Dreaming of an escape where golden sands kiss sparkling skyscrapers? Your quest for exclusivity inevitably leads you to the glittering confines of Dubai. A place of striking contrasts, where excess blends with legendary hospitality, Dubai is the destination par excellence for a memorable luxury holiday. Prepare to be dazzled by the splendour of the palaces, the delicacy of the refined cuisine and the omnipresent energy of a city that awakens by starlight. Come with us on a wonderful escape to discover the treasures of this urban oasis.

Choosing your luxury accommodation

When considering a holiday to Dubai, the choice of accommodation is paramount. This city, known for its opulence and first-class hospitality, offers a range of hotels and residences that define the notion of luxury. Establishments such as the Burj Al Arab or Atlantis, The Palm offer an unrivalled experience, with their impeccable service, sumptuous suites and breathtaking views of the city or the sea. It's not hard to get lost in the luxury; imagine rooms with beds bigger than some flats and bathrooms where you could do a crawl.

But Dubai isn't just about hotel rooms. You also have the option of renting private flats or villas that will give you a more personal space while still benefiting from top-of-the-range services. For those looking for privacy, estates such as the Palm Jumeirah offer rentals where you can lounge by your private pool while admiring the sunset. It's almost guaranteed, your stay in one of these jewels will be memorable.

Culinary experiences not to be missed

In Dubai, the possibilities for delicious food are as vast as the surrounding desert. During your holiday, take the time to discover the local cuisine in traditional restaurants or delve into the decadence of the Michelin-starred restaurants available in the city. You can start the day with an Emirati breakfast of balaleet and chbaab before enjoying lunch in a luxurious fish restaurant such as Pierchic, perched on a pontoon overlooking the sea.

Come evening, awaken your taste buds with a culinary experience at At.mosphere, which sits enthroned on the 122ᵉ floor of the Burj Khalifa. It's not every day you get to eat at this height, watching the city lights twinkle around you. The fusion cuisine served here is in itself a reason to visit Dubai. And if you're feeling a bit peckish at night, there's nothing like a stroll through a souk to nibble on some kebabs or Arabic pastries. It's just amazing what you can taste here.

World-class shopping and entertainment

You can't come to Dubai and not talk about shopping. It's an activity known the world over and Dubai has elevated it to an art form. The Dubai Mall, the world's largest shopping centre, never disappoints with its luxury boutiques, giant aquarium and ice rink. Spending a day here is like entering another world, where everything is designed to fool you and make you pull out your credit card.

But holidays in Dubai aren't just about shopping. There's also a whole host of entertainment options like the parks such as IMG Worlds of Adventure or Legoland, which promise a great time for families. And don't miss the chance to see one of Dubai's famous dancing fountains, a show that combines water, music and lights to create magical moments. After a busy day, you'll understand why Dubai is said to be the city of superlatives.

Out-of-town adventures

During your holiday in Dubai, you should definitely venture away from the skyscrapers to discover the charms of the desert. Take a 4×4 ride over the dunes, spend the night in a Bedouin camp or soar to new heights by hot air balloon to enjoy a spectacular sunrise over the endless desert. It's a great way to see another side of this incredible destination.

For adrenaline junkies, there are also water parks with slides that border on the absurd in size and design. All it takes is one day at Aquaventure Waterpark to realise just how out of this world the entertainment in Dubai is. And not to mention skiing in the middle of the desert would be a mistake; Ski Dubai, in the Mall of the Emirates, offers a refreshing break in a city that never seems to sleep.

Pampering in luxury spas

After a long day of exploring, there's nothing like relaxing in one of Dubai's many luxury spas. The city's wellness establishments are renowned for their top-of-the-range treatments, using rare products such as gold and caviar. Let yourself be pampered by the best beauticians and masseurs in settings that make it easy to forget the stresses of everyday life.

Finally, paying attention to your body is all well and good, but don't forget your mind. Many of these spas offer meditation and yoga sessions, which can be combined with treatments for a complete relaxation experience. Holidays in Dubai aren't just about the shiny, blingy exterior; you can also find a haven of peace where you can refocus on yourself and return home truly rested.