There is luxury accommodation, and then there is LUXURY accommodation.      
Standards are high in Dubai, and luxury accommodation takes on a whole new meaning. The level of opulence and decadence you’ll experience in a hotel here will make you feel like the queen you always knew you were. In general, service is impeccable. But remember, a little humility and respect are much appreciated. The big bucks you shell out during your stay might not trickle down to those who make that stay so unforgettable. Tips are what these people survive on, so don’t be stingy and spread the love!

Towering over the city at a staggering 2,716 feet tall, the Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world with 200 stories, 160 of which are habitable. For those looking to stay in the height of luxury (pun intended), the five-star Armani Hotel Dubai is located on the 39^th floor. At.Mosphere restaurant offers fine dining with a view on the 122^nd floor, and At the Top offers panoramic vistas of the city from floors 124, 125 and 148. The views are spectacular any time of day, but if you can make it up for a sunset, you’re in for a special treat.

If you’re looking for a more ‘local’ experience, still oozing with luxury appeal of course, vacation rentals are a great option. There are numerous vacation villas on the iconic Jumeirah Palms – a manmade archipelago shaped like a palm tree that has become one of Dubai’s most happening neighborhoods – that make the perfect home base for your Dubai adventure. Beach bars, nightclubs, restaurants and shopping are all at your fingertips on this well-manicured outcrop. You could spend your entire vacation never needing to step foot on the mainland.

Behind the modern façade, a rich history awaits

Dubai is more than high-rises and high-end retail outlets. Founded in 1833, this city also has a rich historical heritage. A visit to the Al Fahidi Historical District, often referred to as Al Bastakiya, gives you a glimpse into the past – before oil money bathed this city in glitz and glamour. Narrow winding streets lead you on a journey through time, past quaint tea houses, through citrus tree-filled courtyards. The sand-colored buildings house art galleries, museums, cafes and, of course, the residents that still call this area home.

One must-visit site is the Dubai Museum, located in the 200-year-old Al Fahidi Fort. Exhibitions bring to life the many cultures that have called Dubai home over the centuries, exploring urban and rural environments as well as its natural heritage. Ancient markets, traditional homes and well-preserved artifacts are on display, engulfing you in the memoire of this incredible city.

From souks to Saks, a shop-aholic’s dream

The shopping scene in Dubai is world-renowned, thanks in part to its tax-free status. If you want to tick an item off your bucket list, head to Dubai Mall, the largest mall in the world. You could spend a lifetime (and a small fortune) browsing the 5.9 million square feet of retail heaven filled with over 1,200 shops. To make navigating this mammoth building a bit easier, it’s been split into three sections: Fashion Avenue is home to the high-end shops and boutiques, the Souk has locally made clothing, accessories and handicrafts and The Village has a more casual, open-air feel.

If a visit to the world’s largest shopping mall isn’t enough, how about a visit to the world’s first shopping resort? In addition to the shopping and dining experiences found in your standard mall, the Mall of the Emirates features a virtual reality amusement park, arcades, trampoline park, bowling alley and, wait for it, a ski slope. Yes, in the middle of the dessert, you can go for a ski any time of the year. Ski Dubai indoor ski resort features winter-themed amusement rides, cozy après-ski cafes and several slopes to choose from (complete with ski lifts). There’s even a resident colony of penguins.

Dubai is an international city, and this is brought to life in The Global Village. This is Dubai’s version of Disneyland’s Epcot Center, but with a retail focus. The village is separated into countries or regions where you can purchase local goods and handicrafts. Offering the full amusement park experience, there are also cultural activities, performances, exhibitions and more.

For a more traditional shopping experience, head to the Bur Dubai Souk which features a kaleidoscope of textiles, pre-made items like rugs, suits and dresses and a number of tailors that can turn your purchased textile into any bespoke garment your imagination can dream up. And for a little bling bling, the Deira Gold Souk is a sparkling mecca for all things gold. The intricate designs of the skilled artisans make this market as much an art gallery as a shopping destination.

What’s a vacation without a trip to the beach?!

Being an urban oasis set on the edge of the desert, an afternoon spent at one of Dubai’s beaches is a necessity. But, save your thong bikini for your trip to Miami. While dress codes are relatively relaxed on the beaches here, you want to be as respectful as possible of the local culture. A bikini is fine, but even better, opt for a one piece and have a wrap or cover-up on when you’re not in the water.

Sunset beach is the patch of powdery white sand that lies just off the famous sail-shaped Burj al Arab. Aptly named, each evening Mother Nature puts on a spectacular show as the fiery colors of sunset fill the sky and reflect off the crystalline water below. This setting has profile picture written all over it.

Jumeirah Beach is another favorite, especially for those looking for a livelier atmosphere. La Mer, the newest addition to Dubai’s beachside scene, is another good option for a beach with amenities like restaurants, cafes and water sports. For the more sporty-types, Kite Beach is a popular spot for kitesurfing, stand-up paddling, beach volleyball and more.

And, of course, on Jumeirah Palms, almost every inch of coastline is covered with golden sand. However, many of the beaches are private beach clubs. An entry fee gives you access to towels, sun chairs and, most importantly, an endless supply of cocktails to sip as you luxuriate by the sea.

Summer weather can make it too hot to be outside for extended periods of time, even at the beach, so avoid the hottest months of June-September.

Queen of the Desert

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the stillness of the Arabian Desert. Camel rides across the undulating sand dunes, cultural activities with local Bedouin tribes, the intricate stains of a henna tattoo or even a kick of adrenaline during a sandboarding adventure. Or maybe, you just do nothing at all, take a walk by yourself and appreciate the vastness of the beauty surrounding you. The desert is your playground.

World-class cuisine, shopping, entertainment and more, Dubai is a city that combines the best that luxury travel has to offer: city-break and beach holiday, shopping extravaganza and nature adventures. This city is a must-visit for any Travel Chick!