My Mom and Dad came for a week to see what “life is all about in Dubai.”
My favorite part was that I got to take them on a vacation. They took me on many times in the past, and now I’m at a point where I can do the same for them. I booked them flights and I treated them to lots of fine-dining, tours, a spa day, pool day and more!
It’s a long flight, almost 15 hours to get here!
(Check out this video I made of what it’s like to fly Emirates Business Class!)
They were impressed how clean and relaxed and luxurious life is in Dubai. There’s no trash and no homeless people. Everything is clean and new. On the same street, you’ll see one woman in an “abaya” (the full length-black dress worn by Muslum women) and then another woman wearing next to nothing in a tiny dress. No one cares.
No one is complaining about politics. Everyone is just doing their own thing, peacefully.
I took them to some of my favorite spots including:
Breakfast at Atlantis The Royale, which has the most incredible hotel entrance I’ve ever seen. Words and pictures cannot do it justice. The elevator to go up one-story is surrounded by cascading waterfalls. Fish swim in massive fish tanks in the lobby overlooking a gorgeous view of the Palm. Every tiny detail just feels like “luxury.” It’s like Hawaii but on another level.
Sushi Samba at the Palm: Situated on the 50th story with massive windows, you are treated to a stunning view of Dubai that goes on for miles. The food is high-end with a fusion of “sushi” (aka Japanese) and “samba (aka Peruvian/South American). My dad ordered a sushi roll made of A5 Wagyu beef, oyster mushroom and caviar. (It was delicious!). However, the view of Dubai glowing at night is the true star of the show.
Burj Khalifa: We took an elevator to the 148th story of the world’s largest building. At sunset, you get (even more) amazing views of Dubai. It was a great start to the trip
Spa at Ritz Carlton JBR: My mom said this massage was the best she’s ever had. I agree. Plus the facility has a jacuzzi, cold plunge, pool and steam room. It just feels relaxing and calm and beautiful. We also had a nice lunch at the beach.
Old Dubai Tour: We took a private tour of Old Dubai where we learned about the roots of the city, walked through the shops selling spices and clothing and even ended with some jewelry purchases. Plus you can take a boat across the river. This was something I’d always been meaning to do.
Sunday Padel: Sunday at 8:00am we were on the Padel court with my EO Dubai friends to play my favorite sport. It’s fun, easy to pick up and social…with just enough competitiveness to keep it interesting. We walked around Ripe Market afterward, which is filled with shops and areas to explore, plus coffee with the group.
Sunday Pool and Beach: Right after Padel we headed to Banyan Tree, a beautiful 5-star hotel on Bluewaters Island to enjoy a cabana and day at the pool. We ordered tasty food and drinks and enjoyed the pool and nearby beach. I caught up on some reading and the parents enjoyed a well-deserved nap.
Hanging Out At The Best View In Town (aka my new home): Life is good at the top! My new apartment is high-up at the Address Beach Resort JBR and we just finished decorating it. Plus with my maid Charity (see my post here about here) you get food, snacks and drinks served whenever you want, plus clothes are ironed and beds are made. It’s fun to just chill on the balcony and read a book or play some Wordle.
Overall it was a great trip! Finally, my parents got to see what “Dubai is all about” and why I chose it as my primary home.
And it lived up (and even surpassed) any expectations!