Dubai, UAE: Dubai has taken staycations to a new level this Dubai Food Festival (DFF) with some of the world’s best hotels and restaurants offering residents and visitors the opportunity to combine the two in a fantastic “Foodcation.”
The eighth edition of the city-wide DFF, the annual festival of food, has released a list of 27 hotels, offering special deals and experiences, allowing foodies to elevate their Dubai city break to the next level.
Only available during DFF, an impressive array of hotel options ranging from luxury to chic boutiques, city to desert foodcations are offering unique foodie experiences including private cooking classes, Chef’s Table dinners or the chance to dine at some of the best restaurants in the city.,
Running until April 17, we have picked five of the best to get you started:
1. Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa
Stay: Venture into Dubai’s undulating dunes for a relaxing escape at the Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa, a tranquil oasis that mixes Arabesque charm with opulent hospitality. It may feel miles away from the hustle and bustle, but is only a 45-minute drive from the heart of the city. Spend your time relaxing in the pool or marvel at the wildlife that surrounds you at this popular retreat.
Dine: Start your two-night stay with an indulgent traditional meal at Al Hadeerah. Warm up your appetite with a mezze and basket of oven-fresh Arabic bread before taking your pick from eight live cooking stations, featuring succulent fare like underground-cooked ouzi, manakish, shawarma and mixed grill. Leave room to end on a sweet note with a creamy umm ali or crisy kunafa. As you feast, you’ll also get a chance to meet the chef, who will let you in on his secret recipe and share the inspiration behind his signature dish.
On day two, ease into an elaborate breakfast spread at Al Forsan, and continue into lunch with a refreshing main and poolside platters of salad, snacks and fruit. For your final breakfast, dine out in the garden under the palm trees, where you’ll be treated to a personalised basket of bakery items, cold cuts and cheeses.
Book now: BAS.Reservations@meydanhotels.com; from AED2,500.
2. The Meydan Hotel
Stay: A landmark in its own right, this popular hotel is a convenient 12 minutes’ drive from the iconic Burj Khalifa and just 15 minutes away from Dubai International Airport. Known for its equestrian pedigree, you can take a behind-the-scenes tour of the stables or relax in the rooftop temperature-controlled infinity pool, with views out over the verdant Meydan Racecourse.
Dine: Begin your two-night stay with a platter of cheeses while you relax on your own private balcony before indulging in a three-course set menu at Farriers Restaurant, where the chef will talk you through the creation of his favourite dish. On day two, wake up to breakfast in your room, and savour a sumptuous afternoon tea in the Millennium Lounge. Finally, wrap up your getaway with a decadent buffet breakfast spread.
Book now: meydanreservations@meydanhotels.com; from AED1,298.
3. Melia Desert Palm Resort & Hotel
Stay: Switch the concrete city scenes for this lush desert oasis to get away from the everyday hustle and bustle. With a championship polo field at its heart, guests at this resort are surrounded by verdant nature. All the rooms, suites and villas are filled with high-end amenities to make your visit as comfortable as possible.
Dine: Plate up on hearty servings of a complimentary breakfast on both mornings of your two-night stay. After you’ve settled in on your first night, head over for a sumptuous dinner at RARE, which is offering a limited-edition Latin American set menu. On day two, pull out all the stops with an elegant afternoon tea at Epicure, where you can dine indoors or al fresco. Plus, foodies will be able to make the most of a delicious masterclass experience with Chef Gaston Silva, Executive Chef who will teach guests how to rustle up one his favourite dishes in 30 minutes.
Book now: Reservations.dp@melia.com; from AED3,000
4. Armani Hotel Dubai
Stay: What could be more exciting than spending the night in one of the world’s most recognisable landmarks? Check into the five-star Armani Hotel and you’ll be immersed in a world of designer luxury with interiors and service all baring the hallmarks of the sophisticated Italian label. The property also boasts a range of high-class restaurants and eateries, all with unbeatable views of The Dubai Fountains.
Dine: Enjoy a two-night stay in an Armani Classic Room for two people, and be treated to a gourmet breakfast every morning. For lunch, dine out on a three-course set menu and take advantage of a Chef’s Table experience with the skilled Chef Giovanni. When it comes to dinner, take your pick from the diverse dining venues available and get a 10% discount.
Book now: Reservations.armanihotels.com; from AED4,620.
5. Dukes The Palm
Stay: Dukes The Palm, a Royal Hideaway Hotel stands on the iconic Palm Jumeirah and boasts stunning vistas over the azure Arabian Gulf and the Dubai Marina cityscape. With an indoor pool, a lazy river, a private beach and an impressive array of restaurants and lounges, guests will be spoilt for choice at this pampering getaway.
Dine: Kick off your day with breakfast at the hotel’s Great British Restaurant and soak up the venue’s refined elegance and English charm. For dinner, choose between another meal at the same eatery or dine out at Khyber, which evokes the spirit of Mumbai. You’ll also receive a complimentary recipe and flavourings which you can use to create a delicious signature dish.
Book now: dukesthepalm.res@royalhideaway.com; from AED999.
