SimplyAbuDhabi XIV

2 6 7 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I T oward sunset, we set out to sample the fare at the renowned Pierchic Restaurant, so named because it’s set on a pier jutting into the open waters of the Arabian Gulf. Offering a panoramic view of the entire resort and an uninterrupted vista of the open water and the iconic Burj Al Arab, this is undeniably one of the most romantic settings for a restaurant we’ve ever seen – especially at sunset. In fact, it was named Most Romantic Restaurant in Time Out’s Dubai restaurant awards for 2014. Given its placement on the enchanting pier, surrounded by water on every side, it’s a natural setting for the spectacular array of seafood dishes for which Pierchic is renowned. Our menu that evening started with the Pan-Fried Loch Fyne Scallops, served with duck confit, pine nut salsa, and a remarkable 36-month aged Parmesan foam. Light, delectable, and an intriguing balance and textures – it was the perfect beginning to the meal. For the main entrée, there was a stunning, satisfying Crispy Organic Salmon, which was accompanied by a parsnip purée, braised puy lentils, and a watercress salad. Bold flavours, all of them – but they didn’t compete with each other on the plate, instead harmonising brilliantly together, the spice of the watercress offsetting the more savoury elements. All in all, a most enjoyable dish, which we followed with an exquisite, exotic fruit selection, topped with sorbet, for dessert. The unforgettable and undeniably romantic setting was topped only by the quality of the food from Chef de Cuisine Rosalind Parsk, and the impeccable service from the Pierchic Staff. Over the next few days of our stay, we had the opportunity to experience some truly unique and simply unforgettable adventures. In keeping with Madinat Jumeirah’s designation as ‘The Arabian Resort of Dubai’, we availed ourselves of the chance to explore the authentic Arabian village that surrounded us. From the sights, the scents, and the shopping of the Souk to a tour of the waterways on an abra, or traditional wooden boat, the full scope of the Madinat Jumeirah was awe-inspiring. One of our favourite experiences had to be visiting the Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project (DTRP), which is based at Burj Al Arab and Madinat Jumeirah and is run in collaboration with Dubai’s Wildlife ProtectionOffice. The turtle is a flagship species for the conservation of the marine environment and is protected throughout most of the world; however, all seven species of marine turtles are listed as vulnerable to extinction. The DTRP has so far seen the release of over 560 rescued sea turtles back into Dubai’s waters. This is an amazing project, one that inspires hope and respect for nature, and one we’d encourage all visitors to see for themselves. To complete a truly restful and enlightening stay, we can highly recommend the hotel’s Talise Spa, a blissful retreat offering a tempting array of pampering beauty treatments, massages, saunas and private pools. Talise Spa also offers numerous wellness and health-related innovations and experiences, including the rare opportunity to learn the therapeutic arts of Ta-Chi and Kung Fu with Master Can, 34th-generation warrior monk of the Shaolin Temple. Serene, peaceful and ultimately utterly relaxing, this is simply an incredible destination. To us, it’s no wonder the Dar Al Masyaf Summer Houses were named the best-reviewed hotel in Dubai on the Expedia 2013 Insiders’ Select List. Whether you seek to connect with nature, experience the feel of ancient Arabia, or simply unwind on the pristine beach, we highly encourage you to explore Dubai’s most tranquil retreat.