Burj Khalifa Tips for Visiting – A Must See Dubai Attraction - Travnfly

No visit to Dubai is complete without visiting the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. At 2,716.5 feet tall, the Burj Khalifa holds many world records. It is the tallest free-standing structure, has the most floors, the highest occupied floor, the highest outdoor observation deck, the elevator with the longest travel distance, the tallest art gallery, and more.

As the tallest building, the Burj Khalifa offers the best views of the Dubai skyline and beyond from its observation deck. When you step out of the elevators and onto the observation deck, you’ll have 360-degree views of the entire city, surrounding desert, and ocean. Walk around the deck and take in the views from the At the Top experience’s floor-to-ceiling windows.

How to get At the Top – Burj Khalifa discount tickets?

We’ve got you covered. At the Top – Burj Khalifa admission is available with the money-saving options below. Choose a sightseeing Go Dubai pass that gets you into At the Top – Burj Khalifa and everything else in Dubai you want to do.

Go Dubai passes that include admission to At the Top – Burj Khalifa:

1.      All-Inclusive Pass – Visit as many included as you want for the duration of your pass.

2.      Explorer Pass – Choose attractions as you go. Includes admission to up to 10 attractions.

3.      Build Your Own Pass – Select the attractions you want to visit before you go to Dubai.

See all available passes, attractions, and prices - Learn more

Please note: SKY access is not included on Go Dubai sightseeing passes. You can upgrade your Burj Khalifa admission to include SKY access to levels 124, 125, and 148 which includes the outdoor terrace on floor 148 and a guided tour when you arrive at the At the Top – Burj Khalifa ticket counter.

Tips for Visiting At the Top – Burj Khalifa

• For the best photos: the best views and lighting for photos are right before sunset. Stay for the sunset and you’ll get both daytime and evening views of the Dubai skyline. Or, if you want to get a surreal photo of the city in the clouds, from above the clouds, try to visit during a foggy morning.
• Bring your camera and a selfie stick. As the highest observation deck in the world, the Burj Khalifa has plenty of photo opportunities.
• Use the on-site telescopes to help identify the Burj Khalifa’s surrounding buildings and points of interest.

When is the best time to visit the Burj Khalifa?

To avoid the crowds, visit the Burj Khalifa on a weekday, and preferably as early as you can.

What is there to do at the Burj Khalifa?

• Ride the ‘travelator,’ a 65-meter long elevator ride traveling at 10 meters per second. It will take you up to the observation floors. On the ride up, you’ll watch an informative multi-media display. You will learn about the city’s important history and significant moments, including how the Burj Khalifa serves as an important icon of the Middle East.
• §  After you look around the 124th floor, climb the spiral staircase to the 125th floorwhere you’ll be 456 meters above ground. Roam around the spacious deck – it’s tastefully decorated in Arabic mashrabiya.
• §  Explore the ‘Dubai – A Falcon’s Eye View’ exhibit on the 125th floor observation deck. It’s an exhibit that puts all of Dubai’s major landmarks in perspective compared to the Burj Khalifa. It also provides a bird’s-eye-view of the city.
• §  Look through the deck’s advanced telescopes featuring full HD cameras and high zoom. They are located on both the 124th and 125th floors and are an interactive way to see the lights and identify and learn about the landmarks.
• §  Have any questions? Don’t hesitate to ask Guest Ambassadors on hand to answer questions and provide context and fun trivia.
• §  Watch The Dubai Fountain show and enjoy the aerial view from At the Top. You can hear the fountain performance soundtrack from At the Top for a fully immersive experience.
• §  Check out the lobby of The Residence at Burj Khalifa. A sculpture named ‘World Voices,’ designed by Jaume Plensa, features 196 cymbal instruments that sound when water drops from the ceiling. The sounds they create are meant to sound like the voices of people around the world.
• §  Giorgio Armani designed the lobby of the Armani Hotel Dubai. Be sure to check it out to experience the luxury of the Burj Khalifa.

Observation Decks

At the Top – Burj Khalifa tickets feature two different experiences:

§  At the Top – Burj Khalifa: access to levels 124 and 125 which are the main observation decks. They are included as an attraction choice on Go Dubai sightseeing passes!

