Who says you need a boarding pass to feel like you’ve escaped the city? This summer, Dubai delivers serious vacation feels, no passport required.
From breezy beachfront lounges that channel Mykonos charm to lush garden cafés reminiscent of Bali’s jungle retreats, the city is brimming with destinations that make you feel like you’ve travelled far and wide. Whether it’s sipping matcha in a Kyoto-style teahouse, indulging in a long lunch under olive trees, or wandering through art-filled courtyards, Dubai’s homegrown gems offer all the wanderlust without the jet lag.
As the heat climbs and travel plans stall, it’s the perfect time to explore your own city with fresh eyes. Think floating breakfasts by the pool, hammam rituals straight out of Istanbul, and desert hideaways that feel a world away from the skyline. Whether you’re after romance, recharge or Riviera flair, these local escapes are curated to trick your senses into thinking you’ve gone abroad, even if you’re only minutes from home.
So, scroll through our guide, as these gems in Dubai instantly feel like you’re on a vacation without travelling.
SĀN Beach, The Palm – Indonesia
Think white-washed interiors, beachfront cabanas, and jungle foliage for a touch of Uluwatu. Designed with bamboo accents, rattan cabanas, lush greenery, and palm-fringed sands, this beach club channels the laid-back charm of Bali’s Uluwatu coast. By day, chill on swing seats or poolside daybeds with ocean breezes and Indonesian beats; by night, the vibe elevates with live DJs, tropical cocktails, and candlelit dinners under the stars. Expect a seamless blend of barefoot glamour and Balinese hospitality, your personal passport to paradise.
OPA, Fairmont Dubai – Greece
Step into the heart of the Cyclades without leaving Sheikh Zayed Road. OPA brings Mykonos to life with whitewashed interiors, bursts of bougainvillea, and the unmistakable charm of Greek hospitality. Expect plate smashing, live Zorba dancing, and a menu that transports you straight to a sun-drenched taverna, think grilled octopus, saganaki, and the freshest seafood served with a theatrical flair.
Anantara Santorini, Abu Dhabi – Greece
Bringing the whitewashed elegance of the Greek isles to the UAE, Anantara Santorini is a boutique, adults-only retreat set along the quiet Ghantoot coastline. With just 22 suites, Cycladic-inspired architecture, infinity pools overlooking the Gulf, and Mediterranean fine dining, it offers all the magic of Santorini, minus the plane ride. It’s the perfect spot for a serene, sun-drenched escape just an hour from Dubai.
For more information visit anantara.com
Kokoro – Japan
This one-of-a-kind hidden gem, is the first Handroll sushi bar in Dubai. Known for its delectable array of dishes, guests “break the rules of sushi”, every bite of the Kokoro menu offers a sense of culinary excellence. Using only the freshest fish, harvested seaweed, delectable house-made sauces, and signature warm rice, Kokoro creates an unforgettable dining experience. Located in the heart of Alserkal Avenue, this is definitely one concept to try, paying homage to Japan’s foodie elements.
Pai Thai, Jumeirah Al Qasr – Thailand
Tucked along the serene canals of Madinat Jumeirah, Pai Thai delivers an authentic slice of Thailand complete with a traditional abra ride to get there. Lush greenery, lantern-lit terraces, and bold, aromatic dishes create a transportive dining experience that feels like a riverside escape in Bangkok. From tangy Tom Yum to velvety green curry, every plate bursts with fresh herbs, spice, and soul, making it one of Dubai’s most enchanting culinary journeys.
Anantara Mina Al Arab – Maldives
Home to the UAE’s first overwater villas, this resort blends Maldivian elegance with Arabian nature. Spot flamingos from your private deck, kayak through mangroves, or indulge in a Thai-inspired spa treatment—all with the Hajar Mountains as your backdrop.
Craving a slice of the Maldives without the long-haul flight? Anantara Mina Al Arab delivers just that, think overwater villas, turquoise lagoons, and barefoot luxury, all just an hour from Dubai. Nestled among mangroves with ocean views, it’s a serene escape made for slow mornings, sunset dips, and spa rituals that transport you far from city life.
Talise Ottoman Spa, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray – Turkey
Tucked within the opulent Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, Talise Ottoman Spa is a palatial Turkish-style escape that instantly transports you to the heart of old Istanbul. With grand marble hammams, mosaic-tiled walls, and the scent of rose and oud in the air, this 8,000-square-metre sanctuary offers the ultimate indulgence. The signature Royal Ottoman Hammam treatment, complete with foam massages and warm stone rituals feels like a centuries-old tradition reimagined for modern-day wellness.
La Cantine Beach – France
A Parisian-meets-Mediterranean haven, La Cantine Beach is a chic lifestyle destination combining Mediterranean dining with a holistic, wellness-focused experience. Located on a stunning beachfront, it offers guests an unparalleled escape where chic sophistication meets active living.
Playa Pacha, FIVE Luxe – Spain
Missing Ibiza? Here you can indulge in Mediterranean delights and exquisite sips, while enjoying a vibrant lineup of live entertainment orchestrated by the pioneer of Ibiza’s dance and cultural movement featuring chart-topping international DJs. ‘Come Play’ like never before at this ultra-luxe venue, framed by its sprawling private beach with uninterrupted sweeping sea-views and glittering sights of the Arabian Gulf and Palm Jumeirah
