Home to Sheikhs and billionaires, Dubai has become known as a centre of luxury, where no experience is too decadent or over-the-top. Even the police can be seen driving Lamborghinis on the streets of Dubai.
But with so much on offer, how do you make the most of your decadent stay in Dubai? We’ve put together a list of luxury experiences in Dubai that are not-to-be-missed.
Stay at the Burj al Arab
The Burj al Arab is one of the most impressive hotels in Dubai, inside and out. Standing on its own artificial island, the Burj al Arab is the fifth tallest hotel in the world. It is also a stunning piece of architecture, designed to look like the sails of a ship.
Billed as a seven-star hotel, for the most luxurious experience arrive for your stay via the rooftop helipad, and then check into the Royal 2. You will find yourself in a 780 square metre suite serviced by a 24-hour butler service. You may never want to leave your suite with its private cinema, library and dining room for twelve.
Unfortunately, if you aren’t staying at the hotel, you can’t simply walk in for a visit. To make your way across the land bridge to the hotel you need to show security that you have business there. Make some business by getting a reservation at one of the hotel’s many restaurants, or the Skyview Bar up on the 27th floor, which is reached by an express panoramic elevator.
Ride a Hot Air Balloon over the Desert
Is there anything more romantic than a hot air balloon ride over the desert? But like everything in Dubai, this is an experience on another level.
A five-star hot air balloon experience starts with being chauffeured from your hotel to an authentic Bedouin camp, from where the balloons leave, in a classic 1950’s Land Rover.
As well as taking in the views, while onboard, enjoy a gourmet breakfast of caviar, smoked salmon and fresh fruit as you watch the Peregrine Falcons swoosh past. Finish your experience by getting up close and personal with these magnificent beasts in a private falconry show.
Dive into Gold at the Souk
As well as oil, this area of the world is famed for its gold, and when it comes to gold shopping, there is nowhere better than the Deira Gold Souk area. This maze of more than 300 covered shops has been famous since the 1940s, when entrepreneurs began to set up their stalls. Today there are more than 10 tonnes of rings, bracelets and other sparkling gold trinkets on show every day.
Complete a full day of gold indulgence by heading to the Scoopi Cafe, where you can try their signature dessert. The Black Diamond is a vanilla ice-cream bowl topped with saffron, black truffles and 23-carat gold flakes.
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Cruise on a Private Yacht
Pass a day like the rich and famous by heading to the Dubai Marina, where you can charter a luxury yacht and cruise around the city. Relax and enjoy the impressive architectural skyline including the Palm Jumeriah, Burj al Arab and the Atlantis.
While details differ, you can expect to be pampered by a full concierge service as you sip on cocktails and indulge in fine dining. You will find your yacht equipped with a pool, water sports facilities and other entertainments. Be sure to pack your poshest poolside outfit.
Pamper Yourself at Cleopatra’s Spa
There is no shortage of luxury spas in Dubai where you can be pampered for the day and indulge in the kind of beauty treatments that keep celebrities looking ageless. However, there is something extremely tempting about being treated like the ultimate queen herself at the Cleopatra Spa. Located in the WAFI Mall, this Egyptian themed spa offers ultimate luxury.
With separate spas for men and women, relax in a gold bath of rejuvenating milk, enjoy one of many massage treatments, or get a glamorous Medi-Diamond facial (yes, with real diamonds).
Go to the Races, Dubai Style
Often described as the world’s richest horse race, the Dubai World Cup held at the Meydan Racecourse makes Ascot look quaint. This big-ticket race is held annually on the last Saturday of March and is the ultimate opportunity to see the top horses, racers and trainers as they compete for the US$12 million prize.
Not visiting in March, don’t worry, the racecourse host 23 meetings between November and April, all of which will exceed expectation and have a minimum prize purse of AED1 million. Make sure you arrive dressed to impress.
Take a Luxury Safari
No trip to Dubai is complete without a dessert adventure, but this is yet one more thing that can be done in Dubai with over-the-top style. Book yourself on a safari in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, where you can choose to go low-key or high-end.
The most extravagant safaris will include a helicopter ride to your starting point, giving you amazing views of both the city and the desert. Then go off-road and explore the native wildlife in a classic and comfortable Land Rover. You will see rolling dunes, hidden oases and traditional villages.
In the evening, enjoy a desert sunset, traditional Bedouin barbecue and belly dancing performances before returning to the comfort of your hotel.
Golf Among the Sand Dunes
Dubai is full of challenging, immaculately maintained golf courses that let you spend the day on the green while soaking up Dubai’s unique scenery. Try the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club, which skirts the Dubai Creek, or get out to the native sands of the Arabian Ranches Golf Club.
No need to bring your own clubs, as you will find the best quality clubs available to rent, which you can transport in your top-end golf buggy. Finish your round with dinner in some the fine-dining restaurants you will find at every club, and a cocktail.
Don’t worry, tourists can drink alcohol in Dubai inside licensed establishments such as hotels and restaurants. However, remember that the minimum drinking age is 21, and that there is zero-tolerance for drink driving.
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