§  At the Top – Burj Khalifa| SKY: access to levels 124, 125, and 148 which includes access to the outdoor terrace on the 148th floor and a guided tour. (Please note: SKY access is not included with Go Dubai sightseeing pass admission. However, you can upgrade your ticket to include SKY access when you get to the ticket counter upon arrival.

Burj Khalifa Facts

§  Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol, the 4th of the Mission Impossible series, featured the Burj Khalifa. You can see Tom Cruise scaling the side of the building.

§  The Burj Khalifa is the world’s first Armani Hotel with luxury accents and designs, like fabrics and furniture. All designed by Giorgio Armani.

§  It’s one of the most photographed buildings in the world.

§  The construction of the Burj Khalifa, from excavation to its televised unveiling, took 6 years to complete.

§  If you weighed the total amount of concrete used in the building’s construction, it was approximately equal the weight of 100,000 elephants.

§  The tower features a Condensate Collection System that collects condensation from the tower’s air-conditioning systems and irrigates the building’s gardens.

§  When you visit you’ll get to ride in the world’s fastest double deck elevators that take you to the observation deck.

§  The structure of the Burj Khalifa features a design that embodies the structure of the Hymenocallis, or, Spider Lily flower.

What attractions are near the Burj Khalifa?

The Burj Khalifa is considered the anchor of the Downtown Dubai community. It’s close to lots of attractions, restaurants, shops, and more, including some of our top picks:

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo – Researcher Experience: visit one of the largest suspended aquariums in the world, home to over 140 species of aquatic animals, to learn about and get up close to thousands of sea animals, including sharks, rays, crocodiles, and more.

The Green Planet: this fully-immersive vertical tropical forest features four levels of varying ecosystems, complete with plant and animal life, like butterflies, frogs, tropical birds, insects, and more.

Hub Zero: this entertainment hub is a virtual gamers dream come true. It features multiple levels of highly immersive and interactive games, thrill rides, and more. You’re not just playing the games, you’re in them. Here, you’ll be able to put all of your skills to the test at the various stations within Hub Zero.

Mattel Play! Town: this innovative attraction features immersive ‘edu-play’ scenarios where kids can participate in simulated ‘real-life’ experiences with hands-on activities that require problem-solving skills, teamwork, creativity, and social skills. Mattel Play! Town is geared towards visitors ages 2-10.

Hysteria Haunted House: take a walk through the dark side, located right in The Dubai Mall, at Hysteria Haunted House and see if you can make it out unscathed by this mansion’s evil residents.  (Please note: this attraction is intended for visitors age 18+).

Where is there to eat near the Burj Khalifa?

If you want to grab a bite to eat before or after you visit the observation decks, here are our recommendations:

Rainforest Cafe – Dubai Mall: more than a restaurant, Rainforest Cafe – Dubai Mall, is a tropical adventure. Use your Go Dubai Card All-Inclusive Pass, Explorer Pass, or add it to your Build Your Own Pass to get your choice of a meal and enjoy the entertaining atmosphere that surrounds you.

Eataly Dubai Mall: Experience the culinary best of Italy without leaving the Middle East. Poke around the various stations and go on a flavor-filled adventure through Italy.

Markette: It has a French-inspired menu and trendy/upscale ambiance. Markette is one of the top-rated places to eat within the Dubai Mall.

Arabian Culinary Experience at Al Hallab: Head here for as authentic as it gets Lebanese cuisine for an Arabian culinary experience. Enjoy outdoor terrace views of Burj Khalifa, the Fountains, and Dubai Opera.

Need to Know

Hours: Open daily starting at 8:30 am and closes at 11PM.

Getting your tickets: When you arrive at Burj Khalifa, you’ll receive a timed ticket for admission to the Burj Khalifa. Based on availability, it might be at a later time in the day or on a later date.

Address:

At the Top, Burj Khalifa / Level: Lower Ground Floor, The Dubai Mall

Parking: Cinema Parking (Green), P1

Dubai

Check out our suggestions for the best attractions in Dubai and the  top 10+ things to do in Abu Dhabi for more itinerary inspiration.

If you decide to visit Dubai during Ramadan be sure to check out our helpful guide.

