Indulge in chic, epic experiences in an all-girls’ Dubai getaway

By JT - Feb 10,2025 - Last updated at Feb 10,2025

Courtesy of Blue Box Café Dubai

DUBAI – Dubai is the ultimate destination for women planning a getaway with friends. Indulge in dining experiences like royal afternoon teas and glamourous dinners with live shows, explorethrilling activities, or even unwind for a cozy outdoor cinema night. Whether seeking an adventurous or relaxing holiday, the city offers countless experiences for a memorable girl’s trip.

Dining experiences

Instagrammable cafes

• Tania’s Tea House: Tania’s menu is as delicious as it is aesthetically pleasing. The café is offering an exclusive CRAFTernoon Tea on 9th February and 13th February where guests can craft cake jewelry boxes or pretty paper flowers while they sip and snack on a dreamy afternoon tea set.

• El&N: First found fame in London, the café lives up to its name with its striking pink interiors, floral flourishes and neon slogans along with pretty plating make this eatery a social media sensation.

• Blue Box Café Dubai: Blue Box Café by Tiffany & Co. is found in Dubai Mall, next to the iconic jewellery brand's flagship store. Echoing its sibling on New York's Fifth Avenue, this 41-seat sanctuary is swathed in Tiffany blue and boasts Peter Marino-designed furnishings.

Afternoon Tea

• The Lana: Recognised as the world’s best pastry chef, Angelo Musa brings his award-winning creations from France to Dubai with The Gallery, located in The Lana, Dorchester Collection. Guests are invited to choose from an extensive array of teas spanning various categories, meticulously prepared by two certified tea sommeliers.

• Bijou Patisserie: Bijou Patisserie is best known for serving one of the most popular Afternoon Teas in Dubai: Le Goûter – Sofitel’s signature French afternoon tea. It is a unique combination of flavors served in a sophisticated vault, unlocked with a special key.

• High Tea at Mosaico: Within moments of stepping into Palazzo Versace Dubai, you will be greeted by the opulent Mosaico lounge. It is here that you can experience the quintessential High Tea featuring an extensive selection of the finest teas and tempting treats.

Best spots for dinner

• Flamingo Room by tashas: The venue offers a contemporary menu and an incredibly enticing aesthetic. It may look like a stylish movie set or the perfect backdrop for a fashion shoot – that's how stunning the interiors are. The location is also enviable, sitting adjacent to Jumeirah Al Naseem’s turtle lagoon.

• Sienna Clubhouse Dubai: Sienna presents a fusion of Mediterranean taste and urban sophistication inspired by the warmth and comfort of the town of Siena, Italy. It imbibes a combination of timeless traditions with a spark of innovation, alongside an excellent presentation.

• Le Relais de l’Entrecôte Dubai: One to not to miss during the trip, head over with the girls to the newly opened Relais de L’Entrecôte – the renowned Parisian bistro known for its single-dish menu, the delicious steak and fries.

• TerraMar: Celebrate friendships with TerraMar’s exclusive offerings, starting with a specially curated 4-course menu from 10th to 16th February featuring insta-worthy dishes. Plus, don’t miss out on the 2-for-1 special Brunch on 16th February – perfect for a friends gathering.

• CE LA VI: Join CE LA VI for exclusive special three-course lunch on Friday, February 14th, from 12:00 pm to 3:30 pm. Indulge in a delectable set menu, promising an unforgettable dining experience, setting the perfect tone for a day of laughterand friendship.

Healthy dining

• SEVA: This plant-based café amidst its tranquil zen-like garden complete with cobbled pathways, rustic log tables and colourful décor, is one of the city’s hidden gems. With health as the key focus, the food served here is free from gluten, sugar, dairy and artificial ingredients, but doesn’t compromise on taste.

• Bounty Beets: Situated at Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort, this is a popular spot for breakfast in Dubai thanks to its extensive selection of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options and snap-worthy, pale pink aesthetic with lots of quirky catchphrases at every turn.

• Comptoir 102: Located on the Jumeirah Beach Road, the concept store and coffee shop in one, Comptoir 102 offers a chic mix of interior design, fashion accessories, and gorgeous gifts. Rechargewith a wholesome menu featuring vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free and sugar-free options.

