Kenzo Christmas Tree at Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai
SEE: Kenzo Takada Christmas Tree
This week, the Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai unveiled its first festive tree: an unconventional Christmas installation created by fashion designer Kenzo Takada. Located on the resort’s tranquil outdoor terrace, overlooking the white-sandy beachfront, the design brings an artistic flair to Dubai’s festive celebrations with a tree reinterpretation that blends tradition with contemporary style. Over the weekend in Dubai, stop by the elegant hotel to see the designer tree, as well as a canopy of frosted lights and magical decorations scattered throughout the resort — where there is also lavish seasonal spreads, live entertainment and luxury festive hampers to browse through. Mandarinoriental.com
Chocolate-covered delights at Godiva Cafe, Rixos Premium Dubai
INDULGE: Afternoon Tea at Godiva Cafe
During the month of December, guests are invited to spend an afternoon sipping tea and diving into decadent chocolate-infused delights in the Godiva Cafe, located at Rixos Premium Dubai. For the Christmas period, the chic cafe has had a seasonal revamp — serving signature treats with a festive twist; from the newly launched chocolate-filled Croiffles to the ever-popular dipped strawberries, each indulgence has been given an extra glittering for a fabulous festive afternoon tea experience. Daily at 3pm to 6pm, Dhs179 per person, Dhs269 per couple; Premiumdubai.rixos.com
The serene spa at the Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah
SPA: Ladies Pampering Spa Night
Gather the girls and start the weekend with a luxury night of pampering in the Waldorf Astoria Spa at Palm Jumeirah. Exclusive to ladies, the special spa experience includes two mini-treatments; featuring the NEOM de-stress massage, foot massages, express facials and back, neck or shoulder massages. There’s also access to the spa’s five-star facilities, as well tasty lights bites and selected cocktails to catch up over. The evening offers a great way to unwind, whilst making memories with friends and family this festive season. December 12 at 7pm to 10pm, Dhs250 per person; +971 4 818 2222
Soho Garden DXB, Meydan Racecourse
PARTY: Soho Garden Friday Brunch
Situated alongside the Meydan Racecourse, Soho Garden brings the buzzing atmosphere of London’s Soho to Dubai. This month, the dining destination has introduced an all-new Friday Brunch (no weekend in Dubai would be complete without one) just in time for festive partying. The live cooking station-style allows you to ponder over an assortment of dishes; from sushi, to wood fired pizza, surf and turf on the grill and and even an eggs Benedict stall, if you’re still in the mood for breakfast. Of course, there’s dessert to finish and an unrivalled after party with lives acts and headline DJs. Fridays at 1pm to 5pm, from Dhs350, with the Brunch After Party at 5pm to 10pm featuring happy hour prices; +971 52 388 8849
Spend a weekend in Dubai at La Serre’s fresh Baker’s Market, Vida Downtown
SHOP: Baker’s Market at La Serre
It’s begging to look a lot like Christmas in the Boulangerie at Le Serre — at the daily Festive Baker’s Market you can browse freshly baked sweets such as cakes nougats, bouches, cinnamon rolls, macarons and savoury bites like hot goat cheese, tomato and basil loaves, pillowy olive and thyme focaccia, and rustic French quiches. Perfect for seasonal dinner parties or little pick-me-up treats, the market is brimming with hand-made, rustic artisanal eats to enjoy this winter. Daily from 7am to 8.30pm; Laserre.com
