Table of Contents
Dubai is the kind of city where you can completely let go and disappear into holiday bliss. Got a free weekend? Perfect! It’s more than enough time to soak up the luxury offerings of Dubai.
Enjoy the Sunrise by the Water
You wouldn’t think a global city like Dubai has peaceful, quiet moments, but it does – the early mornings are incredibly peaceful, particularly by the water. Before the crowds, the shopping trips, and the brunches, the coastline remains blissfully calm.
If you can – this depends on where you choose to stay – go for a long walk along the beach right around the time you welcome the rising sun. The soft golden rays, the shimmering sand, and the gleaming water create a cinematic picture. And if you want some action, go for a paddleboard session or an early-morning soak in the ocean.
Breakfast with the Sea Breeze
After your morning walk, you’ll want a nourishing breakfast. Luxury hotels in Dubai just know how to do breakfast right, so you’re in good hands. Go for an outside breakfast where you can sit out on the balcony and enjoy the invigorating sea breeze. Choose something fresh – Arabic mezze, grilled halloumi, shakshuka, fresh fruit, or even just coffee and something warm from the bakery would fill you up.
Many beachfront restaurants offer breakfast with a view of the sea or the marina. The truth is, even the simplest meal tastes a thousand times better with a view. A beach lounge breakfast sounds good, doesn’t it? That’s exactly the sort of thing you find at JA Beach Hotel by JA Resorts & Hotels.
Make a Splash
Luxury or no luxury, you must make water sports part of your holiday. If you stay at a beach hotel, fun on the water is only a short walk down the beach. Some hotels provide high-quality gear, so you don’t have to worry about worn-out paddles or flimsy boards.
The calm and steady type, are you? Then, stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking are perfect. What if you’re a bit experienced and know your way around the water? Go sailing or windsurfing – the breeze is usually perfect during the cooler months.
A bit more adventure? You’d love wake surfing. Try diving if you can find the time for it – the underwater world of Dubai is one for the storybooks.
Spa Treatments
One of the ingredients of any luxury getaway is spa treatments, and Dubai is the best place for it. It’s often hotels that offer these treatments. Imagine walking into a warm, softly lit room that smells of essential oils – this is where you’ll be enjoying your treatment.
You can go for something classic like a deep tissue massage to loosen everything up, or try a cleansing scrub that leaves your skin feeling smooth and fresh.
Don’t think spa treatments are an unnecessary indulgence; it’s one of those things you don’t realise you need until you walk out feeling as light as a feather.
Sailing
If understated luxury is more your style, sailing is the perfect choice. It’s a great way to spend a few hours out on the water away from the city. You head out from a marina, board a boat or yacht, and enjoy the views of landmarks such as the Palm Jumeirah and the skyline from the water.
You don’t need to have a sailing licence because many charters include a skipper and crew. Durations vary too – there are short cruises, often one to three hours, or half-day or full-day sailing. Some may stop for swimming or snorkelling and even provide food and drinks on board.
December is the best time to try sailing, as the weather is cooler. Prices, of course, depend on the type of sailing experience – it could be anything from AED 150–250 to AED 4,000–5,000. The more luxurious the experience, the more costly it is.
Dubai Marina is a major hub for boat charters.
Desert at Sunset
Seeing the desert at sunset does sound a bit touristy until you actually go. Then you realise why everyone raves about it. It’s one of the most peaceful and calming experiences you can have in Dubai. During the day, the sand is hot and bright, but come late afternoon, things calm down a bit.
Most sunset desert experiences work like this:
- Drive out to the dunes: Usually 40–50 minutes from the city.
- A short activity session: dune bashing, sandboarding, photos, and walking.
- Watching the sunset: This is the best part. Your guide will take you to a high dune where you can sit down and let the golden rays of the sun wash all over you.
- Camp activities: traditional food, Arabic coffee, soft drinks, traditional dance and music, camel rides, shisha lounge and stargazing.
Prices depend on the kind of experience you’re after. It could range from AED 150–300 per person to AED 1,200–2,500 per person.