We Visited the Incredible Turkish Airlines Miles & Smiles Lounge at Istanbul Airport

Turkish Airlines Miles & Smiles Lounge IST: A Premium Experience in Istanbul

Our Dubai to Toronto Turkish Airlines business class flight had transit in Istanbul, and gave us an opportunity to check out the Miles & Smiles Lounge. Nestled in the sprawling new terminal of IST, this huge lounge offers a refined escape from the airport bustle, blending Turkish hospitality with modern luxury.

We entered using machine boarding pass readers, without any human reception counter. Upon entry, guests are greeted by sleek architecture and warm lighting that immediately sets a tranquil tone. The lounge is spacious, thoughtfully designed with separate zones for dining, relaxation, and work. Whether you're looking to catch up on emails or simply unwind before your flight, the environment caters to both productivity and comfort.

One of the standout features is the culinary experience. Turkish Airlines takes pride in showcasing its national flavors and the lounge delivers, with a buffet that includes fresh salads, grilled meats, traditional Turkish dishes, and decadent desserts. There are many standing food stalls where you can order a variety of items. We tried a few of those and the food was amazing. The beverage selection is equally impressive, offering everything from Turkish tea to international spirits and barista-made coffee and other beverages.

For those seeking entertainment or a moment of leisure, the lounge includes a cinema room, gaming consoles, and even a golf simulator. Families will appreciate the dedicated children’s play area, while business travelers can make use of private meeting rooms and high-speed Wi-Fi.

The shower suites are a welcome touch for long-haul travelers, offering a chance to refresh with high-end amenities and spotless facilities. Cleanliness and service are consistently praised, with attentive staff ensuring guests feel well cared for. There were mini hotel suites for those with a longer layover.

Overall, the Miles & Smiles Lounge at IST is more than just a waiting area—it’s a destination in itself. Our only regret was we didn’t have enough time to enjoy everything and were rushing to catch our next flight.

For frequent flyers and loyal Turkish Airlines customers, this lounge is a compelling reason to maintain status—and a reminder that travel can still feel indulgent.

I have a video coverage of this lounge here:

We Tried The "World's Best Airport Lounge" (Turkish Airlines Istanbul)

Your Guide to the Best Restaurants in Ukulhas, Maldives (2025)

The Definitive Ukulhas Dining Guide 2025

Every Restaurant Verified + Local Secrets

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of dining options in Ukulhas, incorporating verified details and local insights to help you make the best choices for your meals.

🌟 TOP-TIER DINING EXPERIENCES

1. Pepperoni

   • Initial Observation: Highlighted for its good milkshakes, making it a favorite. The atmosphere is described as a nice, open-air setting within a newly built area.

   • Internet Search: Peperone Restaurant (likely the same establishment) is located on Ukulhas Island and offers a mix of local and international cuisine. It has a cozy interior with outdoor seating. Reviews suggest fresh seafood and flavorful dishes are specialties. It is open for lunch and dinner throughout the week.

   • At-A-Glance Details:

     • Cuisine: Maldivian & International Fusion

     • Must-Order: Fresh seafood platters (market price), Legendary milkshakes (strawberry bestseller)

     • New 2024: Maldivian lobster nights (Wed/Fri)

     • Atmosphere: Cozy indoor seating with AC, Open-air terrace with coral stone decor

     • Hours: 11AM-10PM daily

     • Price: $$ ($15-25 mains)

     • Pro Tip: Try their grilled octopus – a local favorite!

2. Taste at Ranthari (Ranthari Hotel & Spa)

   • Initial Observation: Situated within the Ranthari Hotel and Spa, this restaurant is noted as being slightly more expensive but offering high-quality, tasty Asian-inspired dishes. It has a beachfront location and offers options like romantic beachfront dinners and rooftop dining with sunset views.

   • Internet Search: Confirmed at Ranthari Hotel and Spa Ukulhas Maldives. Serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with international and local cuisine. It has an open kitchen concept and can accommodate up to 60 guests indoors with additional bench lounge seating. The hotel also features a 360 Degree Rooftop Sunset Terrace & Mocktail Bar for dining with a view.

