HOLIDAYING IN THE HAMPTON

Why you need to check out the special summer RAK rates at Hampton by Hilton Marjan Island

The Season Of Giving

Celebrating its second birthday this month, Hampton by Hilton Marjan Island, the world’s largest Hampton by Hilton – is intent on showering you with gifts. Book a stay in one of the 515 sea and island view rooms, with rates starting at just Dhs275 and you’ll have access to an amazing world of amenities. Attractions here include the 750-meter-long beach, infinity pool, the 24 hour gym, seven separate treatment rooms, a Wellness Centre with couples’ room, sauna and steam room (separated for men and women, a kids club with four activity rooms including the teenzone, kids’ pool and playground.

Other fun alfresco facilities include a bumper-sized bouncing castle, volleyball court, giant foot darts, a wet football pitch, table tennis and water trampolines, there’s a food truck on the beach, Surf’s Up and a beverage truck –H2O, to help provide instant snacking support to your pleasure seeking.

A Firm Favourite For Foodies

Summer Savings

Stays at Hampton by Hilton Marjan Island over the summer season include a completely complimentary breakfast, and a full 20 per cent discount on dining adventures at CLAW BBQ and Karma Kafe by Buddha-Bar. There are big discounts on Jebel Jais attractions (Jais Flight, Jais Sky Tour and the Jais Sledder), water sports (up to 40 per cent) and at the wellness centre (20 per cent).

In addition to the popular Flavors, buffet restaurant, The View Lobby Café and H2O –pool bar, Hampton by Hilton Marjan Island has a pair of signature restaurants that really are the talk of the town. CLAW BBQ carries the flag for grade A Americana – with a menu of barbecued delights, fresh seafood, soul food classics, mammoth-sized burgers, and the infamous Inferno wings. In terms of entertainment there are 40 indoor screens, a huge outdoor screen, arcade games, a mechanical ‘bucking’ bull, basketball, a daily DJ, billiard table and there’s an outdoor terrace with stunning sea views.

Those searching for something a little more sophisticated should head to Karma Kafe by Buddha Bar. Currently ranked as TripAdvisor’s number one restaurant in Ras Al Khaimah, the Asian eatery is a sundowner spot of considerable pedigree. There’s a sushi bar, seductive sea views, a comprehensive craft cocktail collection and of course, the resident deck-selecta spinning tracks from Buddha-Bar’s unmatched musical repertoire.

WORDS: LAURA COUGHLIN

A is for… Aya Universe

Hitting up an immersive entertainment park sure sounds like a neat way to pass a few cool and totally sun-free hours – and if you’re a social media whizz, you already know about Aya Universe. If not, now’s a great time to get acquainted. From the moment you enter this sprawling 40,000 square-foot space in Wafi City Mall, you’re surrounded by high-tech sound, lights and graphics with 12 zones that together comprise the Aya universe, each telling a different story. It’s a visual, kaleidoscopic, fully-airconditioned spectacle.

Aya Universe, Wafi City Mall, Sun to Thur 10am to 10pm, Fri and Sat 10am to midnight, Dhs99 (online), Dhs125 (walk-in), under-threes free. Tel: (0)4 542 0300. @ayauniverse__

C is for… Chinatown Dubai Mall

Chinatowns across the world –from New York to London – have served as hubs of community, love and culture. And when walking these streets, one thing is abundantly clear: the area’s restaurants are a key part of what keeps the heartbeat of Chinatown pulsing. Can Dubai’s very own fully-indoor Chinatown – which opened quietly in Dubai Mall in March – recreate that same magic? It’s certainly giving it a shot with a wave of new restaurants opening up, including Haidilao Hot Pot, Singaporean import Hawker Chan, and Ri Hua Xuan, the restaurant said to have invented the inimitable xiao long bao soup dumpling.

