🌎 Destination: Abu Dhabi, Desert, Dubai
No. 57 / Special travel series with travel advisor Amy Zebala
Welcome to Style / Substance, a weekly newsletter about personal style and confidence, the business and psychology of fashion, with features on outfit ideas, styling tips, product, and brand recommendations - all to make your life easier and to ensure you present your best self. Subscribe here, follow me on Instagram at @LauraKSawyier, + subscribe to my YouTube channel here. Thank you!
+ If you enjoy this week’s post, please tap the 🩵 above.
I’m excited to share this latest travel round-up with you. It brings back memories of my trip to Dubai in 2015 and makes me want to return! And yes, I snow skied in the tube… couldn’t resist :)
Travel advisor Amy Zebala (a SmartFlyer affiliate) curated this trip to parts of the UAE as an escape to a paradise halfway across the globe as part of our collaborative travel series in style. Before you dive into these beautiful destinations that Amy mapped out, here are a couple of quick tips to consider when gearing up for your next trip:
Middle seaters rejoice: It has been confirmed that middle seats have the first right of refusal to both armrests. Let’s keep it cordial for air travel this season.
Respect the culture: When traveling in the UAE, understand the parameters and sensitivities around wardrobe and exposure. Typically when on resort/hotel property, you can wear what you want, but when off property, particularly for women, dress conservatively.
Abu Dhabi
STAY
Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island — Natural beach, amazing spa, lots of dining, and spacious rooms.
Rosewood — A luxurious city hotel on the water, with a spa and near golf and a beach club.
SEE
The Louvre — A collaboration between UAE and France, this museum features unique works of art from around the world.
The Sheikh Zayed Mosque and Cultural Center — Learn about the Islamic religion at the largest mosque in the country.
Qasr Al Hosn Fort — Built in the 18th century, and the oldest stone building in Abu Dhabi
DO
Take a ferry boat to the Spice and Gold market
Make traditional handicrafts
Visit Ferrari World
EAT
Em Sherif Cafe — Lebanese cuisine with delicious mezze options; think hummus and fattoush.
NIRI Restaurant & Bar — Casual with fresh and delicious sushi and sashimi, just a stone’s throw from the beach.
LPM Restaurant & Bar — Fine dining for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Make a reservation on the beautiful outdoor terrace.
Hakkasan — Michelin starred and memorable. Chinese-inspired international cuisine.
PACK
Desert
STAY
Al Maha — An all-inclusive desert hotel just 45 minutes outside of Dubai. Experience the iconic sand dunes and iconic vistas in one of their 42 authentic, yet modern suites.
Bab Al Shams — Witness the beauty of Arabia firsthand at this desert oasis featuring contemporary rooms and suites within modernist architecture.
SEE
Plants and animals that live in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve.
The Al Maha Desert by hot air balloon.
Al Marmoom on a nature hike.
DO
Camel and horseback rides
Falconry
Archery
4x4 tours
PACK
Dubai
STAY
Atlantis Royal Dubai — Opened earlier this year, sophisticated and contemporary, views of Dubai’s skyline and the Arabian Gulf and an infinity sky pool on the 22nd floor
Bulgari — Set on the exclusive Jumeira Bay Island, think Mediterranean village meets Arabia, just a ten-minute drive from downtown.
EAT
Verde beach — St Tropez dining meets beach club at this waterside spot just across the water from the iconic Burj Al Arab.
Nammos — Go for lunch and stay for the beach scene. Born in Mykonos, partake in the perfect fusion of sea, food and celebration.
Amazonico — Latin inspired seafood & grilled meats. Go early or stay late for a cocktail on the chic rooftop.
Orfali Bros Bistro — Unique and undefinable with dishes that reference art, travel and Syrian traditions.
SEE
Burj Khalifa — The world’s tallest building
The Dubai Fountain Show — The highest fountains in the world, set to music and lights.
The city from the air — Take a scenic helicopter flight
DO
Take henna painting or belly dancing lessons
Indulge in a traditional Arabian feast on a show boat
Visit Ski Dubai
PACK
Know someone who would enjoy this newsletter? Fashion is for all. Spread the love and share with them by clicking the link below.
3️⃣ More Things
✈️ Book your next trip: Connect with Amy to plan your next getaway, anywhere in the world.
👟 Be blister-free: Keep your feet in good condition with all the walking you do on your trips with this extra-durable insert. Pro-tip — cut to fit in your shoes to be hidden.
🏷️ Shop: Best-of designer sales curated for you — classic styles for the season, marked down. Some classic summer pieces to pack for re-wear.