He’s been dubbed the oracle, and with good reason. New Zealand–born Ashley Cadzow, founder of Sunday Media, has a read on everything from the city’s best brunch to its most inspiring cultural fix. Consider this his guide to eating, moving, shopping, and escaping Dubai.

THE EAT LIST

Favourite Healthy Spot & Your Go-To Order
I’ve been a huge fan of One Life since they first opened in d3 many years ago. I love their daily salads and small bites. My go-to order is green juice, any time, anywhere!

Best Dinner Reservations
➼ Casual: Slaw (try their Impossible Burger)
➼ Elevated: Honeycomb Hi-Fi, no contest.
➼ One for the bucket list: Al Muntaha

Coffee Order
I’m only allowed one cup a day, per my doctor. But when I do order, it’s always a Flat White, whole-milk, no sugar…. It’s the Kiwi in me.

Sweet Fix or Late Night Treat
The Pastel de Natas at Lana Lusa are divine. I think I had half a dozen last time I was there. If you’re in Jumeirah, it’s worth driving over just to take two. You’ll finish them before you pull out of the valet.

Favourite Brunch
The Maine has been my tried-and-tested classic for 10 years now, though I will say if you’re looking for something more vibrant, the brunch at Miss Lily’s is fire.

THE WELLNESS RUN

Go-To Recovery Spot
I honestly don’t have a go-to, but sauna after the gym – followed by a cold shower is a total game-changer for a whole array of health benefits. I’d highly recommend it!

Shop Supplements & Wellness

My Safari history is nothing but Amazon web pages of different supplements I’ve come across or heard about. I take a bit of time to soak up all the information, check which compounds have the best effects, and then where I can get the best price.

Favourite Workout
Soul Mvnt! Their pilates classes are life-changing. As a person who never thought I’d do pilates, I can tell you that joining their classes was one of the best things I’ve done in 2025 for my mental and physical health.

Grooming Appointment You Never Miss
A hair appointment at YARD in Business Bay every three-and-a-half weeks. Ask for Yehiya, thank me later.

Skin Saviours
Treatments aside, I’d suggest three things at home:

➼ Acnecide is a 5% benzoyl peroxide cream that can kill a blemish overnight.

➼ Zinc Oxide Cream, lifesaver post-shave, also works as a great occasional night mask to soothe the skin.

➼ La Roche Posay Cicaplast is a panthenol cream that offers some of the deepest hydration. I mix a dollop with my moisturiser every day.

THE SHOP STOP

Where You Buy Your Veggies
Kibsons, without a doubt! Exactly what you’re looking for, wholesaler prices, and the freshest produce delivered right to your door. There’s no contest.

Household Finds
If you catch me in the home section of the mall, you’ll see me dotting from store to store, checking the sale section in each of them. I always keep an eye out for what’s on markdown. I’ll say that the H&M Home Sublime Patchouli candle is something I’m always picking up.

Fashion Favourite
Honestly, does my tailor count? I have a wonderful tailor in Satwa that I see often. I’ll show up with a bag of clothes, and we’ll discuss the alterations. Alternatively, I can share some images I’ve found, and he’ll recommend specific fabric stores for me to source the materials. He’ll then put it together in a few days.

Go-To For Gifting
Maison Etherique has the most incredible range of crystals, fine incenses, resins, and wellbeing rituals. Their Selenite crystals make for a very kind housewarming or birthday gift.

THE PLAY LIST

Where To Work
My office, I love being here in d3.

Where To Soak Up Some Sun
Twiggy, hands down. Great vibes, fantastic food, a delicious margarita, the beach-style pool is the perfect temperature, and the view in the late afternoon is gorgeous. It’s a great sunset spot. I also love a day at the pool at African Queen. They nestle the sunbeds under the olive trees for shade instead of umbrellas, such a great idea.

Date Night Pick
There’s something about the terrace section at Shanghai Me. They really nailed the ambience for an intimate dinner in a bustling environment. Not to mention the best paloma in DIFC.

Cultural Fix
L’Ecole School of Jewelry Arts! They have so many fun day courses, the Art History classes are my favourite to take, and they often have incredible jewellery exhibitions that feature pieces from across the world.

THE ESCAPE PLAN

Escape Five Hours Away or Less
Anywhere I’m not paying for sounds like the ultimate wellness experience, haha! Nothing beats a Jet2 Holiday.

Adventure Weekend

I went camping on a dhow in Musandam earlier this year. It was such a fun experience with a group of friends. Spending 24 hours floating along the coast, discovering beautiful hidden beaches, watching dolphins, and waking up to the sun rise over the Musandam mountains, memories I’ll never forget.

Taking care of yourself starts from within. In such a fast-paced city fuelled by FOMO, mental health can often be pushed aside for the sake of “being seen” here or there. There’s no harm in slowing down and spending more time with yourself. Take a look around you, feel content with all that you have, for you have so much more than you may think.