B is for… Beach and pool days

It’s one of the reasons we all love living here – access to amazing beaches and temperature-controlled pools, which are especially welcome in the summer months. For a slightly more five-star experience, why not join the What’s On award-winning Privilee app and gain access to 70+ luxury resorts and their private beaches and pools, plus gyms, classes and discounts on food and drink. There are various pricing plans to choose from but rates start from Dhs529 per month. privilee.ae

Chinatown Dubai Mall, opposite Dubai Ice Rink, daily 10am to midnight. thedubaimall.com

D is for… Dubai Sports World

Dubai Sports World is one of a few places where you can run without having to brave the summer heat. The centre is home to a 545m indoor track, so you can log those miles in air-conditioned comfort. Elsewhere, you’ll find a range of sporting academies for kids to join, including the Real Madrid football academy, badminton academy and tennis 360. You can also book a range of indoor pitches and courts for everything from padel and pickleball to volleyball and basketball. There is no entrance fee, but you do need to register on Dubai Sports World mobile app and present the QR code at the entrance. You then pay only for the sports facilities you book and use.

Until September 10

Dubai Sports World, Dubai World Trade Centre, daily 8am to midnight. Tel: (800) 3982. @dubaisportsworld

F is for… Footlab

There’s not much professional football to look forward to this summer, but that just means you’ve got more time to flex your own teckers at Footlab, ‘the world’s first indoor football club’. You’ll find the expansive indoor facility, unsurprisingly, at Dubai Sports City and it’s packed to the air conditioned rafters with future footie tech. There are designated zones to help raise your precision, kick power, technique and speed stats; a street soccer area, foot volley court, and a five-a-side pitch (Dhs490 per hour), which offers the opportunity to record and replay your netbusting screamers and cheeky nutmegs. ISD, Dubai Sports City, daily 10am to 10pm, activity packages from Dhs90. Tel: (0)55 997 4878. @footlab_dubai

E is for… Eye Heart Rabbit

Why not spend the summer branching out from the traditional dining circuit and meet other die-hard food fans at a supper club? These days there’s a whole host of options to choose from, but the latest to pique our interest is Eye Heart Rabbit. This wandering neighbourhood pop-up and supper club, with menus created by Jesse Blake of Green Michelin Star restaurant Lowe fame, serves self-proclaimed modern plates of Middle Eastern appearance. We’ll let you know what we think as soon as we’re quick enough to nab a seat.

@eyeheartrabbit

G is for… Game nights (and golf days)

For those who want to tee off without frying in the midday sun, opportunities abound in Dubai, including Topgolf and Goose Island Tap House. But Bedrock DXB is one of the city’s newest offerings, which also features five state-of-the-art dartboards (complete with digital scoring, and tongue-in-cheek reactions to rubbish attempts). For a bit of both, The Bunker is a private space that’s home to an X-Golf simulator, where players compete against each other on 50 of the world’s top courses, without even breaking a sweat. You’ll also find another dartboard, a 200-inch TV screen and a personal bar inside.

Pier 7, Dubai Marina, Sun to Thur noon to midnight, Fri and Sat noon to 2am. Tel: (0)4 578 16668. @bedrockdxb

J is for… Jameel Arts Centre

There’s a beautiful building that sits at the south edge of Jaddaf Waterfront. Within the building are unassuming light-filled rooms, bordered by white walls and punctuated by little gardens. These are the hard facts that describe Jameel Arts Centre but they fail to do justice to a gallery space that has become a staple of showcasing contemporary arts in the Middle East. Explore its beauty – and a special solo exhibition by Japanese artist Tsuyoshi Hisakado this summer – for free, then make a discerned stop at new Green Michelin Star restaurant Teible for some stunning dishes that celebrates local produce.

Jameel Arts Centre, Jaddaf Waterfront, Mon to Sun 10am to 8pm, Fri noon to 9pm (Tue closed), free. Tel: (0)4 873 9800. @jameelartscentre

H is for… Hanging tough at Mountain Extreme

Looking for a gnarly summer challenge? Master the art of rock climbing inside Mountain Extreme, where thrill seekers can scale the largest climbing wall in Dubai, or traverse the many bouldering walls around the complex in Al Quoz. With 129 bouldering problems, some 127 top rope routes and 14 auto belays that’s more than enough to keep you busy all summer. Bookings are mandatory.

