Live in London? It might be time to trade grey skies and lockdown for the sunny shores of Dubai. Dust off your suitcases and get ready to fly to the luxury restaurant and party capital of the world. Following drastically falling transmission rates, the UAE has officially been put into an ‘air bridge’ with the UK, making it possible to travel without quarantine and the ideal location to relocate for the winter season.
Filled with outposts of all the world’s best restaurants, clubs, shops and hotels Dubai is a dream location to gain some sense of pre-2020 normalcy. Although certain preventative measures still apply across the country (such as strict requirements for face masks when not seated for food or drinks and non invasive temperature checks on entry to any venue) – the focus on living well and enjoying life continues without signs of slowing down.
To enter the Emirate tourists need only to show a valid PCR test taken within 96 hours of flying (or taken at the airport). Once on the ground, all is back to its status quo – rooftop terraces, shopping malls, beach clubs, yachts and hotels are in full swing. There are even some glamorous new openings to visit, including the magnificent Zaha Hadid’s ME Dubai Hotel at the Opus.
Located at the heart of Dubai’s Burj Khalifa district, the Opus is a magnificent mirrored glass building that includes offices and residences alongside the hotel, however it is the ME’s many facets that make it a world class destination.
The only hotel in the world that has both interiors and exteriors designed by the late Hadid this building was one of her last living monumental works. On the roof it features an impressive pool deck overlooking the skyline and the largest nightclub space in Dubai as well as a Roka restaurant, the second restaurant in the area by chef Rainer Becker, after the much lauded Zuma.
Also open this month is the imposing Sofitel Dubai ‘the Obelisk’. A merger of modern French and Egyptian design this hotel in Dubai’s Wafi region, 10 minutes from Dubai airport, is a new landmark of the city.
Focused on luxury and comfort the Obelisk is inspired by the Luxor Obelisk located in Place de La Concorde in Paris and features prominent food and beverage partners in Michelin starred French chef Daniel Boulud and Amsterdam-born executive chef, Schilo van Coevorde’s Asian restaurant Taiko as well as a spa by L’Occitane.
Across the city, seasonal festivities are underway with giant Christmas trees, lights and fireworks illuminating the sky ensuring that all tourists enjoy an ample dose of much needed holiday cheer.
Three Essential Things To Do
Get the Yellow Tail at ZUMA:
A consistent favourite – widely regarded as one of the best restaurants in the city (and with the crowds to back it). Serving irresistible food and offering bars packed full of fun and exciting cocktails – this London import is not to be missed.
Swim at NAMMOS BEACH:
The famous Mykonos Beach Club arrives in Dubai as a dining destination with a private beach. Located at the Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach brings the A-list following of the original Nammos (recent guests have included Lewis Hamilton, Gigi Hadid, Kendal Jenner, Leonardo DiCaprio, among many others) with the luxurious sophistication of Dubai. Delicious food and contemporary design make this a must visit.
Charter A Yacht during NYE:
Watch Dubai’s world-famous New Years Eve fireworks from the comfort of your yacht. Get a group together to cruise across the Palm and Burj Al Arab for a magical evening. Although there are many excellent yacht brokers in Dubai – Xclusive’s fleet of 15 luxury yachts and five star service are tried and tested for comfortable smaller vessels and Charter World for larger fleets
One Must-Have Item To Pack
During December, the weather in the Arabian Gulf will be at its best – warm, but pleasant so don’t forget to fill your Rimowa suitcase with comfortable and stylish clothing to accompany the summery weather.
Niccolo P structured polo shirts can take you from the airport to the poolside. Made using the finest natural materials available anywhere in the world – including bespoke-level details in both classic styles and contemporary fits.
The Only Way To Get There
There’s never been a better time to fly private. If you don’t already have your own jet do not worry – you can rely on the extremely experienced team at Vista Jets to get you where you need to be – in the most luxurious way possible.