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The many faces of Dubai

By Jen Bishop โ€ข 5 Comments

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dubai getaway

dubai tourism platinum heritage shangri-la hotel bloggerati australia 1001 events

This Bloggerati Getaway was proudly sponsored by Dubai Tourism

Wow, jet lag. No fun, and especially hard to beat when you’re pregnant! However, totally worth it for the amazing experience I was just lucky to take part in in Dubai. I hope you enjoyed following my travels on Instagram. I often worry you’ll get annoyed with me ‘spamming’ you and feel like a bit of a show-off, but it seems you all loved coming along for the virtual ride, which is great! I hope I’ve inspired some of you to visit the place by sharing the sheer variety of things it has to offer.

While I couldn’t do everything I wanted to (including hot a air balloon ride!) due to being pregnant (and probably particularly risk-averse) I still had a wonderful time. I left with a more positive and rounded opinion of Dubai than before we left. Sure, I expected flashiness and luxury and the odd token camel, but I had no idea how much there was to do and see there.

Image by Sonia Stackhouse, Life, Love & Hiccups blog
Image by Sonia Stackhouse, Life, Love & Hiccups blog

It felt like we had a different lunch at a different fancy hotel each day. Oh yeah, that’s because we pretty much did! The hotels were, without exception, just amazing. Some of the best interiors, food and service I’ve ever experienced. No cookie cutter approach here. There must be serious opportunities for interior designers here because there so many wonderful hotels and they’ve all made the effort to be something different. Stunning!

A suite at the Kempinski Hotel Dubai Mall of the Emirates which looks out onto the slopes of Ski Dubai. So surreal!

If you’re a thrill seeker (I am certainly not, pregnant or otherwise), well, you’re in for a treat. Hot air balloons, sea planes, indoor ski slopes, mega water parks, go-karting… these are all things our group experienced. My favourite part of travel though, is always learning more about the local culture and of course, sampling the food (hello, eating for two!). Dubai is an extremely interesting place as far as culture goes, being that around 90 percent of the population are immigrants, from a huge variety of places. True Emiratis are few and far between.

Covering our hair before we went inside the mosque, with Ann-Maree Russell from The House that AM Built
Covering our hair before we went inside the mosque, with Anne-Maree Russell from The House that AM Built

It remains though, a Muslim country, but a very progressive and relaxed one for the most part. Tolerance of radical or extremist views is pretty much zero. There is a real effort to help visitors understand Islam in a religious and cultural context, which, in the current terrorist climate, is probably more important then ever. We had the opportunity to ask any questions we wanted while enjoying a traditional meal at The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding and I really enjoyed our tour of the Jumeirah Mosque, where we were talked through what Muslims believe in, how they pray and more. Super interesting. The interior of the mosque, although nothing ornate, was beautiful in its geometric patterns. Depictions of people and animals are not allowed in Islamic buildings; instead you will find wonderful geometric patterns and beautiful calligraphy of verses from the Quran. The decoration is so distinctive and and I loved its symmetry and colours.

Inside the mosque
Inside the mosque

Another favourite for me was the Frying Pan Adventures food tour, which took in the bustling fish market, the spice souk, a coffee museum and a wonderful breakfast by the water of rosewater iced tea and yoghurt with granola. Delicious! And then there was of course the desert safari, which I’ve already written about.

For the majority of our stay, we were ferried around in comfort and taught more about Dubai by the fabulous 1001 Events and, in particular, tour guide Xavier, whose smiling face and enthusiasm I now miss seeing every day!

Waterside breakfast on the food tour
Waterside breakfast on the food tour
Fresh prawns at the bustling fish market
Fresh prawns at the bustling fish market
frying pan food adventures
Our group on the food tour
Forget every date you've ever tasted before: these were something else!
Forget every date you’ve ever tasted before: these were something else!
Don't mind if I do, sir!
Don’t mind if I do, sir!
Me sitting up front. Photo thanks to Melbourne Girl. Click for details
Me sitting up front. Photo thanks to Melbourne Girl. Click for details

You may well have heard that the legal system is harsh, and it is, but it is this respect for the law that means Dubai is stupidly safe. Leave your bags wherever you like, things do not get stolen. It’s not worth someone’s while. You’ve probably also heard that as a woman, you need to cover yourself head to toe in order not to attract unwanted attention. It’s not strictly true and Dubai is much more relaxed than I’d anticipated. That said, I still advise dressing appropriately and respectfully. And I still managed to get offered the opportunity to model saris within minutes of arriving, despite having just stepped off a 14-hour flight, looking worse for wear and being completely covered up! It’s that blonde hair and lipstick, isn’t it?!

