Dubai, darling: Sipping, Savoring and Soaring in Luxury

“Living in a material world, And I am a material girl…”—Madonna’s iconic anthem played on a loop as I experienced Dubai. It feels almost poetic, stepping into a city that redefines pomp at its every curve. From scrumptious meals to breathtaking views, my Dubai sojourn was nothing short of a love letter to the finer things in life.

And that love affair only deepened as I arrived at the W Hotel at Mina Seyahi — a space where modernity flirts with chic. With an inviting vibe and flawless service, it felt like stepping into a bespoke world of comfort where spectacular views of the Dubai skyline and the Arabian Gulf upped the experience. From here, it was a seamless glide into the heart of Dubai’s pizazz.

The next morning we ventured into our first stop for breakfast at the La Maison Ani in Dubai Mall’s Fashion Avenue. Think Parisian chic meets Mediterranean warmth — white linen tables, pastel-pink archways, and a menu as uplifting as a celebratory toast. While every corner and the outside seating views beckon you to snap a photo (yes, I took a million pictures), how can we not talk about the food: the croissant was hands down the best I’ve ever tasted — crispy, buttery, and impossibly flaky, it melted in my mouth like a buttery dream. Every dish that followed explored Chef Izu’s global influences, blending French-Mediterranean roots with British and African nuances.

Post-breakfast, I strolled through the Dubai Mall (mostly to burn off those calories), surrounded by more designer labels than a fashionista’s dream. It was retail therapy, on steroids.  

But Dubai isn’t one that lets you linger too long in one place. What started as a laid-back lunch swiftly transformed into an afternoon of indulgence at Be Beach, a stunning beach club at Dubai Harbour. Picture this: sun-kissed waves lapping the shore, Mediterranean-inspired European feasts, cocktails that tempt you to stay just a little longer and the sea breeze that whispers, “Relax, you’re in paradise.” The feast? Think bold flavours, fresh ingredients, and a touch of glamour—each plate feels like it’s straight out of a culinary love story. The menu delivers on taste, style, and a little bit of flair.

We headed back to the hotel for downtime but soon found ourselves irresistibly drawn to a colourful escape: Dubai Miracle Garden. A true testament to Dubai’s knack for turning dreams into reality, this sprawling floral paradise dazzled with over 150 million blooms crafted into breathtaking displays. From whimsical heart-shaped arches to colossal floral castles, every corner offered a burst of colour and creativity. It felt like walking through a living postcard, where each step revealed a new layer of artistry and wonder. The garden’s serene charm was the perfect contrast to Dubai’s fast-paced glamour, leaving us refreshed and awestruck.

Later that evening, we were back in full swing for dinner at TATEL. (Rumour says: this iconic restaurant chain is co-owned by three legendary Spaniards—Rafael Nadal, Pau Gasol and Cristiano Ronaldo). What unfolded here was an experience where traditional Spanish haute cuisine met elegance on a plate. The space exuded chic sophistication with a playful edge and the rhythmic live music set the perfect tempo for the evening: With flavours that pirouetted between rich and refined yet never took themselves too seriously.

By the time the last course had been savoured and the final note played, I was back at the W Hotel, basking in the Dubai night sky so indulgent, so intimate, it felt like the perfect prelude to whatever magic the next day would bring.

The next morning began with a splash aboard a luxury yacht cruising through Dubai Marina with Xclusive Yachts. As the morning sun danced on the water’s surface, I devoured breakfast on the deck with the city’s skyline framing a perfect backdrop. The gentle sways of the yacht and the serene waters felt like a private escape, making the moment feel like a scene from a movie.

After a rather audacious morning, we headed to the Talise Ottoman Spa at the Jumeirah Zabeel Saray. An Ottoman-inspired space with dark woods, gleaming Afyon and Kutahya marble, and striking murals gave the space a regal charm. The 28 domes, painted by students from Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University, told a story of Turkish artistry, and hanging above all of it, the world’s largest Bohemian crystal chandelier (weighing 4.5 tonnes) stole the spotlight. As if this weren’t enough, the true enchantment began as I stepped through two wooden doors hand-painted Turkish oak, designed to evoke ancient Hammams. Soon, I sank into their signature spa treatment, a perfect blend of old-world rituals and modern therapies, leaving me glowing, utterly relaxed, and feeling like time had hit the pause button just for me.

While still basking in an otherworldly sense of relaxation, we made our way to La Cantine Du Faubourg for lunch Dubai’s quintessential destination for extravagant midday feasts and luxe evening dining. The space itself exudes an eclectic yet refined energy, blending art, music, imagery, and cuisine into a sensory experience. Described by its creators as “an artistic rendezvous, a lifestyle statement,” La Cantine’s ambience feels almost like a living work of art.

As if on cue, the food arrived, each dish a masterpiece in its own right. The perfectly seared rib-eye, tender and rich, practically melted in the mouth. The truffle pizza, with its golden, crispy crust, was crowned with generous shavings of the finest truffle, elevating every bite. And the chilled gazpacho, vibrant and refreshing, was a true testament to the artistry of flavour. At La Cantine Du Faubourg, luxury is something you breathe in.

My final day in Dubai was dedicated to flavours that transport. Breakfast at Bebek, a Turkish gem in Jumeirah, was a feast that made me rethink everything I thought I knew about breakfast. Sucuk, halloumi, and menemen paired with honey and Turkish tea – a breakfast dream team, to say the least. The decor was: Art Deco meets Alice in Wonderland – gothic arches, futuristic lighting and playful touches that made it feel like stepping into a whimsical, schmick dream. It’s the kind of place where you can’t help but feel like you’ve wandered into a surreal wonderland, with food that’s just as sublime.

With the last sunset casting its golden glow over the city, I left Dubai with a promise to return — after all, who could resist a place where luxury never takes a day off? As I boarded my flight back home, I couldn’t help but hum Madonna again. Dubai, darling, truly is a material world – and I, for one, revelled in every glamorous second of it.

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