   • At-A-Glance Details:

     • Cuisine: Asian-inspired with Maldivian twists

     • Signature Dishes: Tuna Tataki (Japanese-Maldivian fusion), 5-course tasting menu ($45) introduced 2024

     • Unique Features: Open kitchen concept (watch chefs work), 360° rooftop sunset bar (opens 5PM), Private beach dining (reserve 24h ahead)

     • Capacity: 60 indoor + lounge seating

     • Price: $$$ (Higher-end but worth it for special occasions)

3. Retro Royal

   • Initial Observation: Located opposite the accommodation of the speaker, this restaurant has a garden area setting which is noted to get quite dark, raising concerns about visibility and mosquitoes. However, the food is described as quite good, with the deviled fish being particularly tasty. They also offer nice mocktails.

   • Internet Search: Popular eatery on Ukulhas, especially among tourists. It is located in the northern part of the island, near the school. Known as a haven for seafood lovers. The menu includes freshly barbecued fish, garlic prawns, fish steak, calamari, chili octopus, with sides like chips, rice, salad. Offers fresh juices and coffee.

   • At-A-Glance Details:

     • Cuisine: Seafood-centric

     • Seafood Specialties: Deviled fish (secret spice blend), Chili octopus (local fishermen’s favorite), Garlic prawns (with homemade bread)

     • Atmosphere Notes: Garden setting with new ceiling fans (2024 upgrade), Gets dark at night – bring repellent

     • Tourist hotspot near school

     • Budget: $$ ($8-12 mains)

🌊 HARBOR & BEACHFRONT EATERIES

1. Céleste

   • Initial Observation: This restaurant is located at the harbor and spans three levels. It is recommended to sit on the top level to enjoy a nice breeze.

   • Internet Search: Confirmed location in Ukulhas, capacity of 150 people. Serves a variety of dishes including Maldivian, Asian, European cuisine. Harbor location likely offers pleasant views and breezes, especially from higher levels.

   • At-A-Glance Details:

     • Cuisine: Maldivian/Asian/European fusion

     • Level Breakdown: Ground Floor: Quick seafood bites, Mid-Level: Family dining area, Top Floor: Breezy harbor views (best for dates)

     • New in 2024: Live Maldivian Bodu Beru music Saturdays

     • Unique Offer: Large capacity (150+ guests) – ideal for groups.

2. Basilico Restaurant

   • Initial Observation: Located at the beach, be sure to try their grilled dishes.

   • At-A-Glance Details:

     • Cuisine: Grilled dishes (based on your description), likely seafood and international.

     • Grilled Specials: Red snapper with lemongrass, Lobster tails (seasonal)

     • Seating: Beachfront "toes-in-sand" pods, AC indoor section

     • Location: Located at the beach. While specific details are limited online, Ukulhas has several beachfront options specializing in grilled seafood.

🍛 INTERNATIONAL FLAVORS

1. Chef The Indian Restaurant

   • Initial Observation: Delicious Indian food, don’t miss the butter chicken.

   • At-A-Glance Details:

     • Cuisine: Indian and Seafood.

     • Standout Dishes: Butter chicken (voted island’s best), Off-menu Masala Crab (ask chef)

     • Tripadvisor: 4.0★ rating.

     • Location: Heart of Main Street (Ukulhas Main Street).

     • Atmosphere: Provides a cozy dining experience. Known for authentic flavors.

2. Sapore Italian

   • Initial Observation: An amazing Italian restaurant; the tiramisu is a must-try.

   • At-A-Glance Details:

     • Cuisine: Italian.

     • Authentic Touches: New wood-fired pizza oven, Tiramisu made with local coffee

     • Don’t Miss: Amazing Italian food, the tiramisu is a must-try. Also serves classic Italian dishes like pizza and pasta.

     • Rating: 4.1★ on Tripadvisor.

     • Atmosphere: Intimate, with friendly service. Guests appreciate the friendly service and generous portions.

