INSTAGRAM TWITTER PINTEREST BLOGLOVIN YOUTUBE
INSTAGRAM TWITTER PINTEREST BLOGLOVIN YOUTUBE

THE INSTAGRAM GUIDE TO DUBAI

14/11/2016
So, if you’ve read my blog over the past few weeks, followed me on Instagram, or basically have even known that I’m alive, then you’ll probs know that I swanned off to Dubai a couple of weeks back for a week of instagram porn exploring the incredible country and finding the best spots to add to my little grid of randomness that we call Instagram.

Lol, “swanned off”, we all know that rather than being completely carefree and effortless about the whole thing like I just made that sound, I was anxious Annie sweating profusely and praying that it would all go OK. 

Double Lol for managing to sound like the world’s biggest twit in my description of Instagram.

But anyway, lack of descriptive skills and ability to take a chill pill aside, I went to Dubai – for the second time – with a group of people I’d never met before and an itinerary that looked simultaneously breathtaking and terrifying, and basically had the time of my life. So this is the moment where I could get all cheesy and cringe on you but I think I might save that for another time, so for now… [insert drippy sentence on pushing yourself out of your comfort zone/travel being the only thing you buy that leaves you richer etc. etc. here].

So as I mentioned, it was an Instagrammer trip so rather than put together a guide to Dubai to which I’m sure there are thousands, I thought I’d put together the Instagram guide to Dubai, featuring places that are complete photography porn and perfect “make everyone well jel” material.
So I thought I’d start with some hotels. I have two in this guide that are completely different but both equally stunning and my first “no I can’t believe my life, this place is dreamy af” option is the Jumeirah Emirates Tower hotel. Based in the city centre with amazing access to Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa, downtown Dubai etc. this place is the perfect spot for those wanting to be able to experience the fast paced life of Dubai. The rooms are large, comfy and have insane views (especially from the 28th – *gulp* – floor) and the food was ridiculously good (The Rib Room was my favourite, Oh hi Steak heaven). 
The Jumeirah Zabeel Saray. Oh sweet hubba hubba I almost don’t know where to start. This place puts in a strong battle for one of the most incredible hotels that I’ve ever stayed in. Firstly, like Dubai itself, nearly every hotel is extremely luxurious and fancy, but the Zabeel Saray was just stunningly opulent on an entirely different level. On the beach itself with stunning views of the palm, the setting for me felt a lot more relaxed and soothing and it’s just the kinda place where you actually don’t mind staying in the hotel all day because it’s just that special. So the rooms, I think it’s safe to say that “luxury” just doesn’t do justice to how insane they really are. From the marble bath that was pretty much a swimming pool to the marshmallow beds that could fit at least 4 people – I mean, I didn’t test out that theory, just guessing [insert awkward/”no innuendos over here please” emoji’s here – every corner was utter perfection and a complete joy to stay in. 
Moving onto the attractions and starting at the top – literally – with the “At the top” observation deck of the Burj Khalifa. At a whopping 828m, the Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world so visiting the observation deck is pretty darn special. It’s also just a bit surreal, you know, like… here I am just chilling at, oh wait… the highest frickin point in the world. It’s stunning, breathtaking and is an absolute must see!

I mean, unless you’re terrified of heights, then maybe skip this bad boy.
I’d never done anything like a sea plane before so Seawings Dubai was something that I was incredibly excited for and oh my god it didn’t disappoint. Seeing Dubai from the top of the Burj Khalifa is amazing, but flying around over the city and literally seeing the entire place from above was one of the most breathtaking experiences of my life. The only tip I have is to try not to sit next to the wing because it can slightly obscure your view but either way, it really is an incredible experience.

