Jacaranda FM’s beloved radio personality, Danny Painter, recently returned from a “life-changing” trip to the breathtaking city of Abu Dhabi, and she’s encouraging everyone to add this magical destination to their travel bucket list.
As the capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi offers an incredible mix of culture, adventure, and luxury, leaving Danny in awe.
Sharing her experience, Danny says, “Dubai is for business, Abu Dhabi is for the soul.” As she settles back home after a trip of a lifetime to a city that seamlessly blends modernity with deep cultural roots, Danny opens up about her journey and the city that offers travellers a more intimate and soulful connection than the fast-paced energy of Dubai.
Why did you choose Abu Dhabi as a vacation destination?
My brother works and lives there. I tend to follow him around the world as he moves countries, and this time it was Abu Dhabi. I had no idea what to expect, but I’ve come home completely changed. Abu Dhabi is hands down the best place I’ve ever travelled to!
Why do you say that? How have you changed, and what is it that made you feel this way?
Firstly, the people. I have never felt safer or freer. I was catching cabs alone at midnight in the city centre with no network, and I felt completely safe. There’s an inexplicable magic that lives in the Middle East, and I think its epicentre is Abu Dhabi.
It’s everything you imagine and so much more—a mix of culture and religion where no one is judged, and everyone is wholly accepted. It’s truly one of the most breathtaking and awe-inspiring places I’ve ever been. Abu Dhabi taught me so much about myself, gave me confidence, and opened my eyes to a world I must explore more—the Middle East!
Where did you stay, and what were some of the highlights of your trip?
We stayed at the Southern Sun, a beautiful 4-star property with a rooftop pool that changed my life! I met the most incredible people up there and spent hours drinking MCC while overlooking the city and the sea. The staff was also just incredible. I felt like family there, and I cried when I said goodbye!
I had the privilege of staying in the hotel with the cast of ‘Sol Invictus’, a Hervé Koubi-choreographed experience that I attended at the NYU campus in Abu Dhabi. It was breathtaking—definitely a highlight of my trip!
I highly recommend going on a desert safari. My brother and I went on one with Emirates Tours, and our guide, Rasheed, was such a skilled driver, drifting off the dunes and explaining the wildlife as we went. This is not to be missed! After the dunes, there’s a traditional BBQ and dancing under the stars in the middle of the desert!
Other highlights? Bacha Coffee blew my mind—the food, the souk market, the Louvre, the aquarium, Emirates Palace, and the gold souk. There’s so much to do, and so little time! Find a base, ask the cab drivers, and explore!
What is your favourite thing about traveling and exploring other countries?
I love learning and exploring new foods, cultures, and places. Art expands your mind and teaches you more than any school could! I love to come home with new recipes and art. There’s nothing better for the mind, body, and soul than travel. One doesn’t need a ‘retreat,’ one just needs to pack a bag and book a ticket!
Are you a spontaneous traveller, or do you plan everything down to the last detail?
I’m entirely spontaneous! All it takes is a suggestion of a concert or a ‘we should go,’ and I’m in! The only thing that requires some planning is getting a dog sitter. I save most of my money for travel, so I don’t go out much and spend wisely to have enough for travel. Once the tickets are booked, I don’t even Google the places beforehand. I prefer to make friends and explore!
Tell us about the food you ate during your trip.
Abu Dhabi is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines, so whatever your heart desires—from English pub food to Michelin 5-star pizza—is available. I love exploring through food. One highlight was visiting the only Michelin-star pizzeria in the world at Emirates Palace.
It was the best pizza and the best dining experience I’ve ever had! The fish market is also a vibe—lobster, caviar, any fish you can think of. You haggle for a good price, buy your fish, and take it to one of the surrounding restaurants to feast. I also fell in love with tabbouleh and have been eating it almost every day since I’ve been back!
As the host of ‘Love Songs with Danny Painter’ on Jacaranda FM, what music do you enjoy listening to when traveling for long hours?
I spend ages curating Spotify playlists—some with friends, some just for me. Music is my love language, and people send me songs all the time because they know it. I’m constantly changing genres and artists, but right now, my top three are Gaye Su Akyol, Mahmut Orhan, and Slimane.
Now that you’re back home, which countries do you want to visit next and why?
I left a piece of my heart in Abu Dhabi, and I’ll be going back as soon as I can! I turn 40 next year, so I plan to celebrate that in another country—maybe France, New Orleans, Romania, or Turkey. I also want to explore more of my home continent, starting with Morocco!
Catch ‘Love Songs with Danny Painter’ every Monday – Thursday between 19:00 and 22:00 and catch Danny counting down the biggest songs of the week on the CTM Top 40 every Saturday between 10:00 and 14:00, only on Jacaranda FM.
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