Atlantis, Palm Jumeriah, Dubai
After a couple of weeks moping around the hotel after Erickson left for Abu Dhabi in week 6 we decided to pick up the pace a little.
Lakad lakad ( walking) on the beach at La Mer at 7 am
Day 36 saw is up at 6 am and walking to La Mer before it got too hot. I did some Lakad Lakad on the beach and Leo rested, then we headed to Starbucks for breakfast. I had Chia, yogurt and strawberries!
Ok so I had Focaccia bread and Zaatar and coffee as well as the strawberries!
Then we had a taxi to Dubai Mall, the worlds largest Mall, where we went to the Cheesecake Factory in search of Jeyboy. Better luck this time, the Manager knew him and said he was working in the admin office at DFC store. I just had time for "Meryenda to go" before hoping in the Big Bus for our red route tour at 12 noon.
The last time I went on the Big Bus tour of Dubai was on 17.6.18 with Jeyboy. When I first went you had to get a van to Dubai Mall then get one bus to Wafi Mall then change onto the other route. You ended up at Madinat Jumeirah and then they took you in a minibus back to your hotel. The next year I visited Dubai they increased the service to have a city tour , a beach tour and a Marina tour with a day service and a night service. Now with COV19 they are back to one route from 10 am to 5 pm. Bizarrely, having stayed in the Creek for a month, the route follows the Creek from Al Fahidi to the Gold souk and then out to the Palm, which is the only place we got off at Atlantis to see the aquarium and have lunch .
The fish were amazing, sharks, sting rays, and other fishes, and even two divers, one of whose family was stood next to us. The look on the boys face when his dad appeared with the fish was amazing and we laughed as they fist bumped the glass and made love hearts at eachother!
Sadly Gordon was not around so we went to Wavehouse and had some very nice Salmon. They warned us that the Blueberries had not defrosted for Leo's juice and he would have to wait a little , but when we had finished the meal and they still had not melted he opted for the Watermelon Juice instead. The service was very slow and we only just made the 3 pm bus from Atlantis back to Dubai Mall.
The Salmon with new potatoes and peas was delicious , as usual washed down with some San Pellegrino!
When we got back to Dubai Mall it was Meryenda time and I had a delicious Raspberry Macaroon with Earl Grey Tea while Leo sat photographing his double Dutch caramel drink and Lotus cheesecake for 30 minutes ( typical Pinoy!)
Finally at 5.30 pm we had a taxi back to the hotel for a rest before we headed out to dinner at 7.30 pm.
Once again thanks to Leo for taking most of the photos and videos for the blog and Facebook.
On the Metro with my NOL card
Leo with his Ramen, Dumplings, Edamame and Lemonade at Wagamama
Next we hit the water ( for some strange reason you have to pay by Credit card for the 3 AED ( 300 fills, or 60 p or 4 peso ) water taxi crossing to JBR promenade.
The British Kabayan in the Water Taxi crossing from Marina Mall to JBR Promenade
Here we walked past Pav's old flat, crossed at the JBR 2 Tram station, walked through one of the JBR car parks to "The Walk". By now it was 3 pm and really hot and we only just had the energy to walk along the beach and over the bridge to Bluewater Island. Leo had never been here before and in between complaining how hot he was took 50 photos and videos for his two Facebook accounts.,
Leo and the Big wheel on Bluewater Island
After a refreshing drink and Meryenda at "This is hot dog" and buying some more Pasalubong ( I now have a big bag full!) we got a taxi back to the hotel and slept for 3 hours ( Leo, being 27 years younger than me, fell asleep in the taxi!)The next day we just walked the 15 mins to La Mer where Leo had a swim and I walked up and down the beach before we had breakfast.
Starbucks combined Neil and Leo to make NEYO!
After a nap in the afternoon we had a snack in the lobby at 5 pm while they cleaned our room and then took the next load of laundry for washing and went to find another of the "13 UAE-based Pakistani restaurants that you must visit" from a list on the internet I found back in 2019. This time we visited Nayaab Handi in Satwa ( 10 minutes walk from the hotel). The article told us:
"I don’t know where to begin and where to end with these guys. There are so many great options on their menu that I have a hard time selecting what to order. Luckily, they have a buffet option which I almost always opt for because a little bit of all the good stuff is better than a lot of one good dish!
If you are planning to lose weight, don’t even
think about going there. The buffet ranges from a range BBQ’d meats, curries,
seafood and even Chinese food. The best part about their buffet is the huge BBQ
grill that sits on your table so that you can have piping hot food without
having to get up.
Our meal at Nayaab Handi Pakistani Restaurant in Satwa
Sadly it was not one of their better nights. They later explained they had hosted a big party the day before and had run out of many items on the menu. We arrived early and it took a while to get the food and then the lamb chops were , in my opinion, overcooked. They were still clearing up from lunch and getting ready for another party. A couple of large Pakistani families came in just after us ( one with 8 kids) so took all their attention. The desserts were great and then we walked back to the hotel. Next time I go Ie will wait for the buffet, have the family BBQ grill on the table and the large Roti.
The British Kabayan has his second swim at La Mer
The next day saw us up early at 6 am and at the beach by 6.30 am but the Security Guard would not let anyone swim until the lifeguard arrived at 7 am. Finally I remembered to take a towel and a spare pair of shorts and enjoyed my second swim of the vacation. However I forgot my wallet and so we had to go back to the hotel for breakfast ( normally we eat at Starbucks on beach days).
A Pinoy Masterclass in shoe cleaning from Leo
We also had lunch and dinner at the hotel , in between 2 naps, and Leo showing me how to clean my shoes properly! The next day the domesticity continued when we collected the laundry and did some shopping.
The Al Khoory Spagetti Bolognaise and Garlic bread- sarap!
