Shop. Pamper. Dine. Party. Explore. High end designer brands Luxurious spa treatments Some of the world's best Champagne brunches and Markets, local culture and and mega-malls galore and traditional massage chefs and restaurants a thriving nightlife desert adventures TheGirls’ Guideto... Dubai Dispatches / EXPERIENCE. LETTER FROM THE DispatchesEditor elcome to the Girls’ Guide to Dubai works of both well-known and emerging artists. Music produced by Luxury Travel magazine and arts festivals each year continue to attract some of on behalf of Dubai Tourism. the world’s biggest names in entertainment. The city of Dubai, the second largest For those wanting to absorb some of the local culture Wcity and emirate of the United Arab Emirates, is a and customs, the cultural centre teaches local traditions. luxurious playground for the discerning traveller. While For a spot of pampering, take advantage of the many shopping might be one of the first activities that comes relaxing spa treatments and traditional activities such as to mind, there is a myriad of experiences and adventures hammam massage and ottoman spa indulgences. for ladies to enjoy in this glamorous, safe and easy-to- Not to forget a girls’ best friend, retail-therapy, navigate destination. Dubai is home to the world’s largest shopping mall, shoe Dubai offers activities of interest to suit all moods store and several fashion festivals. Personal stylists and – from adventurous dune buggy riding or camel polo shoppers, purchasing from catwalk collections, Skyping in the desert; to animal encounters with dolphins and with European designers and custom tailoring are all penguins. Decadent high teas, long, leisurely champagne offered within the city’s top boutiques and ateliers. brunches or poolside cocktails can all be enjoyed by over A visit to the traditional souk markets where gold and 21-year-olds at the numerous hotels, lounge bars and spices abound is another highlight. restaurants around the city. Food-lovers will be enticed Whether it’s an action-packed and bustling stay by the wide-ranging cuisine from world-class Michelin- you seek with girlfriends or a chilled, restorative exotic starred chefs and month-long food festivals. escape, the luxury lady traveller is sure to find what she’s A burgeoning arts and cultural scene in Dubai sees looking for in Dubai. FOUR SEASONS JUMEIRAH BEACH a number of impressive galleries and spaces exhibiting KATRINA HOLDEN, EDITOR. JUMEIRAH ZABEEL SARAY www.luxurytravelmag.com.au 1 EDITOR Katrina Holden EDITORIAL ASSISTANT 4 6 8 Belinda Craigie KNOW BEFORE BEACH LOVERS PAMPER TIME GRAPHIC DESIGN YOU GO The most beautiful Indulge in some Blair Pagan, Sonia Blaskovic Travel tips to ensure beaches and sandy of the world-leading ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER a smooth and safe escapes to kick back and traditional Jacquie Puddick [email protected] visit to Dubai. and enjoy outdoors. spa treatments . Telephone +61 2 8204 1018 Fax +61 2 9281 7529 EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES Katrina Holden [email protected] 12 14 18 PRODUCTION MANAGER Madeleine Stratton LADIES WHO ADRENALINE NATURE BRUNCH JUNKIES LOVERS PRODUCED AND PUBLISHED BY MAGNESIUM MEDIA ABN 86 066 598 427 Champagne brunches and Thrill-seeking adventures in Animal encoutners to Level 1, 579 Harris Street, Ultimo, NSW, 2007 Australia where to head for buzzing Dubai including camel and enjoy in Dubai including Telephone +61 2 8204 1000 Fax +61 2 9281 7529 or relaxed drinking. dune rides and skydiving. penguins and dolphins. A Luxury Travel magazine special project published by Magnesium Media COVER IMAGE COURTESY OF FOUR SEASONS RESORT DUBAI AT JUMEIRAH BEACH 20 24 28 FOODIE I LOVE THE LUXE LADIES NIGHT LIFE LADIES The best chefs, restaurants Where to head in Dubai The most decadent and fine dining experiences when the lights go down for accomodation options for in Dubai. the best experiences. the discerning traveller. 34 40 44 SHOPPING A R T CULTURAL FIX HAVEN LOVERS Immerse yourself From traditional souks Dubai's leading art in the local traditions to the world's biggest galleries featuring an and learn about the shopping malls. exciting range of art. Emirati way of life. 46 New developments coming soon to Dubai/ 48 Dubai's best festivals and events 2 www.luxurytravelmag.com.au 3 BAB AL YAM RESTAURANT DUBAI. / Travel tips Travel tips/ DUBAI. FAST did you Know before you go know? FACTS FROM CLOTHING AND CURRENCY TO TAXIS AND TIPPING, HERE’S THE LOWDOWN ON DUBAI Money matters The local currency is the dirham (Dhs or AED), which is divided ALCOHOL IS into 100 fils. Street smart AVAILABLE IN Dubai is safe LICENSED BARS, compared with other large cities across the CLUBS AND globe. Street crime is rare and