DAY 1
12.30 - Check into Habtoor Palace Dubai, a hotel that stands out in Dubai thanks to its beaux-arts-inspired architecture on the banks of Dubai Canal in the centre of the city. A third of the luxury triptych – that also includes V Hotel Dubai, Curio Collection by Hilton and Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City – rooms come with toile and striped wallpaper, large white-linen beds and chaise lounges. But the luxury doesn’t see the hotel forgo sustainability ambitions. Eco-creds for the hotels come in the form of energy-saving lighting, automated climate control thermostats and water taps replete with flow control aerators. Almost zero food waste is achieved through a series of innovative culinary techniques, while excess food is offered to those in need through a local partner.
15.30 - Formalities complete, it’s time to embrace Dubai’s dreamy spring weather and soak up some Vitamin D. But we’re not talking about Al Habtoor City’s chic rooftop pools; we are going to the beach. For guests at Habtoor Palace Dubai, think pristine white sands and clear, azure waters across a 200-metre stretch of private beach at sister hotel, Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah; whereas guests at V Hotel Dubai and Hilton Dubai can enjoy a day on the sand at the Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection beach. Tucking into tasty seaside bites and sipping cocktails is almost compulsory from 9am until sunset. And there is no need to worry about transport back to the hotel as all guests of Al Habtoor City Hotel Collection can hop onboard a complimentary shuttle service to and from the beaches.
18.00 - Back at the hotel and as night falls, head outside to the enchanting Ramadan Garden. Whether you’re observing the Holy Month or not, this is the perfect opportunity to catch up and share quality time with loved ones and friends in a mega-venue that holds up to 450 luxury sofas and chairs and 20 buffet stations. Serving lavish spreads of Arabic, GCC and Levantine favourites, experience iftar as the sun sets or enjoy an elegant suhour from 9pm to prepare for the day ahead, while relaxing to sounds of a live oud artist and engaging in games of backgammon, dominos and chess underneath the stars of Dubai.
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DAY 2
09.00 - Allow the aromas of specialty coffee to kick-start your day at Fuze Caffè on Al Habtoor City Boulevard. Channelling minimalist Scandi-style, pine-coloured square and circular tables sit side-by-side with black Rekker Dining Chairs that are surrounded by neutral grey walls and white brick adorned with plants and jars of coffee beans from Africa to Central America. The counter is more laboratory than café with an assortment of beakers, jars and distilling apparatus to make the perfect brew alongside some tempting pastries to treat yourself. And if you coincide your visit with the first weekend of every month, you’ll find yourself enjoying an early morning start with furry four-legged friends for the Fuze Caffè Dog Social.
10.30 - Full of vigour and caffeine, pick up a racket and showcase your skills on one of 11 tennis and padel courts at Al Habtoor Sports Hub. Even if it’s your first time holding a racket or you need some advice on tweaking your serve, Al Habtoor Tennis Academy coaches, who are former pros on the WTA and ATP circuits, are on hand to show you how it’s done. And when ‘Game, Set and Match!’ has been called, sip on a re-energising smoothie at the café that overlooks the city’s gardens.
13.00 - With appetites worked up, it’s back to the boulevard for lunch. Bosphorus bites are on the menu at charming Turkish restaurant Sirali, where you choose between colourful interiors or a simple yet sun-filled outdoor area replete with green, hanging fauna. Start with simi bread and three different kinds of flavoured butter before moving onto plates like the Shashlik or the Adana kebab with yoghurt. Or embrace the 1950s in all its colour and glory at American retro diner, Sauce, where hot dogs, burgers, cheesesteak sandwiches and classic tunes take centre stage.
15.30 - Time for an adventure? Of course it is. Set in the heart of the city, Al Habtoor City’s central location is ideal for those who like to explore. Some of Dubai’s best-known landmarks like Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa, DIFC and Dubai Fountain are all within 20 minutes, made even more convenient by the complimentary shuttle bus for all in-house guests every day. Or if you’re feeling particularly eco-friendly, jump on one of the scooters dotted around the area and zoom to Downtown Dubai in 15 minutes. But if you need to get behind the wheel, you can charge up your electric vehicle at one of the 12 Tesla Superchargers onsite and hit the road.
20.00 - When it’s time for dinner, amble over to Il Pastaio for a taste of Sicily. Known for its glitzy LA home in Beverly Hills, ‘The Pasta Maker’ has gained quite a reputation in Dubai gourmand circles with stylish yet simple plates of the beloved dish. Place yourself at a white clothed table, surrounded by green leaves and pops of orange. While pasta may be king in these parts, don’t pass up an opportunity to sample signature dishes like the Branzino al Sale, a delicate sea bass cooked in salt or the mighty Tomahawk ai Ferri.
23.00 - With the night still young, head for a cool and clandestine evening at the exclusive private members' club, Neera Dubai. Spread over multiple floors, choose between a night of Japanese ambience at Sora, up-tempo South American beats of La Selva or the calming blue hues of Orinoco, before relaxing on Olivial’s plush outdoor terrace, which rounds off 36 hours in Al Habtoor City perfectly.
