Our honeymoon began in dazzling Dubai, and it truly exceeded every expectation. From the moment we arrived, we were swept up in a world of opulence and warmth. The hospitality was second to none—gracious, attentive, and utterly unforgettable. The people were welcoming and kind, the culture rich and mesmerizing, and the cuisine? A mouthwatering journey of flavors from around the globe. Every detail felt like it belonged in a five-star dream. It’s no wonder Dubai is hailed as one of the most luxurious destinations on Earth—it’s a city where indulgence and elegance are a way of life.
Day 1: Luxury shopping and mesmerizing views
We kicked off our honeymoon in true Dubai fashion—with a day full of style, scenery, and indulgence. We chose to stay on The Palm at The Marriott Palm Jumeriah and it was FABULOUS. They have the most amazing breakfast buffet that was the perfect way to kick off a day full of exploring!
Did you even go to Dubai if you didn’t go shopping?
Indulgence is second nature for Dubai and their mall is no expectation. The place was as luxurious as it was huge. We probably didn’t even see half of it! We spent majority of the morning and afternoon exploring all the luxury shops andI treated myself to my first Cartier ring—a little piece of Dubai to take home with me to mark the beginning of this next chapter!
For lunch, we headed to Trove, where the food was as good as the views. We grabbed a table with a perfect vantage point of the Dubai Fountains, and lingered over our meal while watching the water shows dance in the afternoon sun. I highly recommend their Oriental Chicken salad! It was mouth-watering.
Dinner with the best view in Dubai?
Our first dinner in Dubai was at Urla, and it easily became one of the most memorable meals of the trip—not just for the food, but for the setting. Perched on a rooftop in the heart of Downtown Dubai, Urla offers one of the most spectacular, unobstructed views of the Burj Khalifa. Watching the world’s tallest building light up against the night sky while we dined felt like a pinch-me moment.
We ordered a mix of fresh seafood, beautifully prepared and full of bright, clean flavors. My lobster pasta was to die for! They also treated us to The Cacao for dessert for our honeymoon. The mocktails were just as impressive—refreshing and carefully crafted, perfect for the warm evening breeze.
It was definitely one of the more expensive meals we’ve had, but honestly, the atmosphere alone made it worth it. Dining under the stars with that view? It’s an experience we won’t forget.
Keep in mind they do have a minimum spend per person at 500 AED!
Day 2: Beach Clubs & Dinner 77 Stories in the Sky
After a packed first day and some serious jet lag, we were more than ready for a slower pace—and White Beach at The Atlantis delivered just that. Nestled on the edge of the iconic Palm Jumeirah, this beach club has a dreamy, boho vibe that instantly puts you in vacation mode.
Spending the day lounging poolside with views of the Dubai skyline was exactly what we needed. The infinity pool was refreshing, the music created the perfect atmosphere, and the setting was effortlessly chic. We soaked up the sun, dipped in and out of the water, and fully embraced our “honeymoon mode.”
Highlights from our day at White Beach:
- Incredible fruit platter—fresh, vibrant, and perfect for the heat
- For my sober folks: crisp, flavorful mocktails that hit the spot
- Light bites like burger sliders, crispy fries, and burrata with fresh tomatoes – the best afternoon pick-me up without being super filling (we are in swimsuits after all!)
- Live DJ sets and dancers that brought great energy and vibey ambience to a boho beach setting
Later that evening, we made our way to Zeta 77, a rooftop restaurant located—you guessed it—77 stories in the sky. The views were unreal. Watching the sun set over the Palm from that height is something we’ll always remember.
As for the dinner itself—it was fine, but not a standout. The music was extremely loud, which made it hard to really relax or enjoy conversation. The food was decent but not particularly memorable.
Zeta 77 tip: Come for a drink, stay for the view—but maybe skip dinner if you’re hoping for a quiet night.
Day 3: A Blend of Classic Dubai Culture and a Modern Night Out
Day three was all about contrast—starting with a deep dive into the culture and history of the region, and ending with one of the most high-energy nights of our trip.
We took a guided tour to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, and it was one of the most awe-inspiring experiences we’ve had. The mosque itself is absolutely unreal. Photos can’t begin to capture its scale or beauty. Every surface is covered in stunning materials—white marble, semi-precious stones, gold, and crystal—and the level of craftsmanship is like nothing we’ve ever seen.
A few things we learned that really stuck with us:
- The largest handwoven carpet in the world lives right inside the mosque.
- While many women choose to cover their faces, it’s not a religious requirement—it’s often a cultural or practical choice, especially because of the dust.
