A Dubai holiday has something for everyone. Sample five-star hospitality and some of the best cuisine in the world, or lose yourself in old-world spice souks.
Beyond the canal and the silver skyscrapers lies a vast, unforgiving desert, but the air in the Gallery at The Lana is cool. The high tea spread out before us features chocolate diplomat cream and ruby grapefruit cheesecake.
I’m back in Dubai, anticipating five days of luxury far from hectic Sydney. This post-flight parade of pastries is a taste of what’s to come.
Why a Dubai holiday?
A perfect stopover between Australia and Europe, Dubai is a destination for pampering, eating, shopping and more pampering.
The Lana – Dorchester Collection is our gateway to the modern city, and our refuge from the scorching heat. The light-filled rooms are luxurious. Thirty floors up, the rooftop infinity pool has a sweeping view of the gleaming, futuristic skyline.
A taxi whisks us from this high-altitude paradise to the heart of the city. Our first stop is Old Baladiya Street, and the lively gold, herb and textile souks. The narrow alleys are filled with spices, jewellery and bottles of fragrances. Symbols painted on the flagstones help you navigate your way through the twisting alleyways. You could while away hours sampling sandalwood and Turkish rose perfumes.
Food glorious food
A short ride in an abra – a traditional ferryboat – delivers us to the Arabian Tea House in the historic Al Fahidi district. We’re welcomed with warm smiles and lots of food. The bustling dining room is lively and airy. Full of Emirati-spiced fish and rice, we wander the streets and stumble upon a gallery and a coffee museum. This is where to come if you’re hankering for a glimpse of how Dubai used to be.
Dinner is at Jara by Michelin-star chef Martín Berasategui, whose speciality is Basque cooking. Highlights include a tomato tartare and a three-cheese cheesecake that includes a hint of blue cheese. We eat on an elevated terrace, in the warm air, admiring the city which glitters under the night sky.
Dubai holiday must-see locations
The next day, we visit Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah, a man-made archipelago that can be seen from The View at The Palm, a 360-degree observation deck, 52 floors up. Afterwards, we come back down to earth and relax at one of Dubai’s many beach clubs. We visit Kyma beach, which boasts an excellent Greek restaurant.
Dubai’s Miracle Garden is an outdoor oasis amid a city of towers. We explore flower sculptures and pose with three-metre-tall topiary elephants.
We finish as we started, with high tea at the Palazzo Versace, which features a jazz bar – Q’s – curated by Quincy Jones. An annotated copy of the We Are the World sheet music, the 1985 charity single recorded by the world’s greatest supergroup, USA For Africa, hangs on the wall. We’re served velvet raspberry entremet and fudge sponge with chocolate Chantilly, then head to the airport full of happy memories and the sweetest taste in our mouths.
Where to eat on a Dubai holiday
Sushi Samba: Japanese-Brazilian-Peruvian fusion with cocktails, jungle décor and towering views.
Arabian Tea House: Hearty, spicy meals, bread cooked in a Tandoori oven and generous servings.
Riviera by Jean Imbert at The Lana: For a delicious breakfast of tahini, hummus, falafel, bread and pickles, complemented by coffee and a basket of flaky pastries.
See visitdubai.com/en/ for more.
The writer travelled as a guest of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism.
The article originally appeared in the April 2025 issue of The Australian Women’s Weekly. Subscribe so you never miss an issue.
