My UAE Diary...

Hi loves, hope you 're all well! Once again, life has been so hectic, I've got loads of assignments due and before I know it, it will be exam time again! I can't believe that it's August already! How time flies...
Anyway, a couple of months ago, I was in the UAE on vacation and I promised to share my pics with you. I know this post is long overdue, but better late than never, right? The UAE is one of my fave destinations! I love how vibrant and beautiful it is. There is also an endless variety of activities...the shopping is great, the beaches are lovely, the man-made ski slopes are awesome...there really is something for everyone! So here are some of the pics that I've put together to share with you...Enjoy!

P.S: This post is picture heavy! Don't say I didn't warn you!

The Dubai skyline is spectacular! Whether you take it in from your hotel room, a cruise or from atop the Burj Khalifa, it is sure to take your breath away. 

If you are in Dubai, I highly recommend that you try dune bashing. The desert is beautiful and it is quite an experience (nerve wrecking yet amazing, at the same time!).

The aquarium at the Dubai Mall is one of the largest suspended aquariums in the world...If you've been to Dubai but not the Dubai Mall, then...well you haven't been to Dubai! This mall is magnificent. It is home to just about every major fashion brand in the world. Love this mall!

Is any vacation complete without some shoe shopping? I admit, I am a little shoe crazy!

Fauchon

Fauchon

Dalloyau

Laduree

Pierre Herme

The UAE is home to just about every Parisian patisserie.... Angelina, Laduree, Fauchon, Paul, Pierre Herme, Dalloyau...the list goes on! I was in patisserie heaven... Each one is just so fabulous and I loved it...

Omnia by Silvena

The Japanese Restaurant at the Sheraton Hotel.

The Armani Caffe.

With the number of fantastic restaurants in Dubai, I was truly spoilt for choice! My favourite restaurants were Omnia by Silvena (amazing risotto), The Japanese Restaurant for some fantastic sushi and the Armani Caffe  for spectacular food and vibes. I highly recommend these restaurants...

Emirates Palace.

I also spent a few days in Abu Dhabi.

 Emirates Palace is just so beautiful...Sun, Sand and Sea along with spectacular architecture and interiors. Truly amazing...

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi is so serene and beautiful. The architecture and the details are exquisite. It is a must-see if you are in Abu Dhabi.

The Viceroy-Yas Island.

The Yas Viceroy is pretty amazing. Futuristic architecture, fabulous views of the Yas Marina and built across the F1 circuit...awesome, right?

Emirates Palace Brunch.

Cafe Bateel.

Cafe Bateel.

Origins at the Viceroy.

Like Dubai, there is no shortage of great restaurants in Abu Dhabi! One of my favourites was Cafe Bateel. Their menu combines Italian and Middle Eastern food and the result is mouthwatering. The iced coffee was the best I've ever had. Other great options include brunch at Emirates palace (especially if you are staying there) and the buffet at Origins.

Ras Al Khaima is one of the other Emirates. It's not as popular as Dubai and Abu Dhabi, but its definitely up and coming! I spent a couple of days on Marjan Island, which is a man-made island in the shape of a crescent. A couple of the days relaxing on a beach and getting massages is always therapeutic...

I had an amazing time but it had to come to an end! At least I've got the memories...because like they say, 'life brings tears, smiles and memories. The tears dry and the smiles fade, but the memories last forever'. So, loves, I hope you all have a wonderful week filled with special moments! xoxo

Part 3: Dreamy Destinations.

If the first two posts didnt fire you up, this one definitely will! Part  three is all about destinations

These are a few places that I`m dreaming of right now...

Bahamas:Someday soon...

Bali:This one was an anniversary vacation. The best I've ever had...

Dubai: Sun, sea, shopping, because a girls gotta do what she was born to...

Garden Route, South Africa: This place is amazing. It's called Pezula Castle and you will definitely feel like royalty. Check it out here.

Maldives:I want to go...NOW!!!
reethirah.oneandonlyresorts.com

Mauritius: Always a good idea!

Cruising the Med: I'm working on it...

Thailand: Memories are made of this...

Morocco: Just so amazing...

Paris in the spring:  The city of love, J'adore...

Turkey: It was love at first sight...

Hong Kong: This place makes me smile!

Which one will it be?
Just got to go sweet talk Hubby. Perhaps I`ll make his favourite dinner tonight. After all they do say that the way to a man`s heart... ummm wallet is through his tummy...
What kind of holiday do you prefer, Sun&sea, adventure, sightseeing, shopping....
I must admit, I love a little bit of everything.Gotta go now, there`s packing to be done!