 Save on Admission Tickets with a Go Dubai All-Inclusive Pass

Remember, the Go Dubai All-Inclusive Pass is the best choice for maximum savings and sightseeing flexibility in Dubai. Choose from over 35 included attractions, like At the Top – Burj Khalifa. Get admission to all of Dubai’s top attractions.

Save up to 55% on top museums, tours, and activities vs. paying at the gate. Visit multiple Dubai attractions for one low price.

Visit visa Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Al Ain, Dubai, Fujair...

Visit visa Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Al Ain, Dubai, Fujair...: Obtaining a visit visa for Dubai and other emirates in the UAE including Abu Dhabi, RAK, Sharjah. How to sponsor someone for a visit visa...

Visit visa Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Al Ain, Dubai, Fujairah, RAK, Sharjah, UAQ, UAE

Obtaining a visit visa for Dubai and other emirates in the UAE including Abu Dhabi, RAK, Sharjah. How to sponsor someone for a visit visa to the UAE. Difference between tourist and visit visa. There are differences between a pre-arranged visit visa sponsored by an entity in the UAE, the visit visa on arrival available to some nationalities, and a tourist visa.

There are several different ways to obtain a visit visa for Dubai and other emirates in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A visit visa and a tourist visa are not the same, although they are both entry permits for visitors to the UAE. The difference is mostly to do with who sponsors the visitor for their trip, the cost, and whether or not the visa is renewable. A tourist visa is was renewable (no longer from 01 Jan 2015), a visit visa is not renewable (except for on-arrival visas).

A pre-arranged visit visa must be used to enter the UAE within 60 days of being issued, otherwise it expires and you'll have to get a new one issued. It can only be used for a single entry, and after exit the visitor must stay away from the UAE for 30 days before re-applying for a new visa (there are some exceptions). A pre-arranged visit visa is valid for 30 or 90 days after entry to the UAE, and is not renewable. A tourist visa and a visit visa on arrival are both valid 30 days, and can be renewed once.

For individual or company sponsorship of a UAE visit visa, the sponsor must be based in the UAE, and have a UAE residence visa if the sponsor is a person. GCC nationals do not need a visit visa to enter the UAE. GCC residents, or visitors accompanying GCC nationals might be able to obtain a visit visa more easily - contact a UAE immigration department.

Although UAE immigration rules are supposed to be federal, there are sometimes differences between emirates in how they are interpreted and implemented. Sometimes even within an emirate, perhaps depending on the mood of the border control official or immigration department official. Sharjah in particular seems to be more restrictive and inconsistent.

• Medical visit visa or medical tourism visa - overseas patients can get a 90 day (or 3 month?) medical tourist visa, extendable twice up to 270 days (or 9 months?). Only for Dubai though. A new initiative by the Dubai Health Authority and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). Applies only to patients attending hospitals with international accreditation (or applying for accreditation) for example Joint Commission International (JCI) (news reports November 2012).
• Property owner visa - new in 2009, not clear if regarded as a visit visa or residence visa by the UAE immigration authorities (probably a visit visa), multi-entry, valid 180 days, renewable
• Tourist visa - valid 30 days, renewable once, available to most nationalities, sponsored by an airline (UAE based airlines only?), travel agent in the UAE, or hotel in the UAE.
• Transit visa - not really a visit visa but might be an easier option for short stays of less than 4 days.
• Visit visa on arrival - valid 30 days, "renewable" (new visa issued each time) indefinitely, available to some nationalities only, obtain at passport control on arrival at any UAE border entry point (airport, land, or sea), new visa can be issued immediately after exit (30 day waiting period outside UAE not required).
• UAE visit visa - 30 days or 90 days, not renewable (usually), sponsored by company, relative, or friend (sometimes).
• Visit visa for GCC residents (unconfirmed) - 30 days, renewable once, costs 100 dhs. Restricted to certain high-level professions (doctor, teacher, manager, lawyer, etc). Visa fee might be higher than 100 dhs. Some sources say this visa is not renewable but that might be old information.
• UAE visit visa for visitors with GCC nationals (unconfirmed) - 30 days, renewable once, costs 100 dhs.

The UAE visa list is a more comprehensive table of different types of visa available, with validity periods and more details.

Dubai Visa Change – Everything You Need to Know /.....!!!

