Hot tips and must-visit places

What’s one of the world’s most isolated cities like? Happy, bustling and in the thick of things, proves Perth. The cosmopolitan capital of Western Australia is brimming with beaches, outdoor activities, and around 3,000 hours of sunshine! Having come up as a mining city in 1829, it is literally a blast to live in – the eighth-best in the world.

Come summer – that’s December to February/March – Perth is booming with arts and culture festivals like the Lotterywest Festival Films, which is showing acclaimed world cinema in quirky outdoor theatres and auditoriums such as Somerville at the University of Western Australia from November 23-April 10.

Ten minutes away, in St Georges Terrace and Barrack Street, Como The Treasury hotel is another example of Perth’s devotion to culture and history. The 140-year-old Renaissance building, previously a treasury, has Corinthian pillars and vaulted ceilings reminiscent of a 19th-century bank, but inside, mod cons like a high-tech spa, fine-dining restaurants and stylish rooms with sprawling views of the glittering city will make you glad you travelled Down Under. ☞ City rooms start from about Dh1,544 per night. Visit www.comohotels.com/thetreasury.

Raffles Dubai As the days get cooler and shorter, cosy up to suite life at Raffles Dubai. The Short and Suite package offers luxury and warm service in splendid diplomatic suites and above with a butler, a private terrace overlooking Wafi’s glittering pyramids, Raffles Club Lounge privileges and buffet breakfast for two at Azur restaurant. From Dh2,995 per night. Call 04 324 8888 or visit www.raffles.com/dubai.

Hilton Santo Domingo hotel, Dominican Republic In Santo Domingo, life mimics bachata – both the rhythmic music and dance forms that are this Caribbean city’s pride. Baroque cathedrals and castles dot the skyline not far from El Obelisco Macho that soars above El Malecón boulevard, where the Hilton is located. Splurge $50 (Dh183) resort credit at the in-house spa or restaurants with the leisure escape offer. Visit www.hiltonsantodomingohotel.com.

Field Trip

Beat FOMO with this app, which unearths trendy restaurants, obscure shops and the fascinating history of monuments as you pass. A notification pops up when you’re in the vicinity of a must-visit spot. Free on Android and iOS.

Watch your fitness

Work (out) hard and smart wherever you go with Fitbit’s Bluetooth-enabled Surge smartwatch. With a week-long battery life, wear it 24/7 to note heart rates and calories and stay connected with text notifications. Dh1,299 at Plug Ins

Carrie cover

On your skiing vacation, this Parajumpers Long Bear padded jacket will keep you toasty in sub-zero climate with a detachable fur-trimmed Eskimo hood and shearling pockets. But the icing? Sarah Jessica Parker owns the exact same one. Dh6,435 at Salam Stores

Keep balm and carry on

We’re barmy about this Figs and Rouge balm that triples as a face and body moisturiser. Its blend of castor oil, palm tree wax and pomegranate saves chapped lips, rough elbows, wind-chafed cheeks and space! Dh30 at Boots