Dubai loves the spectacular: grander, taller, bigger. It’s a place where superlatives are the norm and anything is possible (so long as your budget is no budget). Few skylines have evolved as much and as fast as Dubai’s. Among the jungle of skyscrapers is a low-rise Arabic-style complex that was one of the first luxury hotels in Dubai: One&Only Royal Mirage. When it opened in 1999, the adjacent thoroughfare did not exist. In a display of side-by-side photos of the resort in its early days and today, the One&Only Royal Mirage in the former was truly an oasis in the desert.

Facing the bay of Palm Jumeirah, the Royal Mirage has a kilometre of private beachfront that frames more than 65 acres of verdant grounds. And while the modern metropolis is now chockablock, the property still feels like an oasis. The complex contains three hotels with a combined 438 keys: the Palace, the Arabian Court, and the Residence and Spa.

One&Only Royal Mirage Arabian Court.

Adults-only pool at the Royal Mirage Palace.

The traditional hammam at the Royal Mirage.

The decor is a mix of traditional and contemporary: mosaic floors, impressive chandeliers, ample use of marble. The multiple swimming pools, beach club, traditional hammam, and nearly a dozen restaurants with options that include Moroccan, Japanese, and Mediterranean fare, along with plenty of activities, make it near impossible to leave.

Tagine, traditional Moroccan restaurant at Royal Mirage.

But when you do, a complimentary boat service to One&Only The Palm is a trip to one of Dubai’s most intimate (only 94 keys) beach hideaways. The property’s Moorish-Andalusian style is spread across several mansions decorated in neutral shades with lattice details. There are various paths and pavilions leading to an adults-only pool, Guerlain Spa, and a Pedi:Mani:Cure Studio by celebrity pedicurist Bastien Gonzalez. Under the guidance of three-Michelin-star chef Yannick Alléno, 101 Dining is an overwater lounge and restaurant in the hotel’s private marina, while Stay serves the finest French cuisine.

Lobby at One&Only The Palm.

Pool at One&Only The Palm.

One&Only The Palm is a trip to one of Dubai’s most intimate beach hideaways.

Set to make its debut in 2023 is the One&Only One Za’abeel, bringing Dubai’s One&Only hotel tally to three for parent company Kerzner International. Still under construction, the property will have 229 guest rooms and suites along with residences, office space, a retail podium, and a floating sky concourse called Link (which will be the world’s longest cantilever at 100 metres above ground) that connects the two towers.

More is more in Dubai, and no matter the One&Only property one chooses, the experience is full-on Middle Eastern extravagance.

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