Visa Change is a convenient visa provision wherein the existing Dubai visa holders are able to change the visa and lengthen their stay in the UAE by obtaining a new 30 days or 90 days visa. This is especially beneficial for visitors traveling to Dubai or UAE from the countries such as India, Sri Lanka, Philippines, Egypt, etc, as they can change their visa upon its expiration without the hassle of flying to their home country. So, if you’re considering a visa change and would like to know more about it, here is everything you need to be aware on points to consider as well as its diverse options which even sometimes allow for a visa change same day.

Main Things to Consider:

• As visa change is not granted or applied automatically, make sure that you submit your visa change application well before the validity of your UAE visa ends.• Choose the appropriate option (see ‘Visa Change Options’ section).• Attach all relevant documents (refer to the ‘Document Requirements’ section), along with the application, to ensure the quick processing of your visa change.• Most importantly, get your Dubai visa change processing done through a professional service provider with exceptional experience and knowledge in all aspects of the UAE visa services.• Since the visa change mostly involves traveling to a neighboring country and staying there (particularly in the case of Oman visa change via road) for a day or two, be sure to keep enough money to meet any additional expense.• As it will be most crowded, avoid weekends and public holidays for your visa change travel.                               Apply for Dubai Visa Online                        www.travnfly.com

Documents Requirements:

Regardless of your preferred visa change option, the following documents will be required:• Passport and visa copies of each visitor • Guarantor’s documents such as the copies of Residence Visa, Passport, and Emirates ID • Passport size photo of a visitor (captured against the white background) • A cash deposit (if required) • Visa fee as stipulated

 

UAE Visa Change Options:

Apply for Dubai Visa Online 

You can choose from one of these options to change your UAE visa.

I. Visa Run: In Visa Run Dubai, you will travel to a neighboring country (mostly Muscat (Oman), Bahrain or Kish Island) in order to get the visa changed or renewed. Leaving from Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Sharjah, you will re-enter the country (UAE) as the new 30-day or 90-day visa is issued.

II. Oman Visa Change via Road: For this visa change option, you’ll travel to Oman and stay here till your UAE visa is approved in two or three days. In fact, your service provider will take care of everything from Oman visa and UAE visa to two-way transfers between Dubai and Oman.

III. Airport to Airport Package: It is probably the fastest and easiest way to change your visa. With the Airport to Airport Visa Change (A to A Visa Change), you’ll take a flight to a nearby country (Kuwait, Bahrain or Oman) from Sharjah International Airport or Dubai International Airport and sometimes fly back by the same flight. This package includes visa change services plus roundtrip flight tickets.

Dependent on you’re flying from Dubai International Airport or Sharjah International Airport, the A to A Visa Change includes the following steps.

For your departure from Sharjah International Airport:

• Arrive at the airport three hours prior to your flight. • Make the payment (as required) at Hala counter and then have your ticket stamped with ‘Visa Change’ and ‘Ok to Accept Pax.’ • Once you receive your boarding pass and get ‘Exit’ seal on a passport, send this to your visa service provider and this is significant for your visa change process. • As you land at Oman or Bahrain, complete all relevant procedures and then fly back to Sharjah. On the other hand, if you’re traveling to Kuwait, you needn’t have to disembark the flight. Simply remain seated until the same flight carries you to Sharjah. • Back in Sharjah, you can wait at the airport’s dedicated waiting section, food court or even stay in the airport hotel until your service provider notifies you about your UAE visa approval. It usually takes 24 to 48 hours. • As you obtain your new visa, clear the immigration procedures and receive an ‘Entry’ seal on your passport.

For your departure from Dubai International Airport:

• Arrive at the Terminal II of Dubai International Airport at least three hours prior to your flight time. • Make the required payment and get your ticket stamped with ‘Visa Change’ and ‘Ok to Accept Pax.’ • As the next step, you’ll get your boarding pass upon which the immigration processes are completed and then passport stamped with Exit seal. Send this to your visa service provider as it’s significant for your visa change process. • As you reach Oman, head to the airport’s dedicated waiting section where you’ll wait until your service provider notifies you about your UAE visa approval. It usually takes 24 to 48 hours. • Once you’re informed about the UAE visa approval, you can return to Dubai International Airport. • Back in Dubai, clear the immigration procedures and come out of the airport with your passport stamped with the ‘Entry’ seal.

