There’s an allure about Dubai that keeps us going back year after year. The one year we decided to give it a miss, as soon as the year had passed, we had an overwhelming feeling of withdrawal and immediately booked another trip, to fly out the very next day. Spontaneous and desperate, driven for some winter sun, there was a real sense of relief to be back. Dubai do five star, luxury very well. The grandeur and opulence of the hotels is what keeps us going back. For years of frequenting Dubai, we rarely deviate from where we stay but were so pleasantly surprised by The One & Only Royal Mirage that we are so glad we did. It’s perfectly set along Jumeirah Beach, overlooking the palm and close to the skyscrapers of Dubai Marina. The stretches of beaches in Dubai are often blocked by the man made islands in the water, however The One and Only is located on a reasonably clear stretch adjacent to The Palm, without it interfering in the waves of the ocean.
The One & Only is a beautiful, Arabian five star luxury property, set across fantastic grounds. It has three hotels on one site, with the Arabian Court, The Palace and The Residence. All are very well appointed however The Residence seems to be a bit more exclusive and private, and houses the spa. The moment you first walk in to The Arabian Court, a gong is sounded to mark your arrival, making every guest feel like royalty, and that you have arrived somewhere special.
The reception spans a large area and has a beautiful water feature with rose petals, lit by the gentle glow of candle light, that instantly makes you feel relaxed from the moment you step foot into the hotel.
The One & Only is a peaceful sanctuary in a great spot along the private Jumeirah beach, and there’s almost no need to leave. There are eight fabulous restaurants and a number of lounges and bars spread over the 65 acres, with a dreamy, tranquil spa.
Each restaurant has it’s own cuisine, and unique charm, with restaurants. Fine dining at Celebrities, The Beach Bar and Grill, and EauZone illuminated by the swimming pool and indian restaurant Nina’s were amongst our favourites.
The rooms in the Arabian Court are absolutely stunning, and boast the traditional Arabian themes which we just love. The rooms are plush and large, light and airy, with luxurious baroque style throws draped over the bed and the natural light coming through the large windows. There is ample storage space throughout the room and a lot of attention to detail.
The marble bathroom is just as impressive as the bedroom. The amenities are the luxurious Penhaligons and are wondrous for a gently spiced soak in the large tub or in the shower.
There are several outdoor pools spread across the grounds. that are great to spend the day absorbing the sun by. Dubai is constantly developing and it’s inevitable to see construction nearby. It’s almost impossible to get away from it across The Palm, but fortunately you can’t quite hear it from the beach or pools. The only welcome disturbance is staff bringing around complementary fruit sticks every few hours, cold towels and cleaning your sunglasses.
There are peacocks wandering around the property, and rather unexpectedly, even joined us for breakfast one morning.
The breakfast can be taken in a few of the restaurants and it’s just amazing wherever you take it. Celebrities is not as formal by day as it is by night and the spread is amazing. Better still the buffet is accompanied by an al a carte menu so there’s no queuing and waiting for eggs and waffles like in the Rotisserie.
Celebrating a birthday at The One & Only Royal Mirage was marked with a surprise chocolate violin, full of truffles and macaroons, elegantly hand tied with ribbon. Alongside the most romantic dinner at Celebrities, with rose petal and indulgent platters of cake.
The One & Only is a spectacular hotel, with a great beach front location and perfect for any celebration for cherished memories. A stunning honeymoon destination and wedding venue. We really can’t wait to go back.
