Team What's On pick their favourite things in the UAE right now

These are our favourite things in the UAE right now…

Brunching with a view at… Tapasake

A stretching infinity pool with a stunning city view, Tapasake might have become Insta-famous thanks to its pool, but it’s also brought a fabulous new brunch to the city – and it might just be one of my favourite spots to take friends visiting from home. The restaurant is glamourous and grown-up, adorned in chic white with pops of emerald. The menu is just enough Nikkei dishes to leave you full but not unable to dance once the DJ starts spinning those crowd-pleasing tunes, with plates of ceviche and crispy salmon theatrically served with dry ice, followed by hot appetizers, and main courses like my personal favourite, the beef Nikkei grilled on the Josper. Paired with high-energy DJ tunes at just the right volume, crisp glasses of rose that are never not topped up, and the option to enjoy sundowners by the poolside afterwards – this is one of the best new brunches I’ve been to in ages. – Alice Holtham-Pargin, Group Editor

@tapasakedubai

Getting my glam on for events season with… Huda Beauty

Events season in Dubai is in full swing, and that typically means going from desk to dinner several nights a week for me. Which also means, my handbag is filled with a handful of products that can ideally do it all. A bronzer and blusher in one? Yes please. A dual-purpose brow pencil and shaper? Perfect. And now, thanks to the new Icy Nude drop from Huda Beauty, an eyeshadow palette that can create a week’s worth of looks. I’ve adored collecting up the big eyeshadow palettes from Huda Beauty, and as this is going to be there last, I’m thrilled to have got my hands on it. – Alice Holtham-Pargin, Group Editor

@hudabeauty

Returning to the life alfresco at… alara

alara is a brand new, absolutely stunning alfresco restaurant at Jumeirah Emirates Towers. With the only roof coming from a blanket of stars, it really is open to the elements with, perhaps,  the chief element being, the Museum of The Future (MOTF). This, what has been referred to as, ‘the most beautiful building in the world’ dominates the restaurant’s backdrop. In the evening, after the sun has sunk below the tower line of New Dubai – the lights of MOTF come on, and you get the full 4K IMAX view from wherever you sit in alara. The cuisine at alara is anchored by Middle Eastern fare and flair – a lot of dearly-loved Levantine classics, some traditional Turkish plates, and there are some fun, entirely alaran creations to investigate too. Well worth checking out friends. Miles Buckeridge – Deputy Editor

@jumeirahemiratestowers

Gaslighting my son into thinking he loves bathtime with… Lush

To be clear, my son doesn’t dislike bath time. He just has the attention span of an over-caffeinated magpie with a frontal lobe injury. Getting him into the bath isn’t a problem, it’s getting him to stay in there long enough for it to have any dirt-purgative effects that’s the problem. Lush Bath Bombs have proved the only non-medicated method so far with a 100 per cent success rate. Saying that he’s a fan of their latest Minecraft-themed collection is an understatement of farcically drastic proportions. He starts asking for a bath at about 8.57am and continues until and even after he has his evening bath. Netherite thought I’d see the day. Miles Buckeridge – Deputy Editor

@lushmiddleeast

Loving the new flavour from… Wing Stop

I love chicken wings. Nothing can beat a fresh wing slathered in a delicious sauce. I usually love a Buffalo and a garlic Parmesan. But when Wing Stop reached out and asked if we wanted to try their new flavour – hot honey dry rub, I couldn’t refuse but was preparing myself as I usually love the sauce that comes with a wing. But I’m glad I accepted the offer because the flavour honestly impressed, not just me but whole What’s On team. It’s a perfect mix of sweet and spicy, and when dunked in Wing Stop’s ranch sauce… poor goodness. It’s available for a limited time only, so get your chicken wing order in pronto! -Aarti Saundalkar, Online Reporter

@wingstopuae

Heading to the capital to see some Vincent van Gogh masterpieces at… Louvre Abu Dhabi 

You would think that after visiting two museums in Amsterdam focusing on Van Gogh, taking in numerous immersive experiences around Dubai, and reading book after book on the artist, that I would be bored by now. Quite the opposite. So when Louvre Abu Dhabi announced a Van Gogh was coming to the capital, it was something I knew I couldn’t miss. The Dutch artist painted three versions of The Bedroom; one of which I was lucky to visit at the Van Gogh Museum, and with the loan from the Musée d’Orsay to the Louvre Abu Dhabi, I got to say hello to a second one. The new exhibition also features other artists including Cézanne, Gauguin and Seurat. While I was there, I said hello, or rather… goodbye to Leonardo da Vinci’s John the Baptist before he departs for Paris in November. Hopefully, we will meet again in Paris. –Aarti Saundalkar, Online Reporter

In total bliss at… Banyan Tree Spa

Sometimes, all you need is a spa day to hit the reset button, and my visit to the newly reimagined Banyan Tree Spa Dubai was exactly that. Nestled in the peaceful surroundings of the resort, this serene escape is designed to nourish the mind, body, and soul. From the moment I stepped inside, I felt a deep sense of calm and I knew I was in for something special. The design of the spa is an absolute dream, blending natural textures and earthy tones inspired by Dubai’s desert landscape and walls made from banana tree leaves. The experience began with a 60-minute full body massage, the Royal Banyan, featuring a warm herbal pouch dipped in sesame oil. With over 650 hours of training under their belts, the therapists here are some of the best in the business, leaving me feel completely rejuvenated and present. Another must-try is their signature rainforest experience, a series of hydrothermal therapies including rain walks, a bucket shower, sauna, ice fountain, and a steam room. I could have spent hours in here – sheer bliss. Make sure to smother yourself their in-house body scrub made from green apple, green tea, honey, and rice flour before misting away in the steam room. My skin never felt so soft. Whether you’re booking a girls’ day, treating a loved one to a weekend getaway, or in need of some alone time, the Banyan Tree Spa Dubai is a seriously serene retreat for maximum R&R and indulgence. – Tamara Wright, Online Reporter

@banyantreedubai

Finding the perfect outfit for every occasion thanks to… Endless

It’s events season, and if like me, you find yourself looking for something new every week, you can thank me later for this one… Founded by Rosie Gunn, Endless champions the rental and resale model, extending the life of clothing and reducing the impact of fast fashion. The platform accepts premium, contemporary, and luxury brands such as Gucci, Chanel, Rat & Boa, Revolve, and Self-Portrait. With rentals available for four days from as little as Dhs100, or the option to purchase outright, Endless offers a stylish solution for those seeking chic pieces without the hefty price tag. For a more sustainable wardrobe this season, Endless is certainly worth exploring. Check out their latest collection featuring some incredible vintage finds with Dubai’s Carrie Bradshaw-inspired ‘shop-and-sip’ bar So Much Trouble here, – Tamara Wright, Online Reporter

@endless.uae

Chasing away the midday blues with… Marsh’n’mallow

My trips downstairs to the lobby usually happens for two reasons – to get water or in search of a sweet treat. I came across a new kiosk that’s opened, Marsh’n’mallow Galactic Puffs – basically marshmallows but better and funkier, with different flavours and rocky road options. Of course I had to get myself a bag of assorted ones. Sugar consumed, joy obtained and I’m ready for the rest of the day. – Manaal Fatimah, Junior Reporter 

@marshnmallowuniverse

Keeping the season energy up with…a packed weekend ahead

It’s Friday – which means weekend plans are in order. This past weekend I did virtually nothing and now I’m ready to go out and do fun things with my time. I have a jam-packed few days ahead, with something to do everyday, and I’m looking forward to it. Happy Friday indeed. – Manaal Fatimah, Junior Reporter 

Media: Instagram, What’s On Archive