Check out the remaining 22 participating properties below:
| Hotel Name | About | Contact Information |
| Holiday Inn Bur Dubai Embassy District | Enjoy a stay in the heart of Old Dubai, buzzing with historical sites and atmospheric souks as abras and dhows gently drift by on the creek. | hiburdubai.info@ihg.com |
| Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Waterfront | Built right on the edge of the Dubai Water Canal, this stylish hotel has spectacular views of the Burj Khalifa. | reservations.waterfront.dubai@radissonblu.com |
| Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Canal View | Guests at this waterfront hotel can look forward to panoramic views of the Dubai Water Canal, Downtown Dubai and the iconic Burj Khalifa. | reservations.canalview.dubai@radissonblu.com |
| Occidental Dubai Production City | The Occidental Dubai Production City is nestled in one of the city’s most up-and-coming areas, close to the site of the Expo. | aljaddaf.res@occidentalhotels.com |
| Occidental Al Jaddaf | The Occidental Al Jaddaf lies in the heart of town, close to Downtown Dubai and Dubai Healthcare City. | aljaddaf.res@occidentalhotels.com |
| Novotel World Trade Centre | The four-star hotel of choice for those staying on business or leisure, Novotel World Trade Centre is located in the city’s main commercial district | h5261-gm@accor.com |
| Grand Hyatt Dubai | Situated in the heart of town, the Grand Hyatt Dubai is tucked away inside an oasis of landscaped gardens, which will make you forget you’re just minutes away from bustling malls and one of the world’s busiest airports. | reservations.grandhyattdubai@hyatt.com |
| Mӧvenpick Hotel Apartments Downtown Dubai | A contemporary hotel in the centre of Dubai, the Mӧvenpick Hotel Apartments Downtown Dubai is just a stone’s throw away from The Dubai Mall’s newest extension – and even has a free shuttle to the mall. | hotel.dubai.downtown@movenpick.com |
| The H Dubai | Boasting the prestigious address of Number 1, Sheikh Zayed Road, this five-star hotel is right at the gateway to Dubai. | reservations.dubai@h-hotel.com |
| Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates | Connected to one of the city’s most happening shopping destinations, the five-star Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates gives guests incomparable access to over 700 popular brand stores and dining outlets, as well as the incredible Ski Dubai. | reservations.malloftheemirates@kempinski.com |
| Pullman Dubai Creek City Centre | Pullman Dubai Creek City Centre stands watch over the historic Dubai Creek and the rolling green fairways of Dubai Golf and Yacht Club. | H2022@accor.com |
| Paramount Hotel Dubai | This striking property brings a touch of Hollywood glamour to Dubai’s shores. Located in the bustling Business Bay, Paramount Hotel Dubai rolls out the red carpet for all its guests. | reservations@paramounthotelsdubai.com |
| Rixos The Palm Dubai Hotel & Suites | This all-inclusive hotel sits right on the easternmost tip of the Palm Jumeirah, with a 1km stretch of pristine beach for holidaymakers to enjoy. The opulent resort has views of the Arabian Gulf and the Dubai Marina skyline. | reservation.dubai@rixos.com |
| Raffles Dubai | One of the city’s most distinctive hotels, Raffles Dubai was built in the shape of a pyramid and towers over the adjacent WAFI Mall. | bookus.dubai@raffles.com |
| Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights | Situated at the crossroads of Old Dubai and the bustling Downtown, Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights is a blend of modern sophistication and traditional culture. | dxbhc-marketing@hyatt.com |
| Carlton Downtown Hotel | Carlton Downtown Hotel is a prime city-centre location along Sheikh Zayed Road, with easy access to the city’s best-known landmarks. | reservations@carltondowntown.com |
| ibis One Central | The hotel of choice for those on business or leisure, ibis One Central is situated amid the city’s commercial fray. Adjacent to the Metro and right in the middle of town, ibis is a true gateway to all of the city’s main attractions. | H5261@accor.com |
| Crowne Plaza Dubai Marina | Located in the stylish and modern Dubai Marina with easy access to the neighbourhood mall and stunning seaside attractions, Crowne Plaza Dubai Marina is a picturesque getaway for those looking for a break from the everyday or those on a business holiday. | reservations.cpdubaimarina@ihg.com |
| Edge Creekside Hotel | Personalised comfort is the norm at Edge Creekside Hotel. An upscale four-star experience that blends urban charm with Old Dubai vistas and uncompromising hospitality. | stay@edgehotels.com |
| Jannah Marina Hotel Apartments | Get a taste of affluent urban living at Jannah Marina Hotel Apartments, conveniently located along the Dubai Marina promenade, within walking distance of the Metro and a host of attractions such as the Dubai Marina Mall. | book@jannah-hotels.com |
| Le Meridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre | Tucked away in the heart of 15 hectares of greenery, the Le Meridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre is an oasis right next door to Dubai International Airport. | reservations.lmd@lemeridien.com |
| Conrad Dubai | At the crossroads of Old and New Dubai and situated along the ever-buzzing Sheikh Zayed Road, Conrad Dubai lends unparalleled access to everything the city has to offer, from rich cultural attractions to upscale urban destinations. | Conrad.dubai_reservations@conradhotels.com |
All dining experiences, events and activations during DFF will follow prevailing safety protocols and social distancing guidelines to ensure a safe experience for all.
For more information and a full update on DFF activities, please visit www.dubaifoodfestival.com and @dubaifoodfest on social media channels.
