Staycation: THE ADDRESS DUBAI MALL

A few weeks ago I was invited by The Address Dubai Mall for a full-board staycation (yes, including a massage! Yippee) and I was really excited about it.

I was given a Burj Suite with a view of the Emaar Square. It would have been nicer if my view was the Dubai fountain and the Burj Khalifa, but the receptionist said that the rooms on that side of the hotel were already fully booked or had a view of the on-going construction (yes, I asked :P). You can however choose these options when you book your room there.

[caption id="attachment_3176" align="aligncenter" width="800"] The Address Dubai Mall[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3181" align="aligncenter" width="800"] My very comfy bed. Lovin the small details (and the chocodates beside my pillow)[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3175" align="aligncenter" width="800"] My full board room (with full functioning kitchen and washing machine)[/caption]

My room was huge for a solo traveler/staycationer (if there is a such word). It was complete with a fully functioning kitchen and laundry. It is ideal for someone who is looking to stay longterm such as for business or if you are staying with a family.

It was spacious and clean. Even though I didn't get the Burj Khalifa view, I am not complaining about my view (see photos below).

I loved the personal welcome touch. I saw a welcome note on my coffee table with my name on it, my A/V entertainment system was personalized (with my name on the screen)  and whenever I called the reception, they immediately addressed me with---yes, my name! I think it adds to the whole experience. Even with these simple touches, you'll feel extra special. I surely did.

[caption id="attachment_3177" align="aligncenter" width="800"] A personalized welcome note[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3183" align="aligncenter" width="800"] The view of the Burj Khalifa from my room's balcony[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3182" align="aligncenter" width="800"] The view of the EMAAR Boulevard from my balcony[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3186" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Evening view of the EMAAR Boulevard from my balcony[/caption]

First in my itinerary was to go to the spa. The Address Dubai Mall boasts about its luxury spa treatments and I must say that they were amazing. I am not easily pleased when it comes to massages: maybe because next to eating and sleeping, a massage is the one thing that I think about 24/7.

Like everything else, it seemed that everyone knew who I was as they all addressed me by name.

I was escorted to the changing room complete with shower. I think they will also have a sauna and steam option soon because I saw a sign about it but didn't find it. (There was a room under construction though). After a quick warm shower, I waited for my massage therapist in the lounge where you can just chill and have a cuppa. That itself was relaxing already. The only problem was you don't know when the massage therapist will come. In my mind I was wondering if there was a bell that I should ring or if I should shout 'I am ready!'. But within a few moments, my massage therapist Hamza arrived and escorted me to my room (that avoided a very embarrassing scene). He explained all about the treatment. He said that the Oriental massage is their specialty and so I chose to have that.

[caption id="attachment_3180" align="aligncenter" width="800"] S P A -------nuff said[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3178" align="aligncenter" width="800"] A very relaxing lounge area.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3179" align="aligncenter" width="800"] shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh[/caption]

It was very relaxing and soothing. It was not too soft yet not too hard and very flowy. Can I have another round please?...I think a massage should be a daily requirement for everyone like breakfast haha.

After that soothing massage, I prepared for an Iftar buffet. I asked my friend Zara to join me cause it is a bit sad to eat a buffet alone (right?). It was a good time also to chat and catch up. This was the day when my blog about 'What Young Filipinos can Learn from Traveling' started to go viral and Zara was helping me to proof-read it (yheap I know that "sometimes" I make some grammar mistakes :p).

NA3NA3 was very busy during iftar. I remember last year when I visited and tried their Iftar, it was almost empty. This time though you could hardly see any empty seats. The food was great and aside from the typical Arabic selections, they also offered a lot of international varieties.

[caption id="attachment_3184" align="aligncenter" width="800"] A traditional Iftar Buffet at Na3Na3[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3185" align="aligncenter" width="800"] I must say a perfect dinner[/caption]

The Address Dubai Mall is pretty much part of Dubai Mall. There are several access points that connect the hotel to the mall. I normally go through the passage way from Bloomingdale. For short-term visitors, this fact is awesome and very helpful. Location-wise you can already see a lot of what Dubai can offer. Aside from a huge shopping mall you can also visit the Dubai Fountain, Dubai Aquarium and the 'not-to-be-missed'  The Burj Khalifa. If you don't fancy dining in the hotel restaurants, Dubai mall offers a lot of F&B outlets as well.

[caption id="attachment_3199" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Dubai Fountain[/caption]

The following day, I woke up earlier than usual to try the fitness gym. I thought of going for a swim but I opted to go to the gym instead. The Address Dubai Mall has an outdoor pool and offers a cabana (which serves some juices and canapés) which is good to experience if you are in a group.

The fitness gym is conveniently open 24/7. It has all the latest gym equipment including a sauna and a spa.

[caption id="attachment_3188" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Time to burn burn burn[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3189" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Luvin all the up to date equipment[/caption]

After going to they gym and before checking out, I filled myself up with a buffet breakfast. It has an array of fresh detox juices and cold cuts. Perfect for my gym body hahaha... I took time to eat and relaxed a bit before heading back to my room to prepare to head back home.

[caption id="attachment_3190" align="aligncenter" width="800"] A very filling brekky[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3191" align="aligncenter" width="800"] My dream brekky -------- ok I need time to process this![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3192" align="aligncenter" width="800"] My morning must haves to start my day right[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3173" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Thank you back![/caption]

It was a great experience. I normally book hostels and Air BnB during my travels but compared to the rest of the world, part of Dubai's culture is the glitz and the bling, so this hotel is a good introduction to Dubai's luxury lifestyle without breaking the bank.

If you are visiting during the summer, The Address Dubai Mall offers a lot of discounted rates. So if you are a budget traveler and want to experience a well deserved R&R, I recommend booking The Address Dubai Mall.

KNOW MORE ABOUT THE ADDRESS DUBAI MALL

EMAIL: dubaimall@theaddress.com

WEBSITE

FACEBOOK PAGE 

INSTAGRAM

TWITTER

You can check out the best deal (competitive prices) when booking a stay in The Address Dubai Mall through www.hotelscombined.ae

Iftar Series: Liwan, Al Ghurair Rayhaan by Rotana

Next in line for my Iftar Series is Liwan Restaurant in Al Ghurair Rayhaan. I got invited along with some other food bloggers and media agencies to try out their Iftar Buffet. It was my first time to try the buffet in Liwan so once I received the invitation I said yes right away. I went with my friend Zheena and also another blogger who specializes in lifestyle (including parenting) Candice of www.theisaacsjournal.com.

The night started with an Arabic music performance. It was a nice way to welcome guests and It actually became one of the focal point inside the buffet hall (plus we sat next to them, so definitely, we'll notice them).

[caption id="attachment_3015" align="aligncenter" width="800"] LIVE ARABIC MUSIC[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3016" align="aligncenter" width="800"] WELCOME TREATS[/caption]

There were a lot of guests that night and the whole restaurant looked so lively. A great mood to end the whole day of fasting.

On our table placed an array of dried fruits and nuts which are what you eat to prepare your body before a heavy meal (if you are fasting). I think it is a good touch to add in the mood and feel.

[caption id="attachment_3024" align="aligncenter" width="800"] SOME DRIED FRUITS AND NUTS ON OUR TABLE[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3017" align="aligncenter" width="800"] JUICE SHOTS[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3023" align="aligncenter" width="800"] TIME FOR SOME APPETIZERS[/caption]

Like most of the Iftar buffets around Dubai, Liwan offers an international selection of dishes plus some Ramadan Specialties (I guess these are the Arabic selections).

What I loved about it is that, even though there are a lot of people the night I've visited, it didn't feel too crowded.

[caption id="attachment_3018" align="aligncenter" width="800"] THE ARABIC SECTION OF THE BUFFET[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3020" align="aligncenter" width="800"] SLOW ROASTED LAMB. I GUESS THIS IS PART OF THE RAMADAN SPECIALTIES[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3021" align="aligncenter" width="800"] JAPANESE!!![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3022" align="aligncenter" width="800"] INDIAN!!![/caption]

I loved the variety of food that they are offering. There was certainly a hit and a miss but in general it was a decent Iftar Buffet. I personally enjoyed the Chicken Biryani, which my friend Candice said tasted home cooked (her husband is Indian, so she knows her biryani). Also I enjoyed the moroccan tea that will be poured in front of you will a dash of flare. ^^

[caption id="attachment_3019" align="aligncenter" width="800"] THE MOROCCAN TEA BAR[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3025" align="aligncenter" width="800"] I MUST ADMIT, AS SIMPLE AS POURING THE TEA GRABBED ALL OF OUR ATTENTION. HE WAS AN INSTANT STAR. HAHA[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3026" align="aligncenter" width="800"] TEA ANYONE?![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3027" align="aligncenter" width="800"] MY SHAMEFUL ( VERY FULL) BUFFET PLATE[/caption]

If there is one thing that for me was a missed, it was the dessert selections. It fell short in terms of selections and taste. I am a bit picky with desserts because I have a sweet tooth, so if my friend knows about Indian food, I can say that I know my way around sweets.

