COOL CORNERS
From a greenhouse shala to a sunken city, What’s On makes itself at home in the coolest spots in Dubai
SCUBA DIVE IN THE WORLD’S DEEPEST POOL
Depending on how comfortable you are with swimming, wandering far into the deep end can be either exhilarating or borderline panic-inducing. If you tend to experience the latter when you can no longer touch the bottom, then maybe stay away from Deep Dive Dubai, the now Guinness World Record-holding deepest pool for divers located in Nad Al Sheba. If in fact you see this as the ultimate playground, boy, would you be right? Aside from being a whopping 60m deep, there’s a whole sunken city to explore with empty streets, a garage and an arcade that freedivers and scuba enthusiasts can discover. And thanks to a warm water temperature, you’ll neither be boiling hot (have you been in the ocean, lately?), or freezing cold.
deepdivedubai.com.
KEEP YOUR COOL DURING A SERIOUS BOARD GAME SESSION
The Six’s Downtown café has got the monopoly (no pun intended) on fun with over 1,000 games to play inside their friendly, lively space. Pay just Dhs35 at the door for unlimited access to their library of games and engage in a battle of wits with your friends over shareable sliders, salads, sundaes and wings.
Burj Vista, Downtown Dubai, Sun to Wed 9 am to midnight, Thur to Sat 9 am to 2 am. Tel: (0)43342666. thesixcafe.com
GET ZEN IN A COMMUNITY GARDEN GREENHOUSE
India may be the home of yoga, but right now Dubai is among the world’s greatest hubs for this super-healthy practice. One of our new favourite hangouts is Just Be, a secret gem in Umm Sequim comprising a green garden, communal kitchen, shop, and a pretty little greenhouse perfect for yoga practice. Dimly lit, cool and calm, with the hushed sounds of other classes taking place around the villa, it feels like your practicing yoga at a festival.
justbewellbeingcenter.com
PRIVATE CABANAS
Why just boil by the pool when you could have your own VIP private cabana?
MANDARIN ORIENTAL
What to expect: The private cabana at Mandarin Oriental is, unsurprisingly, uber-luxe. There is comfortable seating and your own private fridge under a sun-dappled wooden canopy. Outside you’ll find plush sun beds leading into the hotel’s gorgeous aqua blue pool.
Price: A cabana pass is Dhs1,500 for up to four guests. It includes private butler service, comfortable seating and lounge beds, a private mini-bar stocked with selected soft beverages, a complimentary welcome drink and exotic fruit platter, all-day refreshing treats, and amenities.
Mandarin Oriental, Jumeirah, Dubai, pool open 8 am to sunset daily. Tel: (0)4 777 2223. mandarinoriental.com
JBR BEACH CLUB AZURE BEACH
What to expect: JBR beach club Azure Beach opened its six luxury cabanas back in October 2020, offering guests an exclusive place to catch some sun, relax and socialise. The cabana area, which come in two sizes, boasts a cushy booth, expansive double sun bed and a beautiful private pool for you to dip in and out of as you please.
Price: A small private cabana for up to six people is Dhs4,000 minimum spend, fully redeemable on food and beverages, (water and soft drinks included), and a large private cabana for up to 10 people is Dhs6,000 minimum spend, fully redeemable on food and beverages, (water and soft drinks included).
Azure Beach, Rixos Premium Dubai JBR, Dubai, open 10am to 8pm daily. Tel: (0)52 777 9472. azure-beach.com
PALAZZO VERSACE
What to expect: One Dubai pool you need on your bucket list is La Piscina, found at celebrity-favored hotel Palazzo Versace. The gorgeous cabanas are evidence of that signature Greek decor that you’ll see around the hotel and they face straight onto the sparkling blue pool – perfect for dipping into when it gets too hot.
Price: Dhs2,000 redeemable on food and beverages.
La Piscina, Palazzo Versace Dubai, Jaddaf Waterfront, Dubai, open daily 10 am to 7 pm, F&B available from 10 am to 6 pm. Tel: (0)4 556 8895. @lapiscinadubai
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HOW NOT TO LOSE YOUR COOL THIS SUMMER
This is a city that works hard, plays hard, but, on a boiling hot day, can feel like hard work. So look at this month’s magazine as a little cooling comfort pack to see you through the summer season. Let yourself be whisked off to our favourite indoor bars and hideaways – with AC, summery feels and maybe an ice-cold drink to keep you chill. Then dream of refreshing dishes to fill your belly. You’ve never had it so cool.
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If there is a silver lining to the challenges the past year created for families, it may be the growth, availability and affordability of virtual care for medical and mental health needs. The ability to see a doctor from home, with little notice, offers a level of flexibility in accessing health care that was historically quite rare.