Be it Airport to Airport processor Visa Change via road, the most important thing is that you must apply for the same, together with all relevant documents and essential requirements, much prior to the expiry of your authorized stay in the UAE. With the knowledge and guidance of an expert visa team, the rest is assured (in most cases) that your new visa will be approved at ease in a minimal time frame.

Apply for Dubai Visa Online

The Top Six Romantic Stay Locations in the U.A.E.

Palazzo Versace Dubai

When in Dubai for Valentine’s Day, do as the Romans do and head to the most luxurious – and fashionably romantic – hotel in the region: Palazzo Versace.

It is the second Palazzo from the Italian fashion house. The debut property, on Australia’s Gold Coast, was the world’s first designer hotel, and Dubai’s version – in Culture Village, on the Creek’s shores – is Donatella Versace at her finest. Think Carrara marble at every turn, gold on the ceilings, opulent fabric-covered walls, rich red velvet-backed chairs, and decadent bedrooms that wouldn’t look out of place in a 
15th- or 16th-century Italian palace.

And I should know. I married an Italian in a 15th-century villa in Rome, nearly identical to the hotel’s seafood restaurant Vanitas. Both have hand-painted frescoes on the walls, crisp, white tablecloths, and some of the best Italian food I’ve ever tasted.

www.travnfly.com

While my chef-husband feasted on focaccia dipped in olive oil and balsamic vinegar, fresh fish and Wagyu, I savoured ricotta tortellini that should win awards. There were only three of them on my Versace plate, but every mouthful was a taste of Italy. The pasta was handmade and perfectly al dente, the ricotta melted in my mouth and the tomato sauce that sat delicately on top of each tortellini made me want to lick my lips and the plate. Hardly romantic I know, but this is a dish I’ve fallen for hard.

More was to come – handmade fettuccine with pomodoro and Parmesan shavings was followed by a cheese platter and double espresso. It was a simple but delicious meal, made more delightful by impeccable service and the talent of the chef.

Upstairs, the wow factor continued with a suite overlooking the Creek and opulent yet calming decor in soft pink and peppermint green. The double bed was so beautifully made, I was afraid to sit on it and wrinkle the quilt. The bathroom was equally stunning, with a giant bath, walk-in shower, and Versace beauty products in gold-topped bottles.

We slept well and went for the buffet-style brunch in Giardino the next day. Italian food is in abundance with a mozzarella station with every delicious type available (buffalo was my favourite), and pasta station, but there is Indian and European fare too. The waiters rushed around smiling, no doubt happy to wear shirts and ties 
in Versace’s iconic jungle print – the same fabric as the restaurant’s walls.

Our staycation was for one night but, like the rest of the Italians staying at the hotel, we will be back for a taste of la dolce vita in Dubai.

Romantic rating: 5

 A deluxe room starts at Dh1,604 per night. Vanitas has a five-course Valentine’s menu for Dh1,200 per couple. On February 14, you can also opt for a private dinner for two in the hotel’s courtyard for Dh1,950. Visit www.palazzoversace.ae.

Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi

On a recent sunny-one-moment-cloudy-another Friday afternoon, I made my way to Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, mildly begrudging not being unable to sleep in until evening. But the 37-storey five-star property’s enviable location, with sweeping views of the Eastern Mangroves from the floor-to-ceiling windows of my room on the 30th floor, unhindered by other skyscrapers, had me hooked.

The hotel’s atrium – the third-highest in the world – is awash with natural light, as the front façade of the building and the ceiling are made of glass. It’s an elegant property, evidenced in the rooms too. Mine made a classy impression, while the bed was a sumptuous affair, comfy enough to lull me into a deep sleep later that night. The bathroom was separated by a glass partition from the room, and if you sink into a warm bath in the tub, you can watch TV through it. I switched off all the lights and with the curtains open, the soft glow of Abu Dhabi at night filtered through the windows – it was the perfect romantic setting, but I was alone, and the silence was wonderfully calming.

