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Emirates

Lifestyle

PHOTO DIARY: DUBAI

19th December, 2013
Dubai airport.

Dubai airport.

Onboard Emirates/Qantas flight en route to Dubai.

Onboard Emirates/Qantas flight en route to Dubai.

One&Only The Palm, Dubai.

One&Only The Palm, Dubai.

Beachside at One&Only The Palm, Dubai.

Beachside at One&Only The Palm, Dubai.

Sunset at One&Only The Palm, Dubai.

Sunset at One&Only The Palm, Dubai.

Swimming with dolphins at Dolphin Bay in Atlantis The Palm.

Swimming with dolphins at Dolphin Bay in Atlantis The Palm.

 

I recently flew with Qantas and Emirates and stopped over in Dubai on my way back from Europe. Although I only had 48 hours there (and I admit I didn’t do much besides lie by the hotel pool) there was so much to do and see. I stayed at the beautiful One&Only The Palm and if you are ever in Dubai this hotel is a must-see. It has an Idyllic beach setting, beautiful spacious rooms, delicious food served through various restaurants, a fantastic spa, an excellent gym, plus it has great service and it’s guaranteed great weather. Even if you don’t stay there it’s fantastic for dining and the spa is superb. Some of my favourite things to do include:

 

One&Only Spa:

The One&Only Spa has partnered with ESPA to create a centre of pampering excellence and wellbeing for the best treatments in Dubai. There are 12 private treatments suites and the spa offers a range of treatments. I opted for the Swedish 80 minute massage and I can honestly say it was one of the best I’ve had in my life.

 

Bar:

The Jetty Lounge- This beach side bar is the perfect place for sunset drinks. It’s laid back and has a great selection of cocktails and selection of light snacks.

 

Restaurant:

STAY by Yannick Alléno in One&Only The Palm is fantastic! STAY (aka ‘Simple Table Alléno Yannick’) is a concept created by and named after French Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno. The food is delicious, the menu is abstract yet uncomplicated and grounded in modern French cooking. But if you are like me and have a sweet tooth you have to check out the patisserie bar. The desserts are unbelievable. You can order singular plates or dessert platters measured by the metre and half metre and they prepared in front of you by the patisserie chefs.

 

Swimming with Dolphins at Atlantis Bay:

The Dolphin adventure at the Atlantis Bay is sensational. I have been lucky enough to swim with dolphins previously but this was an extra special experience. It was great watching these magnificent creatures so close, let alone getting to touch and play with them. The Atlantis hotel itself is a wonder; it’s located at the edge of The Palm. You could spend all day looking at the stunning aquarium or hours on end at the water park.

Lifestyle

Photo Diary: Milan Fashion Week

1st November, 2013
Boarding Qantas/Emirates flight from Australia to Milan.

En route to Milan with Qantas/Emirates.

Breakfast onboard Qantas/Emirates flight.

Breakfast onboard Qantas/Emirates flight.

Duomo di Milano

Duomo di Milano

Gucci SS14 invitation.

Gucci SS14 invitation.

Heading to the Gucci runway show.

Heading to the Gucci runway show.

Enroute to the Max Mara show

Enroute to the Max Mara show

A bunch of long stem white roses and a personal note from Giorgio Armani

A bunch of long stem white roses and a personal note from Giorgio Armani

The finale at the Giorgio Armani SS14 show

The finale at the Giorgio Armani SS14 show

Prada SS14 collection

Prada SS14 collection

Prada SS14 accessories.

Prada SS14 accessories.

The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Lunch at Obika Mozzarella Bar - Rinascente

Lunch at Obika Mozzarella Bar – Rinascente

Last month I headed off to Milan Fashion Week. Although I spent most of my days at runway shows, I still got a bit of time to take in some sights and dine at some of my favourite restaurants. Here is what is on my to-do list.

SIGHTSEEING:

Duomo di Milano – you can’t go to Milan without seeing the magnificent Duomo. Make sure you go inside and light a candle, such a special thing to do.

The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II – is one of the world’s oldest shopping malls, built by Giuseppe Mengoni between 1865 and 1877. It’s housed within a four-story double arcade in central Milan, and it literally is the most beautiful shopping destination in the world.

RESTAURANTS:

Obika Mozzarella Bar – If you like Mozzarella then you will LOVE this place. It’s located at the La Rinascente shopping centre so it great for a pit stop while browsing the designers.

Il Salumaio di Montenapoleone – A chic restaurant in the heart of the shopping district. The food is delicious but I especially I love this restaurant because it has a beautiful courtyard, perfect for a light lunch or for those balmy summer nights.

Trattoria Bagutta – This place is very charming, looks like a 1950’s Italian trattoria with paintings all over the walls. It’s in the midst of Milan’s fashion district and it also has a nice garden space in summer.

Giacomo bistrot – This restaurant is great for dinner and has a fantastic food and wine selection. The décor in the “library” is gorgeous and allows you to get lost in the atmosphere and let time fly by you.

SHOPPING:

10 Corso Como – I love this place; it sells everything from works of art, music, design, cuisine and fashion, with so many beautiful designers. It’s slightly out of the centre of Milan but there is a gorgeous courtyard café to enjoy lunch so you can make a day of it.

Excelsior – has all the best designers under one roof. Right near the Duomo and is in the heart of the main shopping district.

To see some of my favourite runway shows from Milan Fashion Week click here: Gucci, Max Mara, Sportmax, Emporio Armani, Giorgio Armani.