staycations

Staying in the emirates this summer? These are the reservations to make, the things to do and the events to bookmark in the UAE this August…
If you’re not travelling this summer, the UAE still has plenty of happenings to keep you busy. From elevated new restaurants to one-of-a-kind mindfulness sessions, here are the best things to do in the UAE this August.
Make reservations at a refined new restaurant

Be among the first to discover what’s sure to be one of the new season’s hottest alfresco destinations and get a taste for Iliana this summer. One of a dozen drinking and dining show-stoppers that make up the culinary line-up at Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, Iliana features a chic indoor space, stretching outdoor terrace right by the sea, a gorgeous Burj-facing rooftop, and an extended pool and beach area designed for refined relaxation. The contemporary and refined dining room is a sophisticated space for leisurely lunches and romantic dinners. There’s a focus on fresh seafood, and guests are encouraged to make their selection from an ornate fresh fish counter, where seafood of the highest quality sits on ice. It’s paired with a fantastic cocktail selection, including a dedicated menu of refreshing tsipouro-based serves.
@ilianadubai
Embrace movement and mindfulness with a unique workout

A powerful group experience that blends movement, music and emotion, Sanctum’s smash-hit workouts from London and Amsterdam now have a new home in Dubai at SIRO. Sanctum sessions lead participants through transformative, music-driven journeys to empower the body and expand the mind. Founded in 2020 by Luuk Melisse and Gabriel Olszewski, each multi-sensory class blends kundalini yoga, HIIT, qigong, and breathwork with immersive soundscapes and spoken word. Sessions are AED175.
@siroonezaabeel
Get glowing skin with a matcha-infused facial

Matcha lovers have a new way to get their fix in Dubai, thanks to Dermadrop’s new Matcha TDA facial treatment. Designed to delivery healthy, smooth and glowing skin, the German-born skincare technology brand leverages matcha’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties to help treat acne and wrinkles, fade hyperpigmentation, smooth skin tone and texture, boost hydration and support cellular growth. The treatment, now available at Evolution Clinics, is infused deep into the skin without any needles, pain or downtime using Dermadrop TDA’s advanced Transdermal Application Technology.
@dermadrop_arabia
Plan weekend catch-ups around a cool neighbourhood bistro

There’s quite the homegrown culinary line-up to explore at Dar Wasl. But for comfort food with a creative twist, A Normal Day is the place to go. This industrial-chic neighbourhood bistro is cool and relaxed, laced with personal touches like a record collection and artworks with fun slogans designed to be photographed. A breakfast menu kicks off the day, while an all-day dining menu takes over from noon, where highlights include beef tartare in charcoal shells, a steak sandwich and a spiced watermelon salad.
@anormalday.ae 
Shop for chic summer pieces at a new boutique

London-based lifestyle brand VAARA has landed at The Dubai Edition, bringing the brands signature take on athleisure and wellness wear to a concept store in Downtown. Perfect for hot summer days in Dubai or packing for your Euro summer travels, pieces from the Beach 25 collection bring a sculpted approach to its new Beach 25 collection of asymmetric one-pieces, bikinis and soft monogram prints. Blending swimwear with soft layering, the collection is accompanied by airy mesh cover-ups and understated accessories, lightweight additions that bring ease and refinement from swim to shore.
@vaara_studio
Check out a refined new Saturday brunch

There’s lots to love about Chic Nonna, the refined Italian fine dining restaurant on the edge of DIFC. The grand décor in hues of sophisticated racing green. The multi-floor wine cellar. The open kitchen helmed by talented chef Francesco Torcasio. And now there’s a new reason to make reservations ASAP, the chic new L’estate Chic Brunch. Arrive at 1pm for a thoughtfully curated culinary journey that celebrates rich and refined Italian flavours, with rounds of hot and cold starters, a pasta course and a la carte choice of main. High quality ingredients shine through the menu, and generous portions designed to share are silver served with finesse by the team. As the music goes up, a curtain is pulled away to reveal a decadent dessert room, a fabulous final course to conclude an afternoon of Dolce Vita dining.
@chicnonnadubai
Check-in for an ultra-luxurious staycation

Summer weekends were made for embracing the UAE’s most luxurious addresses – and few do it better than Atlantis The Royal. This icon of all-out glamour is the perfect spot for a weekend staycation, with 20% off rates this summer for UAE residents. The rooms are adorned in contemporary hues laced with elements of gold, and either sweeping sea views or that perfect skyline vista. For dining, Milos is an unmissable addition to any Atlantis The Royal itinerary, with its faultless interpretation of Hellenic cuisine and hospitality. While relaxation comes in the form of sun-soaked days by the pool at Nobu by the Beach (included with hotel bookings) or the haute rooftop destination Cloud 22; or at Awaken, the chic spa inspired by the four elements.
@atlantistheroyal
Retreat to a serene seaside escape for a relaxing daycation

Making alfresco fun possible even in August is Four Seasons Jumeirah Beach with its indulgent daycation that combines pool and beach access, a pampering spa treatment and dining credit. Available until August 31 for AED800 on weekdays and AED900 on weekends, you’ll get to enjoy leisurely, sun-soaked hours by the temperature-controlled pool, bliss out with a 60-minute Pearl Bespoke Massage, and refuel with an AED150 food and beverage credit – redeemable either at the poolside, Jou Jou Brasserie, or Shai Salon.
@fsdubai 
Sing-along at a live gig

Soul and R&B superstar Macy Gray brings her timeless hits to Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena on Friday August 29. As part of her 25th anniversary tour celebrating her debut album, expect to hear timeless hits that have defined a generation of soul-stirring sounds, including I Try, Still and Why Didn’t You Call Me. Tickets start from AED99.
@cocacolaarena 
Stretch and unwind at Abu Dhabi’s new wellness studio

Part wellness centre, part concept store, Abu Dhabi’s newest zen-inducing address is the Bali-inspired Aura Wellness. Beautifully aesthetic and minimalist, the Aura Wellness ethos is all about supporting physical and mental strength. Located at the heart of Reem Island, the class schedule includes fan-favourite yoga, mat and Reformer Pilates sessions, priced from AED105 per class. The studio also plans to add community events and workshops in the coming months.
@aurawellnessabudhabi
Pick up a sweet treat at Museum of the Future

Dubai’s homegrown Crave Bakehouse is now offering creative workshops from its home in Midtown Central, so you can now try your hand at becoming a master baker. With space for just two aspiring Bake Off talents at a time, you can pick your time slot and dessert from a choice that includes birthday cake, brownies and chunky cookies, with sessions priced from AED200. The best bit? You can take your creation away with you.
@bkry.space
Lead image: @carolinapseixal
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