I have so much more to tell you about but I’ll save it for next week!

dubai getaway

dubai tourism platinum heritage shangri-la hotel bloggerati australia 1001 events

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December 17, 2014

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When her styling business took a hit, @vaultinteri When her styling business took a hit, @vaultinteriors decided to reduce her outgoings by moving to a tiny house. And we're not sure we've ever seen a more stylish one!

Although the move to a container home was motivated by financial pressures, Justine Wilson is loving her new simpler way of life.

Read her refreshingly honest, positive interview on the blog now, via link in bio.

It'll make you want to downsize too!

#tinyhomes #tinyhouse #tinyhome #tinyhouses #tinyliving #livingbiginatinyhouse #tinyhousemovement #tinyhouseonwheels #tinyhouseliving #tinyhousenation #tinyhouseattractive #tinyhomedesign #containerhouse #containerhome #containerhomes #containerhouses #containerhomedesigns #interiorstylist #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #heartyourhome #jenbishop #smallspaceliving #smallspacedesign #downsizeliving #downsize #downsizingandminimizing #escapetothecountry #hawkesburyriver #hawkesburyriverlife
Appliance colour trends: They've certainly change Appliance colour trends:

They've certainly changed over the years. Remember when ALL fridges were white?! I remember the original BROWN wall oven in our 60s kitchen here pre-reno! I think the dishwasher was brown and beige (and it tripped the electrics every time we used it!) ๐Ÿ˜œ

What do you think of this new dark stainless steel option (pictured) from Westinghouse as seen in @dnaofdesign_'s latest reno? Yay or nay? 

What colour do you like your appliances?

See the rest of this home and kitchen and laundry design tips from the ex Blockheads on the blog now via link in bio.

#kitchenappliances #walloven #wallovens #combioven #combioven #microwaves #builtinappliances #builtinoven #builtinovens #homeappliance #westinghouse #kitchentrends #ovens #laundryappliances #darkstainlesssteel #stainlesssteelappliances
SALE ALERT! Listen up Sydneysiders, one of my fav SALE ALERT!

Listen up Sydneysiders, one of my favourite home stores @shack.furniture.homewares are having their annual warehouse sale this week, from Thursday until Saturday.

HUGE savings on furniture, homewares and decor with 30 to 80% off. Wowsers!

I'm a big fan of SHACK and can never leave one of their stores without a few styling goodies for my place! It's just too tempting!

While you're at the sale, mention Interiors Addict for an extra 10% off!

Unit 16a, 1801 Botany Rd, Banksmeadow NSW 2019

Thursday 1st to Saturday 3rd June 2023, 9am to 4pm. Not online.

#sydneyshopping #sydneysale #sydneysales #sydneyfurniture #shackfurniture #shackfurniturehomewares #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome #comeshoppingwithme
A door to door continuous curved stone ledge in th A door to door continuous curved stone ledge in this bathroom is one of the cleverest designs we've seen in a while!

This mega ledge, made of Corian, even incorporates a sink, seamlessly.

Combined with venetian plaster on the walls, it's no wonder this Illawarra bathroom by @birdblackdesign feels like a day spa!

Come check it out via link bio.

Lead designer Stuart Gibson says: "One smooth curve, right around the room, from either side of the door opening. As it moves around, it creates a ledge for the bath: for bath oils, lotions, a book and a champagne glass. The ledge continues around and becomes the vanity, widening out to create a custom seamless basin."

#bathroomhappiness #bathroomdetails #bathroomshelves #bathroomshelf #venetianplastering #coriandesign #coriansolidsurface #spalikebathroom #spabathroom #sustainablebathroom
Catch the season finale of @sellinghousesaus last Catch the season finale of @sellinghousesaus last night?

We have all the before and afters for you on the blog now, via link in bio (and swipe for a taster).

