DUBAI

We spent four nights at the Waldorf Astoria DIFC, located in the sleek Business District. Directly across from a luxury mall with the Four Seasons and close to the Ritz-Carlton, it was the perfect base for exploring both classic and contemporary Dubai.

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Our visit started with a classic city tour of old Dubai, exploring the souks, crossing Dubai Creek, and visiting The Frame for a panoramic view of old and new. We also enjoyed a meaningful lunch at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding, where we gained insight into Emirati traditions and life.

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The next day was all about modern Dubai. We visited the iconic Burj Khalifa and ended the evening with a boat ride at the Dubai Fountain Show, which offered a dazzling, up-close look at this architectural marvel.  A visit to The Palm Jumeirah features one of the largest man-mad marinas in the world.  Experience  The View at The Palm for incredible city views of this marvel of modern engineering.

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One of the highlights of the trip was an evening adventure to the desert of your childhood dreams with Platinum Heritage.  We joined a heritage desert safari, riding through the dunes in vintage Land Rovers. The experience included dinner under the stars, a falcon show, and an unforgettable sense of place. (Pro tip: they also offer hot air balloon rides!)

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We also took a full-day trip to Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE. Stops included the breathtaking Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the regal Qasr Al Watan Presidential Palace, and a visit to the Louvre Abu Dhabi.

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For our final night, we stayed at the InterContinental Dubai Marina. The area has a vibrant, walkable feel that reminded us of Chicago—right by the water, with great restaurants and city energy.

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Dubai has something for everyone: design lovers, culture seekers, spa-goers, foodies, and even those just looking to kick back by the pool before the next adventure.