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ELLE travels Dubai
Dubbed the "City of Gold," oil-rich Dubai is a world-class shopping mecca with a distinctive Arabic twist.
By Heather Greenwood Davis
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The Burj Al Arab, Dubai
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Michelle's best list...
Souks
You should visit at least one of Dubai's famous souks while you're there -- but brush up on your bartering before you go. You can buy frankincense, myrrh and spicy Arabic oils at the Perfume Souk, or head to the Gold Souk, where endless rows of white, pink, yellow and purple gold necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings are sold by weight rather than design. "I enjoy surprising friends with intricately embroidered Arabic slippers," says Todd, "or beautiful tablecloths with gold filigree -- which cost a fortune in places like Holt Renfrew -- and miniature silk Persian carpets for beside the bed." Or take home a dalla -- an antique copper coffee pot -- which is a symbol of Arabic hospitality.
Hotels
"Being Canadian, there's a soft spot in my heart for the Fairmont Dubai, which is fabulous," says Todd, but Dubai is one of the few places in the world where you can find hotels ritzier than the Ritz-Carlton. The cost of a night at the magnificent Burj Al Arab -- shaped like a ship's sail and touted as the only seven-star hotel in the world -- will take your breath away. One night in the 780-square-metre Royal Suite, with its marble and gold staircase, private elevator and cinema, costs $12,000. The Madinat Jumeirah -- an elaborate and breathtaking recreation of old Arabia -- is set on a beach and connected by nearly four kilometres of waterways and gardens. The resort also offers a 1,000-seat outdoor amphitheatre and the region's only dedicated entertainment centre and multi-purpose venue, the Madinat Arena. (Pavarotti recently performed arias and duets from Tosca and La Bohème there on his farewell world tour.)
Spas
"The spas here have some great beauty treatments," says Todd. The luxurious Taj Spa at the Taj Palace Hotel offers soothing Ayurvedic treatments and four-handed massages with revitalizing herbal oils. Andlocal salons are a bargain -- Reflection on Al Wasl Road and La Femme at The Beach Centre are good bets for pedicures and manicures. "An hour-long pedicure with foot massage costs about $25," says Todd.
Nightlife
"For a young, hip night out, try Trilogy," Todd suggests. There's no cover charge, but for special events expect to pay about $25 to get in. For something more exotic, head to Kasbar. There's a cover charge of about $16, but some events are invitation only so you'll need to schmooze the doormen to get in. Looking for something sultry? Try Boudoir, where the party gets started after 11; don't be surprised if you see Tiësto or Ferry Corsten DJing live. Although Dubai is predominantly Muslim, it's not completely "dry." Alcohol can be served in bars and clubs in hotels. (Buying alcohol at a liquor store requires a special permit available only to expat residents.)
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