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Dubai - Paradise in the Desert

Not sure where to go for your next trip? Looking for a new Luxury destination? Dubai is where you can ski, sunbathe at the beach and jump on a dune buggie for a desert safari all in one day! The second largest Emirate of seven in the United Arab Emirates located in the Persian Gulf, Dubai is the Las Vegas of the Middle East.

A relatively new tourist destination, Dubai has gained significant popularity among tourists in recent years. A desert city with superb infrastructure, liberal policies and excellent tourist amenities, this destination is just a short 5 hours from Europe and 3 hours from most parts of Asia. A perfect spot for shopping, partying, fine dining, sports and some (dare we say) sinful pleasures, Dubai is truly a city of all superlatives - fastest, biggest, tallest, largest and highest!

Dubai combines two cities, Dubai and Deira - both of which lie on opposite sides of water, and provide a paradise for sightseers. All those who visit will be amazed at the diversity of the architecture and the cultures that this destination encompasses - ranging from traditional Arab houses, to magnificent modern towers of steel and glass.

With a population of close to 1 million (only 19% of which are local Emirati), you can imagine the assortment of people currently occupying this great city. With 365 days of warm sunshine, Dubai is a destination that offers a sub-tropical climate most of the time - making it a perfect place to visit all year round. (Though summers can get quite humid, so we recommend visiting in the spring or fall.)

For those of you hungry for some celeb gossip - The Palm Islands (the world’s largest man-made islands which are being built on the coast of Dubai) are the future homes to celebrities like Tiger Woods and David Beckham, and sources say Rod Stewart has just recently purchased England, part of the World Island.

Folks planning to visit Dubai should keep a look out for future developments like Hydropolis, billed as “the underwater ultra luxury resort hotel” that will be structured in three elements: a land station, a connecting tunnel and a submarine complex. The world’s first, Hydropolis will be located on the Jumeirah coastline of Dubai, already home to the Buri al-Arab, the world’s first seven star hotel.

Distinct for many obvious reasons, Dubai is also a Mecca for great food (and service). Boasting more than 450 restaurants, from Cajun to Persian and anything else you can think of, you

‘ll find every cuisine for every taste. Just know this: most of the best restaurants are within the hotels. Going out for dinner will easily become a new hobby - in Dubai, you’ll be treated like royalty wherever you go. The service found in the food establishments here is unparalleled! And the quality of food will likely make you crave seconds (just forget the fact that you’re watching your waistline).

Dubai also has an amazing nightlife scene that has come of age in recent years and is filled with many upscale wine bars, nightclubs and beach bars. Unlike the weekend-obsessed Europeans, people in Dubai party all week long! (Thursdays tend to be the biggest night out). Just keep this in mind: Dubai is a Muslim city and most of the bars that serve alcohol are only found in hotels and tourist areas. You’ll learn quick that Dubai has some interesting laws regarding clubs - they all must close by 3 a.m., you must b e 21 to drink/25 to enter, and no club is allowed to refuse entrance to anyone (L.A., Miami and Vegas should take some pointers from these guys!). So, whether you’re in the mood for grinding to the latest dance hits and funky bands or grooving and chatting up with the scenesters - Dubai has a wide variety of places to choose from. Here are our journeyPod Picks below:

Restaurants

Ashiana - Located in the Sheraton Dubai Hotel and Towers, this Northern Indi

an restaurant is the most acclaimed eatery in Dubai. With its excelled service and food, Ashiana is the perfect place to impress your business clients, and family or friends in from out of town. The warm ambience is provided by the well decorated interior and the popular Indian band make this both a fun and tasty treat!

Al Boom Floating Restaurant - Located on a dhow (a lateen-rigged ship with one or two masts), this seafood restaurant features some of the freshest fish in the country. So fresh, in fact, that guests can choose the fish themselves and request the style and seasoning they prefer. The nightly dinner cruise at Al Boom Floating Restaurant makes this a unique experience you’ll want to enjoy over and over again.

Bice - Locals swear by it! Bice is, by far, the best Italian restaurant in Dubai. Located in the Hilton Jumeirah Hotel, the restaurant offers authentic Italian food served in a modern and stylish setting. Guests here can sip on Italian Prosecco on the terrace while taking in the fabulous view of the Arabian Gulf.

Verre - Gordon Ramsay has done it again with this successful venture located in the Hilton Dubai Creek. The minimalist decor and romantic lighting make this a great restaurant to celebrate anniversaries or other special occasions. Guests can enjoy fine wine and specialties like poached chicken on a bed of tagliatelle.

Al Mahara - Named one of “the 50 best restaurants in the world”, this underwater-themed restaurant begins with a 3-minute mock submarine ride from the reception to the dining room of the Burj Al Arab restaurant. Tables are situated around a giant aquarium and the inside is classy and upscale. As the name (which translates to “oyster”) suggests, the dishes here are mainly seafood, though there is fusion with meats and Asian flavors. With a dining experience as amazing as this, it’s no wonder this place drives so much attention.

Blue Elephant - Thai food has never tasted this good! This hip spot located in the Al Bustan Rotana Hotel, serves the best Pad Thai anywhere (and we mean, anywhere). Chill out to the funky music, watch koi carp swim lazily past your table and indulge in award-winning cuisine all under one roof. With more than 11 restaurants worldwide, Blue Elephant is a chain restaurant you can actually admit you like without having your friends make fun of you.

Casa Mia - This quaint restaurant with amazing outside seating is often overlooked, yet the service and ambience (particularly in the evenings) makes you feel like you’re sitting in the middle of Florence. And, it’s the homey touches that make Casa Mia live up to its name! The interior is designed to look like the cellar of an Italian farmhouse, with an abundance of barrels and vaulted roofs. The menu impresses also - the Caprese salad has the freshest buffalo mozzarella, which, quite literally, melts in your mouth. After dinner, just make sure you pop into the Irish pub next door for an after dinner drink.

