This ever-expanding land of skyscrapers towering over an ocean on one side and a vast desert on the other is a brilliant oasis with a rich and intriguing culinary, art, technology, and design scene. Here’s how you can make the most of your visit to Dubai, in true La Vita Isabella style. 

Wake up at Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, the only 7-star hotel in the world. For even greater heights of luxury–at least in literal, if not figurative, terms–stay at the Armani Hotel Dubai, located within the Burj Khalifa, only the tallest man-made structure (let alone building) on earth.

Brunch is a lavish affair every Friday in Dubai. Set aside several hours of your morning and afternoon to indulge in all that Dubai has to offer for Friday Brunch. Head to Traiteur for a grandiose French-inspired brunch, or opt for brunch al fresco at Bubbalicious. 

Take a ride around The World–that is, around the artificial island cluster that create a living map of the world just off the coast of Dubai, rivaling even the renowned Palm Islands. Sail around The World in only a few short hours–and perhaps stay a while on one of the island countries at newly developed luxury resorts.

Explore the nature side of the UAE by taking a guided overnight desert safari that takes glamping to a new level that only Dubai could pull of. For one step up in terms of comfort, the Al Maha Desert Resort and Spa is an ideal alternative to booking with safari company and sleeping in a tent.

Watch the sunset–twice in one night. Yes, the only building on earth in which the sunset can be viewed twice is the Burj Khalifa, the tallest man-made structure on the planet. Begin by taking in the sunset on the lower viewing deck, and then take a 60-second ride up to the 124th floor. The daylight, sunset, and after-dark views from the Burj Khalifa are indescribably breathtaking, with a magnitude that a photo simply cannot capture. Be sure to linger to watch the daily show at the Dancing Fountains–with light so powerful that they can be seen even from space at night.

Dine at 360° on the water, with iconic panoramic views of the sailboat-shaped Burj Al Arab and its wave-shaped Jumeirah Beach Hotel counterpart. Enjoy innovative Asian fusion cuisine while the sun goes down over the ocean scene.

Have a cocktail with a side of a breathtaking view at At.mosphere, the sleek lounge on the 122nd floor of the iconic Burj Khalifa. This view is best taken in after dark, when the city of Dubai lights up like vibrant stars reflecting onto a perfectly smooth ocean below.

Cheers!

xoxo Isabella