     • Location: Dunfini, Jumhooree Magu.

     • Portions: Famously large (shareable).

💰 2025 PRICE BREAKDOWN

Category Cost Per Person Best For
Budget $5-10 Home Beach, Retro Royal
Mid-Range $12-20 Pepperoni, Chef Indian
Premium $25+ Ranthari, Céleste top floor

Note: Most restaurants offer 10% discount for MVR cash payments

🔍 CRITICAL LOCAL KNOWLEDGE

• Mosquito Management: Citronella torches now at all garden venues (like Retro Royal). Consider repellent for outdoor evening dining.

• Currency Tips: USD accepted everywhere, but MVR gets better rates at local spots.

• New in 2025:

  • Fisherman’s Boat’s "Catch of the Day" bowls

  • Central Diner’s upgraded breakfast buffet

📅 PLANNING CHEAT SHEET

• Book Ahead: Ranthari rooftop, private beach dinners.

• Walk-Ins: Pepperoni (before 7PM), Retro Royal.

• Hidden Gems:

  • Nala Bistro’s sunset coconut mojitos

  • Home Beach’s Bondibai (coconut cake)

  • Other mentions include Black Y Garden, SeaLaVie, and Fisherman's Boat.

Ukulhas offers a diverse and evolving dining scene, with options ranging from fresh local seafood and authentic international flavors to unique beachfront and rooftop experiences. Enjoy exploring the culinary delights of the island!

Disclosure:

This Ukulhas Dining Guide is compiled based on online research and publicly available information as of 2025. We aim for accuracy, but details like menus, prices, and hours can change. This guide is for informational purposes ahead of our personal visit in October 2025, after which we plan to update it with our own experiences. Please verify details directly with the restaurants.

Dragon Pearl Buffet Review | Best Buffet in Toronto?

Dragon Pearl All-You-Can-Eat Buffet in Toronto

We have tried Mandarin a few times (probably the most popular buffet around) and wanted a change. So, we tried Dragon Pearl Buffet for the first time.

First impressions? We felt the beautifully-decorated elegant atmosphere right away. It had a modern and sophisticated ambience that felt like a step above the typical Chinese buffet.

Let’s talk about food. The selection was impressive, but we felt their focus was on quality rather than quantity. I felt like they have less items to choose from, but better quality. Right away, we spotted the Peking duck, a must-try at Dragon Pearl. And let me tell you, it was crispy, flavorful, and simply divine.

The sushi section was surprisingly extensive, with fresh fish and more creative rolls when compared to other Chinese buffets. We sampled the spicy tuna, the dragon roll, and a few other unique creations. Everything was fresh and delicious.

And of course, no dim sum feast is complete without the classics. The dim sum section looked extensive also. We tried the har gow, siu mai, and shrimp dumplings, all of which were expertly crafted and bursting with flavor.

They also offered a good selection of international dishes, including some delicious pad Thai and stir-fries.

I found the dessert section had less items than Mandarin’s, but couldn’t complain about the deliciousness and quality. I saw Mango Pomelo Sago and tried that several times.

However, there were downsides. With a 1.5-hour time limit, we felt a bit rushed. We would have loved to savor the experience a little more and maybe try a few more dishes. And of course, the price was significantly higher than Mandarin, coming in at around $32 or more per person.

Overall, Dragon Pearl offers a refined all-you-can-eat experience with a focus on quality. The ambiance is elegant, and the food is generally excellent. The Peking duck and sushi were definite highlights. However, the time limit and higher price point might be a factor for some.

I'd recommend Dragon Pearl to those seeking a more upscale and leisurely dining experience compared to the typical buffet. It's a great option for a special occasion or when you're looking to indulge in some truly delicious Chinese cuisine.

Trip Report: Thailand-Dubai Travels | Ahmed Dawn & Walking Lady

My Month-Long Thailand-Dubai Trip

Hello everyone! Today, I would like to update you about our upcoming trip to Thailand and Dubai. This nearly month-long adventure will provide us with opportunities to create lots of exciting content for our YouTube channels.