Imagine my bliss, especially since I’d spent a long afternoon at Namm Spa. Most of Dusit Thani’s staff come from Thailand, and you’ll be greeted by the trademark Thai smile wherever you go. I opted for a pink kaolin clay body wrap, which acts as a gentle exfoliator, and after a 10-minute steam and hot shower, I was prepped for a massage. My therapist’s expert hands kneaded away all my stress, and the mild lemongrass oil lingered on my skin as I sank into the tub.

The treatment had worked up my appetite and I was ready to dig into delicious Thai cuisine at Benjarong, Dusit Thani’s signature restaurant. I find formal eateries extremely testing, so its friendly staff were a welcome relief. The restaurant itself is done up in warm colours, and the ambience is utterly charming. But it was the tom kha gai, a chicken soup in coconut milk, that bowled me over. Perfectly sour and spicy, its flavours rolled off my tongue in an explosion of kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass and galangal.

The next morning I woke up super fresh. A massive breakfast awaited at Urban Kitchen, and I piled my plate with the usual suspects such as sausages, and fruits. But the highlight was the Chinese steamed buns with spicy chicken filling – they immediately took me back to Chinatown in my home town, Kolkata, where I’d have all kinds of buns during early morning jaunts. Washing down the nostalgia with fresh coffee, in that moment of contentment, I realised that I’d become a staycation convert – for good.

Romantic rating: 4

A night’s stay in a deluxe room costs Dh638. Visit www.dusit.com/dusitthani/abudhabi. Go for the Valentine’s evening with welcome beverages at Breeze lounge and a four-course dinner at Benjarong (Dh199 per person) or The Capital Grill (Dh250 per person). For reservations, call 02 698 8137.

Fairmont The Palm

As the waiter, Hassan, came round to serve my fifth course of meat, I didn’t know how I was going to manage another bite, never mind another 13 courses. That’s right, Frevo, the Brazilian restaurant, serves a whopping 18 courses of different cuts, so if you are a meat lover this is the place to be. My husband, Tarik, is more of a chicken lover so the chef prepared seven different varieties just for him. There are also vegetarian and seafood options as well. Hassan was disappointed that I couldn’t eat anymore, but I needed to save room for dessert. Out came hot doughnuts with Nutella dip and I was sold!

We’d checked in a few hours earlier for a mini break on the Palm and weren’t disappointed when we got shown to our room. It was bright, with a spacious balcony, and I found myself sitting outside taking in views of the beach and spectacular Marina skyline.

The rest of the evening, we tapped our feet to the beats of the live samba band and dancers. They gave the restaurant a true carnival feeling.

The next morning I was up early. Water sports are usually not for me, but this staycation was about doing different things, so after a light breakfast at Flow Kitchen, I was ready. Knowing that I wasn’t an adventure maniac, Mani, the instructor advised me to try the doughnut ride. But I’d paid too much to get my hair done a few days earlier to risk wetting it! He laughed and and said wakeboarding was out of the question then. My response? ‘Erm... small steps.’

The doughnut ride was so much fun. As the speedboat pulled me along the crashing waves, I could feel the breeze on my face and taste the seawater. Mani told me there were three signals to show how fast I wanted to go. Thumbs up was faster, thumbs down was slower and hand on head to stop. To my surprise, I found myself giving the thumbs up.

The afternoon came to an end taking in magnificent skyscraper views from the sea. It’s a great way to admire Dubai’s landmarks. Rejuvenated enough for work, I decided that the next time, we may just stay for a week.

Romantic rating: 5

Weekend Staycation Getaway packages from Dh1,185. Visit www.fairmont.com/palm-dubai. Head to Frevo until Sunday for a romantic Valentine’s dinner featuring a special churrasco menu from 7-11.30pm at Dh695 per couple. Call 04 457 3457.

The St Regis Dubai

It was love at first sight. Maybe it was the impressive drive, or the palatial exterior. Perhaps it was the jaw-dropping chandelier, sweeping grand staircase, floor-to-ceiling windows or soft duck-egg-cream-and-gold interiors. But The St Regis Dubai definitely had me at hello.

Walking into the luxurious hotel – a part of Al Habtoor City off Sheikh Zayed Road – is like stepping back in time to the Gilded Age of the original iconic hotel in New York. Surrounded by understated opulence, and with traditions from the Astor family’s 1904 beaux arts hotel such as butler service, afternoon tea and midnight supper events still being celebrated today, this is a property that does romance with a capital R.

