ONE OF THE VICES of living in another country for 20 odd years is that you are unable to perceive it as anything but home. That country, for me, is the United Arab Emirates. So, whenever I am approached by friends planning a trip to Dubai, for itinerary advice, I am lost. Surely, I cannot recommend a walk by the creek or a picnic at Al Zabeel park—those are too pedestrian for a tourist. They wouldn’t want to scour a baqala (grocery store) for a pack of Spanish roll or stand by a fumy cafeteria where boisterous Lebanese men serve the best of shawarmas. Those are far from ‘touristy’. So, I send them packing with the most banal travel advice—malls, skyscrapers, and the beach.
An invite to explore the luxury offerings of Dubai seemed like the perfect opportunity to put an end to my conundrum. I was excited, to say the least, to delve into a side of the emirate that I was not at all privy to. Apart from a helicopter ride and the surreal show La Perle by Dragone, an ascent to the top of Burj Khalifa was also on the cards.
This story is from the April 2020 edition of Travel+Leisure India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 2020 edition of Travel+Leisure India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Travel, Leisure, And Everything In Between
Shibani and Farhan Akhtar share their travel dynamics, love for luxury, and why Raffles Udaipur, with its serene ambiance, is the ultimate getaway.
10 Elevated Experiences in The Lap Of Luxury
Travel in a luxury caravan, cook a meal with Michelin-starred chefs, chill in your private in-villa wine cellar and snorkel with seahorses-here is our handpicked list of 10 unique indulgences at some of the finest hotels across the world
The Sound Luxury
In 2024, the sound of Kenny G has been replaced by lo-fi beats in resorts and elevators, transforming the traditional musical landscape. Ambient music has become essential for crafting the perfect atmosphere.
APPETITE for LIFE
Dandelion roots and pea greens, truffles and wild mountain thyme: a meal in Slovenia is like a walk in a fairy-tale forest. Sierra Crane Murdoch falls under the country's spell.
Silk Route Revival
With its luxe offerings and ease of visa-free access to several countries, including India, Kazakhstan is slowly opening doors to travellers with a whole new set of handouts beyond the exotic, explores Shikha Tripathi
A TRANQUIL JOURNEY THROUGH TIME
At Raffles Udaipur, discover the art of slowing down and connecting with history, nature, and yourself.
Basking in Opulence
Lights, camera, glam. What is it about Rajasthan, especially Udaipur, that spells luxury travel like no other?
Tradition in Modern Tapestry
Waris Ahluwalia's insights on sustainable practices and the power of human connection in his creative journey reflect through his words, and his work.
Design, Diversity, and Sustainability
Roopal Patel discusses the evolving landscape of global fashion, the power of personal style, her vision for a more inclusive industry, and the future of design in an insightful exchange with Samreen Tungekar
MUMBAI TO MILAN: LUXURY, CULTURE AND CULINARY DELIGHTS
Tanya Khanijow enjoys the best of Milan with Lufthansa, from stylish shopping to tasting the city's culinary delights.
