After a week of being in an office that doesn’t understand personal space, back to back meetings that could have most definitely been an email and having phone notifications going off every two minutes, spending the weekend alone and in silence has a level of appeal that only introverts fully understand.
There’s a certain amount of respect given to a woman so comfortable in herself that she can take herself to dinner, to the cinema or out to coffee without any sign of needing someone else. And I’m constantly striving to be THAT woman.
So if you are craving stillness in a city that is never still, here’s your guide to a solo 48 hours in Dubai from someone who has spent 12 years of weekends looking for exactly that.
Saturday
7:00 AM – Rise and Reset
Start with a morning paddleboard off Jumeirah beach. The boardwalk itself is busy but once you are out on the water it’s blissfully peaceful. You can rent from Kite N Surf near Sunset Mall for around AED 100 an hour, and the best bit is the boards are already at the water’s edge so you don’t need to drag them down.
9:00 AM – Refuel and Caffeinate
Skip the coffee queue at Common Grounds at the beach and drive to Tomorrow Morning in Zabeel instead. This might seem a long way from where you are, but as you sip your coffee in silence in the garden you’ll understand why it’s worth it. It is next to a mosque so dressing appropriately would be nice.
11:00 AM – Treat Yourself
Time for a facial. I love The Face Retreat in Meyan Mall in Jumeirah. It’s probably the most relaxing facial I have ever had (and I have sampled several).
1:30 PM – Treat Yourself x 2
Head to Brix Cafe in Jumeirah Fishing Harbour for a light lunch with a view. Read, journal or people-watch whilst having cake for lunch because you’re an adult and you can make your own decisions.
3:30 PM – Mani Pedi Maintenance
There’s no shortage of salons in Dubai but I have favourites. SO Art and Beauty in Galleria Mall and Snob in Jumeirah for when you want bold and adventurous nails, and The Nail Pavilion in Al Barari or Casa Aire in the Marina for calm and relaxation alongside your maintenance. I love an in-chair massage and will never say no to a shoulder and foot massage during a mani pedi.
6:30 PM – A Relaxing Evening In
Because the introverts know that home alone is unmatched. Give the house a turn-down service: tidy up, switch the side lights on, put a candle under the candle warmer, then an everything shower and fresh pyjamas. There is no better plan for the evening. I just found Murder in a Small Town on OSN and it’s the nicest murder mystery series. Once you watch it you’ll know what I mean. A glass of red or sparkling water, popcorn in this bowl from Crate and Barrel, and the evening is perfect.
Sunday
7:30 AM – The Early Bird Gets the Workout
Join a reformer class at Reform or take a morning walk along the beach. The beach will not be quiet (not even at 5:30 AM) but thankfully everyone is so focused on their own workout it still feels like you are alone. Almost.
10:00 AM – Coffee & Concept Spaces
Keeping with the solo spaces, next is Rekord in Alserkal, a neighbourhood that feels the opposite of empty until you step inside. Set inside Efie Gallery, it’s one of the most unique coffee shops I have ever walked into. First thing in the morning you’ll likely be the only person in there, but I have heard the evening viewings and listening events get jammed so keep that in mind. The walls are filled with vinyl from the family’s personal collection, which gives you no shortage of listening material should you be looking for a new album.
12:00 PM – New Reading Material
Dubai Mall is not for the faint-hearted but you can park in Fashion and skip on over to Kinokuniya with minimal interaction with other humans. A bookshop makes the outside world disappear the moment you step over the threshold. I choose a book with a three-step process and it’s never failed me yet. The cover is the first attraction, next the synopsis on the back and, if that passes the test, I open the book at a random page to see the writing style. It’s a blissful time spent choosing books this way.
2:00 PM – Lunch with a Choice
As you’re already in Dubai Mall, cross over to Time Out Market in Souk Al Bahar, which is a great place for solo eating. There’s no end of little tucked-away corners where you can eat in peace with your new books for company.
4:00 PM – Prep Ahead to Win the Week
Finish the weekend with meal prep, laundry and the little tasks that help you feel on top of Monday before it begins. My favourites are a fully stocked fruit bowl, all my work outfits selected and on the hanger together, meals planned and prepped and the apartment clean.
