Dreamy Dubai

Dubai is a vibrant city, a modern metropolis sitting on a golden sandy coastline in the Arabian Gulf where warm seas meet acres of tawny sandy deserts. Be drawn in by the high-rise oasis of elegant hotels and chic shopping, linger for the culture, history, souks and an escape to the desert or farther afield to Oman or other areas of the Emirates.

Spend a few days to explore the most interesting city cultural attractions, including: bustling exotic souks overflowing with spices, gold, tantalizing textiles, striking tile-covered mosques, unspoiled beaches, abra rides (water taxi) in the harbor, visits to stables to see fine Arabian horses (horse breeding is a national passion) and don’t miss a jaunt to the camel races!

Reserve a night for an excursion to the desert for camel safaris, memorable dining in Bedouin tents, and luxury 4WD tours in vintage Land Rovers through the rolling sand dunes of the Arabian Desert and don’t forget to request private falconry lessons. Cruise leisurely in your Rover or dash through the dunes for a sunset cocktail and an evening of traditional music and dancing in a desert pavilion. Camel stew and Arabic coffee? After enjoying a camel ride through the dunes under a black sky splashed with glittering stars, I had to say no to the camel stew, despite the tempting aromatic sauce.

Take to the skies in Seawings seaplanes to see the massive innovative architecture and man made islands from a sky perch.

The Burj’s 124th-floor observation deck offers panoramic views of the bustling city below.

Experience Dubai’s burgeoning art and design scene housed in converted traditional and industrial buildings.

Dubai is also a renowned shopping destination, with legendary luxury malls filled with exclusive fashion boutiques, indoor skiing, and the Dubai Aquarium.

Sleep at the fashionable Armani Hotel in the tallest world tower Burj Khalifa.

Or continue down the road to Sheik Zayed Road and bask at the beach at The Palm, one of three man made islands built to expand the coastline. One & Only Palm has a chic outpost on the water with villas on the sand.

Or slip in for an exclusive stay at the beyond glamorous Burj Al Arab Jumeriah Hotel.

The Four Seasons offers an iconic spa, pool butlers and a dynamic view from their sky bar.

As each of us has a different fingerprint, there is a perfect hotel and experience for everyone in Dubai.

Dubai is an ideal stopover en route to many other destinations, including Africa and India – especially since there is now an Emirates flight from SFO.

Despite the comparisons to glitzy Las Vegas or the cosmopolitan Miami, Dubai still retains a solid Middle Eastern atmosphere. Traditional Arabian customs are prevalent and the locals still practice their daily customs amid the wide eyed tourists.

Much to enjoy!

Armani Hotel Dubai

It is essential if you visit Dubai, even briefly, you must visit the tallest building in the world, even better STAY in the tallest building!  Glamorous, sleek and stylish, the Armani Hotel is at the base of the tallest tower – my scrumptious Armani suite with the curving windows looked directly down on, of course, the world’s largest choreographed fountain installed in the 30-acre man-made Burj Khalifa Lake. The rooms are snug, subtle and luxurious, cool and dark; they are the absolute opposite of the glaring hot desert. Luxury leather paneling lines the walls making the room whisper soft, a perfect perch to enjoy the dancing fountains. Sinewy and curvy, sexy sleek curves dominate many of the public and private spaces – So Very Very Italian!Technophobes will love that you can use an Ipad to control everything in the room and also listen to the fountain music from your nest above the world.

A new private passageway links you to an enormous shopping center and the entrance to the Burj Khalifa Observation Tower.

Lifestyle Managers field all questions, organize drivers, dinner appointments or shopping excursions.

Armani/SPA offers a fully tailored sensory experience to suit all needs. Highly recommend reserving a treatment to coincide with your Dubai arrival following the 15 hour flight from the West Coast! Deep tissue massage using Armani bois oil with moody resinous cedar wood used as part of a penetrating pressure point treatment that coaxes  jet lagged muscles into releasing tension.

Then on to one of the fabulous award wining restaurants for a late night supper. Savor exquisite cuisine from one of the many options: Ristorante offers the best of regional Italian cuisine; Amal serves high style tastes of India in an unforgettable setting or Hashi – the best of Japan with an imaginative twist on traditional and contemporary Japanese cuisine.

Sexy Piano Bar

Immersed in the glam district of downtown Dubai, the Armani Hotel is classically sophisticated, offers exceptional cuisine, spa pampering and has the premium city views and a high profile address in swanky Dubai.

PACK: Bond Girl Heels and a Slinky Sparkling Dress!