We headed straight to dinner at the J&G Steakhouse, where the chef rustled me up an off-menu pasta dish with grilled asparagus, while my husband ordered fresh oysters and a 1.4kg tomahawk steak. It’s a sharing plate for two to four people, but it was so delicious he polished it off by himself and still had room for dessert!

Nestled amid the wood and leather, and a gentleman’s club feel, we didn’t want to leave, but I wanted to check out our suite, which was the epitome of contemporary elegance. As big as most apartments in Dubai, we had a separate living area, luxury bathroom, and a giant bed we collapsed into as we’d eaten so much.

The next morning I was so full, I didn’t know if I’d be able to eat anything for breakfast, but I managed to find room for deliciously creamy scrambled eggs and mushrooms. Then I headed to the Iridium Spa for a bespoke massage.

As well as selecting the aromatherapy oil, I could also choose the technique – Balinese, Swedish or hot stone. I went for the Balinese and was soon lost in a blissful world of traditional massage, stretching and acupressure.

An hour later, I floated out of the spa only to realise it was time for brunch. ‘I can’t possibly eat any more,’ I cried, but was seduced by Parisian cuisine at the Brasserie Quartier’s Brunch at the Mansion.

There was a small gourmet buffet, but French favourites such as fresh seafood – lobster, oysters, crab claws and langoustines – salads, beef and chicken were all served at the table with plenty of ooh la la.

There was an entire room filled with pastries and candies and a cheese station with an impressive selection of French varieties to finish off one of Dubai’s best brunches.

There was nothing to do after all that food but nap, and it was with a heavy heart that we left. But this is a love affair with a hotel brand I was already smitten with that will continue long after V Day.

Romantic rating: 5

Until March 31, the hotel is offering a special rate of Dh1,904 per room per night, including breakfast, with Dh250 redeemable against a spa treatment or F&B. For further information and bookings, visit 
www.stregis.com/dubai. Brasserie Quartier has a five-course menu on offer for Valentine’s Day tagged at Dh550 per couple. For reservations, call 04 435 5577 or email brasseriequartier.dubai@stregis.com. You can also visit www.bqdubai.com.

Fairmont Ajman

Just a few years ago, the Ajman Corniche was hardly a tourist’s haven. Now, the landscape is almost unrecognisable, with resorts dotting the stretch and world-class restaurants having opened shop. Modernity has caught up with Ajman, and the Fairmont leads the transformation, 
I found, during a night’s stay there.

As we approached the hotel, its building loomed like a contemporary Arabian palace, and just like that, we were in another world. Walking in, the golden fishing net descending from the ceiling – harking back to the city’s fishing heritage – caught our eye. It was all elegance without being pretentious at all.

I’m a sucker for sea views, so to open the door to our huge room and be greeted by an expanse of turquoise waters made everything seem even more magical. Munching on complimentary tarts, macaroons and chocolates, we explored the junior suite, which had separate living and sleeping areas, as well as a work area and five-piece bathroom.

Be warned though: once you settle on the huge, plush bed, it’s very, very difficult to get back on your feet.

The efficient staff met all our requests promptly and smilingly. We spent the day lazing about the infinity pool and the beach, and headed to the upscale Turkish restaurant Kiyi, for dinner. And it turned out to be the highlight of our stay. When the bread is so good that it’s difficult to wait for the main courses, you know a restaurant takes its food seriously.

A traditional Ottoman setting greeted us – reminiscent of Istanbul’s grand palaces – complete with traditional hand-painted Iznik tiles. On Fridays there’s dinner with a show.

I was quiet when we went, but there still was plenty of theatrics à la Chef Picco. He asked us if we would forgo the menu and trust him – and we didn’t regret a minute of it.

Out came starters of fish on toast, a salad shaken dramatically in a huge glass bottle and directly tipped on to our plates, followed by my favourite, raw beef balls stuffed with potato, cheese and yogurt. It was cooked with a blowtorch in seconds at the table. I was offered a try of the blowtorch, but handed it back quickly after charring one meatball. It was great fun, though, and set the mood for a brilliant meal.

