Joanna James
An innovative oasis hemmed in by sapphire coastline and majestic dunescapes, Dubai is an idyllic backdrop for sensationally cinematic moments and sweepingly romantic gestures. Here's what honeymooners can enjoy in this ground-breaking UAE destination.
While Dubai's blazing skyline boasts the world's tallest buildings and most dazzlingly large shopping complexes, there's more to this iconic city than cutting-edge glamour and futuristic flair. From atmospheric souqs filled with rich colours, textures, and aromas to marvelling at the exquisite ethnic architecture and getting lost in nature-kissed enclaves like Kite Beach and Jabeel Park, this Emirati cityscape is filled with character-enriching experiences that are even more perfect when shared with a special someone. If you and your partner are feeling up for immersing yourself in the towering ocean of sand, riding camels, racing 4-WDs, huddling close to a bonfire with delicious soul food, and finally camping out Bedouin-style under the sparkling constellations, hop in a jaunty dune buggy and hang on tight for the most exhilarating ride of your life!
From stunningly choreographed fountain shows and transporting digital art theatres to bucket-list skydiving over The Palm, wildly exhilarating water parks, and coasting the kaleidoscopic ripples of Dubai Creek in a water taxi, Dubai is filled with heightened sensory joys that range from bold and bougie to simple and memorable. For an experience that blends jaw-dropping amazement and therapeutic unwinding, take an intimate ramble through the gorgeously quirky Miracle Garden of flowering masterpieces and unconventional structures, from giant mushrooms and umbrella tunnels to blooming cars and floral clocks.
While your itinerary for Arabian adventures might have anticipated sandboarding or dune bashing the wind-whipped desert ridges, or even trying extreme sports like jet skiing or flyboarding on the sparkling blue Gulf, don't forget to include a bizarrely fun stop at Ski Dubai! From snowy white ski runs for varying skier levels and a polar theme park with ice caves and thrilling frosty rides to a resident colony of real-live penguins to get acquainted with, this is an adventure that will go down epically in family history.
Exhilarating escapades lead to deepening connections, so a spontaneous day trip to the cinematically beautiful Hatta Dam, with its crystalline turquoise waters enveloped by the majestically rugged Hajar mountains and perfect for kayaking, canoeing, splashing, and hiking, makes all the sense in the world!
Each a jewel-toned maze of exotic sensations, all of Dubai's souqs have a distinctive and irresistible personality that bring hearts together, from the beautifully intricate and genuinely gilded jewellery at the Gold Souq to the charismatic fragrances of the perfume and spice souqs, the lush fabrics and dreamy adornments of the textile souqs, and the retro-chic boutiques and heritage elegance of the upmarket Souq Madinat.
If you fancy the innate romanticism of riding into the desert sunset with your favourite person on a graceful purebred Arabian steed with the silky sand gusting behind you, Dubai has plenty of Equestrian packages to make this dream an adrenaline-packed reality. If you're looking for avant-garde Sheikh Zayed Road apartments proffering prime access to the city's chief allurements, venture no further than the likes of Ascott Park Place Dubai.
While scaling the Burj Khalifah is a must-have experience, a more whimsical and nostalgic moment can be captured as you float up towards the clouds in a hot air balloon to meet the golden sunrise spreading like marmalade over the city below and watch as desert wildlife begins to stir in its gentle iridescence.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