Mountain Extreme, Al Quoz 3, Mon to Fri noon to 9pm, Sat and Sun 9am to 4pm, Dhs125 (drop-in). Tel: (0)4 236 6040. @mountainextremedxb

I is for… Ice baths at Contrast

The stunning new wellness studio on the Palm, by Dubai superstar Layla Kardan, brings together the benefits of hot and cold treatments, including the use of stylish infrared saunas. But the perfect remedy for a sweaty summer is, of course, their signature cold water therapy. You’ll plunge into a tub of freezing temperatures (we’re talking 5 to 7 degrees) to soothe pain, reduce inflammation, and boost mood, energy, and sleep. Don’t worry, the plunge lasts as long or as short as you want, and you can even bring a friend to join in the fun. Step out and your body will be ready to fight the heat for the rest of the day.

Golden Mile 6, Palm Jumeirah, Dhs95 (30-minute ice bath session), Dhs65 (extra person). Tel: (0)56 401 1162. @contrastwellness

K is for… Killer daycations

Just do a quick whatson.ae search and you’ll notice that daycations come out on top time and again –and for good reason. They’re often the best way to spend a day in Dubai no matter the season. But which to highlight here? With breathtaking views of Dubai’s iconic skyline coupled with the best infinity pool in town, Address Beach Resort might just have the splurge offer of the summer. Bag yourselves one of the 11 fully air-conditioned private cabanas, and you’ll have your own bathroom with a shower, plus a lounge, TV and stereo system. The cabana fits four adults and includes access to the exclusive infinity pool and a bottle of white or rosé for Dhs2,777. That’s Dhs695 per person.

Until August 31

Address Beach Resort, Dhs2,777 for four for cabana. Tel: (0)4 879 8866. @addressbeachresort

N is for… Night swimming

Night swimming can be a daunting prospect for some, but the idea of cooler ocean temperatures should be tempting enough to get everyone in the water. Now it’s an even safer experience as Dubai Municipality has designated three beaches as official shorelines for night swimming: in Jumeirah 2, Jumeirah 3 and Umm Suqeim. Each of the 800-metre-long beaches has floodlights that illuminate the sea, allowing residents and tourists to swim safely, with a qualified team of ‘Baywatch Nights’ lifeguards now on duty after dark at each of the designated beaches.

L is for… The Laughter Factory

Dubai’s beloved – and longest running – comedy club The Laughter Factory continues to host its fantastic shows throughout summer. Each tour format features a trio of international comedians who take on indoor stages around the city, where you can sit in darkened comfort while laughing yourself silly. This month’s line-up features Adam Bloom, Michael Fabbri and Red Richardson. July 21 to 22 and 27 to 29

Various locations, including Movenpick JBR, Hyde Hotel and Dukes The Palm, from 8.30pm, Dhs160. Tel: (0)50 878 6728. thelaughterfactory.com

M is for… Museum of the Future

Use the summer to be a tourist in your own town by finally visiting Museum of the Future. One of the most recognisable landmarks in Dubai, Museum of the Future is divided into seven levels with each giving a glimpse into what the world will look like 50 years from now. Be sure to spend some time at the meditation centre on the Al Waha level, where visitors can lie down under a dome projecting light and water ripples. It’s a cathartic and calming experience. Museum of the Future, Sheikh Zayed Road, daily 10am to 9.30pm, Dhs149, underfours free. @museumofthefuture

O is for… Oka Ceramics

Keen to find a summer hobby that keeps your brain busy but doesn’t involve looking at a screen? Making your own pottery and ceramics could be just the ticket. At Oka Ceramics’ two-hour pottery on the wheel sessions, your teacher will guide you through the basics helping you to prepare and wedge your clay, centre and throw, create bowls, cups and plates, and trim and finish your product. Taster sessions cost Dhs220 with multi-visit packages available. Oka Ceramics, Al Quoz 3, Tue to Sat 10am to 9pm. Tel: (0)58 529 5004.

@okaceramics

P is for… Parkour camp for kids

Need to keep the little ones entertained through summer? Sign them up to parkour camp with Parkour DXB, the region’s leading parkour training centre and celebrated GOV Games 2023 winners. With two camps to choose from – either Wallabies camp for three to five-year-olds or Parkour camp for five to 13-year-olds – kids get to explore the world of parkour in a safe and engaging environment. They’ll learn core movements such as jumping, climbing and swinging, and take part in engaging challenges and games aimed at promoting creativity, teamwork, adaptability, and confidence.