Then, mushroom au gratin, intensely flavoured lamb rack (marinated for days), baked seabass with melt-in-the-mouth veggies, rice pudding with thick ice cream and baklava followed. Later, we sat back and watched as the hostess Arzu and the staff chatted with diners at every table, making everyone’s night special. It was small touches like these that made us gloomy about leaving the next afternoon.

But a power breakfast at Spectrum cheered us up, with Indian, Arabian, and even smoothie and egg stations, in a marketplace-like setting. Chef Picco was there again to whip us up mushroomy cheesy eggs, and our coffee cups were never empty.

Move over Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah – Ajman is all set to stay firmly on the staycation stage, and with affordable luxury, gourmet cuisine and those untouched beaches, it’s going to rule it.

Romantic rating: 4

Rooms start at Dh646 per night. Visit www.fairmont.com/ajman. The Salt & Sea Valentine’s Day offer starts from Dh750 per couple and includes a three-course dinner on the beach. Call 06 701 5544 for details.

www.travnfly.com

Bab Al Shams Desert Resort and Spa

Driving up to this fabulous resort, all I saw was beautiful sand dunes for miles and nothing else. I wanted a short romantic staycation with my husband Tarik away from busy Dubai, and being only a 45-minute drive, what better place than in the heart of the desert? Bab Al Shams means getaway to the sun, and that’s what we intended to enjoy.

As we checked in, we were given a refreshing mango juice then shown to our room. The hotel is built in an Arabian fort style, and the room is done up with traditional furniture and deep-red rugs on the wall. I felt like I was a million miles away from civilisation. The room also has a private terrace and the biggest bathtub I had ever seen!

We decided to have brunch at Al Forsan. It was Arabian-themed, and with the chefs preparing mouth-watering dishes behind live cooking stations, we were spoilt for choice.

I opted for a fattoush salad made of mixed greens, tomatoes and fried pitta pieces on top, then turned to the Indian station for butter chicken and rice. Tarik zeroed in on macaroni and cheese and chicken nuggets. That’s the child in him! This brunch is great for families as it has plenty of activities to keep the little ones amused – think camel and horse rides and a magician who performs little tricks at tables.

We didn’t want to overdo brunch as we were dining at the Al Hadheerah restaurant that night – we’d already been warned to turn up hungry so we decided to take a walk around the resort and have a spa treatment to wind down.

At Satori Spa, we opted for a couple’s massage for 50 minutes. 
My therapist started kneading away all of my worries and I fell into a light sleep as it was so relaxing. I woke up to Tarik’s groaning; I guess opting for hard pressure wasn’t all that pleasurable, I sniggered. He still said it was the best massage he’s ever had. Well no pain no gain.

The rest of the afternoon went by with us watching the sunset from the Al Sarab Rooftop Lounge. The views over the golden dunes were breathtaking, and we were soon lost in our thoughts.

After a quick shower, it was time for dinner. As we walked to our table, we were amazed at the cultural nuggets on show. There were falcon displays as well as tiny shops where you could buy souvenirs.

As our waiter sat us down, he explained that we had the best seats in the house for the show. He also warned us not to eat too much salad, as a lot of food was on its way. And he wasn’t wrong! Everything smelt delicious, and as the wood-fired ovens and live cooking stations got busy, we were instantly hungry. We ate grilled chicken and lamb kebabs while watching tanoura and belly dancers perform, and enjoying the live band under the stars. The evening was topped off with a spectacular fireworks display; it was an evening I will never forget.

It had been a long and eventful day, but I couldn’t wait to go to bed because I was looking forward to waking up early and going for a swim in the large infinity pool overlooking the dunes.

We’d packed a lot in one day, but the short getaway was rewarding nonetheless. And romantic beyond what words can describe.

www.travnfly.com

Romantic rating: 5

The average rate per night is Dh1,300. The Al Forsan brunch is held every Friday from 12:30-4pm for Dh325 per person inclusive of soft drinks. For details, call 04 809 6194. Order the Valentine’s Dinner in-room for Dh750 per couple, which includes a dozen roses for the lady, a set four-course menu, a heart-shaped cake and more. From 7-11pm. Visit www.meydanhotels.com/babalshams.