Dubai - After Dark

After Dark

The main hub of night life in Dubai revolves around the 5 star hotels.

Make sure you know the name of the hotel the bar is within, before getting in a taxi, most drivers aren't familiar with the bars. Dress code: glam it up, the more bling the better. As a tourist you can pretty much get into any bar or club, door policies are relaxed and as long you spend money, you're welcome.

Rooftop bar at One & Only

The weekend in Dubai is Friday and Saturday, so saturday evening is usually quiet, the equivalent of Sunday in the UK. Best nights to go out are Thursday and Friday. Outdoor bars like the One and Only Rooftop are seasonal too. In the summer months it's unbearably hot outdoors, party season is during winter when it's much more comfortable to be outside.

Restaurants

Ronda Locatelli
Ronda Locatelli in The Atlantis is one of Dubai's best restaurants. Owned by celebrity TV chef Giorgio Locatelli, this rustic Italian restaurant is laid out in a circle formation around a central wood-fired, brick, Pizza oven.

Nobu

Nobu
Also at the Atlantis Hotel is Nobu. I recommend the Black Cod in Miso and the lobster tempura at the internationally renowned Japanese restaurant.

Drinks

Buddha Bar

Buddha Bar

Buddha Bar at the Grosvenor House Hotel on Dubai Marina is part of the international chain of bars and restaurants. Start with dinner, then drink cocktails into the early hours, as resident DJ's spin house and chill out tunes.

Rooftop Bar

The Rooftop Bar
The Rooftop Bar at the The One & Only Royal Mirage is one of Dubai's best loved bars in the winter months. The in-crowd head here for sunset cocktails al fresco. The vibe? dressed up, chilled out and super fun.

360 Degrees

360 Degrees Bar

Get chauffeured in a hotel buggy out to 360 Degrees Bar at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel. The bar in the round stands on its own little island, so you get spectacular 360 degree views of the sunset with the Burj Al Arab in the background. Head over for about 8pm to get an outdoor table.

At.mosphere Bar

At.mosphere Lounge

On the 122nd floor of the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, is the At.mosphere Lounge. This restaurant and bar is Dubai's latest celebrity hang out. Make sure you wear your most glitzy outfit and  your wallet is full, it will be a lot lighter when you leave.

101 Lounge

101 Dining Lounge Bar

Also try the 101 Dining Lounge and Bar at the incredible new The One and Only The Palm. The chicest eating establishment in Dubai.

Souk Madinat

Souk Madinat
As mentioned earlier most bars are located within hotels due to licensing issues, however some malls and shopping areas have restaurant and bar sections.

Souk Madinat fondly known as Dubai's Little Venice is full of restaurants and bars, many of which are chains you'll find back at home. The atmosphere is lively and many Dubai expats come here for after work drinks. Head to the bar area over looking the water for great views of the Burj Al Arab.

After Dark - Clubs

The Cavalli Club

The Cavalli Club 
Owned by Roberto Cavalli, the club at the Fairmont Hotel is every bit as exuberant as you'd expect from the Italian fashion designer. The interior is uber-camp and ostentatious. The party gets going at around midnight and Thursday and Friday are the best nights to go.

Voda Bar

Voda Bar

At the Jumeirah Zameel Saray is not the most lively bar in Dubai, but it does have a stunning interior.

Hotels

I stayed at The One & Only Royal Mirage which was amazing. The service was fantastic, the hotel looks incredible and it makes the guest feel special, from the towel sculptures left on your bed at evening turn down service, through to the cake and flowers they delivered to my room on my birthday. There are three main sections, The Palace, The Arabian Court, which are both impeccably decorated in a chic elegant style and The Spa and Residence which is blissfully serene and more like a luxury retreat.

Towel sculptures at the One and Only

The One and Only The Palm

The One & Only The Palm

West Cresent

Palm Jumeirah

Dubai

We also visited the new One & Only The Palm resort on the hotel yacht. It is without a doubt, one of the most immaculately designed hotels, with every inch of it picture perfect.