Marion Erskine

It's like landing in Monaco. The huge wooden doors make you feel tiny when you arrive at the Monte Carlo Beach Club. Friendly staff welcome you all the way to the infinity pool that blends in… It's like landing in Monaco. The huge wooden doors make you feel tiny when you arrive at the Monte Carlo Beach Club. Friendly staff welcome you all the way to the infinity pool that blends in with the beach and aquamarine water backdrop. It's really spectacular. Treat yourself to a drink at the bar on the right and watch the Arabian sunset at its best. If you're lucky, you might even see the turtles nesting a stone throw away. Abu Dhabi has set the bar quite high and we're not impressed too quickly. Monte Carlo does exactly that. It takes your breath away. Treat yourself! Read more

One of the best places to ever buy ice cream in the UAE. And for someone who is lactose intolerant, I can actually eat the stuff. Don't understand why, but I love that I can. Their cheese… One of the best places to ever buy ice cream in the UAE. And for someone who is lactose intolerant, I can actually eat the stuff. Don't understand why, but I love that I can.

Their cheese cake mixer with berries and crunch is the best. Read more

I did not grow up in a Jazz culture and therefore never got into the music that much. The Jazz Bar Abu Dhabi converted me. The vibe in here is surreal and you're guaranteed a good time. Most… I did not grow up in a Jazz culture and therefore never got into the music that much. The Jazz Bar Abu Dhabi converted me. The vibe in here is surreal and you're guaranteed a good time.

Most of the members are usually from South Africa and rocks it like only Cape Town can. For those home sick Saffas, this is the place to go.

Remember the dress code. No T-shirts and flip flops allowed. I've learned the hard way. ;) Read more

The manager will probably shoot me if I say why I love Splash, but hear me out. If you love theme parties and just going way out, Splash is the place to visit baby. Chains, bling-bling, check,… The manager will probably shoot me if I say why I love Splash, but hear me out. If you love theme parties and just going way out, Splash is the place to visit baby.

Chains, bling-bling, check, glitter and everything that would hurt the eyes. It's scary when you walk in the shop to realize that people wear this as 'regular' attire, but I get it. It's funky and you'll get attention for sure.

It's cheap and fun and a must visit to anybody who doesn't like to fade in with the furniture at parties. Read more

Although, nobody's perfect, I have to give UAE Exchange five stars only because I've had pulling hair from your head experiences in so many countries with so many places. What makes it… Although, nobody's perfect, I have to give UAE Exchange five stars only because I've had pulling hair from your head experiences in so many countries with so many places.

What makes it great is that you can send money home in your own currency and you save money this way too. The money is always there in time and the service is fast and thorough. Read more

Just before the financial crisis in 2009 I wanted to buy a Pajero. Walked into the showroom and wasn't even greeted. Guys are sitting behind their desks, waiting for you to approach them. They… Just before the financial crisis in 2009 I wanted to buy a Pajero. Walked into the showroom and wasn't even greeted. Guys are sitting behind their desks, waiting for you to approach them. They didn't have any in stock and asked me to phone in a month. After 3 calls in the month after that, the guy said: "Stop calling us. We'll call you." Love the car, love the brand, but will never support Abu Dhabi's Al Habtoor as it's the worst service I've ever had here. Read more

This was one of my favourite places in Abu Dhabi. The setting is great, the food is good, but since they've lost their liquor license it's been spiraling downwards faster than Linsay Lohan.… This was one of my favourite places in Abu Dhabi. The setting is great, the food is good, but since they've lost their liquor license it's been spiraling downwards faster than Linsay Lohan.

As soon as this topic is mentioned to any waiter, they duck and dive it like a good dodgeball match and this is just a sign that there's no end in sight for the dry season just yet. Read more

Woolies in South Africa is the place to go for clothes, but I find that the clothes here are really expensive compared to South African prices and the stock is not as varied. Therefore I tend to… Woolies in South Africa is the place to go for clothes, but I find that the clothes here are really expensive compared to South African prices and the stock is not as varied. Therefore I tend to avoid shopping here. Read more

Okay, I'm not getting engaged in this restaurant as it's maybe just not the right setting, but you've got to give Ibrahimi one big thumbs up when it comes to lamb chops. By far the… Okay, I'm not getting engaged in this restaurant as it's maybe just not the right setting, but you've got to give Ibrahimi one big thumbs up when it comes to lamb chops. By far the best tasting lamb chops I've found in the city in 3 years.

If ambience and five star service isn't everything to you, you will enjoy the dining experience. Read more