Fabulous news: it’s the weekend. If you’re casting your eye around for something to do, look no further. Whether it’s a new spa, arty markets, or dinner and drinks with a view, we’ve got you covered.
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Thursday 21
Discover some home-grown gems
Dubai’s uber-creative suburb, d3, is launching its very first Art Market, where you’ll be able to shop pieces from 30 local and regional talents. There’ll also be workshops for kids and grown-ups alike, free movie screenings and live music. If you’re last-minute Christmas shopping, nip down to find a cool print or vintage poster.
d3 Art Market, Dubai Design District, Dubai, December 21 to 23, 10am to 7pm. dubaidesigndistrict.com.
Ease into the weekend with some pampering
Want to feel like you’re lazing the afternoon away in a Hawaiian beauty sanctuary? Luckily you can now do that without having to hop on a plane. Ola Spa, which has just opened at Lapita Hotel, is a Polynesian-themed haven with a relaxing menu of treatments designed to promote the utmost tranquility. From lomi lomi massages to brightening facials, there’s something for every ache, pain or skin concern.
Ola Spa, Lapita Hotel, Dubai Parks and Resorts, Dubai, open 9am to 10pm. Tel: (04) 810 9660. Lapitadubaihotel.com.
Friday 22
Have a leisurely outdoor breakfast
Our favourite thing about a hotel stay? The buffet breakfast the next morning, of course—and now you can get a morning feast at the Manzil Downtown without needing to sleep over. The boutique hotel is offering quite the spread between 6am and 11am every day on their outdoor terrace, with dishes including whole-meal French toast with apricot vanilla crème, quinoa porridge and a smoked salmon and cheese bagel with onion marmalade. Whether you go buffet or a la carte, there are also fresh juices as well as tea and coffee to wash it down with.
Manzil Downtown, Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, daily between 6am and 11am, Dhs125 per person. Tel: (04) 423 8899. vida-hotels.com.
Take a culinary trip through South America
We’ve got quite an array of Peruvian restaurants here in Dubai, but Lima has to be one of our favourites with its bucolic interiors, elegant courtyard and sleek bar with hanging chairs. And it’s now getting added to our list of Friday dining options thanks to its new Peruvian Expedition, a five-course sharing brunch featuring signature dishes such as fresh ceviche and slow-cooked lamb rump. It’s worth leaving room for the wall of desserts brought to the table too…
Lima Dubai, The Square, City Walk, Dubai, Fridays 12pm to 4pm. Dhs325 with soft drinks, Dhs450 with house beverages, Dhs550 with bubbly, after-party from 4pm to 6pm, Dhs250 for unlimited drinks. Tel: 056 500 4571. limadubai.com.
Saturday 23
Check out a just-opened restaurant
Masti, an Indian-inspired restaurant and lounge at Meraas’ La Mer, opens its doors this weekend, and that al fresco terrace is practically calling our name already. Expect dishes such as lamb, caramelised onion and chili garlic masala or Togarashi-spiced fries with truffle cream, plus sea views and an extensive cocktail menu. You might find us here for most of the winter.
Masti, La Mer, Jumeirah 1, Dubai, ground floor open 12pm to midnight, first floor (licensed) open 5pm to midnight. Tel: (04) 344 4384. mastidubai.com.
See out the weekend with a bang
Forget mid-week ladies’ nights—Gaucho’s holding theirs on a Saturday to help eke out that weekend feeling. From 8pm to 11pm, girls can get three complimentary drinks plus 50 per cent off bar food at the Argentinian eatery’s outdoor terrace. There’s also a DJ on the decks, to help you forget you’ve got work in the morning…
Gaucho, Podium Level, Gate Village 5, DIFC, Dubai, ladies night is on Saturdays between 8pm and 11pm. Tel: (04) 4227898. gauchorestaurants.com.
Images: Supplied
