Remi André Lurud — Travel & Food

Marrakech is one of those rare cities where the food defines the experience. From elaborate palace dinners to a simple bowl of harira at a street stall, eating here is inseparable from the culture. The best meals often come from the most unexpected places — a doorway in the medina that opens into a garden, a rooftop above the chaos of the souk, or a family kitchen that has been perfecting the same tagine recipe for generations. Fine Dining La Grande Table Marocaine at Royal Mansour — This is Moroccan haute cuisine at its absolute finest. Chef Yannick Alléno transforms traditional recipes into art. The seven-course tasting menu is a journey through Morocco's culinary heritage, elevated with modern technique. Reservations essential, and the dress code is formal. Dar Yacout — An institution. You enter through an unmarked door in the medina, climb stairs to a rooftop terrace for aperitifs with views of the Koutoubia Mosque, then descend into a series of ornate dining room...

Marrakech is a city that hits all your senses at once. The sound of the call to prayer echoing over the medina, the smell of spices and cedar, the kaleidoscope of colors in the souks, the taste of slow-cooked tagine — there is nothing subtle about this place, and that is exactly its appeal. It can be overwhelming on the first visit, but give it a day and the rhythm starts to feel natural. Here is everything you need to know before you go. When to Visit The best months are March to May and September to November, when temperatures are warm but manageable (around 22–28°C). Summer is brutally hot, often exceeding 40°C. Winter (December to February) is mild during the day but cold at night, especially in riads without heating. Where to Stay Royal Mansour — Built by King Mohammed VI, this is Marrakech at its most extraordinary. Each room is a private three-story riad connected by underground tunnels for service staff. The spa, gardens, and restaurants are world-class. From...

Abu Dhabi approaches hospitality differently from Dubai. Where Dubai often aims to dazzle and overwhelm, Abu Dhabi tends to offer space, tranquility, and a certain understated grandeur. The result is a hotel scene that rewards those who appreciate refinement over spectacle — though there is no shortage of spectacle either. Palace Hotels Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental — The defining Abu Dhabi hotel experience. Spread across 1.3 kilometers of private beach, with 394 rooms and suites, two pools, a marina, and some of the most opulent public spaces you will ever see. The gold-dusted cappuccino at Le Cafe is iconic. From around $450 per night. Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara — Deep in the Liwa Desert, surrounded by towering sand dunes. This is one of the most dramatic hotel locations in the world. The architecture draws from traditional Arabian fortresses. Perfect for a two-night escape from the city. Beach Resorts The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort — Direc...

Abu Dhabi's dining scene has matured into something remarkable. What was once overshadowed by Dubai's flashier restaurant openings has become a culinary destination in its own right — with Michelin-starred kitchens, world-class hotel restaurants, and waterfront dining that takes full advantage of the Gulf coastline. Here are the restaurants worth your time. Fine Dining Hakkasan — Inside Emirates Palace, Hakkasan delivers exceptional modern Chinese cuisine. The Peking duck is carved tableside with precision, and the dim sum selection is among the best in the Gulf. Michelin-starred and deservedly so. Zuma — Japanese izakaya-style dining on Al Maryah Island. The robata-grilled dishes, fresh sushi, and their signature miso-marinated black cod have made this a regional favorite since opening. The atmosphere strikes a perfect balance between lively and refined. Bord Eau by Nicolas Isnard — At the Shangri-La, this intimate French restaurant focuses on seasonal, tech...

Abu Dhabi often lives in the shadow of its flashier neighbor Dubai, and that is exactly what makes it special. While Dubai dazzles with spectacle, Abu Dhabi seduces with substance. This is a city where a world-class art museum sits alongside a grand mosque, where desert dunes meet turquoise waters, and where the pace of life allows you to actually breathe. Here is everything you need to know to make the most of Abu Dhabi. When to Visit Like Dubai, the best months are November through March, with comfortable temperatures around 24–30°C. The F1 Grand Prix weekend in late November brings a particular energy to the city. Summer months are brutally hot and best avoided for outdoor activities. What to See and Do Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque — This is not just the most impressive building in Abu Dhabi — it is one of the most beautiful places of worship in the world. The white marble exterior, 82 domes, over 1,000 columns, and the world's largest hand-knotted carpet create ...

Choosing a hotel in Dubai is not like choosing a hotel anywhere else. Here, hotels are destinations in themselves — architectural statements, culinary hubs, and entertainment complexes rolled into one. The competition is fierce, and the result is a standard of hospitality that few cities can match. After multiple visits, here is my honest guide to where to stay. For Iconic Luxury Burj Al Arab Jumeirah — Twenty-five years after opening, the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab remains the defining symbol of Dubai's ambition. Every room is a duplex suite. Personal butlers attend to every request. Even entry-level rooms start around $1,500 per night, but this is about an experience that exists nowhere else. Atlantis The Royal — Opened in 2023, this has rapidly become Dubai's most talked-about property. The stacked-block architecture looks like it defies gravity, and the rooftop infinity pools have become iconic. With 17 restaurants, the dining alone could fill a weekend. Named...

Dubai has quietly become one of the world's great food cities. What was once a dining scene dominated by hotel restaurants has transformed into a genuinely diverse culinary landscape, with everything from Michelin-starred tasting menus to legendary street food stalls. Having eaten my way through this city more than once, here are the restaurants I keep coming back to — and the ones you should not miss. Fine Dining Tresind Studio — With only 20 seats, this intimate modern Indian restaurant is one of Dubai's most extraordinary dining experiences. Chef Himanshu Saini creates a 16-course tasting menu that reinvents Indian cuisine with breathtaking precision. It holds two Michelin stars, and getting a reservation can be a challenge — book well ahead. FZN by Björn Frantzén — The sibling of Stockholm's legendary Frantzén, FZN delivers a 12-course tasting menu that blends Nordic and Japanese influences. Named Time Out Dubai's Restaurant of the Year. The wine pairi...