GETAWAYS
TOP 4 DUBAI by Samantha Ready
Gold on 27
Situated on the highest floor of the awe-inspiring sailshaped Burj Al Arab Jumeirah , Gold on 27 is the latest addition to the Dubai social scene . The exhilarating views of the Arabian Gulf and Dubai ’ s stunning skyline match perfectly the master mixology offered at this sophisticated bar . The interiors feature textured walls which shimmer with gold , complementing the bar ’ s art deco design , while internationally acclaimed DJ Darko De Jan sets the tone at this remarkable new nightspot with soulful house and lounge music .
Progressive cocktails are undoubtedly the main event at Gold On 27 . Using premium brands and an extensive array of ingredients , the bar ’ s award-winning team of mixologists , headed up by cocktail maestro and bar general manager Paul Bradley , have created an imaginative menu brimming with contemporary twists . At the creative end of the selection are blends including Light Sweet Crude ( using foie gras and blackened truffle oil ), Scent of the Souk ( using oud oil , rosemary and spices ) and A Ghaaf , a Goat and a Camel ( using goat ’ s cheese foam ). www . goldon27 . com
The Exchange Grill
With its New York inspired dining room ( complete with graffiti artwork and leather arm chairs no less ) The Exchange Grill at the Fairmont Hotel has an impressive reputation built upon its exceptional service and ability to deliver dish after dish of excellent quality . The menu features a range exciting starters with the likes of Scottish scallops ceviche and fois gras brulée before leading into an abundant list of top-end grill options including premium gold Angus or stockyard Wagyu beef offered as fillet mignon , cote de boeuf and chateaubriand , as well as seafood options including octopus and lobster . The steak is utter melt-in-the-mouth heaven , especially when accompanied by parmesan and truffle fries , and it ’ s easy to see why this elegant affair is recognised by TimeOut Dubai as being the city ’ s best steakhouse – and that doesn ’ t even account for other offerings such as its Mixology Masterclasses . www . fairmont . com / dubai / dining / theexchangegrill /
Wild Wadi
Themed around the tale of Juha , a well-known Arabian folklore character , Wild Wadi offers thrills , fun and excitement for all ages . Situated in front of the stunning Burj Al Arab , the waterpark offers unrivalled views of the hotel and beach beyond as well as the best selection of water rides in the U . A . E .
Pump your adrenaline on the new Jumeirah Sceirah where having climbed the 32m tower ( with amazong views across the park and to the Burj Al Arab beyond ) you enter one of the tandem slide capsules and cross your arms and legs as the countdown begins … before the floor beneath you opens , hurtling you down the 120m slide at speeds of up to 80km / h .
Or how about the Burj Surj where groups of up to four travel around and down the downhill waterslide on an inflatable tube before being spun and dropped by the bowl into the final splash ; or the aquatic rollercoaster of the Master Blaster with gravity defying rides through tunnels and falls ; and then maybe relax by Breakers Bay , the largest wave pool in the Middle East .
Open from 10am – 10pm through the summer and with handy prepaid wristbands that are used for lockers , food and beverages , there is no better ( or more fun ) cool down from the 40 degree temperatures . www . jumeirah . com / en / hotels-resorts / dubai / wild-wadi /
Blue Jade
Located on the ground floor of the welcoming Ritz Carlton is the sleek , sophisticated Blue Jade . With its glass chandeliers , clean lines , dark wood screens and green accents it promises a journey across Asia from the kitchen of chef Ta Van , who has created a modern menu inspired by his Vietnamese roots and influenced by his grandmother ’ s recipes . Named as Best Southeast Asian Restaurant 2015 by TimeOut Dubai , the menu offers delights such as coconut prawns served with fresh fruit salsa and sweet chili sauce ; the impressive sandwich maki with fresh crabstick , sesame seed , tobiko and chives ; delicious miso black cod and a tempting Vietnamese chilled banana saga served with coconut cream and Pandan ice cream . It also offers a raw bar as well as theme nights including the massively popular Sushi-licious Sundays . www . ritzcarlton . com / en / hotels / dubai / dubai-beach / dining / blue-jade
Holiday Extras offers a wide choice of holiday booster options including UK airport parking , airport hotels , worldwide airport lounges , destination car hire and holiday insurance .
Located in Kent and established in 1983 , Holiday Extras makes travel easier for over 7 million holidaymakers each year . The company has been listed ten times in The Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For and reached number twenty in 2016 .
www . holidayextras . co . uk
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