July 10 to August 25 (Wallabies) and July 3 to August 25 (Parkour)

Al Quoz, JVC and Port Rashid branches, 9am to noon or 1pm to 4pm (for Parkour camp), Dhs1,100. Tel: (800) 727 5687. @parkourdxb

R is for… The Rapids at Aquaventure

Nothing cools you down quite like drifting along a lazy river. Naturally, at the world’s largest waterpark, Aquaventure’s lazy river is in a league of its own. ‘The Rapids’ are a 1.6km river adventure offering gushing torrents that send swimmers spinning through a raging series of rapids. It’s the Middle East’s longest waterpark river (the only multi-level one, too) and continues to rein as one of our favourite summer spots in Dubai. Plus, with 105 record-breaking slides, attractions and experiences, there’s always something new to explore. Pack sunscreen and enjoy. Aquaventure, Atlantis, The Palm, daily 9.45am to 6.30pm, Dhs295 (UAE residents), Dhs315 (nonresidents). Tel: (0)4 426 0000. atlantis.com

Q is for… Quiet time in Mohammed Bin Rashid Library

A beautiful oasis of calm, visitors to the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library can find reprieve from the heat by curling up with a good book, or marveling at the rare manuscripts and precious firstedition books displayed in the exhibition space on the seventh floor. The dramatic building façade looks like an open novel, but is actually inspired by a rehl book rest used to hold the Quran. The facility is home to nine separate libraries, dedicated to everything from media and the arts to maps and atlases. Entry is free for all.

Mohammed Bin Rashid Library, Al Jaddaf, Sat to Thur 9am to 9pm, Fri 2pm to 9pm (Sunday closed). Tel: (800) 627 523. @mbrlae

S is for… Ski Dubai

Unless you like hanging out in your fridge, where else in Dubai can you enjoy a cooling escape where the temperature hovers around -3 degrees? The Middle East’s first indoor ski resort, Ski Dubai remains the best indoor adventure in the city. Guests can learn to ski and snowboard on the slopes, catch a movie at the snow cinema, ride a toboggan, or come face to face with the colony of Gentoo and king penguins.

Ski Dubai, Mall of the Emirates, Mon to Thu 10am to 11pm, Fri 10am to midnight, Sat and Sun 9am to midnight. Tel: (800) 386. @skidxb

T is for… Theatre of Digital Art

Whether you try an immersive meditation session, enjoy a live music concert, or check out a unique art exhibition, Souk Madinat’s stunning Theatre of Digital Art makes for a unique indoor experience as state-of-the-art lights and sounds surround you. Evening sessions vary throughout the summer, so keep an eye on toda.ae for upcoming schedules.

Theatre of Digital Art, Souk Madinat, daily 11am to 11pm, prices vary depending on event. Tel: (0)4 575 4739. @todadubai

V is for… Virtual reality escape games

We all need an escape from reality sometimes – especially when it feels hotter than the earth’s molten core outside. Virtual reality transports us to a whole new universe, and at Game Over’s VRpowered escape rooms (found at Nakheel Mall) you can do just this while solving clues, cracking codes and unlocking doors. Strap on the headsets and handle the intuitive controls as you fully immerse yourselves into a new universe. You might find yourself tumbling down into the wacky world of Alice in Wonderland; attempting a prison escape; trying to stop the catastrophic events at Chernobyl; or finding your way home out of the jungle. Game Over, Nakheel Mall, Palm Jumeirah, daily 10.30am to 10pm, Dhs320 (minimum two players). Tel: (0)4 577 3289. @game_over_dubai

U is for… Underwater adventures

Summer is a great time to try scuba diving and while the UAE boasts remarkable diving sites off its coast, some of the more unique diving experiences take place within Dubai’s city limits. Not only can you scuba inside the shark infested Dubai Aquarium and The Lost Chambers in Atlantis The Palm, but you can also dive into the world’s deepest pool at Deep Dive Dubai. With a depth of 60 metres, divers can explore a ‘Sunken City’ featuring an eerie abandoned streetscape. Deep Dive Dubai, NAS Sports Complex, Nad Al Sheba, daily 9am to 6pm, from Dhs1,800. Tel: (0)4 501 9444. @deepdivedubai