(We also had a pilot that looked a little bit like Calvin Harris so you know, winning in life).
So, the Burj Al Arab is a little bit like marmite. You might be looking at the photos thinking that it looks insanely incredible – and it is – but the reason why some people aren’t much of a fan is because it’s so luxury, and so opulent, and so otherworldly that it definitely borders on being a little too much, and perhaps, in the words of my friend Leyla, a little gaudy. And I get this completely. The Burj Al Arab is amazing and overwhelming but if it’s a beautiful and chilled experience that you’re after then this definitely isn’t for you. But if you’re visiting Dubai and want to see the – self proclaimed – 7 star hotel in all it’s glory (which I would 100% recommend) then definitely do it. We also ate at Scape which is a really beautiful restaurant delivering delicious food in a more relaxed environment. Whilst for our farewell dinner we ate at Nathan Outlaw’s Al Mahara and that was an absolute foodie delight. If you’re ever there, go for the tasting menu and wine pairing service because it is a dream!

Basically, the Burj Al Arab is sassy as hell but it is a little too much for some.

And the award for being as diplomatic as humanly possible goes to…
Of  all of the things that I did in Dubai this time round, one of my absolute favourites – in the top 2 if we’re getting precise – would be the overnight Desert safari. To be totally honest with you, I think it may have been more to do with the fact that this was the thing that I was truly terrified off. Like, do I crap in a hole in the sand? Is it cold in the desert at night? Will the camels spit in my face? Will I wake everyone up because I pee 25 times a night like a 80 year old man?

(I can’t quite believe I’ve just been so tmi but we’re all friends here, right?)

Basically I had a lot of (unwarranted Kardashian-esque) anxiety about it but man, oh man, was it incredible. Dare I even be cheesy af and say life changing (I think I may have gone a little OTT there but let’s go with it). So here’s what we did; our amazing tour guide Samir – who will 100% never be reading this but if you are, thanks for being such a legend – picked us up, drove us to the desert where we transferred into vintage Land rovers and cruised along whilst the sun was setting on the way to our camp. Did we all throw a slight paddy because we went the long way around and ended up missing that perfect sunset shot? Yep [insert embarrassed emoji here]. But was running and jumping around like a lunatic in the sand trying to get said perfect shot before the sun disappeared ridiculously fun? Yeah, yeah it was pretty bloody incredible!

Our safari was with Platinum heritage and after missing the sunset, catching the falcon show and then heading to camp, we ate – babe’in food fyi – rode camels, smoked shisha/breathed in one breath and declared myself a granny that had had enough and then fell asleep under the stars. It was hectic, terrifyingly out of my comfort zone, but one of the best experiences of my life. Oh, and did I mention I saw two shooting stars? Yeaaaaaah buddy!
You know I mentioned my top 2 favourite things of the trip? Well hot air ballooning over the Arabian desert was the other. We woke up at 4am for this – I also didn’t fall asleep until 3am so lol, guess who felt like a corpse the whole way through? – but it was beyond worth it. If you haven’t been in a hot air balloon, it’s one of the most surreal things you’ll ever do. One thing I couldn’t get over was how peaceful and serene it was up there, despite being crammed in with not a huge amount of space, you can definitely take yourself off into your own little world and I am always forever grateful for that. Watching the sunrise from many many feet up in the air – i.e defs can’t remember how high we went – was an unforgettable memory that brought a tear to my eye made my hayfever start up again. 

10 points to Gryffindor to anyone that gets the Tracey Beaker reference there!

Our Hot air balloon adventure was with Balloon Adventures and I couldn’t recommend them highly enough!
So these photos are kinda just a random mixture of our second from last night. We met at Madinat Jumeirah, took an Abra tour around the resort – which is huge and absolutely beautiful in the pitch black with all of it’s twinkling, stunning lights – had some drinks at Shimmers and then headed off to Pierchic, a gorgeous award-winning seafood restaurant perched at the end of a jetty with the most incredible views. Outrageously romantic, the most delicious food… it’s one of those places that you just kinda stare, in silence, at everything around you and realise that where you are is just a little bit insanely, amazing.