walking RESTAURANTS. around on your own is THE LEGAL very safe. Language DRINKING AGE low-down IN DUBAI IS 21 English is so widely spoken that you won’t YEARS OF AGE. get much of a chance to try Arabic. Smartphone sense Buy a pre-paid local SIM card with a data package from mobile providers Etisalat or Du (you’ll find stores in the airports and malls). Tipping talk Leave 10-15 per cent in a restaurant (some add a service charge to the bill, so check first) and round Touching down What to wear Weather & climate up a taxi fare to the nearest note. ubai is now home to two mega ack a bikini as Dubai is one of he emirate has a sub-tropical Dairports: Dubai International Pthe more relaxed Middle East Tdesert climate, which means Airport, where most international destinations. It is a Muslim city though, blue skies and beach weather in winter flights land and Dubai World Central so respect the local culture by dressing (Dec-Jan) and hot and humid summers did you - Al Maktoum International Airport. modestly. This means that shorts and (Jun-Aug). The best time to visit is from know? Australians get a 30-day visit visa on t-shirts are fine in many places, but short October to April when temperatures did you arrival and surprisingly generous Duty shorts, low-cut dresses and skimpy tops are in the mid-20°Cs to low-30°Cs. July know? Smart Taxi app (available on iTunes or plus a shiny new tram system is set to Free allowances of alcohol, cigarettes are not appropriate for public places such and August are the hottest months as Getting around Google Play; for standard taxis only). open in November 2014, connecting and perfume (check these when you as the malls. Cover your shoulders and the mercury rarely dips below 40°C, still hile Dubai does have some You’ll also find luxury cars out the front THE MIDDLE Dubai Marina to the Al Sufouh area. buy in Australia or Dubai). The easiest legs in more conservative areas like old the city accommodates this with indoor Wpleasant pedestrianised areas, of most five-star hotels, although these You’ll need to buy a Nol smartcard first way to get into town is by cab, either Dubai (around Dubai Creek). If in doubt, attractions and air-conditioned facilities footpaths are not its strong point so cost more than a standard or ladies’ taxi. EAST WEEKEND (available at metro stations), which a standard Dubai Taxi, or a Pink Taxi, take a pashmina – it certainly helps in everywhere. DUBAI IS ONE getting around on foot is not always Alternatively, you could download the FALLS ON can be used on the metro, tram and driven by women and exclusively for the chilly air-conditioned restaurants OF SEVEN easy (the perfect excuse to pack another ‘Uber’ app (uber.com/cities/dubai) and FRIDAY AND bus network. All three have a separate female passengers. and malls too. Showing a bit more skin EMIRATES THAT pair of heels, we say!). The good news order a car to your doorstep. SATURDAY section or carriage reserved just for in a bar or club is acceptable and wearing is taxis are plentiful and inexpensive. Dubai has an excellent metro system women and families. your swimmers on the beach and around MAKE UP THE Flag one down on the street, or book too, which covers most of the city the pool is perfectly fine. UNITED ARAB via phone (+971 4 2080808) or the RTA (including Dubai International Airport), EMIRATES (UAE) 4 www.luxurytravelmag.com.au www.luxurytravelmag.com.au 5 BEACHES. / Dubai BEACHES. / Dubai ONE&ONLY ROYAL MIRAGE JETTY LOUNGE f you’re staying in a city hotel or just fancy checking relaxed, fairly young crowd. WHAT’S THE out a different beachside resort, Dubai has a number Further down the Marina, Club Mina lemeridien- of beach clubs you can visit for the day. Meydan minaseyahi.com at Le Meridien & The Westin Mina Seyahi WEATHER LIKE? Beach Club meydanbeach.com at JBR is a super- Beach Resort westinminaseyahi.com combines the pools, swim- January / 24.1 luxe spot with three infinity pools overlooking a up bars and private beach areas of both hotels, as well as their 100-metre stretch of private beach, with poolside gardens and grassy areas, making for a pleasant place where February / 25.4 bar service, spa and salon, as well as beach volleyball and ping you can settle in for the day. The club is popular with families, Ipong. New to JBR is The Beach, a low-level mall with a number so the best spot for a group of girls is the northern end of the March / 28.2 of casual eats, such as Fratelli la Bufala and Sushi Art, that are Westin pool, where it’s adults only. perfect for a bite to eat in between swimming and sunbathing, Meanwhile, over on the Palm, you can visit Nasimi Beach April / 32.8 as well as some beachwear boutiques and La Playa Lounge at Atlantis The Palm atlantisthepalm.com as a day guest.