W is for… Wine tasting at home with The Tasting Class

There are many wonderful wine bars in Dubai where you can relax with friends and soak up the air conditioning (with a few glasses of Chablis for good measure), but how about a wine tasting adventure at home led by an expert? The Tasting Class has a team of qualified wine professionals who facilitate fun and easy to understand home tasting experiences. Sessions are designed to help you and your guests identify and articulate what you smell and taste. They’ll teach you about key regions and styles, and give tips that can be easily applied the next time you are ordering in a restaurant. The Tasting Fundamentals class costs Dhs2,500 for up to 10 guests. thetastingclass.com

Y is for… Yacht training courses

Take to the high seas this summer with Wind Rises Dubai, a new sailing community located in DP World’s Mina Rashid Marina, who offer daily affordable sailing lessons in Dubai – for groups of two to six people – on its gorgeous FAREAST 28R racing keelboat yacht fleet. You’ll channel your inner Jack Sparrow and spend the 90 minutes learning on-the-water sailing skills, including setting sails, winching ropes, driving the boat, and reading the tell-tails. Wind Rises Dubai, Mina Rashid, daily 8.30am to 10.45am, 11am to 1.15pm, 1.30pm to 3.45pm, 4pm to 6.15pm, from Dhs300 per person. Tel: (0)58 106 5026. @windrisesdubai

X is for… Xtreme Wake

If you’re friends with any alt-fitness types, you’ll have been hearing a lot about wakesurfing, so why not try it out for yourself? The longstanding Xtreme Wake team offers casual coaching in onehour blocks, setting off from Dubai Marina towards the calm waters off JBR.

Dubai Marina, daily sunrise to sunset, Dhs600 for one hour (for up to seven people).

Tel: (0)56 342 3012.

@extremewakeuae

Z is for… Ziplining

Take your summer to new heights with XLine – the world’s longest urban zipline located in Dubai Marina. Measuring 1km in length and with an average speed of 80km/h, it’s not for the faint hearted. But the bird’s-eye vantage point of the gorgeous yachts and slick high-rise towers is well worth it. Prices start from Dhs650 for adults and Dhs499 for kids 12 years and above.

Dubai XLine, Dubai Marina Mall, various times, Dhs650 (adults), Dhs499 (children over 12. Tel: (0)56 507 6366. @x_line

When you’re choosing which cinema to visit, you’re going to want to look at the big picture

WORDS: LAURA COUGHLIN

Cinema Akil

Cinema Akil is a film-lovers paradise. The intimate 130-seater screening room is the GCC’s first arthouse cinema stuffed with mix-matched couches and vintage posters adorning its walls. Showcasing directors and filmmakers across the decades, every film that is screened here is personally chosen by the cinema’s founder Butheina Kazim for its artistic integrity, often reflecting social issues or addressing topical themes. From fully fledged film festivals – including the beloved Reel Palestine – to one-off screenings and exclusive events, this is a one-of-akind cinema experience in the UAE. They often host events with filmmakers and directors here, and the cinema foyer is a lovely place to pass the time, with a saffron chai or turmeric latte whether you’re planning on watching something or not.

Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, daily 11am to 11pm, Dhs56.50 per cinema ticket.

Tel: (0)58 909 7798. cinemaakil.com

Snow Cinema

Aside from housing chair lifts, penguins, zorbing, and enormous ski slopes, Ski Dubai somehow found space to squeeze in a one-of-a-kind cinematic experience, too. They show the latest blockbusters on VOX Cinemas’ state-of-the-art big screen, which you listen to via wireless headphones, while you stay toasty with a cosy blanket, and heater. The experience includes movie tickets for two people, two signature hot chocolates and two popcorn boxes. Your booking also includes a jacket, trousers, gloves, socks and boots and a beanie hat.

Ski Dubai, Mall Of The Emirates, daily various timings, Dhs200 (package for two), Dhs300 (package for three). uae.voxcinemas.com

Best For Movie Dining

Theatre At Vox

VOX Cinemas in Mall uae.voxcinemascom

Of The Emirates is a behemoth multi-screen cinema, which shows all manner of blockbusters from Hollywood to Bollywood. But its most revered cinema is Theatre. It’s an upmarket experience with reclining seats, blankets and plenty of arm rest space, but it’s also focused on its food offering. Specially designed based off guests’ taste and feedback, the new Theatre menu brings together more variety with everything from dynamite shrimp, mac ‘n’ cheese bites, and vegan tacos to mini hotdogs, nachos and flatbreads. It’s good, fun, tasty food without the pretense. Choose between the Theatre package (one ticket, starter, cinema classic, dessert and drink) for Dhs265 or Snack package (one ticket, popcorn or nachos, one item from the menu and drink) for Dhs225.

