If you are looking for "barefoot luxury" Dubai is the destination for every traveler: Exclusive and affordable

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The definition of travel luxury has long since evolved.

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People are no longer looking for glamor and lavish indulgences, but want opportunities to disconnect from everyday life and embrace a simpler and more self-aware experience.

This is how the philosophy of "barefoot luxury" was born, a type of tourism that reconnects visitors to a destination with its nature and the environment, while at the same time maintaining exceptional comfort, service and privacy. If you are looking for just such a vacation, Dubai is the right place.

Barefoot luxury in Dubai

One of the first things you can do to connect with the natural beauty of this part of the world is to soar over the mesmerizing desert landscape of Dubai in a private hot air balloon, organized by Balloon Adventures. This experience allows you to watch a breathtaking sunrise, drive a Land Rover through the desert and enjoy an authentic desert experience away from the hustle and bustle of the city, with the chance to see wandering camels, oryx antelopes or gazelles.

If, on the other hand, you are the "water" type, you can charter a luxury private yacht through Xclusive Yachts to enjoy a leisurely sailing cruise and explore the pristine waters of the Arabian Gulf. In addition to sailing, you can also enjoy jet skiing or fishing and grilling your catch on board.

If you want contact with animals, you can also discover the desert thanks to Al Jiyad Stables. Your guide will take you through the enchanting sand dunes on horseback, an experience that gives you a unique perspective on the vast desert landscape. The Arabian horse is one of the most distinctive breeds in the world - what better way to explore Dubai's desert heritage than by riding a majestic horse?

And if you are looking for pure magic, you can experience a night like no other under the stars if you decide to go for a luxurious experience of sleeping in the tents of Starlight Camp Dubai. They set up the camp in a remote area of the Dubai desert, with no other tents or guests nearby, and the spacious tent contains a luxuriously furnished double bed and carefully selected amenities, is air-conditioned and adjusted to a temperature you can enjoy depending on the season.

You can also have the full-day experience of the desert in Dubai at the Sonara ecological desert camp. There are many activities there - from archery, falconry and stargazing, to camel riding, movie screenings under the stars...

Exceptional and exclusive places for gourmets

The Nara Desert Escape Reserve in Dubai offers visitors an exclusive culinary experience - like no other. In addition to top luxury for "barefoot" tourists, and complete seclusion, guests can enjoy custom-prepared fine dining, an authentic experience that exudes sophistication and style.

For those looking for a slightly different culinary experience, INKED is a must-visit destination. Based in the Alserkal Avenue arts center, this group pushes the boundaries of culinary expression, meaning that everyone's dining experience is completely different, and ideal for special and memorable travel moments. The restaurant space, meanwhile, offers different, inventive and fully customized concepts for private dinners and bespoke events, carefully chosen to suit every occasion.

And if you're looking for a really exclusive event, there's also the exquisite and modern Indian restaurant Tresind Studio, where only 20 guests are served at the chef's table each dinner, meaning the hospitality and experience of the team is second to none. Innovative dishes push the boundaries of cooking, which is why the offer in this studio is unmatched.

Luxurious relaxation

The ultimate wellness experience awaits you at the Four Seasons Resort on Jumeirah Beach. Here you can book a private yoga or meditation session with expert instructors, in the setting of a sunrise or sunset in the pristine environment above the Arabian Gulf. After your workout, for the full experience, you can cool off with a dip in the sea.

If you haven't tried it, you can spend a day in the powerful presence of horses, thanks to guided horse meditation, which leaves you feeling mentally and physically refreshed. Look for this peaceful wellness activity at the Melia Desert Palm.

If you're looking to spend a day in relaxed luxury, the private beach club DRIFT is an award-winning destination, where luxurious "poolside chic" meets beach simplicity. Guests can book a private beach cabana for a day, with service, complete privacy and magnificent views of the Dubai Marina skyline and the Arabian Gulf. If you're in the mood for a bit of activity, you can join the fun workouts on the beach.

A beach club/restaurant has recently opened next to the Park Hyatt Dubai, which offers a glamorous taste of modern French cuisine, Mediterranean-inspired dishes and a wide selection of sushi. The restaurant Twiggy by La Cantine is located on a sandy beach that leads to an infinity pool 100 meters long. In it, you can enjoy unobstructed views of the Dubai Creek.

