Suitcases & Stories

Real Travel. Real Stories. Real Life In Between.

Dubai Series: Part 3 – Fireworks, Mash, and Mad Views – The Day I Fell Even More in Love with Dubai.

You ever have one of those days that just makes you smile every time you think about it? This was one of them. It started in the sky, ended in the sky, and somewhere along the way there was Jill Scott, a fountain show, and the creamiest mash I’ve ever tasted.
Dubai was showing off, and I was here for it!

🏙 Aura Skypool: Views, Vibes, and Unexpected Chills 😂

Let’s talk about Aura Skypool..because wowzas!
This place isn’t just a pretty face for the ’Gram’… it’s ridiculous in the best way.

That view though… swimming with the city spread out like this, never felt real!!

Suspended on the 50th floor of the Palm Tower (yep, that’s around 689 feet above ground), it’s one of the tallest infinity pools in the world, and you feel it.
Weirdly, not in a scary way at all. I’m not even mad at heights, but even if you are, this doesn’t give that shaky, vertigo energy.
It just feels… like magic.

We paid 600 AED (around £125) for both of us, which got us two loungers in the second row, overlooking the Marina.

When you book, you actually get to choose both your view and your time slot.. options are sunrise, morning, afternoon, or evening.

We went for morning (10am–2pm) because we wanted to hit the Burj Khalifa for sunset later that day.
I can imagine sunrise would be unreal… if your eyes open that early. Mine do not. (if I have a choice!) 😂
Evening probably has a whole vibe too, with a DJ playing and the city lights kicking in.

Now I know what you’re thinking.. 10am to 2pm? In Dubai?? Sun at its peak?!
But could you hear me out? The space is surprisingly shaded, especially where we were (second row), so you’re never baking under full sun.
In fact.. true story, I got out the pool at one point and was low-key chilly.
Dubai said: stay humble. 😅

The pool itself is 360° and wraps around the whole tower, so even if you book a specific view.. Marina, Burj Al Arab, Palm Jumeirah, or city skyline, you can swim around and soak up every angle.

Aura Skypool in motion. 689 feet up, and still one of the calmest mornings we had in Dubai.

I swear, the Palm Jumeirah view from above is absolutely iconic.
I’ve got a pic that honestly looks fake.
It’s one of those moments you just stare at and think… how is this real?

We spent the four hours swimming, lounging, and just taking it all in.
My husband’s not usually the type to chill on a sun lounger, but even he was in his element.
This wasn’t just a pool day. This was Dubai.
Everything’s next level here.

Of course, it’s not just about the views. The perks and service? 10/10.

On arrival, we were handed this luxe beach-style tote bag (I still have it), with flip flops, a waterproof phone pouch, and a fan inside.
We got fluffy robes, plush towels, the works.
No hidden charges for all that.
It’s the kind of place that feels expensive but actually shows you where your money’s going.
I always say, Dubai ain’t cheap, but you’ll see the value in every penny spent.

We ordered a light brunch and cocktails (not included in the entry price), and the food was gorgeous, fresh, high-quality, beautifully presented.
Didn’t feel overpriced at all.

Light bites, strong coffee, and poolside views. Dubai doesn’t do average brunch.

Now… can we please talk about the toilets? 😂
No, honestly… those toilets need their own postcode.
I remember coming back to the UK and telling my mum and sister about them like it was a whole attraction.
I walked in and froze. Was I in the wrong place? Did I just enter a spa?!
Immaculate. Divine-smelling. Calming music. Cotton hand towels. Luxe moisturiser that melted into my skin like butter.
I’m sorry, but that bathroom deserves a round of applause. 👏🏾

Honestly, Aura is one of those experiences I’ll recommend over and over.
Four hours is more than enough to relax, explore, swim, and grab your photos without feeling rushed.
It never felt overcrowded… in fact, at moments, it felt like we had the place to ourselves.
The way they control the numbers? Genius.
You don’t need a whole day. That time slot structure? Makes perfect sense once you’re there.

Quick notes if you’re planning to go:

  • Book early for your preferred view – especially the Palm!
  • No under 16s allowed, so plan accordingly.
  • Bring your camera, but also take a moment to just soak it in.
  • Book directly through Aura’s website – super easy process.

Would I go back? In a heartbeat.
Aura is calm, classy, and completely unforgettable.
Honestly, that morning set the tone for one of the best days of our trip. ✨

This wasn’t just a pool day. This was US!!

🌇 Burj Khalifa – Big Views, Bigger Realisations

After a quick drink and a walk around the Downtown area where the Burj is located, we headed up.
We booked through GetYourGuide and had tickets to the 124th and 125th floors. It was about £33 per person for sunset.

By the way, you’re not even at the top! The Burj goes up to 163 floors, and there’s a VIP deck on the 148th if you fancy levelling up. We stuck to the classic 124th and 125th… and trust me, the views still slap.

And I mean… I’ll upload a pic to help describe it, but Dubai really knows how to give you that Insta pic without even trying.
The views were incredible.

124 floors up and this was the view staring back at us! Worth every queue!!

The queue, though? 😩 Madness.
Everyone wants a piece of that sunset view, and you will have to pay for it in line-waiting time.
If I’m honest… even though everything was well organised, I started to lose excitement halfway through.
I was tired, especially after a long day already.