VOX Cinemas, Mall Of The Emirates, daily various timings.

Tel: (600) 599905.

ROXY PLATINUM PLUS (BOXPARK)

With just one screen, Platinum Plus in Boxpark provides a proper boutique experience, with fancy popcorn, cakes and fully-fledged meals available to take in with you. The programme is as eclectic as the interior – new releases are screened all week, with retro films shown intermittently on the big screen. It’s also a pretty romantic spot with handsome burgundy Chesterfield-style leather armchairs and matching footstalls.

Roxy Cinemas, Boxpark, daily various timings, Dhs182 (per cinema ticket). Tel: (800) 7699. theroxycinemas.com

Screenx At Reel Cinemas

Recently described as the ‘future of cinema’ by Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 director James Gunn, ScreenX is the next level up from IMAX. Similar to IMAX, films formatted for ScreenX create a 270-degree panoramic experience that enhances the onscreen visuals and the film’s narrative by expanding key selected scenes onto the left and right walls of the auditorium. As a result, additional imagery is projected onto the walls during action sequences, filling the viewer’s peripheral vision and drawing them deeper into the story. Experience it for yourselves at Reel Cinemas in Dubai Mall.

Reel Cinemas, Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, daily various timings, from Dhs55 (per cinema ticket). Tel: (800) 382246255. reelcinemas.com

Roxy Xtreme

It’s the biggest cinema screen in the Middle East and North Africa, longer than two connected tennis courts, which – alongside a state-of-the-art surround sound system and laser projection, and a whopping 382-premium reclining seats – makes it the ideal place to lose yourself in big blockbuster films. Want to go even bigger? Book a director’s box, each a plush suite perched above the auditorium. Ideal for booking with a group of movie-loving mates, director’s boxes come with on-demand waiter service, reclining heated seats with footrest and headrest and wireless phone charging. Roxy Cinemas, Dubai Hills Mall, daily various timings, from Dhs61 (per cinema ticket). Tel: (800) 7699. theroxycinemas.com

CINEMACITY (FOUNTAIN VIEWS)

If you fancy a few cocktails with your evening flick, Cinemacity’s Azul Lounge Theatre might be your bag. It screens the same big blockbuster movies as other venues around town, but there’s a licensed bar in the back, serving up craft cocktails from cuba libres made with popcorn and butter infused rum, to old-fashioned’s with peanut butter-infused bourbon.

Cinemacity Fountain Views, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd, Downtown Dubai, daily various timings, Dhs60 (per cinema ticket). Tel: (0)4 770 0111. cinemacity.ae

Soak up the sun – and epic skyline views –from these incredible rooftop pools

WORDS: ALICE HOLTHAM

Aura Skypool

While not strictly on the rooftop, Aura Skypool is very high up – 50 floors to be exact. The rooftop is actually taken up by The View at The Palm, so Aura cleverly designed a wraparound concept, making it a 360-degree infinity pool with panoramic frond views and a blistering cool vista of Dubai Marina. Bookings can be made for the morning, afternoon, or full day, with prices from Dhs200. Be warned, it gets booked up weeks in advance.

Aura Skypool, Palm Tower, Palm Jumeirah, 10am to 7pm daily, from Dhs200. Tel: (0)4 566 2121. auraskypool.com

Look Up, La Ville Hotel & Suites, City Walk

Perched atop boutique hotel La Ville is Look Up, a rooftop bar and pool that overlooks the Burj Khalifa and Jumeirah surrounds. While it may be small, it makes for a peaceful paddle or some quiet relaxation on the handful of loungers that are scattered around. Be sure to stick around for sundowners or shisha at the sleek poolside bar. It’s Dhs150 for a pool pass, with Dhs100 redeemable.

