A Middle Eastern Las Vegas
Tow boats on the Creek in Bur Dubai
BY AYA LOWE
Dubai is a city of superlatives, of man-made wonders and unbearably hot summers. It is the perfect destination for relaxation in luxury with endless shopping opportunities, extravagant restaurants and bars. If you’re looking to off-load obscene amounts of money, then Dubai is the place to be. For the numerous high flyers working in Dubai it’s a work hard, play hard mentality. For tourists, to enjoy Dubai to the max you will need to spend fast and furiously!
WHERE TO STAY
Home to the world’s only seven-star hotel, the Burj al Arab: this is accommodation at its most luxurious. One night in Dubai’s most iconic building will set you back $1,000 for the smallest suite. If you’re looking for something on the same par, but a little bit cheaper, the newly opened, bright pink Atlantis Hotel on Jumeirah Palm Island is just the ticket. The majestic entrance is quite incredible and includes rows of shops, high-end restaurants and night clubs. Some of the hotel suites look directly into an aquarium which is home to 65,000 marine animals.
With such a variety of five-star hotels, the challenge is in finding somewhere cheap. Most of the budget accommodation is found in Bur Dubai and Deira. There are good deals to be found but make sure you do your research. Look out for deals in mid-end hotels such as Crowne Plaza and Novotel where reduced rates are offered when you book online. There is also a Dubai Youth Hostel in Al Qussais which is a bit far out, but its only $52 per single room per night so perhaps worth it.
For something a little different, head 45 minutes away from the Dubai lights to Al Maha Desert Resort and stay in a Bedouin style hut with views of the Hajjar mountains and sand dunes. Even further afield is Sir Bani Yas Island, the largest natural island in the UAE and a nature reserve. You can stay at the Anantara Desert Islands Resort and Spa and mingle with the thirty species of free roaming animals.
WHERE TO EAT
The choices are endless; from hole in the wall shawarma to gastronomic fusion food. Surprisingly, restaurants selling Emirati cuisine are hard to come by. If you’re curious have breakfast at the Sheikh Mohammad Centre for Cultural Understanding and get a taste of local Emirati food and culture. On the other end of the spectrum, Gordon Ramsey’s restaurant, Verre was recently voted the best restaurant in Dubai by Time Out magazine. Or if you’re taste is more eclectic, head to the Financial district of Dubai to Zuma sushi restaurant. This is a popular haunt of Dubai’s hip. They love the sexy interiors, bite sized Japanese concoctions and funky cocktails. For something a little more unique, try a trip on a dhow boat along Dubai Creek. A night of unlimited Arabic food, live music and shisha always makes for a fun night out.
THE DUBAI BRUNCH
Then there are the infamous Dubai brunches. Always served on Fridays, this is the ideal way to spend a day of Roman-style hedonistic pleasure. For luxury, Al Qasr is the best. It’s a bit steep at $136 a head, but it is worth it if you’re willing to splash out. Other Friday brunches include Warehouse with all you can eat tapas and mojitos. If what you’re looking for is something a little more budget, More Café offers a buffet breakfast (try the eggs) followed by a buffet brunch for a mere $24.
NIGHTLIFE
Drinking in Dubai is expensive so be prepared. For the fashion conscious, the newly opened decedent Cavelli Lounge is top of the list. Go for the swooping chandeliers and animal prints that the fashion designer Roberto Cavelli is so famous for. For those who like their al fresco beach side drinking, Barasti is Dubai’s favourite. However, watch out for Thursdays and Fridays as it can get very busy. For a unique view and somewhat otherworldly experience: Après in Mall of the Emirates looks over Dubai’s indoor ski slope. You can watch people ski and play in the snow while the sun beams down outside.
Why not take to the slopes in Dubai?
The less expensive night time options are concentrated mainly in Bur Dubai. Although not a glitzy as the rest of Dubai, the bars here are cheap and cheerful. Submarine in Dhow Palace is a little less scummy than the others!
ART & CULTURE
The art scene in Dubai is relatively young and varied: from Filipino paintings to Iranian sculptures; many people have found inspiration here. Most of the galleries are located in warehouses in Al Quoz, which is the closest thing to a bohemian neighbourhood in Dubai. The Jam Jar is a great creative venue to unwind. For a set price you can purchase a canvas or two and for those who are artistically inclined you can even paint your own canvas!
SHOPPING
If you’re looking to shop, Dubai’s the place for it. Newly opened Dubai Mall will soon feature a Harrods and Bloomingdales as well as all the high street fashion regulars. For boutique shops stroll around Souk Al Bahar and along the Jumeirah Beach Residence Walk.
TRAVELLING AROUND THE CITY
For tourists, taxis are the main form of transport. Taxis are reliable and relatively cheap. Dubai’s new monorail, set to open in September will be a fun way to get around.
WALKING
Overall, Dubai is not a very pedestrian friendly city and most people spend their time in the comfort of air-conditioned shopping malls or cars. Walking along the Creek in Bur Dubai allows you to watch the conveyer belt of Dhows floating in and out of the port.
UAE COURTESY
• There is a zero tolerance policy on drugs and the punishment for possession of even the tiniest amount is imprisonment.
• While drinking is allowed, the police do not look very favourably on outward displays of drunkenness on the street. When moving from establishment to establishment it is advisable to use a cab.
• Make sure you wear the appropriate clothes at the appropriate time. Beach wear is good for the beach and the beach only. If you find yourself in a traditional neighbourhood it is best to cover your arms.
• Be polite at all times. While we may see certain hand gestures as a joke, some people can get very offended.