Part 2: How to Travel in Style.

As promised, this is part two of the travel post. I was so excited putting this post together, although, I must warn you that this one is picture heavy! So sit back, relax and enjoy this post! Oops, I'm starting  to sound like a flight attendant!

Gorgeous oversized sunnies to make you look like a movie star...
Clockwise from top left: Le Specs, Miu Miu (both net-a-porter.com), Tom Ford (Sunglass Hut and bloomingdales.com).

A good hat is a must and it looks super cool to boot!
From left to right: Zara wide brim hat (zara.com), Eric Javits fedora (saksfifthavenue.com).

A maxi dress can be worn all day and will still look good into the evening. accessorize with simple pearl earrings and a beautiful cuff.
From left to right: One shoulder draped dress (spree.co.za), Loewe dress (net-a-porter.com).

The jumpsuit...This is my fave! simply add a leather jacket for those balmy evenings. Gold accessories and heels dress it up, while flat sandals make it a daytime look.
3.1 Phillip Lim Juumpsuit (saksfifthavenue.com), Plain black jumsuit (witchery.com.au/woolworths.co.za), Green jumpsuit (zara.com).

A large one for day and a clutch for evenings.
Clockwise from top left: longchamp.com, lorenzi.co.za, woolworths.co.za, furla.com, mimco.com.au/woolworths.co.za, spree.co.za.

Accessories....Just because you're awesome!
From left to right:
Top Row(Bracelets&bangles): Aurelie Bidermann (net-a-porter.com), Stone bangle (countryroad.co.au/woolworths.co.za), Pearl bracelet (woolworths.co.za).
Second Row(neckpieces): countryroad.co.au/woolworths.co.za, Etro (net-a-porter.com), Kenneth Jay Lane (net-a-porter.com), Lele Sadoughi (net-a-porter.com).
Bottom Row(earrings): woolworths.co.za, zara.com, topshop.com.

Swimwear.....How beautiful are these?
From left to right: Lisa Marie Fernandez (net-a-porter.com,),Mesh insert one-piece (spree.co.za,), Laser cut one-piece (topshop.com).

Cover-ups....These are simply awesome!
From left to right: spree.co.za, topshop.com.

Sunscreen...Loads of it because a lobster look is so not cool!
Available from  department stores and pharmacies or vichy.com/dr.hauschka.com/.

Just so that you look as good as you feel...
bobbibrowncosmetics.com, smashbox.com, clarins.co.za/clarins.com
Also available from woolworths.co.za/edgars.co.za.

Must-haves...
From left to right:
Top Row: zara.com, countryroad.com.au/woolworths.co.za, Raquel allegra (net-a-porter.com), J Brand (net-a-porter.com)
Bottom Row: MadeWell (net-a-porter.com, trenery.com.au/woolworths.co.za, zara.com (love the fit of their jeans!).

Seriously, why not?

Mystery&murder, girly romance, biographies...Take your pick.

Flatties for day, heels for night!
From left to right: 
Top Row: Jummy Choo (net-a-porter.com), zara.com.
Bottom Row:Dolce&Gabbana (net-a-porter.com), dunelondon.com, witchery.com.au/woolworths.co.za.

Flip flops, an absolute essential for the beach...
These are Mara Hoffman for Havaianas, but check out havaianas.com for more options.

I always travel with my trusted leather jacket...
A leather jacket will see you through for years and is worth investing in a good quality one. Look around, and you're bound to find something fabulous!

Drape it over your head with sunnies (Didn't I tell you that you'll look like a film star?), tie it bandana style,wrap it around your waist or shoulders,use it as a headband...The possibilities are endless!
From left to right: Alexander McQueen (net-a-porter.com), countryroad.com.au, Etro (net-a-porter.com), mimco.com.au.

Running shoes...*Groan*...When hubby wants to go hiking. Although these are way too pretty for running!
Gold sneaker (mimco.co.au), Silver Saint Laurent sneaker (net-a-porter.com), Black Givenchy sneaker (net-a-porter.com).

A beach bag.. Not sure which one to take. Can I take them all?
From left to right: Kate Spade (saksfifthavenue.com), witchery.com.au, Balenciaga (net-a-porter.com)

Mesh bags, I know...not  glam but essential for travel. I love these for packing smalls and delicates. Makes it easy to find things at a glance...
These ones are from houzz.com, but they are also available from some supermarkets, click.co.za, etc.

Now, about that booking...

What are your essentials to take on vacation? Would love to hear from you!

Coming Soon: Part 3-Destinations