My Dubai -Travel Guide
Well, where should I begin?
Let’s start 2 years ago. This unexpected chapter, as with all the things in life, was definitely a process. I know that this is a travel guide and not a memoir, but as you know I like to find meaning everywhere I go, and express the real-life stories behind every destination I’ve experienced. Maybe that’s the life coach in me, who knows! (Check out https://lavikyvibes.com to prove it 🙂
But hey, what is travelling if not a wonderful story?
I’m not gonna lie. 2020 was the most terrible year of my life, for many personal reasons. (COVID didn’t help either!) Overwhelmed by the situation, my friend and I decided to plan a trip to Dubai for February 2021.
I remember thinking to myself at the beginning of the year: I really need to breathe fresh air and switch off my mind. I was also feeling tired of many dynamics, in different areas of my life.
Finally February came, and we set off on our trip to Dubai. I slept through the whole flight, so I don’t actually remember a thing about the travel itself! But I do remember what I felt when I arrived. While we were landing (it was midnight, so very late), I saw an incredible panorama over the city. Full of lights, tall buildings and flashy architecture. I thought, this is where the opportunities are. Dubai is the future.
I’m sure you can imagine how much I loved the city. Dubai smells like the future and incredible opportunities. When you’re on holiday, you’re basically always happy and you rarely want to go home.
But I didn’t expect to feel what I felt when I came back from this trip.
The moment I landed in Bologna, I felt lost. I thought okay, maybe this is normal. Maybe I’m just tired. But once I was back in Florence, I felt even worse. I genuinely felt like a baby who had been taken away from her mum. I’ve travelled a lot in my life, but this feeling was completely new to me.
I realised that my gut feeling was telling me to move to Dubai. (And if you want to know more about your gut feeling and how powerful it is, click here.)
At the beginning I was resistant. I was scared to move to another city, in another continent, with a completely different culture. But let me tell you something: if you feel that something is right, it is. Fear aside.
So in October 2021, I booked a 4-month trip to Dubai. I thought, let’s go there for four months and then I’ll truly know if I like it or not. But after just one week, I called my mum and said: “I’m never coming back.”
So the following guide is mainly a collection of all my favourite places in the city. There are so many options here, but I’m gonna share with you the ones that are worth a visit right now. My suggestions don’t just come from a tourist anymore… but from a local. Enjoy habibi!
The best beach Clubs in Dubai
Twiggy
If you’re looking for an elegant, aesthetic beach club to go with your girlfriends, Twiggy is the one. Located in Park Hyatt Dubai Lagoon, Twiggy’s French vibes will ensure you have a very cool experience. The restaurant also has a delicious Mediterranean menu to fall in love with.
https://www.instagram.com/twiggydubai/
Nammos
I think Nammos is the heart of Dubai. The Greek beach club and restaurant was one of the most visited places in the world in 2021, and it was one of the reasons Dior extended its pop-up store there. What I love about Nammos is that the atmosphere changes and grows during the day.
I personally enjoy Nammos the most during sunset, where there’s a perfect combination of party vibes and romance in the air. You simply can’t come to Dubai and not visit Nammos.
https://www.instagram.com/nammos.dubai/
San
San is a new beach club in Dubai, and as soon as I heard about it I immediately fell in love with the concept and style. Sam is not only a beach club and restaurant, it’s a conscious retreat. As a Life Coach, I couldn’t ask for a better spot in Dubai. It’s soul-settling. SĀN Beach is textural, elevated simplicity in the midst of Dubai’s concrete jungle.
https://www.instagram.com/sanbeach.dubai/
Summer Salt
Anytime I feel stressed or I need to reconnect with myself, I go to Summer Salt. Located inside Madinat Jumeirah Hotel, the beach club is exactly in front of Burj Al Arab. Why do I love this place so much? Because it’s such a calm oasis where the sea is crystal clear, and the healthy South American food is what you really need after a day at the beach.
https://www.instagram.com/summersaltbeachclub/
Dubai restaurants
Gaia
Gaia is the number one restaurant in Dubai. And once you go there, you immediately know why. The pure white interior style gives Gaia elegance and prestige. The Mediterranean menu is primarily made up of fresh fish (which you directly choose from the desk), and Greek traditional dishes. If you’ve got time before dinner, I highly recommend having a drink at the bar too.
https://www.instagram.com/gaia__dxb/
Maine
Maine is exactly the type of restaurant we need in Dubai. Not too fancy, not too basic. Located in different parts of Dubai, I personally go to the one in Jumeirah Beach Residence, where they mostly specialise in fish. Maine is a perfect place for a date! Warm atmosphere, good food and not too chaotic.
https://www.instagram.com/themainedxb/
Sushi Samba
I don’t know if it’s the view of Dubai from the top or the delicious food for me. The mix of Brazilian, Peruvian and Japanese cuisine makes Sushi Samba special.