So that brings my Instagram guide to Dubai tour to an end. I will say that this time around I didn’t make it into the old Town but it really is bursting with culture and 100% worth a visit too to see a completely different side to Dubai. But other than that, if you do go (please squeeze me into your suitcase) then have the most amazing time. Because the thing about Dubai is it has a bit of a reputation for being over the top and all about money and a little bit gaudy… but you just can’t knock the fact that the vast majority of it can easily take your breath away. And that is pretty special.

I’d love to know if you’ve been to Dubai before or if you plan or going? What did you love the most or what are you most looking forward to? I always love hearing your thoughts 🙂 

As always, thanks so much for reading!

xx

A huge thanks to Visit Dubai for making so many dream experiences come true!

60 responses to “THE INSTAGRAM GUIDE TO DUBAI”

  1. My God, these photos are absolutely beautiful! I've never properly went to Dubai before – only in their airport, so I'm dying to visit it now! I can't imagine how exciting riding a hot air balloon would be. That sounds really exciting. x

    http://www.ashrealasitgets.blogspot.com

  2. Amazing photos!! Dubai is so lovely 🙂

    STYLE VANITY

  3. I need to go to Dubai, like, now! This whole guide is just absolutely stunning Ellie! xxx

    Sam // What I Know Now

  4. beautiful photos!

    Printspirational and stylish wall art for your home!
    http://www.printsandroses.com/

  5. Call Me Amy says:

    I was definitely well jel of your Instagram feed while you were in Dubai! Such beautiful pictures and the balloon trip just looks incredible!
    Amy xx
    http://www.callmeamy.co.uk

  6. Alina Bostan says:

    This looks like the most amazing trip ever! I just love the look of Dubai, there's so much to do and see, plus it's just so over the top (in a good kind of way). I loved watching your Insta stories and seeing all your pics, serious #InstagramGoals x

    Beauty with charm

  7. these photos are absolutely incredible, dubai looks like an amazing time!

    Abigail Alice x

  8. I'm a big fan of Instagram guides, as you know, I wrote a London one – and I've not yet been to Dubai so this made really interesting reading. The hotels look fantastic and I've heard great things about Nathan Outlaw's new restaurant. As for the overnight desert safari, what an epic experience

  9. MERI WILD says:

    What a place! Beautiful photos <3

    MERI WILD BLOG

  10. Francesca says:

    Oh my goodness! That looks like an amazing trip!! You are so brave for being able to do all of that! I really want to go in a hot air balloon someday but I feel like I might pee my pants! It looks like you had the time of your life though, I'm so happy after just reading your happiness from the trip. And that photo of your friend and you jumping is adorable!

    Francesca
    http://www.vintagelillies.com

  11. Dubai looks freaking INCREDIBLE! I've never really wanted to go there if I'm completely honest, but NOT ANYMORE. You've shown such a different side of it and those sunset pics – hot damn – beautiful. xx

    Jessie 🎀 allthingsbeautiful-x

  12. Els your pictures look amazing! I've never been to Dubai but would love to see it for myself, it looks beautiful! Hope you had the best time lady!

    Hayley xo
    http://www.frockmeimfamous.com

  13. Omg what a fun trip!! I would die to go to Dubai! That hotel looks so dreamy!

    <3 Shannon
    Upbeat Soles

  14. Liz Tarran says:

    These pictures are incredible! The hot air balloons 😮 what a dream!
    hope you had a wonderful trip, it looks breathtaking xx

    Liz | LotsofLoveLiz ♥

  15. Honest mum says:

    Wow wow wow, utterly amazing, love that when we do things that scare us, they make us feel stronger than ever! I've not been to Dubai but I totally want to now. These photos are amazing too-so brave to sleep in the desert and ride in a hot air balloon, proud of ya gorgeous girl xx

  16. Annoyed at how incredible these photos are haha! I can't wait to read more about Dubai though, I've heard so many mixed things, it definitely looks like a whole experience on it's own to go and see!

