7 things to try on a girls' trip to Dubai

Pamper your best friends with a day out at the Talise Ottoman Spa in Jumeirah Zabeel Saray. One of the largest spas in the region, here you can indulge in the centuries-old Turkish hammam ritual in five-star surroundings, complete with colourful murals and decorated ceilings. The spa also boasts its own indoor saltwater pool and plush relaxation rooms, so you'll leave feeling instantly renewed – and ready for the festivities to carry on. For more pampering, the Samāna Spa at Meliá Desert Palm is a go-to for visitors and local beauty experts alike, especially for its popular Girls' Day Out package. For just AED500 per person, you can enjoy afternoon tea by the pool, a 60-minute signature massage and customised 30-minute facial.

Any of Dubai's pristine beaches make for a fabulous spot to lay back and soak in the sun, but if you're in the mood for something a little more upbeat, White Beach certainly delivers. Located at the iconic Atlantis The Palm, this new and popular destination combines the best of a serene setting with vivacious vibes well into the night courtesy of live DJs. Sip on refreshing drinks lounging on a sunbed or dancing on the sand to enviable views of the sunset. If you want to move indoors, the city offers a plethora of stylish lounges including Beirut-born nightlife destination WHITE Dubai, which sometimes welcomes international artists to its brilliantly lit stage.

Get ready for a night out on the town decked out with the latest trends. Dubai has you spoilt for choice when it comes to boutiques, but if you want to dazzle from head-to-toe, try the personal shopping experience at Galeries Lafayette. Among the city's most exclusive, this department store at The Dubai Mall is home to some of the world's leading brands, such as Valentino, Missoni, Maje, Sandro, Poca&Poca and more. The store also offers an in-demand tailoring service, so you can get all your nips and tucks done in one place. Once your outfit is sorted, head to the cosmetic counters for beauty tutorials and a quick lesson in fine fragrances.

If there is one thing Dubai does exceptionally well, it's ladies’ nights. Stake out one of the best hotspots in the city and book yourself a table at STK, Rixos Premium’s urban steakhouse. Every Tuesday, this lively destination offers The Just Fine Cuts promotion, which comprises a tantalising set menu filled with house specialties including creamy burrata, roasted salmon, the classic petit filet and cheesecake. Women can also choose between special deals including two courses priced at AED199, or three courses for AED239. Once the clock strikes 10pm, it's time to hit the dance floor.

Plan the ultimate bash – quite literally – with your friends at The Smash Room. Located in Al Quoz and The Last Exit heading towards Abu Dhabi, this unusual bonding activity invites you to unleash your wild side over a session of smashing, thrashing and splintering. Armed with a mallet and cloaked in protective gear, you can spend up to an hour crushing all manner of things – from plates and vases to electronics and appliances – to a crowd-pleasing soundtrack. It's the cardio work out you didn't know you needed.