La Ville Hotel & Suites City

Walk Dubai, Dubai, 7am to 10pm daily, Dhs150 with Dhs100 redeemable. Tel: (0)4 403 3111. livelaville.com

Paros

Soak up the chic Mediterranean vibes and jaw-dropping Dubai skyline views from Paros, the lofty rooftop pool, bar and eatery on the 46th floor of the Taj Jumeirah Lake Towers. Settle in for sunsets sips and a tasty Greek menu. The pool access runs from 12pm to 5pm and is priced at Dhs75 for one person, or Dhs120 for two, which is fully redeemable on food and drink.

Paros, 46th Floor, Taj Jumeirah Lake Towers, pool 12pm to 5pm daily, from Dhs75. Tel: (0)4 574 1111. @paros.dubai

Privilege, SLS Dubai

A couple of the highest swimming pools in the city, there are actually two rooftop pools at SLS Dubai’s adults-only Privilege. Both are small, so it’s more for soaking up the music and vibes rather than getting your lengths in, but from the cityfacing pool, you’ll enjoy some incredible vistas. It comes with a minimum spend of Dhs500 per person, but you’ll want to arrive early, as loungers are limited. There’s also a pool party every Saturday, where entry is priced at Dhs75 for ladies and Dhs185 for gents, which is inclusive of one free drink. Tuesday is ladies’ day, where Dhs100 gets you pool access and a glass of bubbly.

Privilege, SLS Dubai, Marasi Drive, Business Bay, daily 9am to 6pm, Dhs500 min spend. Tel: (0)4 607 0737, book.ennismore.com

Tonino Lamborghini Mare Nostrum

Tonino Lamborghini Mare Nostrum is a Mediterraneaninspired restaurant, bar and pool from the heir to the Lamborghini fortune. The luxury synonymous with the Lamborghini name translates here into plush sun loungers and cabanas that line an inviting swimming pool on one side, and a chic restaurant in oceanic shades on the other. The entire space oozes Mediterranean charm with a VIP Dubai touch. Stretching views of the Dubai skyline from Ain Dubai to Burj Al Arab are jaw-dropping, a DJ steals the show spinning against a shimmering blue tiled backdrop, and a duo of private jacuzzis gaze out over West Beach. Weekday pool passes are Dhs200 with Dhs150 redeemable, while weekends are Dhs500 with Dhs300 back to spend on food and drink.

Zeta Seventy Seven

This world record-breaking rooftop pool has some of the best views of Dubai from its 77th floor perch atop Address Beach Resort. The chic spot is reserved mostly for hotel guests, so if you’re not checking-in, you’ll need to book a cabana, which start from Dhs2,777 for four guests this summer. Not keen to splash out on a pool day? Book a table in the restaurant and enjoy the same stunning views while grazing on a menu of crowd-pleasing Asian fusion dishes.

Zeta Seventy Seven, Address Beach Resort, JBR, pool 9am to sunset daily, Dhs2,777 for cabanas. Tel: (0)4 879 8866. addresshotels.com

Tasca

Tonino Lamborghini Mare Nostrum, Level 14, Radisson Resort Palm Jumeirah, 11am to 7pm pool, 11am to 6pm pool menu, 11am to 1am restaurant and bar, from Dhs200. Tel: (0)58 559 4222. tlamborghinimarenostrum.ae

Mandarin Oriental Jumiera, Dubai boasts a gorgeous infinity pool at its chic sixth floor restaurant, Tasca. With the adults-only infinity pass, you’re invited for a day full of indulgence – although you’ll need to dip in the wallet and pull a cool Dhs1,000 out for it. Included in the daycation, you’ll get a sun lounger, welcome drink, fruit platter, luxurious pool amenities, a three-course meal from the progressive Portuguese menu at Tasca, plus a selection of Portuguese drinks. There’s also a second pool pass for Dhs500, of which you’ll get Dhs200 back to spend on food and drink.

Tasca, Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai, Jumeirah Beach Road, 9am to sunset daily, from Dhs500. Tel: (0)4 777 2231. mandarinoriental.com

Ce La Vi

Address Sky View

Joining the two towers of Address

Sky View hotel and residences in Downtown Dubai, this incredible infinity pool serves up some of the city’s best sights. You can kick back with drinks, snacks or shisha on the Pool Deck, or enjoy a day of deluxe dipping by the poolside while enjoying the incredible skyline views, then head to the restaurant for a modern Asian meal.

