A Mini Guide To What To Do In Dubai This February
After the craziness of party season in December and January, February is about slowing down a little bit, enjoying the outdoors (remember this weather isn’t here for long!) and planning for half term and Spring Break. And let’s not forget that this is the month of love – and the perfect time to rediscover all that makes us love living in this beautiful city. From quirky little dining spots to fun events plus lots more, here’s a little of what I’m doing and loving this month.
At Cabin Dubai, the coolest little spot I’ve found in a long time. This hidden gem in Barsha South (near Foremarke School) is part art gallery, part restaurant, part creative hangout and it’s just gorgeous. We stopped off after a desert dog walk because four-legged friends are very much welcomed in the Cabin’s cute outdoor area where bowls of water and doggie treats await. Owned and run by a very sassy dad whose artwork adorns the walls (alongside originals by the likes of Damien Hirst and Andy Warhol..), the vibe is eclectic, the décor a mix of industrial and bohemian and the food delicious. We munched on poached eggs with avocado on sourdough, an Acai bowl with bee pollen and French Toast with preserved citrus fruits and maple syrup. There’s also a kiddie menu for the littles. And as my hubby and I chilled out in the sunshine, the kids were encouraged to draw on a special ‘art wall’ (I made sure that they understood the difference between this area and the one with the Warhol!) to a mix of music from a classic record player and while being offered the occasional biscuit treat from the very lovely chefs. And it doesn’t stop there – the owner designs his own range of super cool clothes which are available to purchase alongside art materials and home accessories – and there are plans to offer everything from yoga classes to evening jam sessions. Amazing, I want to sign up to it all.
www.cabindubai.com
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My interiors with the most amazing new range of vinyl mats for floors and tables – and frankly for anywhere that you can stick them (am thinking as a splashback in the kitchen?!). Created by clay design (find them on instagram @clay.design), there’s a huge variety of designs and sizes to transform any space. Those ugly old villa floors? Stick these beauties over them and you’ll have something a little more Moroccan chic – amazing! And if you’re a fan of the hashtag #ihavethisthingwithfloors then you’ll most definitely be a fan. Easy to apply – this is maximum impact for minimum effort (and prices are pretty reasonable too).
Read More: 3 New Home Stores We’re Loving In Dubai
A 1980’s movie session at the ‘When Harry Met Sally’ vintage film night at the Courtyard Playhouse – a perfect date with a difference (or night out with the girls) that’ll take you back a few years and guarantee a few laughs too! Hosted on 13, February – this is a perfect option if the idea of going out on Valentine’s day itself is just too nauseating (I hear you!).
My youth at the International jazz festival where my teenage favourites Duran Duran will join others for a few days of music, arts, crafts and culture in the Dubai Media City Amphitheatre. Prepare to sing along to ‘Rio’ and ‘The Reflex’ along with other blasts from the past (who cares if we’re showing our age…).
Or checking in? To Dubai’s newest boutique hotel, the Park Regis, located in Umm Suqeim (just a stone’s throw from Jumeirah beach and the local cafes close to the Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Beach Hotel). This 21room hotel combines gorgeous modern furnishings with local influences, offers rates starting at AED 500 per night and is home to 21 Grams, an Urban Balkan bistro with a scrummy menu and gorgeous little balcony area.
Big bowls of Pho broth and munching on summer rolls at ‘Vietnamese Foodies’, a much talked about new eatery in JLT where mama and owner Lily Hoa Nguyen is cooking up a storm. This is a little slice of Vietnam right here in Dubai offering dishes bursting with fresh vegetables, herbs and a harmony of textures and flavours. Oh and the best bit? There’s not only a kids menu (I love introducing my little ones to new foods) but also everything is really healthy because Lily uses traditional gluten free noodles and rice and food is cooked in broth or water instead of oil – plus made with heaps of love. A must for any foodies out there.
www.facebook.com/vietnamesefoodies
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Hero image by Kaya, All other images taken from respective social media handles. Vietnamese foodies image sourced from Instagram handle of Shesaidshesaid_Dxb