• Take care when crossing the road. Driving is a lot more reckless here than in Europe or the US. Crossing Sheikh Zayed road, the main road is a big no no.
Projectravel’s Goddess Guide: or how to look lovely on the beach
Image Courtesy Wikimedia
Live up to classical standards; follow these tried and tested beach beauty tips…
THE BASICS
1. Drink at least two large bottles of water a day.
2. Brush your skin in circular motions – towards the heart to help eliminate toxins
3. Try to exercise three times a week. Something cardiovascular and then something that stretches such as Yoga or Pilates
4. Buy a bikini in the sale. For a flattering shape and quality fabrics it is worth investing in designer swimwear.
5. We all know how dangerous sun damage is; so invest in a high-end sun cream. Sisley’s range is unbeatable. At the lower end of the market Nivea Sun SPF 30 is a good product that will give you all the protection you need.
THE BEAUTY TRICKS
1. Two weeks before you leave cut out all sugar, wheat and processed foods from your diet.
2. One week before your holiday cut out all dairy and salt. Anything containing these products can lead to bloating.
3. Steam; boil some water and pour into a large bowl. Put your head over the bowl and cover yourself with a towel. Take deep breaths and you will soon be left with a supernatural glow.
4. To prepare your skin; steam, scrub and oil. Then add a little self-tan for a truly sun-kissed look.
5. Be Confident
BEACH STYLE
1. Heidi Klein, Jets and American Apparel; all do a good bikini
2. Buy a kaftan or sarong and a printed beach towel to lie on. Patterns divert attention from anything you may wish to hide!
3. Wear lots of gold chunky jewellery with your tan and high-heeled shoes to make your legs look super-long.
4. If you are fair buy blue eyeliner. Brunettes should opt for a gold shimmer powder on the eyes.
5. Be active! There is nothing more boring than the beached whale look and the girl who only sunbathes… So go swim, play Frisbee, sail or surf and enjoy your holiday.
A Spoonful of Lovin’ in The Capital of the World – NYC by Summer
China Town in NYC
BY SCOTT CAVAZOS
New York organises a cadre of activities in the summertime, many of which are completely free. So if you find yourself in the city that stays up kind of late, you may want to take advantage of the following:
1. GO TO A BURLESQUE SHOW
There are many reasons to visit Coney Island before the city scrubs it into a family friendly shell of its former glory, but it’s hard to find a reason better than Burlesque at the Beach. Every weekend at 10pm Coney Island features troupes of the best burlesque and variety performers such as Lucky Pandora’s Box o’ Tricks, Le Scandal and Sugar Shack; and like everything else on the boardwalk, there’s always a twist. For a complete schedule go to Burlesque at the Beach.
2. EAT LIKE A BROKER (WITHOUT GOING BROKE)
Restaurant week is actually two weeks and happens twice a year, but with outdoor seating and international crowds flocking to the city, the summer session is the one you want to hit, when exorbitantly priced restaurants offer prix fixe meals at a fraction of the cost for lunch or dinner or both. Visit Open Table for reservations.
3. KAYAK ON THE HUDSON
Manhattan is known for many things butwater sports is not one of them. However if you feel the need to get wet, you can always rent one of the free kayaks at the Chelsea piers and paddle out into the Hudson. Find them at Pier 40 from 9am until 6pm on the weekends and in the evenings on weekdays. Visit Downtown Boathouse for more details.
4. WEAR SHORTS TO THE ORCHESTRA
On summer days, Central Park offers classical music outdoors with the Naumburg Orchestral Free Concert series. There is no charge and no dress code. Naumburg Orchestral Concerts has the full schedule.
5. EXPLORE GOVERNORS ISLAND
New York hasn’t lost all of its character just yet. In fact, there’s still enough weirdness that it could take a lifetime to see it all; you just need to get out of the officially sanctioned neighbourhoods. Enter Governors Island – a small landmass just south of Manhattan full of abandoned barracks where all manner of twisted performances, art fairs, and installations take place. Go to Governors Island for the full schedule.
6. ROCK OUT IN HARLEM
Amid the brownstones and boulevards of Harlem is a weekly concert series featuring jazz, salsa and world music at the Charles A. Dana Discovery Centre on 110th Street (between Fifth and Lenox Avenues) starting at 2pm every Sunday from June 21 until September 6.
7. HUNT GHOSTS
Washington Heights boasts the oldest and according to some, the most haunted house in the City. Alleged murderess, mistress then wife to Aaron Burr (and later demented recluse) Eliza Jumel has been terrorising visitors to the historic site since 1904 when the city bought her former mansion. The Museum is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 4pm and Monday through Tuesday by appointment. The Morris Jumel House is located at 65 Jumel Terrace between West 160th & West 162nd Streets. Visit Morris Jumel Mansion for more information.
8. DONATE TO THE ARTS
Most museums have donation days on which admission is up to the patron. Pay what you wish, but expect to encounter hushed breath admonitions if you simply walk through. For more information check Museum Deals.
9. WATCH A FILM WITH ONE THOUSAND OF YOUR CLOSEST FRIENDS
Bryant Park is most commonly associated with fashion week, but every Monday from June 15 until August 17 the park screens free films at 5pm. Blankets and picnics are more than welcome, but be discreet if you’re bringing drinks. Visit Bryant Park for listings.
10. SUNBATHE IN THE BUFF
While there is no (sanctioned) public exposure in the city itself, a ferry from Pier 11 shuttles daily to and from Sandy Hook, NJ, home of Gunnison Beach, the northeast’s largest nudist beach. Due to Gunnison’s status as federal land, the municipal and state ordinances against wearing your birthday suit outside don’t apply. Visit Sea Streak for schedules.
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