Live entertainment

• Belcanto: This eatery, which sits at the top of the Dubai Opera, offers exceptional Italian dishes with impressive live entertainment. Come here for a pre-show meal, or plan a visit just to sample chef Giacomo Lombardi's delectable food.

• Josette: From the moment you step into Josette, located in DIFC's prestigious ICD Brookfield Place, you'll feel like you've been transported back to 1920s Paris. Enjoy musical acts and accomplished French cooking to make this a must-visit hotspot.

• Arrogante: Located in the heart of Downtown Dubai, Arrogante offers a casual yet premium Italian dining experience with front row views of the Burj Khalifa. Don’t miss Le Note d’Arrogante, a Friday night affair with soulful live Italian music.

Activities Arts & Crafts

• Jewelry making: Charm making is all the trend right now! Book an appointment with a group of friends at The Charm Bar, the first and only charm shop in Dubai. Get creative and select a chain and pick from over 500 charms to create your own custom charm jewelry, whether it’s a necklace, bracelet, or even a bag charm.

• Pottery classes: Located in Dubai's creative hub Alserkal Avenue, Yadawei Ceramic Studio is a purpose-built space offering pottery, bisque painting and sculpture classes.

• Resin art workshops: Learn how to create one-of-a-kind piece of resin art at The Meraki Design & Art Studio by attending sessions that give you an introduction to the art or teach you to mix resin with other items like paint, and even how to pour like a pro.

• Painting session: Located at Al Quoz neighbourhood, Wild Paint House invites everyone to jam with art. A first-of-its-kind experience in Dubai, the studio offers six activities – splat, spin, swing, pour, neon and graffiti.

Gastronomy classes

• Sagra Italian Pastificio: Located in Jumeirah 3, Dubai, Sagra Italian Pastificio is the premier pasta-making workshop where you learn how to make delicious fresh pasta yourself. The course is divided into three sections, starting with the history and traditions of pasta, then making your own pasta dough and techniques and finally, experiencing the taste of your own hand-made pasta.

• Co-Chocolat: Celebrate chocoholic love, fun and friendship over a cacao ceremony, meditation and a chocolate-making workshop exclusivley on 13 and 14 February at homegrown UAE brand Co Chocolat. The activity will begin with a meditation and a cacao ceremony, followed by a chocolate-making workshop where guests get the chance to mold two bars, with custom toppings and colored foil wrappers, and name the flavor name, a perfect gift for a friend.

• The H Dubai: Book a private baking and pastry classes at The H Dubai's exclusively on 5, 12, 13, 22, 26, and 27 February. Guided by the talented Chef Heirida, this 90-minute immersive experience, prepares to unveil secret techniques and detailed recipes, allowing you to master the art of creating mouthwatering desserts.

Unique activities

• Museum of Candy: This interactive attraction is designed to celebrate the art, joy, and nostalgia of candy. With a mission to blend creativity, education, and fun, the museum offers a series of themed rooms that encourage exploration, play, and wonder.

• ARTE Museum: Adding to the ever-growing art and culture scene in the city, ARTE MUSEUM offers the ultimate immersive art experience. Situated in Dubai Mall, the venue houses works across 14 zones under the theme of 'Eternal Nature'.

• Cat Café Vibrissae: One for the cat lovers – book an experience with your friends and interact with the friendly resident cats of the café while savouring on a dessert and beverage, all in a calm, comfortable environment.

• Roll DXB: A fun activity with friends, RollDXB is the first indoor roller-skating rink in Dubai. Inspired by the American skating rinks of the past, it offers a concept new to the region for people to enjoy and experience a pinch of 70s nostalgia.

Wellness and Fitness experiences

• Dior Spa The Lana: The Lana, Dorchester Collection is home to Dior’s first spa in the UAE. It has relaxing spaces that are dedicated to rest and wellness. Among its treatments are two unique ‘Diorituals’ created especially for Dior Spa The Lana: Stopover at the Lana and Dior Stone Therapy.

• Ciel Spa: Located at SLS Dubai, Business Bay, the spa features a state-of-the-art fitness centre, the world’s highest overflow pool, and an IV therapy facility.

