But First…Some Personal Travel Drama

You all seem to love my personal travel drama stories so before I dive into this week’s newsletter, here is what’s been happening in my life these last few days. I am supposed to be heading out on a cruise this weekend with my 85 year old aunt and my cousin. Unfortunately, my aunt became incredibly ill last week. Going through the cancellation process with my own cousin — an intelligent human being! — has been so enlightening. At four days prior to departure, he assumed we could just reschedule the cruise to a later date. But that is just not how cruise lines operate. It’s too late for them to resell our cabins. If we cancel, this is a full insurance claim. For my aunt and cousin and for me!

Importantly, the order of events matter: You can’t just cancel your cruise and assume you’ll get refunded because someone is ill. You need a doctor’s letter first. And then once you have that, you can click the cancel button. But still, nothing is guaranteed. It’s up to the insurance company to review our claim. And guess what? Getting through to Generali was impossible. All poorly designed artificial intelligence menus.

Making maters worse, when we booked this cruise a year ago, my cousin booked his pre-night hotel stay in Orlando using a non-refundable rate! He is trying to fight with the hotel to get his money back. But non-refundable means non-refundable, George! (Luckily I am not involved in this drama as he booked the hotel without me. I booked the same hotel using a refundable rate so I’m fine. )

This cruise cancellation and the subsequent insurance drama are just not something I had time for this week! For every client who has ever thought that they don’t need travel insurance — get the darn insurance! Stuff happens. Life happens! You cannot control the crazy.

Now…Back to Dubai…

Dubai is one of those places that lives up to the hype. Futuristic architecture, cultural depth, serious gastronomy, and a true sense of big world adventure — this is a bucket-list destination that rewards thoughtful planning. Add nearby Abu Dhabi and a luxury desert stay, and you have a trip with contrast, culture, cuisine, and calm.

Back when I used to work in finance, I sold financial data all over the Middle East from the Dubai International Financial Centre. I had so many incredible hospitality experiences. (My friends and I joke that you truly haven’t lived until you’ve ordered the mezze platter from room service in Dubai in the middle of the night while jetlagged.)

So believe me when I say: this region deserves more than a layover.

Why This Works for Luxury Couples, Families With Teens, and Multi-Gen Groups

Dubai and Abu Dhabi both move at a global pace — big buildings, big art, big restaurants — but they also have heart. Think:

Sights no one else can top (Burj Khalifa, Louvre Abu Dhabi, the canals of Alserkal)
World-class food across so many cuisines it feels like a permanent global festival
Different rhythms — city buzz, calm corniche evenings, desert starscapes

And, with Emirates and Etihad flying nonstop from major U.S. hubs, getting there is as smooth as it gets for a long-haul route.

Let’s Talk Flights: Emirates & Etihad Hype

If you’re aiming for luxury travel vibes from the moment you walk into the airport:

✈ Emirates Airlines

Dubai’s home carrier — consistently ranked strong for comfort, entertainment, service, and connectivity
Nonstop from New York (JFK), Chicago (ORD), and Miami (MIA) to Dubai (DXB)
Exemplary business class and first class experiences — thoughtful service, exquisite dining, outstanding lounges

✈ Etihad Airways

The national airline of the UAE and Abu Dhabi’s pride
Seamless connections through Abu Dhabi (AUH) with a consistently polished onboard service
Legendary hospitality and spacious cabins — particularly in business and first

Flight Times (Typical, Nonstop):

New York → Dubai: ~12.5–14 hours
Chicago → Dubai: ~13.5–15 hours
Miami → Dubai: ~14 hours

Book with an eye toward comfort, and consider premium cabins on these carriers — especially for long-haul. And always check business class pricing! Business class on Emirates and Etihad are like nothing you’ve ever experienced before.

The Luxury Stays That Elevate the Trip

This isn’t a “one hotel and done” kind of travel life. Balance city luxury, cultural retreat, and desert serenity for a layered experience.

Virtuoso Picks — Dubai

Remember, by booking one of these properties through me, you’ll receive complimentary breakfast for two, priority for upgrade, a hotel credit, and more.

Burj Al Arab Jumeirah
Dubai’s most iconic beachfront landmark delivers unapologetic, over-the-top luxury with duplex suites, Rolls-Royce transfers, private beach access, and a level of service designed to make guests feel like heads of state rather than hotel guests.