- The mosque welcomes people of all faiths and backgrounds, and the tour was a respectful and informative look into Islamic traditions and Emirati culture.
- The mosque also boasts not one but four of the most beautiful crystal chandeliers I have ever seen. The contrast and variety of colors perfectly represents the vibrant culture of the UAE.
After returning to Dubai and resting up a bit, we rallied for a very different kind of evening—dinner and a show at The Theater. This spot brings serious party vibes, blending a club atmosphere with over-the-top performances. Think dancers, dramatic lighting, live music, and great energy from both guests and staff. Everyone gets into it, which makes it feel more like an immersive experience than a typical night out.
The food and drinks were solid, but the real star is the entertainment. If you’re in the mood to let loose and see a more playful, flashy side of Dubai, The Theater is a must.
Day 4: Skyscrapers, Sand Dunes & Desert Dreams
Day four was packed—and somehow managed to include a little bit of everything that makes Dubai so unique: futuristic skylines, ancient landscapes, and a whole lot of adventure.
We started our morning with poolside yoga at Aura Skypool, suspended high above the city with the most insane panoramic views of the Palm. The class itself was super light (definitely more stretching than sweating), but honestly, it didn’t need to be a full workout—just being up there, surrounded by water and skyline, was enough. Plus, it came with complimentary coffee and breakfast, which was a great way to ease into the day.
Later that morning, we checked off a must-do: a visit to the top of the Burj Khalifa. It’s the tallest building in the world, so of course we had to see it—but truthfully, it was probably my least favorite part of the trip. The views are impressive, but a bit underwhelming after everything else we’d done. We were very glad we opted for the VIP tickets, which let us skip the 2+ hour lines. Worth it for the convenience alone. In the end, looking at the Burj is more breathtaking than looking from it.
In the afternoon, we set off on our Desert Safari—easily one of the most memorable parts of the trip. It was the perfect mix of adrenaline, scenery, and culture.
We started with:
Quad biking through the dunes — cruising across endless stretches of golden sand was incredibly fun, and the wide-open landscape made it feel like we were in another world.
While we rode, our driver deflated the tires to prep for dune bashing!
Next up:
- Dune bashing, which was a total thrill. Our driver was seriously impressive—navigating the sharp slopes and turns like it was just another Sunday stroll.
- Then came sandboarding. I opted to slide down seated to avoid a wipeout (I know people who have actually hurt themselves sandboarding and I am risk adverse – okay!), and it was still such a good time. The scenery out there was stunning—rolling dunes in every direction and that warm desert light felt like I was starring alongside to Timothée Chalamet in the next Dune movie
We ended the evening at a traditional desert camp, complete with:
- An authentic Arabian meal with late night snacks
- Hookah under the stars
- A fire and dance performance
- And a quick stop for henna art
It was the kind of day that felt full in the best way—packed with new experiences, yet not rushed. By the time we got back to the hotel, we were completely exhausted, but it was the good kind of tired.
Day 5: Souks, A Sweat Sesh, and a Michelin-Starred Masterpiece
We kicked off our day with a deep dive into Old Dubai, and it ended up being one of my favorite parts of the entire trip. Wandering through the historic Al Fahidi district, with its winding alleyways, sand-colored buildings, and wind towers, felt like stepping into another era.
Our guide shared a fascinating piece of history: the area was once at risk of being demolished and rebuilt—but a British millionaire stepped in to preserve it. Thank goodness he did, because this is what I imagined when I thought of Dubai’s culture—rich, textured, and full of stories.
We explored the famous souks (markets), and each one offered its own kind of magic:
- The Spice Souk was an explosion of scent and color—heaps of turmeric, cardamom, and rosebuds lined the stalls like edible confetti. I learned just how expensive saffron is (who knew?!), but still grabbed some as a gift for my sister. And the sister of the year award goes to (drum roll please).. me!
- Next was the Gold Souk, the largest in the world. Gold sparkled in every direction—necklaces, rings, bangles, you name it. My husband and I picked out matching gold bracelets as a keepsake from our trip, and I love that we’ll always have something beautiful (and shiny!) to remember this day by.
After our morning adventure, we took a breather before heading to… a workout class. Yes, on vacation.
But hear me out—it was worth it. We booked a session at a sleek Lagree studio, PEAQ, that looked like it belonged in a design magazine. Think:
- Clean, modern interiors
- A sauna and cold plunge station
- A coffee bar that could rival any boutique café
The workout was tough but invigorating, and the whole experience just felt elevated. A little wellness moment to balance all the indulgence.
