Wanderlust

Best of both: Dubai and Maldives

Can't decide between an island getaway or a city escape? Discover the best of both

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Combine two bucket-list destinations for the ultimate adventure and marvel at Dubai’s spectacular architecture and wander around traditional souks, before jetting off to enjoy tropical, barefoot luxury in the Maldives. You will enjoy a lovely balance that will both inspire and re-energise you. Discover the best places to stay and dine, as well as what to do in both of these fabulous destinations using our guide below.

 

DUBAI

Staying at Jumeirah Dubai

From Burj Al Arab, Dubai’s sail-shaped icon, to Jumeirah Beach Hotel, a luxury playground for the whole family, Jumeirah’s Dubai Collection has undoubtedly contributed to making Dubai one of the world’s most refined destinations. Dubbed the world’s first seven-star property, Burj Al Arab is 321m high and its interiors are embellished with 24carat gold leaf, golden columns and over 30 different types of Statuario marble. Jumeirah Beach Hotel meanwhile, which is elegantly shaped like a wave, offers sea and Burj Al Arab views from all its rooms as well as unlimited direct complimentary access to Wild Wadi Waterpark™. Alternatively, explore a cluster of hotels including Al Qasr, Mina A’Salam and Al Naseem, dotted along the winding waterways of Madinat Jumeirah, home to an array of pretty restaurants and bars perched in the Arabian palace.

The Terrace at Burj Al Arab Jumeirah

 

Delightful dining

Dubai’s dining scene is invigorating and surprising in so many ways, thanks to both its rich Emirati food traditions and its incredible offer of international cuisine. Al Muntaha, on the 27th floor of Burj Al Arab, serves the finest French and Italian cuisine by acclaimed Chef Saverio Sbaragli and offers sweeping views of the city’s skyline; Dhow & Anchor, our bright and airy gastropub at Jumeirah Beach Hotel offers hearty British cuisine, and Bastion serves simple yet refined fare such as New York Tenderloin or poached sea bream with hummus and Vierge sauce.

Bastion at Jumeirah Beach Hotel

 

What to do

From history museums to art galleries, Dubai is brimming with diverse museums and offers myriad opportunities to get your culture fix. Delve into the formative years of the United Arab Emirates at the Etihad Museum, or embark on a journey through possible futures at the Museum of The Future, one of the city’s most impressive structures. Art fanatics can explore contemporary and Middle Eastern art at the Salsali Private Museum, or discover 3,000 years of Gulf history at the Dubai Museum. Adventure-seekers can experience an array of adrenaline-fuelled activities including skydiving, desert safaris and more. You can also sample Arabian, Indian and Iranian food on a Dubai Souks and Creekside Food Walk with Frying Pan Adventures or enjoy seeing Swan Lake at the 2,000-seat Dubai Opera.

 

MALDIVES

Staying at Jumeirah Maldives

Located on an idyllic island in North Male Atoll, Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island is easily reached via a speedboat ride or a 15 minute seaplane flight. An intimate, blissful retreat consisting of 67 villas with their own private infinity pool and expansive rooftop, its minimalist design and interior decor harmoniously blend in with the natural environment, and the atmosphere is at once laid back and romantic. As well as sunbathing or star-gazing on the rooftop, you can work out at the world-class fitness centre, practice yoga, go on an underwater photography excursion or entertain the kids at the beachside splash park.

Individual beach villas at Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island

 

Delightful dining

Combining exquisite cuisine with the Indian Ocean’s turquoise blue waters is as close to paradise as you can get. Enjoy a romantic private dining experience on our pier or head to Kayto to enjoy delectable Japanese-Peruvian Nikkei dishes. There is also a chic Greek and Mediterranean restaurant called Shimmers, where you can sample chef Roberto Rispoli’s innovative creations in a vibrant beach club setting.

 

What to do

While you might just want to lounge by the pool gazing out at the dramatic ocean views, Maldives is also perfect for the more adventurous. If you’re feeling active, embark on an hour-long submarine tour, take a windsurfing or kayaking class, go snorkelling, or play tennis on the on-site courts. Head to capital Malé to visit The National Museum, located in the former Sultan's Palace, where you’ll find artefacts from the pre-Islamic era as well as a display of regal objects, or blend in with the locals at the Malé Fish Market.

Jet skis at Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island

 

Discover gold-dipped glamour in Dubai and beachside bliss in Maldives with the help of our reservations team at: reservations@jumeirah.com.