A dip in the dark, pool pilates, an uber-luxe beach club and more…
It’s officially post-summer and there’s much to celebrate. Endless beach days are upon us now that temps have cooled down and there’s a host of exciting events and experiences at our fingertips. Take your pick from a solo cooking class, a pesceterian feast or an opera in town for three days only. Race you there…
Thursday September 6
Dip in the Dark
Fancy a dip in the dark? Now you can. See in the weekend by unwinding those post-work muscles at one of our fave boutique hotel’s infinity pool, complete with a sundowner from their rooftop bar. The spectacular views of the Burj Khalifa and Dubai skyline are ‘gram gold. Staying overnight? Make some time to head to in-house restaurant Graze – if only for the moreish mac and cheese and their trademark Graze steak. Mmmm.
LookUp, La Ville Hotel & Suites City Walk, Dubai, daily 5pm to 10pm. Weekdays Dhs 100 and for weekends, Dhs150. Until September 30 Tel: (04) 403 3111. www.livelaville.com/
Pescetarian Paradise
Pescetarians, rejoice. Now this is one slick Italian eatery (we’re talking plush blue seats and a live lobster tank FYI). Thanks to their new lunch menu, pick between a soup and a main course or soup, (a very generous) two starters and a main course. Come here for the fresh fish (veal carpaccio and the taglioni seabass, zucchini and lime are unforgettable) but stay for chicken escallops, the star dish. Oh and it’s worth saving some space for the tiramisu: we’d make the trip here for that alone. Just don’t look too closely at that lobster tank…
Crazy Fish, DIFC, Sunday-Thursday lunch 12pm to 3:30pm. Dhs98 for two course set menu, Dhs118 for three course set menu. Tel (04) 902 9397. http://crazyfishdubai.com/
Friday September 7
Paint the town red
Fancy broadening your cultural horizons? Pencil in French composer Georges Bizet’s Carmen, renowned as one of the world’s greatest operas. Here in Dubai for only three days and set in Seville, this tragic tale deserves a space on your calendar this weekend. Stunning costumes and a spectacular set? Count us in.
Dubai Opera. Tickets from Dhs350. Tel (04) 440 8888 www.dubaiopera.com/
Taco fest
This Mexican jaunt might have just opened but it’s rammed for a reason. Even better, with tacos and generous sharing mains for around Dhs200 per person, you won’t have to make too much of a dent on the purse strings. Bonus points: you can bring your vegan or gluten-free friend along as there’s crispy cauliflower, mushroom tostadas (oh, and chefs can even whip up off-menu concoctions). Wash it all down with a cocktail (or two).
Big flavours and even bigger feasting? We’re in.
LaCarnita DXB, Incontinental Dubai. Approx Dhs200 for two course set menu. reservations@lacarnitadxb.com. Tel (04) 4425 4030 www.lacarnita.ae
Saturday September 8
Canine class
Ever fancied bringing your pooch along as you sweat it out? Now you can. Back by popular demand, master ‘Rolling Like a Ball’ at ‘Puppy Pilates’, only now with your furry BFF. Now that’s paws-for thought
Dogwalk, Al Quoz, Saturday 4pm. Dhs 95 per person and DhS if your dog is registered with the Animal Agency. Book here. www.animalagencyuae.com/
Endless drifting
There’s not a more picturesque way to drift your Saturday away than this luxe beach club. Aptly named ‘Drift’, unwind on a sun lounger and soak up the lush landscaped surroundings and panoramic views of the Dubai skyline. It might be nestled in the city but Drift seems so secluded that you’d be forgiven for thinking it was anywhere but. With a stylish and sophisticated crowd to boot, we love with how it channels some serious Mykonos vibes. Peckish? The restaurant’s Provencal-inspired menu is worth making a trip here alone.
One & Only Royal Mirage, Drift Beach. Weekdays: Sunloungers Dhs250 and for weekends, DhS300. Tel (04) 315 2200 driftbeachdubai.com/
Master a solo cooking class
We love this hotel for good reason. Looking for something a little different to do? Change it up Raffles’ brand new Italian cooking masterclasses. Give whipping up authentic Italian dishes from scratch your best shot, from polpette di manzo (beef meatballs) to linguini ai frutti di mare (seafood linguini).
Best bit of all? You get to hoover your culinary concoctions alongside the master chefs and your fellow foodies at a private dinner at Raffles’ restaurant. Don’t mind if we do. Forks at the ready…
Raffles Dubai. Masterclasses run from 11:30am to 2pm twice a month on Saturdays, from Dhs320 per head, inclusive of soft drinks. To book, email dining.dubai@raffles.com. Tel: (04) 314 9720. www.raffles.com/dubai
Main image: Getty