https://www.instagram.com/sushisambadubai/
Beirut Khanum
Hummus lovers, I’m talking to you. Because this is hands down the most yummy hummus I’ve ever tried in Dubai. I personally love Lebanese Food, so if you’re a fan too or you’re just curious to try something special, don’t miss this place! If you want to enjoy the full experience, don’t forget to order Moroccan tea and shisha on the side.
https://www.instagram.com/beirutkhanum/
Le Petite Maison
Chic, elegant, sophisticated. La Petite Maison is a French restaurant located in DIFC (where all the best restaurants in Dubai are!). In my opinion, this is one of the best meals I’ve ever had in Dubai. You’ll be surrounded by beautiful art paintings and a cosy atmosphere.
https://www.instagram.com/lpmdubai/
Shanghai Me
The bio says: “award-winning restaurant with a contemporary approach to Pan Asian cuisine”, and I couldn’t agree more. Every time there’s a special celebration, Shanghai Me is the answer. The Asian food on the menu is delicate. Every dish is meant to be shared. The cocktails are unconventionally good. The atmosphere is just the coolest. So what are you waiting for?
https://www.instagram.com/shanghaimedxb/
Huqqabaz
This restaurant-lounge bar has a piece of my heart. If you want to have the full Dubai experience, you absolutely can’t miss Huqqabaz. Founded in Turkey, it’s very popular among locals who love to go there, grab a bite to eat and smoke shisha. The Arabian vibes there are just incredible. I won’t say anymore– Huqqabaz needs to be seen and experienced in person.
https://www.instagram.com/huqqabazdubai/
Healthy cafes and concept stores in Dubai
Seva
Seva is one of the most green places in Dubai. A peaceful oasis in the heart of Jumeirah 1, Seva is not just a restaurant– it’s an experience. It is made up of a restaurant, a shop and an intimate space dedicated to meditation and holistic treatments. It offers a wide bundle of services, classes, products and experiences for a balanced lifestyle and personal growth.
I personally go to Seva at least 3 times a week. It’s an amazing place to reconnect your body and mind and take a deep breath outside the chaos of the city.
https://www.instagram.com/sevatable/
Comptoir 102
Comptoir 102 is a concept store and cafe located in Jumeirah 1. There are so many reasons you will love this place. First of all, there’s a fantastic selection of fashion and beauty. I spend so much time in their beauty corner– they have all the best sustainable beauty products in the market. If you live nearby or visit Dubai, you need to pay the cafeteria a visit. Their affogato coffee with ice cream is just insane!
https://www.instagram.com/comptoir102/
Bateel
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been to Cafe Bateel. It has the perfect combination of healthy food (they have gluten-free options, which is why I’m there all the time!) and an international menu that makes everyone happy. If you stop by, don’t forget to try their specialty: dates.
https://www.instagram.com/bateelgourmet/
Common Grounds
Common Grounds is a healthy cafe located in different areas of Dubai. There are two things I love the most about Common Grounds: they use Oatly milk (which is the best vegan milk in the world in my opinion!), and their Acai Bowl is something you’ll never forget.
https://www.instagram.com/common.grounds/
Kulture House
Kulture House is a concept store and cafe with a specific goal: being a melting pot of lifestyles, cultures, traditions and people. The space is quiet and cosy, and the ethnic interior design transports you to a colourful new dimension. What I love about Kulture House is their temporary corner, where they showcase the latest new brands on the market.
https://www.instagram.com/kulturehousedubai/
Experiences in Dubai
Museum of the Future
If you want to have a taste of what the future will look like, get a ticket for the Museum of the Future. Opened in 2022, the museum is the exact reflection of Dubai: a city that looks at the future, where everything is possible.
https://www.instagram.com/museumofthefuture/
Ritz Carlton Safari
If you’re craving a romantic getaway with your partner, there’s a magical place in the middle of the desert not far from Dubai which will be perfect for you. The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah in Al Wadi Desert provides a unique experience in its protected reserve. Luxury villas, inspired by Bedouin architecture, feature private outdoor pools and breathtaking desert views.
https://www.instagram.com/ritzcarltonalwadidesert/
Aura Sky Pool- Yoga in the sky
Aura Sky pool is the higher infinity pool in the world.Every Friday they organize a Yoga Class in the sky, where you can practice your favorite activity while watching the amazing view on thee Palm.There are no words to describe it, you just need to try to believe. Be sure to do it on time cause the availability is very limited.
https://www.instagram.com/auraskypool.dubai/
I don’t think this is my last Dubai travel guide! There are so many places I haven’t even begun to explore yet. I could have talked about thousands of spots but like I said before, I want to share real experiences and honest advice on what I think is best.
Have you ever been there? How was your experience? And if not, would you come?
Good Vibes Only,
Viky