    Naomi in Wonderland

  17. Sarah A says:

    Dubai looks so beautiful and you are totally making me feel jealous haha! Wish I was there instead of at home wrapped up in a blanket and trying not to freeze!

    Sarah | What Sarah Writes

  18. Oh wow… These photos are amazing and it looks like you had such an amazing time in Dubai! The view from the plane is spectacular, I have Dubai in my bucket list, it feels like there's so much to do! xx

    Ela BellaWorld

  19. Raquel says:

    This is such goals. Like I need to go NOW! I'm so glad you had such a lovely time. #InstaGoals
    Omnivogues

  20. Immy May says:

    Oh ma ghaaad gal! This looked like the most incredible trip. Dubai is absolutely BEAUT, I think the desert is up there with my fave part too. Looks so magical (I think my love for Aladdin helps). Heehee! Immy x

    http://www.immymay.com

  21. Gabrielle says:

    I was really hoping you'd be blogging about your time in Dubai! Your time there looks completely magical – especially by night. More than anything, I'm swooning over that 100% amazing bedroom/bathroom. Wow!!

    Gabrielle | A Glass Of Ice x

  22. Holly says:

    Beautiful pics! By the end of this post I wanted to be in Dubai!!

    Holly x

    http://www.ldnmuse.com

  23. Rosy Ferry says:

    Arghhhh Elle, this looks so amazing! I've never fancied Dubai before seeing this post and now I'm 100% certain that I must go by any means possible. Stunning pictures and that hotel bed was some serious hotel goals right there 🙂

    Rosy | Sparkles of Light Blog

  24. Beautiful photos! Dubai looks amazing! 🙂 xx

  25. Rachel-Beth says:

    Oh my gosh your trip looks incredible babe! I saw a few of these pop up on Instagram and I was like WOW!! That tallest building looks like it had the best view and how amazing that you went on a plane ride over the city

    Rachel xx
    http://www.thedailyluxe.net

  26. First off, these photos are incredible!! Absolutely fantastic- especially the first one.

    I've been to Dubai before but honestly I didn't get to do hardly anything because it was SO humid outside that you stepped outside and needed a shower straight away….

    http://www.thesundaymode.com

  27. Jayd Alice says:

    I loved watching your vlog of this trip so much, you lucky gal! It all looks so amazing and I hope you had such a fab time chick x

    Always, Alice

  28. Robyn Taylor says:

    Girl the photos in this post are amazing! You literally never have to worry about having nothing to post on instagram cause you'll just have a million 'throw back to Dubai in 2016' opportunities!

    Robyn / Phases Of Robyn

  29. Adele Miner says:

    I need to visit Dubai at some point.. your pictures are just amazing! x

    adelelydia.blogspot.com

  30. Can hear your gratitude in each word and experience – this looks insane Elle, and that bath has Elle written all over it haha!

    Lauren x
    Britton Loves | Lifestyle Beauty Wellbeing

  31. Woowee, your trip looked AMAZING, photos are just breathtaking! I've been to Dubai but quite a few years ago, I'd love to go back!

    Lyndsay | Fizzy Peaches Travel & Lifestyle Blog

  32. Ahhhh, this is perfection! It literally takes me ages to go through our Dubai photos and post about Dubai holiday hubs and I had back in September for our 2nd wedding anniversary 🙂 Babes, you smashed it describing the beauty of the city and the unreal luxury of the place. It's a whole new world out there!! I really loved Dubai & can't wait for our next trip there 🙂
    xox Nadia
    http://www.mielandmint.com

  33. Hi Guys….Email Dr. Trust for urgent love spell Ultimatespellcast@gmail.com He is the best spell caster you can work with and also can solved your problems.