And then came dinner… and not just any dinner.
We had our most anticipated meal of the honeymoon at Trèsind Studio, a two Michelin star fine dining experience—and honestly, it deserves every star.
The space is intimate, with only six tables, which means you’re treated like royalty from the moment you arrive. We started with some creative mocktails, and then the magic began. Each course told a story, taking us on a culinary journey through the four regions of India.
A few standouts:
- Hors d’oeuvres that looked like miniature works of art
- A dish that was assembled in front of us by chefs using tweezers in a synchronized line
- A dessert that was almost too beautiful to eat (almost)
- PLUS they gave us a painting to take home with us because we were celebrating our honeymoon!
This wasn’t just dinner—it was a sensory experience. From the flavors to the presentation to the service, everything was perfection.
10,000/10—I’d recommend Trèsind Studio to anyone visiting Dubai who’s looking for something truly unforgettable that captures the whole essence of Dubai – extravagant, vibrant, and full of life!
The only thing to keep in mind is this is FINE dining. We had to prepay for this meal and it was not cheap so be prepared for fine dining prices.
Day 6: Yachts, Poolside Cocktails, and a Grand Finale at Atlantis the Royal
For our final day in Dubai, we kept things easy and scenic—starting with a breakfast yacht tour that cruised around the iconic Palm Jumeirah and coastline. The ride was smooth, the breeze was warm, and the views of Dubai from the water were stunning. As for the food, they served up a simple spread of pastries, meats, cheeses, and some pretty meh coffee—nothing to write home about, but honestly, the views made up for it.
Since the tour was on the shorter side, we had the perfect amount of time to head back to the hotel and do something we hadn’t had much time for: relax. We spent the afternoon soaking up the sun by the pool and beach, finally getting a chance to slow down and take in our surroundings. After so many packed days, it felt good to just pause—no schedules, no activities, just us, the sound of the water, and the Dubai sun.
But of course, we couldn’t leave Dubai without one last over-the-top experience.
That night, we headed to Atlantis The Royal, and let me just say—this place screams Dubai in every possible way.
The design is outrageous (in the best way), the scale is massive, and the luxury is turned all the way up. It’s the kind of hotel where you just stand in the lobby for a few extra minutes, taking it all in.
Dinner was at Estiatorio Milos, a high-end Mediterranean spot with:
- A front-row view of the fountain and fire show
- A sweeping vista of the Palm skyline
- Some of the best mocktails of the entire trip
- And top-tier service, including drink pairings curated by our server for every course we ordered
The food was fresh and well-executed, but what made the evening extra memorable was the people-watching—this place attracts the elite. Think designer bags, diamonds, and major money energy. It was highly entertaining and the perfect way to close out our trip.
And that’s a wrap on Dubai!
After six unforgettable days in Dubai, here are my biggest takeaways and tips for anyone planning a trip (or honeymoon!) to this dazzling city of extremes:
🌴 Stay on The Palm
If you’re debating where to stay—The Palm wins, hands down. Yes, traffic can get heavy on weekends (especially when everyone’s headed to brunch or a beach club), but being right in the middle of it all is totally worth it.
You’re just a quick ride away from:
- The city’s best beach clubs
- Tons of incredible restaurants
- And still within reach of the main attractions
🍽️ Splurge-Worthy Dinner: Trèsind Studio
If you’re going to treat yourself to one luxury meal, make it Trèsind Studio. This two Michelin-starred gem isn’t just dinner—it’s a full-on culinary journey through India, with impeccable service and stunning presentation. Worth. Every. Dirham.
🏝️ A Day at Atlantis Is a Must
Whether you go to Atlantis the Royal or Atlantis the Palm, you have to experience one of these over-the-top resorts for a day. From the jaw-dropping architecture to the endless fountains, shows, restaurants, and people-watching—it’s peak Dubai energy, and honestly, it’s a vibe you won’t get anywhere else.
🏙️ Skip the Burj (Seriously)
I know it sounds controversial, but… skip the Burj Khalifa tour. The view is cool, sure, but it’s crowded, the lines are long (unless you pay a lot for VIP), and the experience just doesn’t live up to the hype. Looking up at it from below is actually more impressive—and free.
Dubai was everything we hoped for and more: bold, beautiful, and full of surprises. It’s a city that knows how to do luxury, but still gives you a glimpse into deep-rooted culture and tradition—if you know where to look.
Already dreaming about coming back!
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