• AWAKEN: Nestled in the Royal Towers of Atlantis, The Palm, the spa offers top-notch treatments, with a wide variety menu and world-leading skincare brands which offers facial and body treatments to keep you feeling fresh and fabulous.

• Talise Ottoman Spa: Rejuvenate and unwind at the exquisite Talise Ottoman Spa, located in Jumeirah Zabeel Saray on Palm Jumeirah. The vast wellness facility is equipped with 42 treatment rooms, steam rooms, saunas, snow rooms and two thalassotherapy pools.

• Gigi Dubai: Fitness lovers - Gigi Dubai is the latest trend in the city, being the first and only studio in the Middle East to feature Miniformers. Located at Mirdif Avenue Mall and Villa Aumèdan in Nad Al Sheba, the studio also offers Megaformer, yoga, sculpt classes, and sound healing.

• The Retreat Palm Dubai MGallery by Sofitel: The 24-Hour Retreat Package offers the perfect escape for those looking to reset and reconnect. Guests will enjoy nutrient-rich meals at Vibe Restaurant, a 60-minute Rayya Customised Massage, and guided breathwork, yoga, meditation and active stretching sessions to support mental and physical well-being. An in-room night self-care sleep ritual completes the experience, fostering deep rest and rejuvenation.

• Matcha Club: The city’s favourite boutique padel club and community hangout is the perfect spot for a day out with the girls. Located in Al Qouz, you can join for a padel tennis session in the outdoor courts and join a yoga or meditation classes. Unwind atNETTE, a French Japanese restaurant serving all-day breakfast and healthy dining options. The Matcha Latte is a favorite!

Shopping Experiences

• Bloomingdale’s: Located in Dubai Mall, this upscale department store spans three levels of designer fashion, featuring brands like Gucci, Tom Ford, and Valentino. Don’t miss Magnolia Bakery for one of its famous sweet treats.

• Galeries Lafayette: Located in Dubai Mall, the 3-level department stores features exclusive luxury brands and beauty like Bottega Venetta, Burberry, Fendi, Gucci and many more.

• Harvey Nichols: Located at the Mall of the Emirates, this premier department store features a variety of international fashion, beauty, home and jewellery collections including brands like Lanvin, Phillip Lim, Alice + Olivia and Alexander McQueen.

Where to stay

Beach Resorts

• Atlantis The Royal Dubai: Atlantis The Royal on Palm Jumeirah features luxury rooms, including options with private infinity pools, and stunning skyline and sea views. It is also home to the world's highest number of celebrity chef restaurants, featuring names like Heston Blumenthal and José Andrés.

• Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach: Set back from its own private beachfront, the resort offers two outdoor pools, an indoor lap pool, one of the best spas in the city and 12 lounges and restaurants, including Japanese favourite Mimi Kakushi and Mediterranean-inspired Nammos.

Heart of the city

• ME Dubai: Located in Business Bay as part of the Opus Building, making it the only hotel in the world designed by the legendary architect Zaha Hadid. Experience the “spatial fluidity” through the striking lighting, furniture and elegant rooms.

• Kempinski Central Avenue: This hotel offers a luxurious stay with modern design and local influences. With stunning Burj Khalifa views and easy access to top attractions including a direct access at Dubai Mall, it’s perfect for the ultimate girls’ trip.

Unique stays

• Al Maha Desert Resort: Al Maha, a Luxury Collection resort by Marriott, offers a luxury desert escape inspired by Dubai’s Bedouin heritage, with 42 suites and stunning views. Guests can enjoy a number of traditional experiences, such as dining among the dunes, gazing at the stars and camel trekking.

• Anantara World Islands: Accessible via a 15-minute boat ride from Palm Jumeirah, Anantara World Islands Dubai Resort offers 70 lavish seaside villas and suites as well as pools, alfresco dining and beach access. The Sunset Beach Pool Villa is the ultimate spot for resplendent moments at dusk. Relax by your private pool, or dip your toes in the sand and watch the sun sink into endless blue waves.

For more inspiration on Dubai’s wide range of activities, attractions and offers to enjoy during your holiday in Dubai, Make sure to check out Visit Dubai website (www.visitdubai.com)

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