    Am writing this article to thank Dr.Trust for the wondrous miracle that he did for me because he helped me recently to bring back my Ex husband. Thank you sir for your genuine spells. This is really incredible,I have never experienced anything like this in my life. Before i met you Sir, i have tried every probable means that i could to get my husband back, but i actually came to realize that nothing was working out for me, and that my husband had developed lot of hatred for me.. I thought there was no hope to reunite with my husband. But when i read good reviews about how Dr.Trust help others get back there ex lovers, make others to win big on lottery, cure of any sickness. I decided to give it a try and i did everything that he instructed me and i Trusted him and followed his instructions just as he guaranteed me in 48 hours, and that was exactly when my husband called me and come back to me.. I'm so happy for the good work you did for me. We are more contented now than ever. Everything looks perfect and so natural! Thank you so much Sir for your authentic and indisputable spells. Email him now for help {Ultimatespellcast@yahoo.com or Ultimatespellcast@gmail.com} call +2348156885231 Thanks Sir for your help.

  34. Jewel Carol says:

    hey,
    my bf and I were in a relationship for 4 years.
    and he I caught him cheating with another girl for 2 months. I was devastated. and I was in such a mental condition, that I called his parents up and said everything. I pleaded him and asked him what went wrong in our relationship. but he denied to tell me anything. he said he want breakup. and his new gf called me up each day and abused me verbally. I was trying to move on. but the love i have for him was too much. i was frustrated. looking for help to get my bf back one day looking on my internet i come across a product of a page and graphic of love spell on how to get ex back,stop your husband for cheating, restored broken marriage and stop divorced also get your wife back. so i have no choice coz i love my bf and i want him back from that woman i directly give a contact on this product graphic page, and to the promise of it,after the love spell my bf call me,text me and i I replied him as I would never accept him. but he continues begging seeking for apology. for what he did to me, meanwhile my bf sends me friend requests on Facebook… and calls me up the other day.and i respond to him, with this i was so very happy that my bf really change for the bad he was to see me back as his only one gf so that is how i gave him another chance? all thanks to this product page and graphic love spell coz it really help and work for me i promise to keep sharing his page if you have any similar problem as my, have a hard time of getting your ex bf back, ex gf back, save your marriage home, i will advise you to try this same, on Dr happy product page and graphic love spell directly on his email
    happylovespell2@gmail.com
    Web site:http://happyspelltemple.webs.com/
    or add him on whats-app +2348133873774
    Jewel Carol from Atlanta Georgia

  35. DR THABANI SOLUTION TEMPLE: Call & WhatsApp: +27826439617 Dr THABANI: Best Astrologist, Spell Casters, Black Magic, Real VOODOO SPELL in USA, UK, CANADA, AUSTRALIA, Kuwait, UAE, GET BACK LOST LOVER AFTER DIVORCE, get back your lost love, how to get my ex- back, how to get my love back, Instant Death Spell, Revenge Spell, Divorce Spell, Fertility/Pregnancy Spell, Spells for Divorce, Marriage Spell, Divorce Psychic, Love spells, lost love spells, breakup spells, protection, reunite us, attraction spells, psychic, traditional healers, sangoma, black magic removal, recover lost funds, My Spells among others which are not listed include the following: Email: drthabanispellcaster@gmail.com

    · Distance Spell Caster
    · Love Spells
    · Lost Love Spells
    · Attraction Spells
    · Divorce Spells
    · Marriage Spells
    · Binding Spells
    · Breakup Spells
    · Banish a past Lover
    · Sex Spells
    · Lust Spells
    · Business/Money Spells
    · Protection and Power Spells of any kind
    · Psychic Readings
    · Fortune Telling
    · Witchcraft
    · Body/pains in the joints
    · Fertility Spells/Pregnancy Spells
    · Solving small / big court cases and early jail release
    Men’s / Women Problems
    · Men’s Early Ejaculation
    · Strong and Sustained Erection
    · Low Libido
    · Cannot Give Birth

    Your Solution is assured, Whatsapp&Call: +27826439617 Email: drthabanispellcaster@gmail.com