#sellinghouses #sellinghousesaustralia #foxtel #lifestylechannel #beforeandafterkitchen #beforeandafterlivingroom #beforeandafterrenovation #realitytv #housetours #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome
๐Ÿ˜ Not sure what's better: the custom mirror abo ๐Ÿ˜ Not sure what's better: the custom mirror above the fireplace in this Art Deco one-bedder or the wallpaper in the kitchen (swipe)?!

It's been a while since we featured an apartment makeover on IA. Would you like to see more apartment interiors? Head to the blog now to see more of this one. Via link in bio.

#artdecoapartment #artdecointerior
#artdecomirror #artdecofireplace #artdecomelbourne #artdecofurniture #artdecobuilding #artdecointeriors #apartmentrenovation #apartmentinterior #smallspaceliving #melbourneapartments #melbourneairbnb #kitchenwallpaper #wallpaperaustralia
Low tox and planet friendly laundry liquid (and sh Low tox and planet friendly laundry liquid (and sheets and soap and powder!). We have a great roundup of the best options on the blog today. 

A whole host of brands are offering eco-friendly, low tox alternatives to the more chemical-laden ones. Not only that, they often smell amazing, look good on your shelf and come in recycled or recyclable (or even better, both) packaging. 

Good for your skin, your clothes and the planet: whatโ€™s not to like?

Do you use any of these?

COMPARE THEM ALL VIA LINK IN BIO NOW.

#lowtoxliving #lowtoxlife #lowtoxlifestyle #lowtoxhome #lowtoxlaundry #lowtoxswaps #naturallaundry #naturallaundrydetergent #naturallaundrysoap #ecolaundry #lowtoxcleaning #ecofriendlyhome #ecofriendlyhouse #laundryliquid #laundrypowder #laundrysoap #naturalcleaning #chemicalfreecleaning #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome
Play room goals!๐Ÿ‘Œ๐Ÿป This is just one room fr Play room goals!๐Ÿ‘Œ๐Ÿป

This is just one room from today's real house tour which I really love because in employing interior designer @issyandhcreative the owners weren't looking for a complete rip out and re-do but rather to work with what they had in their new suburban home (including a dated kitchen) and give it a largely cosmetic glow up with styling and new furniture (some of which was upcycled). 

The brief was to create a family friendly home. "They weren't looking for perfection but rather a warm and relaxing retreat for their busy young family." This playroom though? Pretty close to perfect! And the mum did the colour coded books herself. Love that๐Ÿ˜

Head over to the blog now via link in bio to see the rest of this home.

#playroomideas #playroomgoals #playroomdecor #familyhomes #kidfriendlyhome #kidfriendlyinteriors #familyhomedecor #sustainabledecor #affordablerenovations #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome #beanbagchair #beanbags #colourcodedbooks #colourcoded #toyroom #kidsroomdesign 

Pix by @tealily
All the heart eyes for this little setup ๐Ÿ˜ Hea All the heart eyes for this little setup ๐Ÿ˜

Head to the blog to shop this and two other gorgeous styled images from @greenhouseinteriors 

The stunning @mrsniceart artwork has already sold but the good news is, you can still get prints of it!

Styling by Aisha Chaudhry for Greenhouse Interiors, assisted by Nikki McGar, Kylie Harris, Rachael Blake and Max Green. Photography by Stephanie Rooney. 

#poolart #sideboardstyling #buffetstyling #consolestyling #vignettes #greenhouseinteriors #barcartstyling #shopthelook #bluehomedecor #poolumbrella #beachumbrella
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About Jen Bishop

Jen Bishop is our owner and publisher and an experienced journalist and editor. Interiors Addict has been her full-time job for more than 10 years. She is mum to two young boys and lives in Sydney.

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Comments

  1. AvatarImogen Lamport says

    December 17, 2014 at 7:23 pm

    So many gorgeous interiors

    Reply
  2. AvatarHelen Edwards says

    December 18, 2014 at 7:00 am

    looks amazing Jen – totally loved all the posts x

    Reply
    • AvatarJen Bishop says

      December 19, 2014 at 2:16 pm

      Thanks Helen!

      Reply
  3. AvatarCasey @ TravellingCorkscrew.com says

    December 18, 2014 at 7:38 pm

    Looks fantastic, have an awesome time!!

    Reply
    • AvatarJen Bishop says

      December 19, 2014 at 2:15 pm

      Thanks Casey. I’m back already!

      Reply

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