Bvlgari Resort Dubai
Personalized service, dramatic architecture, and a serene island setting make this perfect for couples or mature multi-gen stays.

Atlantis The Royal Dubai
Iconic and activity-rich — great for teens who want adventure, families who want amenities, and anyone who loves dynamic luxury.

Virtuoso Picks — Abu Dhabi

By booking one of these properties through me, you’ll receive complimentary breakfast for two, priority for upgrade, a hotel credit, and more.

Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental
Grandeur with genuine warmth — perfect for dinners with multiple generations and relaxed beach time.

The St. Regis Abu Dhabi
Downtown refinement meets beachfront ease — excellent launchpad for museums, mosques, and sea breezes.

Luxury Desert Stays (Glamping + More)

There are a few ways to do the desert. Pick based on how much luxury + privacy + authentic desert vibe you want:

Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa
Silent dunes, artisan design, immersive camp dinners — this is the most classic luxury desert option.

Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara
If you want palatial glam + dunes + serious amenities — think vast villas, expansive pools, and dramatic settings without roughing it.

The Food Scene: A Travel Story in Every Meal

Dubai and Abu Dhabi aren’t just beautiful — they’re delicious on a global scale.

You’ll find:

Michelin-recognized kitchens in Dubai showcasing French, Japanese, Indian, Levantine and creative new-world interpretations
Chef-driven lounges and waterfront restaurants with service and presentation that rival the world’s best
Local takes on modern Emirati cuisine popping up alongside Michelin stars

Booking ahead is essential — these dining rooms book out, and for good reason.

What to Do (Beyond the Obvious)

Sure, see the Burj Khalifa. But also:

Evening dhow dinner on Dubai Creek — a graceful contrast to the skyline
Alserkal Avenue art galleries — contemporary art that feels genuinely next-level
Corniche bike ride in Abu Dhabi with sea views

Trip Anatomy That Works

For most luxury travelers, 10–12 nights hits the sweet spot:

4 nights in Dubai (city + food + beach + jet lag recovery)
2 to 3 nights in the desert (stars + dunes + calm)
3–4 nights in Abu Dhabi (culture + cuisine + unwinding)

This rhythm feels effortless — and lets you experience the UAE in repeatable, memorable chapters.

OR…Consider a Cruise

I have so many cruises that travel this part of the world. Explora Journeys, Celestyal (a value-priced option), Regent to name a few.

Final Word

Dubai and Abu Dhabi often get reduced to “flashy” or “instagrammable” — but the city, sand, and sea combo is substantive. With legendary airlines like Emirates and Etihad making the long haul feel built for comfort, and a dining scene that competes with global capitals, this is not just another box to tick.

It’s a destination that rewards those who travel with purpose — luxury, flavor, space, and stories worth telling. Ready to talk? Book a complimentary vacation consultation here.

About Krista

I’m a Virtuoso travel advisor based in West Palm Beach, Florida. I attended the University of Notre Dame for undergrad and I have my MBA from the University of Chicago. Before building my travel business, I spent 20 years in the investment management industry and over a decade living and working in London, England. I’ve personally traveled to 80 countries and now design thoughtful, highly customized trips for travelers who value expertise, access, and a seamless experience.

I offer a complimentary 30-minute consultation for travelers considering a custom itinerary or luxury cruise. Book a complimentary vacation consultation here.

For travel inspiration and real-time updates, you can follow along on Instagram or connect with me on Facebook. I also share a curated list of travel products I genuinely use and recommend in my online store.

What I Offer…

Custom itinerary design for complex, multi-stop trips
VIP hotel benefits through Virtuoso and preferred partner programs (including complimentary breakfast, hotel credits, and priority for upgrades where available)
Luxury ocean, river, and expedition cruises with added onboard credits
Vetted villa rentals with concierge services worldwide
Private guides, small-group touring, and unique local experiences
Private aviation and yacht charters through trusted partners
Airport transfers, VIP arrival and departure services, and full ground logistics
Travel protection and support when plans change

I work best with travelers who want expert planning, trusted partnerships, and someone in their corner from start to finish. That’s what I am best at! Ready to talk travel? Book a complimentary vacation consultation here.

Dubai, Abu Dhabi & the Desert: A Bucket-List Trip That’s Worth the Flight