Here’s how to have the ultimate girls’ getaway in Dubai

There are many thoughts that go through your head when you hang off the side of a building.

“I had so much life to live.”

“I wish I had told my ex-colleague from three years ago what I really think of him.”

“I love my dog ​​more than I love myself.”

“Oh my god I think I forgot my curling iron and the hotel is going to burn down and it’s all my fault.”

That very last thought occurred to me when my feet were halfway to the edge of Dubai’s Sky Walk – one of the city’s main tourist attractions that requires you to walk along the edge of a very tall hotel.

Now my life was no longer in danger. I was strapped to the building while tied up nice and tight in a harness. I was safe and against all odds I didn’t leave my curling iron on.

The Sky Walk is an experience. As you prepare to walk around the perimeter of the building, you get a false sense of confidence.

It doesn’t look too menacing behind a glass door, but as soon as you set foot in the warm, windy air, scenes from your life begin to fit together and merge into a very sad montage.

Had it not been for the brave woman in front of me I would have been terrified the whole experience. Their bravery not only left me hanging on the sidelines, but blew me away.

Was it invigorating? Fully.

Nice? Can’t say it was fun.

Fortunately, it was the only extreme activity I participated in in Dubai. The destination, the most populous city in the UAE, has become a hot spot for vacationers.

With beach clubs galore, luxury shopping and warm weather guaranteed, people travel in droves to enjoy the good life.

I was in the middle eastern city to sample all it has to offer for a girls holiday and it did not disappoint. Ibiza and Marbella are of course the best choices for a girls holiday, but Dubai is always unique, offering both a city and a beach experience on your doorstep.

My home for the visit was the 25hours Hotel One Central near Dubai’s International Financial Centre. The city’s hotels are known as temples of luxury – they smell wonderful but have a strange affinity for marble and the color white.

25hours, on the other hand, has an unmistakable character. From the moment you walk through the door, you are hit with the hotel’s signature scent and your eyes are drawn to the large sitting area that doubles as a mountain of books in the center of the lobby.

The rooms are beautifully decorated in rustic tones with eclectic desserts in every corner.

There are a total of five bars and restaurants in the hotel, each offering a different cuisine and experience.

The Monkey Bar is located on the 6th floor and offers impressive views of the Museum of the Future and Zabeel Park. The terrace is the ideal place for sundowners and has a nightly selection of DJs if you want to party. Your margarita is a must while there.

Meanwhile, for Indian fans, Tandoori Tina Restaurant will satisfy your culinary needs.

Think quality ingredients, bold flavors and classic dishes like butter chicken and biryani.

One of the most impressive elements of Dubai is the skyline. Futuristic in nature, it’s a sight to behold and to explore, and the Hero Odysea cruise is an excellent way to do both.

Disclaimer: I can’t swim and while you will be provided with a life jacket and the boat itself is sturdy, it might be a good idea to choose a competent partner for the ride.

The boats allow you to steer your own ship and can reach speeds of 50 km/h. My driver was a qualified sailor, so all I had to do was relax and enjoy the view of a city that is constantly expanding and changing.

After the boat ride, there’s no better time to enjoy one of Dubai’s many and varied beach clubs.

Whether you want to relax or enjoy a festive atmosphere, the choice is yours. Zero Gravity may be for ravers, but Drift Beach Club is a slice of coastal paradise for those seeking luxurious tranquility.

The private beach club features a beautiful infinity pool overlooking a mile of prime beach. With the skyline around you, the experience becomes something very special.

Meanwhile, no girls trip to Dubai would be worth their Prosecco without a trip to one of the city’s famous brunches. Cé La Vi is located on the 54th floor of the Address Sky View Hotel, directly opposite the Burj Khalifa.

Brunch is suitable for all ages and offers a set menu of quality food and drinks. Meanwhile, a DJ entertains and a man with a row of bongos joins the revelers to fuel the growing party atmosphere.

I can confirm that there’s nothing more exciting than banging some drums in the middle of a packed room without having an ounce of talent – you won’t forget that buzz.

To complete the girls vacation, a desert trip was needed to relax and unwind. There are many ways to do it – whether on a solo trip or in a group – but for all the ingredients and an unforgettable experience, choose Sonora Camp.

It is part of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve and is home to Oryx and Gazelles. When the sun sets over the huge sand dunes, it is simply breathtaking.

After relaxing a bit, it was time to sit on the edge of my seat as three performers blew fire from their mouths. To calm the nerves, a three-course menu followed, interspersed with oriental influences.

Highlights on the menu included station grilled marinated chicken with kefi and peri-peri spices and seven-hour slow-cooked lamb with Yemeni spices.

Then it was time to go and I left town feeling refreshed and excited to tell every woman in my life what to expect.

While on the plane, I kept thinking about those moments before I decided to swing from the side of a skyscraper.

Yes, I freaked out about curlers and hotels and brooded over ex-colleagues, but mostly I thought about what a city this was and how it was a girl’s trip I’d never forget.