Travel Itinerary

We will be taking an Air Canada flight from YYZ to NRT, and then Thai Airlines from NRT to BKK. On the way back, we are taking Cebu Pacific from BKK to MNL to DXB, and then Turkish Airlines from DXB to YYZ. We will have Turkish Airlines Business Class flight for the DXB-YYZ leg of the journey, while all others are Economy Class.

In Thailand, we will concentrate on Bangkok, Krabi, and Phuket. In the UAE, we will spend a few days in Dubai and one day in Abu Dhabi.

What to Expect

From the bustling streets of Bangkok to the serene beaches of Krabi, Thailand promises a diverse and exciting adventure. I'll be immersing myself in the local culture, trying mouth-watering street food and exploring hidden gems.

Dubai! This futuristic city is a must-see, with its iconic skyscrapers, luxurious shopping malls, and vibrant nightlife. I can't wait to experience the city's grandeur and contrast it with the laid-back vibes of Thailand.

Throughout my trip, I'll be sharing daily vlogs, giving you an exclusive look into our adventures. Expect stunning visuals, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and plenty of travel tips.

Stay tuned for:

• Exciting city exploration vlogs from Bangkok and Dubai

• Luxurious hotel reviews and recommendations

• Local food experiences and hidden culinary gems

• Cultural insights and travel tips

I'm excited to take you along on this journey! Let's explore the world together!

 Bonus Content

As a bonus, here is a Cinematic Thailand Video I created. If you enjoyed it, please like the video and share your thoughts in the comments section below. Your support means a lot to us!

Thank you for your continued support and welcome to all our new subscribers! We're excited to share our Thailand-Dubai adventures with you soon.

Links

Ahmed Dawn YouTube Channel

Walking Lady YouTube Channel

Thailand Travel Regular Videos

Thailand Travel Live & Shorts

UAE Travel Regular Videos

UAE Travel Live & Shorts

Global Travel Videos

Why I Embraced a Hybrid YouTube Channel and Found My No Niche Niche (Even with Moderate Subscribers)

Ahmed Dawn’s Hybrid YouTube Channel

Running a hybrid YouTube channel like Ahmed Dawn's offers unique rewards and challenges. Today, I want to share some unfiltered insights about my journey that you won't find anywhere else.

Pros:

• Diverse Audience: A hybrid channel allows me to connect with a global community with diverse interests. By exploring topics like travel, tutorials, and lifestyle, I can reach viewers who might not normally find each other.

• Creative Freedom: This is my biggest reward. A hybrid channel allows me to experiment and express myself across different creative domains. It keeps things fresh and engaging for both me and my viewers.

• Adaptability: I can evolve with the times and adapt to changing trends. If one content type isn't performing well, I can pivot to another without starting from scratch.

• Cross-Promotion: Different content can synergize, each promoting the other. For example, travel vlogs might lead viewers to my lifestyle and life hacks videos.

Cons:

• Audience Fragmentation: While diversity is a strength, it can also diversify your audience. Some viewers might only enjoy specific content, potentially leading to less engagement with other topics. However, I'm comfortable with this, as my goal isn't solely focused on subscriber count.

• Time Commitment: Managing a hybrid channel requires dedication and effort. Researching, filming, editing, and promoting various content types can be time-consuming.

• Brand Identity: Maintaining a cohesive brand identity is crucial. My content aligns with my overall message and values, ensuring that "Ahmed Dawn" is more than just a channel, it's a distinctive identity.

• Algorithm Navigation: YouTube's algorithm might find it challenging to categorize hybrid channels. Content with consistent themes often performs better in search and recommendations. Again, this is something I'm comfortable with. While some videos might have higher viewership than others, I don't chase views or subscriber milestones.

Final Thoughts:

I'm not interested in promoting products, running a Patreon, or doing sponsored content. My passion lies in creating high-quality content across diverse topics that I genuinely enjoy. While I may not reach millions or drastically change their lives, I believe I can positively impact thousands. That's what truly motivates me to keep creating.