandonlyresorts.com

101 Dining Lounge and BarOne & Only The Palm / +971 4 440 1010

thepalm.oneandonlyresorts.com

thE EssEntials

BuSiNeSS


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