You can also relax in the new beauty salon called Nailology in Atlantis. With offerings that go beyond standard salon services, enjoy mask and peel treatments tailored with special ingredients and fragrances, as well as colorful drinks designed by the resident mixologist for just the perfect luxury experience.

How to experience Dubai better

Dubai offers many excursions and attractions. For starters, you can enjoy the awe-inspiring views of the city. Reminiscent of a photo frame, Dubai Frame has become one of the city's most famous attractions since it opened in 2018. The building in Zabeel Park offers unparalleled panoramic views of the city, and entry costs AED 50 ($14). At a height of 150 meters and a width of 93 meters with a bridge connecting the two towers, Dubai Frame tells the story of this city's past and introduces you to its future.

If you want to relax and enjoy the beauty of Dubai's popular desert oasis, just a 30-minute drive from the city, Al Qudra Lakes provides the perfect scenery for an unforgettable sunset picnic. Here you can come across desert foxes, oryxes and 170 species of birds, such as swans, geese and ducks, the steppe eagle and the migratory Asian buzzard.

Dubai is also home to numerous public beaches and interesting destinations located along the coast. Whether you're sunbathing, swimming in the ocean, or joining the residents in a game of beach volleyball, the beaches offer a variety of activities that are free or fairly inexpensive. Kite Beach is dotted with hip cafes, cosy lunch spots and food trucks. Enjoy the view of the surfers or take on the adventure yourself.

This city also offers countless cultural activities. If you want to learn more about Dubai's rich heritage, hop aboard the Heritage Express, a traditional trolleybus, and enjoy the sights and sounds of Old Dubai. The three-hour guided tour takes you through dozens of key historical attractions, including the Jumeirah Mosque Garden, and costs from AED 150 ($40) per visit.

You can also explore Old Dubai "on foot," from the historic neighborhood of Al Fahidi and the Coffee Museum, to walking around the amazing spice and gold souks. Dubai offers much more than luxury hotels and shopping malls, and you can complete your adventure in Old Dubai with a traditional "AED 1 Abra" ride across the Dubai Creek.

Wallet-friendly meals

One of Dubai's oldest hidden gems, Al Ustad Special Kebab is renowned for its authentic Persian cuisine. The popular spot is known for serving some of the most authentic kebabs in Dubai. The portion sizes are generous, the prices are reasonable, and the taste is irresistible.

Time Out Market is full of local chefs serving signature cuisine consisting of some of Dubai's best-loved dishes. Located in Souk Al Bahar, Time Out Market's outdoor terrace offers enviable views of Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain. With culinary options carefully prepared by foodies who know the city inside out, you can expect modern, innovative menus and vibrant flavors, with meals starting at around AED 30 (eight dollars).

Project Chaiwala is a homegrown success story that Dubai residents love to tell. The famous chili-cheese toast, washed down with karak tea, is a delicious lunch that is committed to sustainability as this project focuses on sourcing spices and ingredients from the local community. A meal with tea is around AED 40 ($11).

Photo: Promo/ Dubai Economy & Tourism

Tangy, nutty or salty, but always delicious, za'atar is one of Dubai's signature flavors and is deeply rooted in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. You can try this local favorite fatayer cheese dish at the cozy Mama'esh bakery for only AED 15 (four dollars).

Additional tips and tricks

The nearly 90-kilometer long Dubai Metro is a fully automated and efficient way to explore the city. There are two main lines - the Red (which branches into two routes at the Jebel Ali interchange) and the Green - making it easy for visitors to plan their journey.

A Dubai discount app is also a useful resource. Entertainer enables visitors to discover more and spend less. With a range of two-for-one vouchers, visitors can purchase a travel package via the app online and enjoy thousands of food and beverages, hotels and packages, as well as more than 1,000 attractions and leisure offers, and brunch, shopping, spa and lounge discounts.

And Dubai Pass is a great way to experience the many attractions around the city. The all-in-one pre-paid card provides cashless access to 33 key attractions across Dubai, making it the perfect way to explore the world-class city's diverse offerings.

(Ona.rs/PR)