Travel Diary: Souk Madinat, Burj Al Arab and Atlantis

I thought a compilation of some of Dubai’s luxurious offerings would be a great way to end my travel series from the mega city of UAE. So let me share with you the photos that I took at Atlantis The Palm, Souk Madinat and Burj Al Arab.

Atlantis, The Palm is the first resort built at the apex of The Palm, Jumeirah. A lot of people have been raving about its myth of Atlantis-themed interiors but like Burj Al Arab, visitors can only enter the hotel if they have a reservation at one of its restaurants. Thankfully I was able to make a last minute reservation on my last day in the city. (Not to check out its interiors, but just to really dine there because I’ve read so many good reviews on its restaurants.) Originally I wanted to try Nobu, but since I couldn’t make it work with our schedule, we ended up dining at Yuan instead. Luckily, the executive chef of the hotel I was staying in (Conrad Hotel) used to be the chef at Yuan so he arranged everything for me and my mom. Food was impeccable, service was great, and I left Dubai with a satisfied tummy. It was the perfect last meal!

The next series of photos were taken at Souk Madinat. As you can see, it looks like a market because it was built to resemble a traditional souk. The only difference is it’s indoors and is located inside the 5-star resort, Madinat Jumeirah Hotel. Aside from interesting shops, it also boasts of bars and restaurants, most of which have outdoor areas that offer great views of Burj Al Arab and other skyscrapers. It even has its own waterway to transfer people from one place to another, which to me seems like a Middle-Eastern version of Venice. I recommend visiting this place at night. The dramatic lighting and romantic vibe make it one heck of an experience.

Last but not the least is the famous 7-star hotel Burj Al Arab. Since I didn’t stay in this hotel, the only way to get in is by making breakfast/lunch/dinner/high tea reservations in one of its restaurants. I Can Fly Travel & Tours helped me make mine at Al Iwan, which serves Arabian cuisine. I don’t know if the 7-star label made my expectations exceedingly high but for some reason, I don’t think it’s worth all the hype. I’m sure I’d feel differently if I actually stayed in the hotel but simply judging it by what I saw and the experience I had, I’d rather spend my time at Atlantis The Palm’s restaurants. (I must go back there.) However, if you really want to have the Burj Al Arab experience (it is the world’s only 7-star hotel after all), I suggest booking the restaurants located on the upper floors so that you can at least enjoy the most impeccable view of the city. But then again, I hear they only serve cocktails and high tea there, which in my opinion, may not give you as much value for money as restaurants that serve actual meals. Then again, to each his own.

There you have it–the end of my Dubai travel diaries. On to make new ones! I can’t wait to fly to Japan on Monday. Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, here I come!

38 Responses to “Travel Diary: Souk Madinat, Burj Al Arab and Atlantis”
  1. Tam

    Hi Camille, would you so kindly share your UAE trip itinerary? Pretty(just like your shots) please?

    Reply
    • Camille Co

      Hi Tam! This is basically it! :) Just search Dubai and Abu Dhabi and you’ll see all my posts about it :)

      Reply
  2. Gee

    When I got a job already, I’ll save up money and go there definitely! ;)

    Reply
  3. Clariss

    I am so thankful for all your travel diaries, really :) bc I really can’t get to experience these sort of things but with your travel diaries I feel like I have experienced it too haha with all these awesome pictures <3 I had big expectations for the burj al arab tho haha didnt know it wouldnt be that worth it(?) maybe it is just really too hyped up

    Reply
    • Camille Co

      That’s just me though, I didn’t really see anything special with it. :) Glad to share my travels with you guys!

      Reply
  4. maebs

    I can see that you really enjoyed your dubai experience :)

    Reply
  7. Maica

    The place is really majestic and rich in color! And I bet the chocolate taste heavenly too! And I even love their lamp shades! So artistic! <3

    Reply
  8. Mary Ann

    Extravagant and glamorous places! You are indeed very lucky Miss Camille. Witnessing the how rich and ambitious Dubai is,is such a remarkable experience.

    Reply
  9. Janine

    Wow ate! Thank you for bringing me to Dubai! :) Gusto kong sumakay sa maleta mo :) Hihihi… One day, I’ll get the chance to travel and explore the same way you do it! :) Believe.. hihihi..

    Reply
  11. Anne

    It’s always a treat reading your travel diaries Cams. Even if I have to stay home and save for my travels(for now), you always manage to whisk me away to places with you all thanks to your super informative, interesting and photo loaded travel posts. I love you and super duper advance happy birthday! Hihi.

    http://annescribblesanddoodles.blogspot.com/

    Reply
    • Camille Co

      Thank you Anne! Glad to be at your service! :) And thanks for the greeting! :)

      Reply
  13. Brian

    Hi ate gorģeous, stunning, versatile camille! I hope you had a good 4th anniversary! Stay humble, keep safe and love lots! :) <3

    Reply
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