SO it was a shorter holiday this year in Dubai but here are the highlights
Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) Beach and beach walk
Jumeirah Beach Residence is amazingly lively place with the JBR walk and beach being dotted with great restaurants, shops and even a really cool market selling beachwear and summer accessories (including kids clothes!) That was one of my fav shopping finds in Dubai and I highly recommend a visit
The beach is really nice in terms of atmosphere but because of all the industrial work around it, the water is far from clean and that was really disappointing. But at least the little one had a great time!
We also stumbled on a small playground with lots of rides for kids (though pricey to be honest) and a merry go around so we really had one happy baby!
Don't forget to get some Hawaii vibes by getting fresh coconut water along with a floral garland from the street vendors!
City Walk, Dubai
A great outdoor shopping and restaurants area in Dubai. It has shops, a movie theater, playgrounds, entertainment for the whole family and a variety of restaurants.
Definitely a must-go if you are in Dubai.
If you are with kids, Level Kids is definitely worth a visit for some designer kids goodies and the really sweet toyshop upstairs.
I personally think Dubai is generally too over-priced for designer goods compared with London but the place is worth a visit if only for the toy shop!
Al Naseem Hotel, Madinat Jumeirah
Al-Naseem is the newest of Madinat Jumeirah Hotels. It is a very pleasant and beautiful hotel and though we didn't stay there we did go for a day to use the pool facilities and to have lunch (it was too cold for the beach).
Overall, the service is excellent, the facilities are amazing and we had a fantastic time so will definitely book a stay in the future!
The Green Planet, City Walk, Dubai
This is an amazing interactive rainforest experience boasting all types of birds, reptiles, bugs , monkeys and even sloths, which you can feed at the end of the experience.
The staff are very well trained and knowledgeable about all the wildlife in the exhibit and are happy to discuss these with you. They were particularly attentive to helpful with my 2 yr old so thank you for that.
You really feel like you have entered a lush green forest with colourful animals and birds and it feels like a little tropical paradise!
They have an arts and crafts area which doubles up as a place for feeding the sloths so great entertainment for the kids. Definitely a must-go!
Box Park
The Box Park in Dubai is a collection of shops, restaurants and cafes within shipping style container boxes, which make this place quite quirky and unique.
It has a wide variety of restaurants but it was really dead and quite so not much of an atmosphere. I think adding shops will help. Just restaurants is kind of boring?
Emaar Boulevard
In Downrown Dubai, this is one of favourite places in the city. With its array of restaurants, the Dubai Fountain Show and of course Burj Khalifa, this spot cannot be missed when you are in Dubai
FOOD
Butcher Shop and Grill, JBR
This place is on the JBR walk. The staff are friendly and the food was excellent though I would have liked my brisket less fatty. I highly recommend sitting outside as it is really pleasant
The menu is varied with something for everyone and the prices are quite reasonabl
Would definitely visit again
Jag Restaurant at Box Park
Overall average service but the food was way too fatty and I would say not really worth the price. The "fresh" juices were not quite fresh and I felt a little ill after eating it.
The Box Park is nice but not too lively so not really a great place to hang out
Wouldn't visit again
Bubo Barcelona, City Walk
Love the colours and décor of the place. The contrast of blue and orange is great and so Spanish!
The showcase of desserts is just divine and most taste amazing
We sat inside but both outside and inside seating are really nice. The service was disappointing with the waiter helping us being very unfriendly and unhelpful.
The food was ok but if the waiter had helped us choose, it may have been more to our taste
All in all great atmosphere and desserts, ok food but bad service!
Until Next Time
Shopping
So I have reviewed Dubai Shopping a few times so today I will focus on a new designer I discovered whilst in Dubai. Her name is Hala Bassam and her clothes are super chic and remind me of early Chanel designs and quality.
They are comfortable, elegant and look very lovely on. Her instagram is at:
