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There's no shortage of super-high-gloss hotels, restaurants, shops, spas, nightclubs, and galleries in Dubai— here's a selection. By Marisa Katz

Hotels

AL QASR
A resort with more than 40 bars and restaurants and a large souk.
Jumeirah Beach; 877/854-8051 or 971-4/366-8888; www.madinatjumeirah.com; doubles from $806.

BURJ AL ARAB
Over-the-top luxury.
Jumeirah Beach; 877/854-8051 or 971-4/301- 7777; www.burj-al-arab.com; doubles from $1,770.

GROSVENOR HOUSE
Recently opened near the Dubai Marina, with great views of the city.
W. Marina Beach; 800/543-4300 or 971-4/399-8888; www.grosvenorhouse.lemeridien.com; doubles from $640.

JUMEIRAH BAB AL SHAMS DESERT RESORT & SPA
A desert retreat 45 minutes from the center of town.
877/854-8051 or 971-4/832-6699; www.jumeirahbabalshams.com; doubles from $355.

KEMPINSKI HOTEL
New property adjacent to the indoor ski slope (www.skidxb.com) at the Mall of the Emirates.
Sheikh Zayed Rd.; 800/426-3135 or 971-4/341-0000; www.kempinski-dubai.com; doubles from $517.

ONE & ONLY ROYAL MIRAGE
Set on a 65-acre coastal property and surrounded by lush, blossoming gardens.
Jumeirah Beach; 971-4/399-9999; www.oneandonlyresorts.com; doubles from $382.

PARK HYATT
Just opened on Dubai Creek, with a modern Moroccan theme.
Deira; 800/778-7477 or 971-4/602-1234; www.dubai.park.hyatt.com; doubles from $380.

Spas

AMARA
Every airy treatment room opens onto a private courtyard with an outdoor rain shower.
Park Hyatt; 971-4/602-1660.

HEALTH & BEAUTY INSTITUTE
Includes modern European treatments along with a traditional hammam.
One & Only Royal Mirage; 971-4/399-9999.

SIX SENSES SPA
The 26 tropical treatment rooms sit on small islands.
Madinat Jumeirah; 971-4/366-6818; www.madinatjumeirah.com.

Bars and Restaurants

AL NAFOORAH
Lebanese cooking—and the best hummus in Dubai.
Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Sheikh Zayed Rd.; 971-4/319-8760; dinner for two $140.

BICE
Relaxed atmosphere, superb Italian food, and a good wine selection.
Hilton Dubai Jumeirah; 971-4/318-2520; dinner for two $125.

BUDDHA BAR
Great people-watching, but definitely not the place to get a quiet meal.
Grosvenor House; 971-4/317-6000; dinner for two $215.

MARRAKECH
Moroccan restaurant in the Shangri-La Hotel; live music.
Sheikh Zayed Rd.; 971-4/405-2703; dinner for two $76.

ROOFTOP LOUNGE & TERRACE
Amazing views.
One & Only Royal Mirage; 971-4/399-9999; drinks for two $22.

SHO CHO
Trendy sushi restaurant and nightclub. Located in the Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa.
Jumeirah Beach; 971-4/ 346-1111; dinner for two $55.

VERRE
British chef Gordon Ramsay's modern European restaurant on Dubai Creek.
Hilton Dubai Creek, Baniyas Rd.; 971-4/227-1111; dinner for two $200.

ZHENG HE'S
The city's best Chinese.
Mina A' Salam, Madinat Jumeirah; 971-4/366-3670; dinner for two $136.

Shops and Galleries

ART SPACE
Contemporary art, with new exhibitions every month. Located on the ninth floor of the Fairmont Hotel.
Sheikh Zayed Rd.; 971-4/332-5523; www.artspace-dubai.com.

FIVE GREEN
This concept store-gallery holds cutting-edge art shows and performances, and sells casual clothes from young designers.
Garden Home Bldg., Oud Metha Rd.; 971-4/336-4100; www.fivegreen.com.

HARVEY NICHOLS
Only six months old, this marble-bedecked complex houses a good selection of designer labels—and the new Almaz restaurant, by Mourad "Momo" Mazouz.
Mall of the Emirates, Sheikh Zayed Rd.; 971-4/409-8888; www.harveynichols.com.

S*UCE
A fashion boutique like no other in Dubai—you can enter directly from the street—with clothes by Middle Eastern designers.
Village Mall, Jumeirah Beach; 971-4/344-7270; www.shopatsauce.com.

THIRD LINE
This gallery also organizes film screenings.
3 Al Quoz; 971-4/341-1367; www.thethirdline.com.

VILLA MODA
The "sheikh of chic" of Kuwait, Majed al-Sabah, enters the Dubai scene with his trademark luxury shopping destination in the Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Sheikh Zayed Rd.; 971-4/330-4555; www.villa-moda.com.

XVA
Contemporary art, plus a café.
Bastakiya; 971-4/353-5383; www.xvagallery.com.

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