No flights? No worries. From Santorini vibes to Broadway glam, we’ve uncovered hidden global escapes right here in the UAE. Check out these 8 spots to get your travel fix without leaving town this summer.
Chicago, USA: The Butcher and Still, Four Seasons Abu Dhabi Hotel
A Chicago steakhouse in Abu Dhabi? That’s exactly what The Butcher & Still serves up — all with the Four Seasons’ signature polish. Step down into this Prohibition-era hideout, where a roaring Twenties soundtrack sets the scene — even Al Capone would give it a nod. The menu channels pure Windy City energy: dry-aged beef, Kansas City strip loins, and a wedge salad so hefty you’ll need both hands. But the real gem? The Hideaway — a secret underground dining room reached by private elevator, like stepping into a gangster’s vault. Dim lighting, rich details, and effortless cool create a dining experience that plays the nostalgia card perfectly — and wins every time. Dress sharp, order a Manhattan, and let the immersive vibe take over.
Lima, Peru: COYA Abu Dhabi
COYA is where Peruvian soul food, luxe hospitality, and serious swagger collide. This Abu Dhabi hotspot, part of the global COYA family, is one of the city’s liveliest scenes — and the awards back it up. Step inside and you’re hit with a full-on Latin American fiesta: bold colors, vibrant sounds, and spicy flavors everywhere. The menu’s a knockout — think zesty ceviches, smoky anticuchos, perfectly grilled meats, and cocktails that bring the heat and flair (hello, iconic pisco sour). Walls decked with art, live DJs setting the vibe, and a bar scene that’s basically passport-worthy. They even have their own playlist — good luck resisting the urge to Shazam every track between bites (we tried, no luck). It’s the kind of spot where dinner naturally flows into dancing, all wrapped up in the vibe of a stylish Lima lounge party. Can’t jet off to South America? This is the next best thing.
Cape Town, South Africa: Flamingo Room by tashas
Flamingo Room doesn’t just whisper luxury — it straight-up roars it. Nestled in Jumeirah Al Naseem, Dubai, and The Galleria Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, this spot is the ultimate celebration of African elegance with a fierce splash of maximalism. From oversized animal sculptures to plush pink velvet chairs and shimmering gold-leaf accents, every inch is thoughtfully curated — every detail tells a wild story. The menu fuses global chic with South African roots: think king crab tagliatelle, creamy burrata with heirloom tomatoes, and cocktails that come dressed to kill. Plus, Collective Africa, the in-house concept store, serves up everything from standout fashion to bold décor pieces. Come for the killer Instagram moments, stay for the intricate details, and leave with a shopping bag full of unforgettable finds.
New York, USA: Broadway Brasserie & Bar, Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental
What if Manhattan’s iconic theatre district collided with Middle Eastern grandeur? That’s the vibe at Broadway Brasserie & Bar, the dazzling hotspot inside Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental. With exposed brick, moody lighting, and live stage performances in a private dining theatre, your dinner here is truly center stage. The menu blends classic American and European brasserie hits — think seared scallops, tender short ribs, and truffled mac and cheese. It’s comfort food, but elevated to couture levels. The bar shakes up cocktail classics with a Broadway flair, while live entertainment fills the room with show-stopping tunes and elegant cabaret. Whether it’s a romantic night out or a glam evening with friends, the energy here is electric. Dress to impress, sip on “The Curtain Call,” and get ready for a night that’s pure entertainment — from appetizer to encore.
Santorini, Greece: Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat
Think you need a Schengen visa to get your Greek island fix? Think again. Just under an hour from Abu Dhabi, right off Exit 399, lies Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat — one of the UAE’s most stunning resort escapes. With crisp white architecture, infinity pools, and that signature Aegean calm, it’s the Greek getaway you didn’t know was a quick road trip away. This boutique, adults-only sanctuary has only 22 rooms, blending minimalist luxury with beachside bliss. Many suites open straight onto the sand, giving you barefoot luxury vibes paired with Arabian Gulf views. Dine at Oia and Thalassa, where Mediterranean fine dining meets a UAE twist, and unwind at Anantara Spa with everything from Thai massages to Greek olive oil facials. Here, time slows, emails wait, and sunsets come with a heavy dose of serenity. Bucket list-worthy? Absolutely.
Bangkok, Thailand: Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi Hotel
A grand hotel with authentic Thai soul, Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi offers a staycation that’s rich in atmosphere — and serious style. From the moment you step in, a calm wave washes over you: orchids everywhere, soothing melodies, and a signature scent in the air that could melt away even the toughest day. The rooms are plush, spacious, and beautifully infused with Thai design, but the real star is Benjarong — their fine-dining Thai gem loved by locals in the know. Expect artfully plated dishes, ingredients flown straight from Bangkok, and service that’s pure grace. Don’t miss the Namm Spa, where traditional Thai wellness meets modern luxury — the Thai herbal compress massage and Hammam are absolute musts. It’s a peaceful sanctuary of Thai hospitality — no jet lag, just jasmine tea and all the good vibes.
Polynesia: Lapita, Dubai Parks and Resorts
So, what’s Polynesia anyway? Wikipedia calls it “a subregion of Oceania made up of over 1,000 islands scattered across the central and southern Pacific Ocean” — and that pretty much nails it. Step into Lapita, Dubai Parks and Resorts, Autograph Collection and you’ll want to pause and soak it all in. From the moment you arrive, the Polynesian vibe hits you hard: think wooden carvings, lava stone accents, natural woods, and bamboo, all wrapped up in a breezy, garden-style layout that practically begs you to hop on a golf cart and explore. The island theme carries through to the restaurants Kalea and Hikina, where tropical ingredients like coconut, pineapple, and fresh seafood bring the islander spirit to every bite. Oh, and if you’re planning a wedding? This place is a total dream.
Giza, Egypt: Wafi City, Dubai
You literally can’t miss Wafi City — that iconic pyramid towering over Dubai’s Al Jadaf district is a jaw-dropping nod to ancient Egyptian grandeur. Think towering obelisks, temple-style facades, and intricate wall carvings that pay tribute to the pharaohs of old. Inside, Wafi City is a buzzing blend of shopping, dining, and culture. From stylish fashion boutiques and Egyptian-themed eateries to the freshly revamped Wafi Gourmet, it’s a playground for anyone channeling their inner pharaoh. And yep, there’s even a spa offering ancient Egyptian-inspired treatments — because who says you can’t feel like Cleopatra on a random Tuesday?
Provence, France: French Village, Riverland Dubai
Tucked away in Riverland Dubai is a little slice of France that feels like it’s been plucked straight from the pages of a storybook. The French Village channels 16th-century Dijon with cobblestone streets, crooked alleyways, and rustic stone buildings that ooze old-world charm. A river winds through the scene, while quaint cafés, boutique shops, street performers, and the soft sound of accordion music create serious Parisian rom-com energy. It’s impossibly photogenic — especially at golden hour — and perfect for a slow wander or a leisurely cheese board session. Come cooler evenings, the village transforms with live performances, themed markets, and festivals that light up the night. It’s theatrical, romantic, and oh-so-French — minus the airport queues and currency exchange. Basically, Provence with parking.
