Destination Guide to Dubai

Where desert sands meet the sea, Dubai is a city that seems plucked from the celluloid of a futuristic film. London-based creatives Sarah-Louise Marks and Christopher Phelps of The Adventures of Us know the biggest, glitziest UAE city well. The multi-hyphenate duo—their work spans creative direction, photography, design, music and, of course, travel—frequently find themselves here. They dish on their Dubai faves, from luxury hotels to the best spot to catch the sun setting over the iconic skyline.

STAY

One&Only The Palm, Dubai

An oasis nestled in a secluded spot on The Palm, the spectacular One&Only looks out across the Persian Gulf from its own private beach. One of Dubai’s most luxurious hotels, the majestic pink buildings are surrounded by lush gardens and cascading fountains. With chic interiors and even chicer clientele, the hotel is a serene and tranquil haven in a bustling city.

SLS Dubai

Located in Dubai’s glittering Downtown District, SLS Dubai is the place to be for atmosphere, party lovers and 360-degree views of the city. Luxurious, mischievous and sultry, it boasts beautiful contemporary interiors and one of the best infinity pools in the city.

Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, The Palm

The newest arrival to The Palm, the Taj Exotica sits between the Arabian Sea and the city skyline and welcomes guests to one of Dubai’s first entirely sustainable hotels. The grand resort blends serenity with elegant contemporary interiors. Its dreamy oceanfront pool is the place to be for ultimate relaxation.

EAT & DRINK

Nammos

Tucked away next to the Four Seasons Jumeirah, Mykonos’s iconic Nammos brings its Greek beach-inspired cuisine to Dubai. Whitewashed furniture, the hottest tunes and an impeccable wine list—it’s the place to be seen in Dubai. Order fresh seafood from the market catch of the day counter, the delicious Greek salad or the incredible Japanese Wagyu Beef.

Hutong

If you’re going to Hutong, you have to order the Peking Duck. No question. Flame grilled to be extra crispy at the table, it’s cooked to perfection. Located in Downtown Dubai, Hutong serves delicious classic Chinese dishes in its suave, dark and romantic dining room, whilst a Chinese Money Tree sits center stage commanding the room. The dishes are delicious and the service is excellent—a must visit when in the city.

GAIA

Named after the Greek goddess of earth, GAIA is one of the best restaurants in Dubai. With its elegant white palette, the dining room is designed to represent a contemporary taverna. The kitchen is headed up by legendary chef Izu Ani, formerly of La Petite Maison, and is inspired by the Greek Islands with super fresh seafood at the forefront. The incredible seafood counter features everything—king crab, red mullet, giant Carabineros prawns—and the restaurant also has a fish sommelier who will advise you on the fish of the day and cook it in the spices and method of your choice, be it grilled, roasted, raw or salt-crusted.

Fi’lia

Set 70 floors up at the top of SLS Dubai, Fi’lia serves up exquisite Italian cuisine with some seriously Insta-worthy views of the skyline from its open-air terrace. Iconic Italian dishes are cooked in the firewood oven and grill using only the freshest ingredients, with handmade bread, pizza and pasta as the standouts—all paired perfectly with fine Italian wines. The truffle pizza is especially exceptional.

SHOP

The Dubai Mall

Dubai is renowned for its malls, and The Dubai Mall is the largest in the UAE. Home to luxury stores such as Cartier and Dior, a wide variety of shopping options, restaurants and the Dubai aquarium, it’s the perfect place to spend the day with the whole family.

Mall of The Emirates

There’s much more than shopping at this happening spot in the city. Home to a ski slope and cinema complex, as well as 560 shops and pop-up concepts, a visit to the Mall of the Emirates is a must on any trip to Dubai. Spend the day exploring the luxury boutiques, before enjoying lunch at one of the mall’s delicious dining spots.

Old, Gold and Spice Souks

Transport yourself back in time and explore Dubai’s souks, hidden gems for history, culture and picking up a bargain or two. Little has changed over the years, the narrow alleys are packed with traditional vendors selling textiles, gold and spices. It’s a feast for the eyes and senses.

EXPLORE

Desert Safari

Head 40 minutes outside of the city and immerse yourself in the natural landscape of the Arabian Desert for a once in a lifetime adventure—be it dune bashing, desert safari, camel ride or dinner in a traditional setting under the stars. The beauty of the sand dunes makes for an unforgettable experience.

The Spa at One&Only The Palm

Escape the bustle of the city to the magical Guerlain Spa set in a serene corner of One&Only The Palm. A rejuvenating oasis, its luxurious beauty treatments utilize traditional techniques. It’s the perfect place to unwind and truly one of the best spas in the city.

Dubai Creek

For the best view of Dubai’s iconic and mesmerizing skyline, head to Dubai Creek at sunset. The seawater creek which flows between Deira and Bur Dubai is in the historic center of the city, and remains one of Dubai’s most charming attractions with art galleries, museums, restaurants and souks lining its banks. Take a two-hour Dhow dinner cruise and enjoy the sights, sounds and sunsets of Old Dubai.