But once we got up there… wow!
Just sitting there, watching the sun slowly go down over this ridiculous city, it kind of made the wait worth it.
My husband and I sat in silence for a bit, and in that moment, I knew we were both thinking the same thing.
This is it.
This is what we’re chasing. This life. These moments.
All that everyday stress back home? It’s not what life is really about.
And I can not.. will not… let myself miss moments like this.
When the world is this beautiful? Hell no.
You can’t put a price tag on it.
It’s what I live for.

On reflection, it wasn’t just about the views or the city showing off. Somewhere in that silence, I felt like a teenager again. Giddy. Grown-woman me, but still giddy over him. Marriage doesn’t always look like what you imagine when you’re young. It’s bills, routines, the normal life. But a day like this? It pulls you right back to the start. Reminds you that under all the noise, we’re still best friends who fell in love, still choosing each other over and over again. That sunset wasn’t just a view. It was us.

After the view, we wandered through the gift shop, cute bits, keyrings, mini Burj models… you know the vibe.
Of course, I picked up a fridge magnet for my little collection back in the UK.
Was it overpriced? Probably.
But now it’s on my fridge with all the others, reminding me of how lucky I am to have had moments like that.

Walking out and seeing the Burj like this… Dubai really knows how to flex!

Would I go again? Honestly? Probably not.
Once you’ve done it, you’ve done it.
Dubai has so much more to offer, and unless there’s a big reason to go back up there, I’d use that time and money to explore somewhere new.
But for a first-timer? 1000% must-do.

🌃 Dinner with Fountain Views, Mash, and Jill Scott

(Oh—and a Surprise Bill 😂)

Now this dinner deserves its own chapter.

Dinner wasn’t the plan… but look where we ended up. Only in Dubai!

We ended the day at Maison De Curry – outdoor table, prime fountain view, perfect timing.

This guy right here! Best friend, travel partner, surprise-bill survivor. Always him x

But let me back up a second… because this was not the plan. 😂

After Aura Skypool, we didn’t go back to the hotel. I still had my bikini on under my outfit, and we were just planning to grab something casual and cheap-ish near Dubai Mall.
My husband did a quick Google search and picked this place because of the good reviews.

I looked at him like, “Babe… don’t take me somewhere fancy right now… I’m not exactly dressed for the occasion.”
He goes, “Nah, babe, it’s chill. Just decent food with a nice Burj view.”
Cool. I trusted the vision.

To be fair, it was stunning… but in Dubai, everywhere looks boujee so I didn’t clock it as super high-end.
I didn’t feel uncomfortable… just hungry. 😂

Then mid-meal, I spot Jill Scott… Yes, THE Jill Scott, the England football legend, just casually having dinner at the next table.
I whisper to my husband like, “You SURE this isn’t expensive?!”
He’s like, “I didn’t see prices online… but I think we’re good.”

Cue the bill at the end.
Let’s just say… our eyes watered more than I did during the fountain show. 😂
He looked at me like, “Okayyy… so THIS is why we had that view, that food, and Jill Scott sitting next to us!”

We still laugh about it now.
Honestly? Money comes and goes. Memories? They’re priceless.
Wouldn’t change a thing.

So yes… Maison De Curry.
We’re eating, the fountains start dancing, Burj Khalifa is lit up behind us, and then… Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” comes on.
Huni, I bawled. 😭😂
That kind of crying where you’re half-laughing at yourself like, what is my life right now?

Whitney Houston. Dancing Fountains. Me crying. Nuff said!!

I looked over at my husband, at the fountains, at the plate of food in front of me…. and just felt this wave of deep, grounded gratitude.
Like, I really built this life. I get to have these moments.
Travel reminds me of that every single time.

And the food? Fire.
I had lamb with the creamiest mash I’ve ever tasted.
I know I’m a proper English girl when I go off about mash, but this was on another level.
Came out looking like a purée… I wasn’t even sure what it was at first… lol.. but the flavour?
It melted into my soul. 😂

Another epic day.
Another reminder that I’m not done with this city yet.

Nights like this – magic you can’t put a price on.

✨ Quick Recap – What We Did

🏊‍♀️ Aura Skypool – 4-hour morning session (10am–2pm) | View: Marina | Cost: 600 AED (~£125 for 2 people)
Includes loungers, tote bag, flip flops, robes + pool access.
👉 Book via Aura’s website – select your view + time slot.

🌇 Burj Khalifa – Sunset Visit
Floors: 124 & 125 | Booked via GetYourGuide | Cost: ~£33 pp
👉 Arrive early – sunset queues are no joke! VIP floor (148) available for a higher price.

🍽 Maison De Curry – Dinner with Fountain Views
Gorgeous outdoor spot near Dubai Mall | Walk-in | Pricier than expected 😅
👉 Worth it for the food, fountains, and Jill Scott sightings alone.

Dubai doesn’t do boring… and this day was proof of that.
Sky-high views, unforgettable food, surprise celeb moments, and that feeling of knowing you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.

I’ll never get tired of this city… or of the way it has a habit of pulling me closer to him, even when I least expect it. 💛

Dubai… I ❤️ U. Always.

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