[caption id="attachment_3029" align="aligncenter" width="800"] DESSERT STATION[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3028" align="aligncenter" width="800"] TRADITION ARABIC DESSERT[/caption]

All in all it was a great night. Ferry was a great host and he made sure that we were all taken care of. More than the food, I love going for Iftar after a long day of work because you can unwind and talk to your friends/family over a feast. What can be better than that (sleep? haha).

[caption id="attachment_3030" align="aligncenter" width="800"] GREAT FILIPINO BLOGGER FRIENDS[/caption]

[blockquote source="Liwan Al Ghurair Rayhaan"]"...Join Liwan for an Iftar buffet for 149 net per person, including a selection of international and Ramadan specialties while enjoying Live Arabic entertainemtn. Or settle down and unwind over Suhour starting from AED 95 net per person, while enjoying a traditional bubbly at Liwan Terrace. While a special Persian Iftar set menu awaits you at Shayan Restaurant for leisure diners too."[/blockquote]

Contact Liwan Restaurant Here:

Location: Al Ghurair Rayhaan, Deira Dubai

Phone: +971 (0)4 293 3000

Email: fb.alghurair@rotana.com

Iftar Series: Dusit Thani Dubai

The season of Ramadan is here again and it means that most of the food establishments will be closed at daylight, in respect for those who are fasting for the whole month(especially in this part of the world, where the majority of the population are Muslims).

In line with this, every night, restaurants are providing Iftars (evening meal when Muslims end their daily Ramadan fast at sunset) as their special offer this holy month of Ramadan. As a food and travel blogger, I've received several invitations (mostly from the restaurants that I have reviewed before) to try out their Iftar offering. For the whole month, I will be posting number of food blogs that will focus on this.

First stop, Dusit Thani Dubai.



My very first invitation came from Dusit Thani Dubai along Dubai Sheikh Zayed Road. I have tried two of their restaurants before, Benjarong and Pax Ristorante and so far I enjoyed both. Check out my blog about it.

Ok, back to Iftar. Dusit Thani Dubai is offering an Iftar buffet that features traditional Arabic cuisine and a mix of international dishes (Italian, Indian and Thai mostly). These selections are arranged at the hotel's 24th floor with the panoramic view of Dubai's skyline from their restaurants, The Californian, Banjarong and Pax Ristorante & Lounge.





The time for the Iftar buffet is from sunset until the 8:30pm and after that, the hotel restaurants will resume to it's a la carte menu. Because of the limited time, I was running from work just to get there the earliest possible time. You see, I finish work at 7pm and sunset is normally at 7. In my mind, if I will calculate the time that I will commute, I will only arrive there at 8pm, meaning, I will only dine for 30 mins. As someone who loves to eat, this is a very short time.....whew..........Because of all the running, I arrived a few minutes past 7, perfect to enjoy an hour of selected dishes.

I was welcomed with a big smile by the hotel attendants and immediately ushered to my table. I found several of my food blogger friends already enjoying their appetizers.







Traditionally, to break the fast, one should first eat some dates and yogurt, but because I didn't fast, I went straight to the soup and salad station.

I got a soup with vermicelli and some green salad to start it of. It was a good time to catch my breath and also to have a chitchat with my blogger friends. I haven't seen most of them for quite some time, so we TALKED a lot.





After a few bites, I went ahead to the main dish area. If you have been reading my blog before, you already know that I am in love with Thai food. For this reason alone, my first station was the Thai buffet section (which is at the center of the lobby). My favorite was the Duck Curry (I can live with this alone). The rest was alright for me.

Because of the limited time, I wasn't able to try a lot of the selections so I just zoned in to those that looks interesting and a bit familiar for me. Aside from the duck, I went for the braised beef and a creamed fish dish (I forgot the exact name). Also, I took a shawarma and a spaghetti bolognese. I was so full after finishing my overflowing plate. I love buffets but the feeling after a buffet is something that I dont like (#fooddieproblem).





Realizing that we only have 15 minutes left to get a dessert, we all wrapped up our time for the main dish and jump straight for desserts. I saw that they have a traditional Kunafa (is a Levantine cheese pastry soaked in sweet sugar-based syrup) so in my mind already, this is the one that I will get (^^).

I was a little dissapointed with their kunafa as it was already cold and hard. I love it when it is still very soft and the cheese is stretchy and goooey. Good thing, I enjoyed thier Umm Ali (Middle Eastern version of a bread pudding) and cheesecake. We've partnered it with a cup of peppermint tea---- aaah this is the best way to end a full meal.

