A Day of Bliss at The Spa, Address Boulevard, Dubai

Two years ago, I learnt the importance of a full body massage the hard way. I woke up one morning with back pain that felt like I had several needles punctured into my skin. While I used to experience back pain on and off, the discomfort would subside in 72 hours or so. However, that morning was different and I had to reach out for mild pain-killer.

When my friend invited me to tag along with her for a facial, I reluctantly took the opportunity to book a half body massage. Post a number of queries from the therapist, she got down to 'unlocking' my knots which she said were evident in my shoulder blade area. For the next 24 hours, my upper back was sore however, I realized that I didn't wake up with the regular discomfort. Moreover, I felt a sort of ease when stretching. It's because of that moment in time that I now go in for full body massages once every month. And once in a blue moon, I book two sessions- the first being mid-month and another, during the end of month. 

When I visited The Spa at the Address Boulevard, my expectations were high. I'm happy to say that The Spa checked off all the right boxes.

The Food Byte: Iftar at 3in1, Vida Downtown, Dubai

Coming back to one of my favorite places for iftar, 3in1 at Vida Downtown, Dubai is nothing short of a delight. To begin with, the restaurant has a unique appeal- from its aesthetics, to the ambiance and the serene outdoor pool. The variety and quality of food meets expectations time and time again, whether you are dining for iftar or brunch.

While Ramadan comes with its joy and blessings, there's a component that several restaurants struggle with. Food wastage. While there's an extravagant display of food at certain venues, I can't help but wonder how much of the unconsumed food goes to waste. Restaurants across the city have their own food-saving initiatives, however I truly appreciate those like 3in1 that commit to reducing food wastage through a set main course menu for iftar. 

With a three-day rotational menu, a buffet for hot and cold appetizers in addition to a desserts buffet, 3in1 easily makes it to my Top 3 Iftars for this year.

The Food Byte: Suhoor at The Secret Garden, Address Downtown, Dubai

Suhoor in the city is equally as delightful as iftar is. You will see it almost everywhere- people tend to relax with almost every second person at the table having a shisha. It is also a time when board and card games are revived.

Suhoor is the meal prior to keeping a fast in Ramadan and while it is usually consumed late into the night, it isn't uncommon for a 10pm start. The ambiance is quite different to that of iftar and if you are lucky enough, you'll either be invited by the people at the next table for a card game or find inspiration from them as they make plans for their Eid holidays. 

One such place is The Secret Garden. Nestled at the Address Downtown, Dubai, this venue is perfect not only for suhoor but intimate gatherings or a special celebration. With the majestic Burj Khalifa in the background, live Arabic music and mobile air-cons keeping the temperature cool in the open air restaurant (indoor seating is available), suhoor here was a pleasant experience. 

The Food Byte: Iftar at The Restaurant, Address Boulevard, Dubai

While there are several iftar tents and venues to try this Ramadan, there are only a few that live up to my expectations. Those few check all the right boxes and never fail to impress. The Address Hotel (regardless of its location in the city) is one such place I don't hesitate to go for a meal.

Having visited several different restaurants at the chain of this marvelous hotel over the years, I can vouch for their exceptional hospitality and service. In addition to this, the food is delectable and ambiance pleasing. 

Ramadan is no exception. The hotel chain puts in extra effort to ensure their guests have a variety of food, a hearty meal and a smile on their faces as they leave. I paid a visit to The Restaurant for iftar and was pleasantly surprised with how they managed iftar. 

The Food Byte: Iftar at Ewaan, Palace Downtown, Dubai

If you are spending your first Ramadan in Dubai, you will be inundated with options however, there's one place that must not miss, no matter what. To truly savor the delights of Arabic food and exceptional hospitality, make your way to iftar at Ewaan, Palace Downtown, Dubai.

Palace Downtown is one of the few hotels that fulfills the definition of opulence. With interiors fit for a royal home and aesthetics that would serve as best practice to interior designers across the globe, the hotel is easily one of my favorites. The moment you step inside, you feel like you are walking into a real palace and sometimes I wonder if this is how the royals feel like everyday.

The iftar at one of the best restaurants at the hotel, Ewaan never fails to impress. Having dined on a feast last year, I would recommend this place time and time again. With exceptional service and a pleasant ambience, the food here is going to strike interesting conversations.

With an international cuisine (traditional Arabic included) that plays host to the iftar, the buffet is a lavish spread of food that will delight all age groups.