· By Scarlett Poppies

Discover the Best and Hidden Spots in the UAE

The UAE is one of the most unique corners of the world. No two spots are the same, and you’re guaranteed to experience a once-in-a-lifetime vacation in the beauty of the seven emirates. Whether you’re chasing the sun or looking for luxury shopping, the UAE has it all.

We’re sharing our ultimate guide to the best and hidden gems of the UAE.

best beach in the UAE

 

Best Beach: Saadiyat Beach, Abu Dhabi

While it’s flanked by five-star beachfront resorts, Saadiyat Island’s 400-metre public beach is a protected natural shoreline lapped by impossibly blue waters, which are by law bereft of jet skis, speed boats and other irksome watersport machinery, yet regularly home to schools of majestic dolphins.

Best Beach Saadiyat Beach, Abu Dhabi

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Saadiyat’s trump card is its status as a haven for some of the country’s most prized wildlife. The dunes are protected and no development is permitted within 60 metres of the ­shoreline, allowing the hawksbill turtle to nest and breed here in peace. Enjoy it while wearing JENNESSA pleated mini strap dress.

Best Beach Saadiyat Beach, Abu Dhabi - UAE

 

Best SPA: Anantara Spa, Dubai

Relax and rejuvenate in luxury Hammam, with elegant furniture and antiques that create a royal spa ambience, at this Palm Jumeirah based spa. Anantara is known for the mixed combinations of treatments they offer- from a traditional Turkish bath or an Ayurvedic massage to latest technology-based skin treatments like Microsilk technology whirlpool and Diamond Microdermabrasion. Apart from the extensive range of treatments, they also have exotic steam rooms like aroma steam room, crystal or gemstone steam room, bamboo sauna, herbal bath, liquid sound pool, an ice cave and a salt inhalation room. The spa guests can take a stroll along with these spots, visit the Zaki salon, and leave their kids aged 4 to 12 in the Kids Club.

Best SPA Anantara Spa, Dubai

 

Best Desert Safari: Sonara Camp, Dubai

Sonara Camp offers the best Dubai desert experience. The camp is stunning, especially as we arrive just before sunset, with Instagrammable opportunities everywhere you look. The upper level has a large round bar, where people can mingle and sip on a huge range of drinks, as well as areas with bean bags and sofas to relax on before dinner. French chef Franck Sanna's carefully curated menu makes every dish a palatable experience with regional and western blends. The open-air kitchen also serves special options for vegans, vegetarians, kids, and meat and seafood lovers.

Best Desert Safari Sonara Camp, Dubai

 

While Sonara Camp is by no means the cheapest desert camp out there, it’s arguably the most memorable. If you’re a regular bruncher, consider swapping out a couple of them for a night under the stars with good friends, great food and a brilliant overall experience. Our STARRY EYES full sleeve lurex dress will go perfectly on this location.

Best desert in Dubai, UAE

 Best Hidden Nature Spot: Snoopy Island, Fujairah

Situating beside the Sandy beach hotel and resort in Fujairah, the Snoopy Island is a rock that looks like Snoopy (a comic character), lying on its back. It would take about 1 and a half hours to drive here from Dubai.
This place is truly one of the best beaches in the UAE. There are a variety of fishes in different colors and even turtles. And you can swim alongside them!

The rock lies exactly in the middle of the beach. And the sight of this rock in the middle of the water itself is stunning. You can swim your way to the island and back or take a kayak there. Also, you will be able to walk to the rock if the tide is low.

 

 Best Hidden Nature Spot: Snoopy Island, Fujairah

 

You can do snorkeling, kayaking, scuba diving, or even paddleboard around the waters. You can also choose among the variety of water sports they offer such as bingo rides, flyfish, and banana boats.

Bring along the Scarlett Poppies’ BEACH BABE strap mini dress for a post-adventure meal after the excitement of your Snoopy Island adventure.

 Best Hidden Nature Spot: Snoopy Island, Fujairah

 

Best Place to Relax: 101 on the Palm, Dubai

Breathe in salty ocean air, pause above a mesmerizing, sapphire-blue sea and soak up Dubai’s glamorous skyline at101Dining, Lounge & Bar. Step onto One&Only The Palm's exclusive marina atop the glistening waters of the Arabian Gulf, and take a moment to just be.

Best Place to Relax: 101 on the Palm, Dubai

Watch the sun disappear behind the horizon, and as day turns to night, recline under a canopy of stars, captivated by the kaleidoscope of glimmering lights lining the shore. We’ll turn up the tempo on the cool house soundtrack, keeping you company until the early hours.

The TRANQUILITY MOOD set is the perfect ensemble for this location.

Best Place to Relax: 101 on the Palm, Dubai

Bonus: Expo 2020

From 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022, Expo 2020 Dubai will welcome visitors from every corner of the globe, as it brings together the planet in one place to reimagine tomorrow from how people will move and connect, to finding sustainable solutions around energy and water. Today, new innovations are being created that, five years ago, would have been unimaginable.

Our ISABELLA beach backpack is the perfect size to pack all your necessities while browsing the different pavilions.

ISABELLA - beach backpack