Day 40 saw us swimming at 7 am and then after a late Pizza lunch we had a taxi to Madinat Jumeirah. Described as a "Must visit stop" by Big Bus I have avoided visiting it for 11 years of coming to Dubai! However as Leo had never been I thought we would go for dinner . As they were having a Photographic competition I gave him my camera and let him do his stuff. I will give you some of the official blurb from Dubai's Time Out magazine in between his pictures.
The essential guide to Dubai's Souk Madinat Jumeirah
Top restaurants to dine at, things to do, wondrous waterways and everything in between
Souk Madinat Jumeirah Dubai is interconnected by 3km of wondrous waterways and surrounded by lush gardens, making it an ideal setting for visitors, or if you’re just feeling like being a tourist yourself.
The idyllic stretch is made up of four stunning hotels, including Jumeirah Al Naseem, Jumeirah Mina A’Salam, Jumeirah Al Qasr and Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf (oh, and with stunning views of the iconic Burj Al Arab Jumeirah) all connected through turquoise waterways. We’ve rounded up the best things to do at Souk Madinat Jumeirah, plus all the best restaurants at Souk Madinat Jumeirah if you’re after a bite to eat. What are you waiting for? It’s time to explore.
Things to do in Souk Madinat Jumeirah
Hit the shops
Make your way through the traditional market-style complex of Souk Madinat Jumeriah, combining Arabian shopping stands, barrows and stalls with a blend of boutique brands, souvenir gift shops and luxury fashion and jewelry outlets. You’ll find everything from trinkets for presents to perfume stores – to sunglasses shops and pharmacies. It might not have the traditional feel (or prices) of the Old Dubai souks, but it’s worth a wander nonetheless.
Take an Abra ride
What’s better than a boat trip around serene waterways? This is an ideal way to spend an afternoon and one of the best things to do in Souk Madinat Jumeirah. Open to hotel guests and those with restaurant reservations, you’ll get a special tour to take in the architecture and pristine surroundings.
Restaurants in Souk Madinat Jumeirah
Al Makan
Well-established and situated in the heart of Souk Madinat Jumeirah, expect a selection of reasonably priced local dishes with a front row view of Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.
(04 368 6593).
Americano
Jazz music, tango, industrial interiors – old-fashioned bar and restaurant Americano will take you back to the 1920s. Based near The Meat Co., the trendy hangout delivers a mix of brass and leather, along with snazzy mixed drinks and plenty of top pub grub. It has an outside terrace on the newish Souk Boardwalk for classy sundowners at Souk Madinat Jumeirah, too.
www.americano.ae (04 584 6475).
Anar
Anar’s classic Persian cuisine doesn’t disappoint, offering an authentic taste of Iran, albeit with a Western edge. Placed right in the middle of Souk Madinat Jumeirah, expect this place to pretty much always be buzzing, and we can see why with its various mezze and salads, lamb and chicken kebabs, seafood dishes and larger platters.
www.anardubai.com (04 368 6505).
folly by Nick & Scott
folly by Nick & Scott is popular for many a reason. It’s a former winner of Time Out Dubai’s Best European Restaurant Award, there’s a stunning rooftop bar and it boasts amazing views across Souk Madinat Jumeirah’s waterways and out to the Palm Jumeirah. Visit, now.
www.folly.ae (04 430 8535).
Publique
A fun, ski-themed restaurant at Souk Madinat Jumeirah with warming comfort food, you’ll find plenty of dirham-savings deals at Publique. There’s even a faux fire in this chalet-style spot. And if you’re a fan of fromage, you’ll definitely love it here. Yes, cheese.
www.publique.ae (04 430 8550).
Taverna
As you’d expect, this Greek restaurant at Souk Madinat Jumeirah does Mediterranean food well, especially its board of tiger prawns and traditional Greek tzatziki. Taverna now boasts an outdoor bar called Aegean on the Souk Boardwalk, with exteriors designed with rustic vibes, greenery and lounge seating.
www.tavernagreek.ae (04 589 5665).
The Meat Co.
It’s fine-dining at its most relaxed at this African steakhouse, and if the name didn’t give it away, this is most definitely a place for meat-eaters. The Meat Co. at Souk Madinat Jumeirah had a revamp in 2019, for the better, and it comes with a whole-new look both indoors and outdoors on its cool deck. Expect everything from speciality burgers and steaks to tuck into while you people watch at this Souk Madinat Jumeirah steakhouse.
(04 368 6040).
The Noodle House
This longstanding homegrown Dubai brand is well worth a visit for the tasty Asian dishes. Look forward to dishes and décor inspired by the bustling street markets of Jakarta. Expect to see a range of colourful and cultural sights and themes, and a totally traditional approach to Asian dining, along with the promise of “sticks-hands-spoons” dining.
(04 366 6345).
We ate here and they had a robot to take you to the table- it worked well with us but I had to laugh when an arriving family of kids got so excited and were running around and dancing in front of it. The robot got very confused!!
Trattoria Toscana
Exposed brick, distressed wood, oversized cushions and a sleek open kitchen hung with big, shiny brass pots and pans make Trattoria Toscana an attractive place at Souk Madinat Jumeirah to dine. There are some interesting pizza choices here, too (truffle fondue, porcini mushrooms, smoked beef ham and rocket, for instance), but for the ultimate pizza, we say go for a simple classic, as the margherita really excels.
(800 666353).
Ushna Restaurant
Filled with warm reds and oranges, vibrant drapes and intimate alcoves, this upmarket Indian restaurant in the heart of Souk Madinat Jumeirah is complete with show kitchen and an outdoor terrace, has brilliant views and plenty of Indian grub.
(04 368 6506).
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As usual thanks to Leo for all the pictures!
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