Harper's Bazaar Dubai, Travel News
Glamorous globetrotting, jet-set style and guilt-free treats in our monthly round-up of VIP placesCapital fashionNeed a wardrobe overhaul, or just a new look for summer? Book the Fashionista Package at Hyatt Regency London The Churchill (london.churchill.hyatt.com), next door to Selfridges. Stylist Joanne Black, who has worked with Alexander McQueen, Donna Karan, Yves St Laurent and Christian Dior, will spend half a day giving you a style makeover. Sleep off the day’s excitement in a Regency Executive Suite, where you’ll find a £250 Selfridges gift card. From £999 per night. To book, call +44 (0)7207 299 2080.Missoni mission Pick up one of these stylish passport holders (DHS995), designed by Margherita Maccapani Missoni, and you’ll be helping African children – proceeds go to OrphanAid in Ghana. Available at Boutique 1, Dubai (04 425 7888, www.boutique1.com).Tea-time treatGasping for a cuppa and a cake after hitting the Knightsbridge boutiques, but can’t stomach the gluten overload? Settle down in at The Lanesborough, where you’ll be served a delicious full afternoon tea, with gluten-free delights such as cucumber sandwiches in date and walnut bread, scones with strawberry jam, carrot cake and mango mousse. A dairy-free version is also available. From £31, 24 hours notice required. (+44 (0)20 7259 5599, www.lanesborough.com)Retro glam“The French Riviera is this summer’s retro-hot-spot. Keep an eye out for A-listers, such as Beyoncé, Carli Bruni-Sarkozy and Benicio del Toro, yacht-hopping or hanging out at Le Club 55,” says Jessica Hudson, co-founder of Dubai’s new boutique travel company Chic Collection (+971 50 105 5053, www.chiccollection.travel)Hotel of the monthEmirates Palace Abu DhabiStyle: The palatial exterior is more impressive than Versailles, and the vast interior feels like a huge luxury shopping arcade with rooms. Think Arab-glam, with plenty of gold, marble, fountains and domes throughout. Celebs such as Christina Aguilera, Justin Timberlake and Shakira mingle here with royalty from countries around the world.Facilities: What doesn’t this seven-star wonder have? Highlights include the two pools – one an adventure river with slides, and one spa-style with an in-pool bar – six restaurants, two nightclubs, a 1.3km private beach, big-name boutiques and an Anantara spa.Verdict: Find whatever you want here - family fun, trendy clubs, luxe shopping, romantic indulgence. Perfect for princesses of all ages.Doubles from AED 3,250. (+971 2 690 8888, www.emiratespalace.com)