  36. James harper says:

    These trips are very exciting and you will visualize serious beauty of the desert. Dubai desert safari deals

  37. Email Dr. Trust for fast and urgent loves spell….Ultimatespellcast@yahoo.com

    I'm Whitney Morgan, from North Carolina. I got separated from my husband 2 years ago. There was no communication between us. I was advised by families and friends to let go, forget the marriage and move on with my life. I didn’t want to marry someone else because deep down, I still love my husband. I was in so much pain and confused, until I read a testimony online on how Dr Trust reunion a broken marriage with the help of his love spell powers. I kept reading so many testimonies on how he helped to stopped divorce and bring back peoples ex-lover's to them, and my faith was renewed. I have to contact Dr Trust immediately, few minutes later, he replied and instructed me on what to do, after meeting up with the necessary requirement, 2 days later after he cast the spell, communication was restored between me and my husband. He actually knees pleading me to forget and forgive him. My relationship is now balance and my husband kept loving me every single day by day. His spells worked wonders and our relationship is now stronger then before, and nothing can separate us again. I visited so many website seeking for help, it looked hopeless, until I came in contact with Dr Trust the real man, who helped me to restore my broken marriage. If you're having similar problem in your marriage, you want your husband or wife to love you again, you have someone you love and you want him or her to love you in return, you are having any challenge in your relationship. Dr Trust SPELL TEMPLE is the solution and answer to your problem, contact him today via Email. Ultimatespellcast@gmail.com or Ultimatespellcast@yahoo.com Call or Whats-app him now +2348156885231

    View his website page and see more testimony about him: https://utimatespellcast.wordpress.com
    Name: Whitney Morgan
    Country United States
    Big thanks to you Dr.!!!

  38. Email Dr. Trust for fast and urgent loves spell….Ultimatespellcast@yahoo.com

    I'm Whitney Morgan, from North Carolina. I got separated from my husband 2 years ago. There was no communication between us. I was advised by families and friends to let go, forget the marriage and move on with my life. I didn’t want to marry someone else because deep down, I still love my husband. I was in so much pain and confused, until I read a testimony online on how Dr Trust reunion a broken marriage with the help of his love spell powers. I kept reading so many testimonies on how he helped to stopped divorce and bring back peoples ex-lover's to them, and my faith was renewed. I have to contact Dr Trust immediately, few minutes later, he replied and instructed me on what to do, after meeting up with the necessary requirement, 2 days later after he cast the spell, communication was restored between me and my husband. He actually knees pleading me to forget and forgive him. My relationship is now balance and my husband kept loving me every single day by day. His spells worked wonders and our relationship is now stronger then before, and nothing can separate us again. I visited so many website seeking for help, it looked hopeless, until I came in contact with Dr Trust the real man, who helped me to restore my broken marriage. If you're having similar problem in your marriage, you want your husband or wife to love you again, you have someone you love and you want him or her to love you in return, you are having any challenge in your relationship. Dr Trust SPELL TEMPLE is the solution and answer to your problem, contact him today via Email. Ultimatespellcast@gmail.com or Ultimatespellcast@yahoo.com Call or Whats-app him now +2348156885231

    View his website page and see more testimony about him: https://utimatespellcast.wordpress.com
    Name: Whitney Morgan
    Country United States
    Big thanks to you Dr.!!!

  39. Smith says:

    To make it simple, I have collected best 10 list for family fun occasions and general vacation destinations in Dubai. best desert safari

  40. BURRI 60 says:

    What an amazing job done by the writer.
    buy real instagram followers

  41. Parker says:

    Whether you are planning to see some vast and beautiful architecture or luscious lands depicting nature at its best, you will get it all here. offroad club

  42. UAE Desert Safari Tours is not known for its name only, but also for its great service, with warm hospitality to make sure all the customers are satisfied and have received the best service in town.
    http://www.uaedesertsafaritours.com/

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest Vlogs