In general, I enjoyed our meal. The only downside was the time limit as I thought it would have been nice to take time and enjoy the evening and not rushing to get as much food as you can just to get your money's worth. In all fairness, I love the Thai selections from Benjarong, only with this, you got your money's worth already.

Aside from Iftar, Dusit Thani Dubai is also offering Sohour Set Menu which is available from 12am - 4am through room service.

OFFER DETAILS

Iftar Buffet

Cost:  AED149 I Time: Sunset - 8:30pm I Location: 24th Floor Lobby

Sohour Set Menu

Cost:  Varies I Time: 12am - 4am I Location: Room Service Only

Group Iftar Menu

Cost:  Starts at AED119/ Person for groups of 50 or above

For Reservations and Inquiries

Call: +971 (4) 317 4515 or Email: dine.dtdu@dusit.com

My Dubai Food Blog: Iftar at Na3na3 The Address Dubai Mall

Ramadan officially started and yesterday I was so excited to receive an invitation to try the traditional Iftar buffet at Na3na3 in The Address Dubai Mall.

Na3Na3 is a Middle Eastern restaurant  famous for its traditional Arabic home style cuisines.—- and I must say, Arabic Food + Iftar = Perfection.



As me and my friend arrived in the restaurant, we were greeted very warmly and welcomed with a sip of Arabic coffee. This really sets our mood for the night.



A table full of of dates, nuts and other dried fruits were present also to kick start the night’s feast. Traditionally, after a whole day of fasting, food are gradually being introduced in one’s body. In order to not shock the body’s system, dates should be eaten first  (somewhat a light appetizer—as far as I know ^^).





As me and my friend were ushered to our table, I can already smell the strong aroma of an Arabic cuisine. The whole place feels very intimate but at the same time I saw a number of families enjoying the feast (maybe it’s the Iftar vibe).

Just a disclaimer before I start discussing about food. I am not an expert in Arabic Cuisine so I will be blogging mainly on what I experienced and tasted. If any of the food I mentioned was wrongly described (and spelled) please do let me know—- thanks ^^





The first thing I grabbed was a plate of salad, feta cheese and hummus (plus a warm Arabic bread). They presented a wide selection of appetizers, dips and rice dishes (mostly I can’t pronounce) . Foul salad, modardara and  mohammara just to name a few.







(yey my starter plate—- I love these labneh balls and of course,  HUMMUS!!!)



After a light starter, let’s move on to a heavier meal. This time around, I got a chance to try a more familiar Arabic food. A wide selection of meat dishes can be found in the warm food stations.





Firstly, you can find some traditional treats such as a very tasty kibbeh, a spinach fatayer, lamb sambusek and a cheese spring roll (I forgot the name of this)—let’s call it a cheese stick.





Also, In the same station, I  got excited to see a casserole of already shredded chicken shawarma, shish tawook, chicken biryani and beef shanks (to be paired with cucus).



I have to make two rounds to taste all of them and I must admit, even though I already felt full, I was able to finish everything on my plate.





Feeling full (as mentioned already), I forcefully convinced myself that I still have room for some desserts. Middle Eastern desserts are known to be one of the best in the world and I for sure will not miss a handful of those during this Iftar.







The cheese konafa and the um ali became two of my favorite desserts of the night.There’s something about warm desserts that I found mouth watering (although I am not a fan of rose water—I didn’t mind that night).

Aside from the wide selection of Arabic sweets, they also offer a number of international desserts such as a very cute carrot cake cups (shown below—cute right?) and a shot of  tiramisu.





If you like to experience authentic home cooked style Arabic food, I will highly recommend Na3na3. I truly enjoyed spending my Iftar here. Good food, reasonable price and a very nice location.

Of course, aside from food, Iftar really is a time to bond with family and Na3na3 for sure has a good enough space and food selections for the whole family (and FYI, children below 6yrs old are free ^^)

Iftar buffet price is AED 195 (inclusive of unlimited drinks)

Time: Sunset until 9:30pm

Location: The Address Dubai Mall

Aside from Iftar, Na3na3 also have regular restaurant hours (with doors half open during Ramadan)

Breakfast: 630am -11am (11:30am on weekends), AED 140

Lunch: 12:30pm -5:30pm, AED 155

Dinner: 9:30pm - 11pm, AED 195

to know more about Na3na3, check out their facebook page and website below:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theaddressdubaimall

Website: http://www.theaddress.com/en/hotels/the-address-dubai-mall/dining/na3na3.aspx