Bliss Lounge - Sheraton, JBR Dubai

Bliss has been high up on my list of places to visit for a while... Situated in the middle of the grounds of the Sheraton Hotel, Bliss does stand out from its surroundings. Being quite a bit smaller than I expected, this did not dampen the setting of beach and sea which laid out in front of the bar. Pitching itself somewhere between the ultra glamorous and beautiful Jetty Lounge and the heavy beats and booziness of XL, its pleasant with some pumping tunes (meaning a spontaneous boogy could definitely be on the cards) and cocooned by long bamboo looking sticks with a circular bar greeting you at the entrance.

Bliss hosts different levels of decking, featuring booths, low table settings and seats on the beach where one can dig their toes into the sand. Sleek whites, grey and mauve can we found in the furniture with low mood lighting in the form of boxes on tables, spot lights in the floor and white large bulbs leading up to the lounge. 

Even though it is probably a better destination for the cooler months, on the breezy night it is definitely bearable and the Bliss staff come prepared with large industrial fans - these might slightly spoil the setting but at least it keeps you cool whilst still being outdoors.

They offer a variety of finger food, sushi, healthy salads and tapas which come served as perfect sharing plates. Try the Ahi Tuna Tartar - the mix of sesame, tuna and avocado is delicious and light and leaves room to try the scrumptious cocktail and wine variety that they have on offer.

Great spot for sunny d's, dates or just casual dinners. Bliss is there to suit your every mood.

Story Lounge - Holiday Inn Internet City, Dubai

This relatively new hot spot sits on the border between Internet City and Knowledge Village making it my go-to bar for after work drinks. The trendy digs are on the top floor of the Holiday Inn Hotel, with two terraces encasing the indoor restaurant, both with marvelous views of the Palm and the sunset (if you manage to get there in time after work).

The indoor interiors are cool and spacious with tables dug into coves in the wall as well as massive lounge areas throughout the room. One of the balcony, skinny in appearance, is the more relaxed and quiet out of the two, the perfect place to catch up with friends and wind down after a long day at work. The latter is more energetic with a DJ based at one end of the room, blaring techno beats until the early hours of the morning. Mirroring the interiors, the exteriors also boost large sofa areas, large enough for a dozen companions. There are also high tables giving customers an even better view of what lies beyond the railings.

Snacks and more substantial meals are available, all based around a mexican style theme. Try a chicken coquette or the sweet potato fries - these are great sharing plates for the whole table to indulge in.

Story also has many offers to get involved in. They do a great Thursday night and Friday brunch, with mounts of delicious food and a outdoor BBQ. On a Thursday night they offer 4 drinks for 100aed until 8pm and though-out the week, happy hour reigns with 50% off selected beverage... I mean, whats not to like?!

To note: staff are a tad slow but as long as you are not too inpatient, it shouldn't ruin the experience too much...

Beit Al Bahar AKA The Beach House - Jumeriah Dubai

Next to the Dubai Off-shore sailing club sits Beit Al Bahar, a three story villa which has been turned into three restaurants. This is a real hidden gem - off the beaten track this joint is mostly inhabited by locals and Emiratis. Very un-dubai in its appearance and style, this is the sort of place where rolling off the beach in shorts and t-shirt is acceptable and flip flops are definitely allowed.

When visiting, we had dinner on the beach which is out the back of the restaurant on the ground floor. The terrace is adorned with blue and white lounge chairs and low white tables and its a perfect place to chill out and watch the sun set.

The fact that it is strictly no alcohol doesn't add a downer to the experience... they more than make up for it with their extensive drinks list, from fruity fun mocktails, to a range of imported drinks, and a great selection of coffees. On the food front you really are spoilt for choice.. a menu from each restaurant is presented to you giving you a selection of grilled meats, international cuisines and a extensive sushi menu.

To note: shisha is on offer (obviously..) and the restaurants are open to a whopping 4am.

360 - Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai

Set on the Jumeirah coastline, this helipad shaped space is unlike any other location in Dubai. Out in the sea, connected to land by a small pier, the name ‘360’ is the perfect fit for this space. With panoramic views of the coast and Burj Al Arab, this trendy bar/restaurant is the perfect spot to watch the sunset with a cold beverage.  During the week, it’s all about the shisha, fruity cocktails, large white sofas to lay around on and laidback tunes. Come Friday night the place transforms into a playground for the young and fabulous with local and international talent hitting the decks.  

The crowds come in two waves – the 5pm crew who slip on cocktails and take in the fab views and glistening sun set, then the 8pm gang arrive, who party on down until the early hours of the morning.

360 is split in two, with an open air upstairs deck, perfect for warm evening. However, downstairs there is a panoramic glass layer, decked out with tables, and perfect for dinner. The menu is Asian inspired, hosting traditional favorites such as veggie spring rolls and prawn dumplings, however also offering more unique dishes such as beef cheek and foie gras with caramelized shallots.

Things to note:

• ·         Minimum age is 21 – make sure you bring ID with you.
• ·         To gain entry at weekends make sure you register online before you go.
• ·         Make sure you dress to impress!
• ·         Ladies night – 9pm-midnight. Groups of six or more get complimentary cocktails. Men get treated to two for one offers.
• ·         Lazy Sundays – one free appetizer when you buy selected drinks
• ·         Happy hour – every day except Friday between 5pm-8pm
• ·         In order to save your feet, catch a buggy from the entrance of 360 which will take you straight to the bar.