My April 2017 Dubai & Abu Dhabi Travel Itinerary: Second Time Around and Even More Luxury

Some of you may have noticed my recent hotel and restaurant articles over the past few weeks from my trip to Dubai and if you did – you’ll have most likely realised just how much I fell in love with the city. Dubai was never on my radar in the past, for some unknown reason. But with an opportunity to visit I quickly fell in love. Dubai is a big modern city, surrounded by dessert and offers some of the best attractions and restaurants in the world. As well as the tallest and largest buildings. With today (date of publish) marking exactly 30 days till I return once more and for the first time Abu Dhabi, I want to share with you as always my travel itinerary and I hope you’ll join me along the way on social media next month!

If you have any plan to visit Dubai you should visit this website https://www.hotelsindubai.org for affordable accommodations in Dubai.

Day 1
Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat al Beri – Abu Dhabi

This time around we’ll also be exploring Abu Dhabi for the first time. Flying into Abu Dhabi airport with Etihad, we’re being whisked away on arrival to the heavenly looking Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat al Beri. It looks magical when lit up at night and I can’t wait for our dinner at Shang Palace, though not before enjoying a cocktail in this sultry looking bar pictured above. This is five star accomodation pushed to the limits. Oh, and did I mention the hotel has a complimentary river boat service! Follow me on Instagram Stories where I’ll be revealing all!

 Day 2/3

Rosewood – Abu Dhabi

One of the original reasons I wanted to visit Abu Dhabi was because of the Rosewood Abu Dhabi. The pool with aluminium trees spurting from the grounds, a terrace which looks out over the waters edge and a dining room which oozes glamour and sophistication. Just wait till you see The Manor Club. An executive lounge we’re planning to spend a lot of time in which has won countless accolades for being one of the best in the world. I plan to be filling my Twitter feed throughout my two nights stay here.

 Day 4

Shangri-La Hotel – Dubai

After three no doubt unforgettable days in Abu Dhabi, we’ll be heading back to Dubai once again. You can travel between the two in approximately 1.5 hours and it will cost you no more than £100 each way. Perfect for short stays. We’ll be starting the return experience at Shangri-La Dubai. With views looking out over the Arabian Sea or the nearby towering Burj Khalifa, we’ve got big expectations when it comes to these views. I can’t wait to sample its many restaurants too, with a total of eight bars and restaurants to choose from. How will we ever decide? Follow me on Facebook and discover where I decide to eat!

Day 5

Viceroy Palm Jumeirah – Dubai

Admittedly this trip is a little whirlwind, working with a lot of hotels and restaurants and so there was one in particular I wanted to really enjoy. One where I could put my feet up and experience without a big camera and only my phone besides me. Though realistically I know that’s never going to happen – but in my head it is for now. That hotel is Viceroy Palm Jumeirah Dubai. A shiny new hotel opening it’s doors on March 31st 2017. I’m very excited to be one of the first to explore it and can’t wait to share that experience with you next month!

Day 6

Intercontinental Dubai Marina – Dubai

My last and final hotel, the Intercontinental Dubai Marina is one that actually has three elements about it which I’m very excited to explore. Firstly the location. Situated within Dubai Marina, it’s one of my favourite parts of Dubai. It’s smart, modern and has some of the most perfect places to eat outside and watch the world go by. Secondly, the hotel. Neutral and calming interiors but lots of luxury and a swimming pool which looks out across the Marina. But above all – I can’t wait to be dining at Jason Atherton’s latest venture, Marina Social. If it’s anywhere near as good as his London restaurants – we’re set to be in for a real treat.

I hope you can follow me on my journey in April and I’d love to know where you’re visiting next! Have you been to Dubai and what did you think?

 

 

20 Comments

  1. March 8, 2017 / 2:52 pm

    Gary this looks crazy (in the best possible way!)

    Like you, I’ve not had a massive drive to go to Dubai but my other half is a huge fan and has been over 10 times! We are planning to make our first trip there together this year so I’ll be looking to you for your best tips on where to eat!

    The hotels look wonderful, I’ve heard great things about a lot of these ones so I’m sure you’re going to have a fab time.

    Can’t wait to follow along!

    • March 8, 2017 / 9:46 pm

      Let me know when you go!! I know all the best places for a good boozy brunch too 😛

      • April 3, 2017 / 7:01 pm

        Gary we’ve booked for the end of May – need all your tips on restaurants and brunches for sure! 🙂

        • April 4, 2017 / 11:41 am

          omg! We are going to need to meet for drinks and discuss!

  2. March 8, 2017 / 8:32 pm

    The Rosewood Abu Dhabi looks utterly dreamy!! Can’t wait to follow the adventure.

    • March 8, 2017 / 9:46 pm

      Thanks Angie! I can’t wait to follow your trip too!! x

  3. March 9, 2017 / 5:44 pm

    Gary, not a bad itinerary at all. The IC Dubai Marina – one of our five best Dubai hotels – and jealous you’ll be trying the Viceroy too.

    Looks like you are partial to the Shangri-La chain; what is about them that you like most?

    Rosewood’s an excellent choice too, a real star in AD there.

    Have a fab time on your trip, enjoy!

    • March 10, 2017 / 8:27 pm

      Thanks! I do love Shangri-La indeed. I think they just know how to do luxury really well and the food is always great at their hotels!

  4. March 10, 2017 / 6:33 am

    Talk about a jam packed schedule lol! All the hotels looks AMAZING!! Can’t wait to hear about Abu Dhabi – I’ve only every transferred their but never stayed but I will say that Etihad are amazing – my favourite airline to date!

    • March 10, 2017 / 2:50 pm

      So glad to hear that! It’s my first time flying with them! Gary x

  5. March 11, 2017 / 4:08 pm

    I went to Dubai and didn’t fall in love – which is a shame. I think our itinerary just had too much food and drink and I felt overwhelmed. I’ll watch your trip with interest and see if it tempts me to try again!

    • March 11, 2017 / 5:50 pm

      What a shame! But I get what you mean. Sometimes the balance has to be just right and Dubai can be a bit over indulgent sometimes if not done right. Hope I can tempt you back!

  6. March 12, 2017 / 7:21 pm

    The Viceroy looks freaking awesome and so does the Rosewood! I can’t wait to follow this adventure! Have a lot of fun, hun! x

    • March 13, 2017 / 12:42 pm

      Thanks Honey! Gary x

  7. March 12, 2017 / 10:10 pm

    Wow this looks an amazing adventure. Dubai is not high on my wish list, not sure why. But looking forward to seeing your experiences. R

    • March 13, 2017 / 12:43 pm

      Thanks Rosana! Gary x

  8. March 13, 2017 / 2:20 am

    The skyline looks gorgeous and the hotel’s look amazing! Sounds like the prices are reasonable too.

    • March 13, 2017 / 12:43 pm

      It’s all very reasonable for this much luxury! On comparison to London at least 🙂

  9. March 23, 2017 / 4:10 pm

    I went to Abu Dhabi a couple of years ago and was really impressed actually – in between all the hotel hopping and eating, I highly recommend a visit to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – it was the one reason that I chose Etihad over Emirates when we went to the Seychelles (so that I could stop in Abu Dhabi more easily specifically to see this mosque and in 3 days, we visited twice!) It’s just stunning!

    • March 29, 2017 / 12:16 pm

      Thanks for the tip! Will deffo make sure I visit.