Al Qasr - Centrally located in the Arabian water village of Madinat Jumeirah, this is the perfect beginning to a fun night out. The taste of California mixed with authentic Moorish cuisine mak

es this a unique place to dine.

Sphinx - Step into this Middle Eastern vault and experience great steaks and seafood. If you find yourself indecisive… go ahead and order the surf and turf, which is a local favorite. Located in the Pyramid Center of the Wafi Mall, Sphinx has been amongst the city’s finest restaurants for many years, and with good reason. The setting is spectacular and a trip to this hopping spot makes you feel like you’ve just stepped onto the set of “The Mummy.” They have a Wafi Pyramid complex, Egyptian style decor and candlelit lighting. If you can, order the lobster bisque and delectable fried goat cheese.

Salmontini - Located in the Mall of Emirates with a spectacular view of the slopes of Ski Dubai, this trendy restaurant holds true to its name as they feature some of the best salmon and martinis in the country. Folks can entertain their guests with a view over the snow and slopes. Psst… Ski Dubai is the Middle East’s first indoor skiing facility. Sitting at this fun restaurant with the view of the snow will make you think that you are watching from a coffee shop in the Swiss Alps.

Bars & Nightlife

Peppermint - On the top of our list, this uber-cool club is only open on Friday nights! Everyone who is anyone meets here (located at the chic Fairmont Hotel) for the best Ministry of Sound DJs like Ferry Corsten and David Vendetta. VIP tables sell out fast and the competition to get into Peppermint on Fridays is something everyone aims to win with as much passion as the camel racers. Remember this: make sure you have your entry pass - otherwise, it’s impossible to get in without it. Once inside, you’ll be astounded by the pulsating, lights and crowd.

360 degrees - Looking for the total Dubai experience? At 360, you can grab a sh

isha, sink into a comfy sofa and be surrounded by a buzzing vibe set out in the middle of the Gulf. Located at the Jumeirah Emirates Towers, 360 degrees is a “beacon of cool” that draws the city’s hippest crowd - who come out in their most exotic swimwear to relax and listen to the spinning tracks of Dubai’s coolest DJs. With the opportunity to catch the sunset, 360 offers a stylish rooftop terrace that overlooks the ever-changing coastline. For those who want to continue the evening, when you’re done chilling to the house tunes, you can hop aboard a golf buggy for a cruise around the yacht-drenched marina.

Irish Village - Widely popular among locals and tourists alike, Irish Village alone is good reason to visit Dubai. The folks who frequent this place can be found sharing stories and jokes over multiple pints of lager. With a warm and friendly staff, this pub welcomes everyone - and you’ll feel like a regular instantly. With a beer in hand and a resident live band playing top songs, this’ll easily become your new favorite hangout while in town.

Atlantis - Want to visit a place that makes you feel like you’re 20,000 leagues under the sea? Atlantis sends you underwater while you dance the night away. Attached to the famed Hard Rock Cafe, Atlantis is the place to see and be seen. And, the beautiful crowd who adorns the club night after night is always dressed-to-impress. House, R&B and Techno fill the walls of this cool hotspot.

Ginseng - Like its name, this place is alive and well each and every night. An Asian inspired lounge, bar and restaurant, Ginseng is located in the Wafi Center Mall (next to the Planetarium Nightclub). Both stylish and sophisticated, the menu here features a combination of new-age cocktails and contemporary Asian-style Tapas. With Asian murals and calligraphy garnishing this chic destination, along with its colorful libations - Ginseng is a great place to get your night started. Psst… the place is small - so try to call ahead for table reservations.

Agency Wine Bar - Hello to all you wine lovers out there! We have found your new favorite bar. With a selection of 500 wines to choose from, this dark cocktail style destination will make you leave your worries at the door. Enjoy South African Shiraz and nibble on a cheese fondue at this fashionable lounge located in the Emirates Tower.

Kasbar - Like the song… this place definitely rocks! With its eclectic selection of live music and traditional Arabic decor, Kasbar is a favorite for those in search of a little more than jus

t a dance club. All three levels are packed full of people grooving to a mixture of pop, techno and Arabic beats. And, what’s best is that the DJs here know how to keep the party alive all night long.

Buddha Bar - It’s hard to find a city that doesn’t list Buddha Bar as a top nightlife destination. And, Dubai is no exception to this rule. This Asian inspired ultra lounge, bar and restaurant continues to shine every night - with its giant Buddhas, Oriental furniture and eclectic sounds. Just make sure you keep your feet placed firmly on the ground as Buddha Bar sends you into a state of utter happiness.

Rock Bottom Cafe - Unlike the name suggests, this is the top spot to be at on a Thursday or Friday night. With its 60’s and 70’s ambience, Rock Bottom brings back memories of peace and flower children. But despite its decor, this place is anything but a time warp. One of the city’s most happening spots, Rock Bottom features a live band and a contemporary menu. On Fridays, you can even show the crowd who the next “American Idol” will be (Karaoke night). Though any night you come, dig into the delicious grub and watch the latest DJ spin his magic on the turntables.

Scarlett - A themed restaurant and trendy bar located at the Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Scarlett’s serves up American and Tex Mex favorites and is a perfect venue for a family meal, party or after-work drink. Scarlett’s showcases South American accents and provides a warm and low-key atmosphere to the venue’s large space. Whatever you do, just don’t forget to try the traditional and long-time favorite Sangria. And if you find yourself with nothing to do on Saturday - check out Scarlett’s Salsa lessons!

Dubai shout outs to Bill, Diana, & Chris!