CE LA VI, Address Sky View, Downtown Dubai, pool from 9am to sunset, pool deck 10am to 2am. Tel: (0)4 582 6111. celavi.com

Hotel Guests Only

Cloud 22, Atlantis

The Royal

One of the most show-stopping stars of the culinary and leisure offering at Atlantis

NH Collection Dubai The Palm

Linking the two towers that form NH Collection Dubai The Palm at the top of Palm West Beach is a rooftop infinity pool that measures 50 metres so if you’re looking to get your lengths in, this is the place to come for an early morning dip. But there are also loungers on the deck for guests to enjoy a day of dipping between the temperature-controlled water and their sun beds.

NH Collection Dubai The Palm, Palm West Beach, The Palm, 7am to sunset daily. Tel: (0)4 549 7777. world.nh-hotels.com/en/nh-collection-dubai-the-palm

The Royal is Cloud 22. This dazzling pool deck connects the two towers of this skyscraping, ultra-luxury resort with a shimmering infinity pool flanked by luxe, airconditioned cabanas complete with plunge pools, and even day beds positioned overwater. A swim-up bar, pumping tunes and a delightful menu for poolside grazing complete the five-star offering.

Cloud 22, Atlantis The Royal, Palm Jumeirah, 11am to 7pm daily. Tel: (0)4 426 3000. atlantis.com

It's

REVIEW: HAWKERBOI

Can this spicy Southeast Asian supper club succeed as a restaurant?

In a city where restaurants come and go, Hawkerboi hasn’t just weathered the fad storm, it’s thrived. Beginning life as an anonymous chef-led secret supper club, it secured a dedicated following, built almost entirely on word of mouth.

It was such a success, they were encouraged to open a permanent restaurant, moving into new culinary hub, The Park, JLT, still retaining the trademark lively atmosphere and spicy Southeast Asian cuisine.

JLT has one of the highest concentrations of ‘good eating’ in Dubai, so competition in this part of town is tough. Does the sell-out supper club have what it takes to succeed as a restaurant? Here’s what we thought...

Located on the first floor, the restaurant makes a fiery first impression with red neon lighting, an intriguing open kitchen, a buzzing outdoor terrace, and stunning views over the park area.

At the time of our visit, the restaurant didn’t have an alcohol license. Although that’s no longer the case, the Takir lemonade mocktail with melt-in-themouth tamarind is a great place to start.

The menu is short without leaving you feeling robbed of choice. And it caters to all dietary whims, from vegans to meat lovers.

Without hesitation, order the punchy cucumber salad (Dhs45) smothered in tomato chilli dressing and peanuts. Not for the faint-hearted, the roughlychopped salad is fiery, fresh, and crunchy with just the right burst of acidity.

The truffle and chicken shumai (Dhs62) is so good it practically pops in the mouth bursting with sweetness from the ginger, smokiness from the black vinegar, and a scattering of truffle.

Oh and bear with us as we swoon over the Angus beef skewers (Dhs65). Three come topped with crispy onions and a nutty Thai chilli dressing served from a pipette, which perfectly balances the flavours and acidic notes.

WHAT’S ON VERDICT

Good vibes and great food. The passionate cooking at Hawkerboi will warm your soul while the friendly staff, affordable prices, and welcoming atmosphere will ensure a swift return.

And then, of course, is the Peking-style roast duck (Dhs220 for half). Ideal for sharing, duck with pancakes is forever the crowdpleaser and it’s easily one of Hawkerboi’s best signature dishes. The succulent-yetcrispy duck arrives on a large plate with shredded cucumber, spring onion, and sticky hoisin sauce. Fill the smooth steamed pancakes as much as you possibly can for an eyeroll with every bite.

Don’t skip dessert: the BBQ pineapple (Dhs45) is non-negotiable. A warm, zingy pineapple upside-down pudding served with lemongrass, lime, and mango sorbet acts as a palate cleaner to perfectly end the night.

Hawkerboi, The Park, near Cluster W JLT, Dubai. 6pm to 12am Sun to Thurs, 6pm to 1am, Fri and Sat. @hawker.boi