
Widely recognised for its feats of architecture and illustrious establishments, Dubai certainly doesn’t do things by halves. And this might be its most soaring and extravagant venture yet.
In a place infatuated with superlatives and advancements, One&Only The Palm stretches out languidly; an enticing boutique-style hideaway that promotes slow living and rejuvenation in all its forms.
A testament to the benefits of truly switching off, the atmosphere of calm that permeates the air here has mellowed-out guests forgetting the desert metropolis sitting just outside of its walls.
Its location reclining on the furthest point of The Palm’s prestigious west arm not only prompts peace, it ensures privacy, and so much so that it exudes the air of a pseudo private members’ club.
While space is a premium in much of Dubai, here it is celebrated with large walkways carving through Moorish archways that lead to expansive pools lined with cabanas and fragrant frangipani trees.
Dubai is a destination eager to attract attention, but here it’s for all the right reasons. One&Only’s tastefully opulent offering is the place to tune out from daily distractions and indulge any selfish desires; with exclusive treatments at one of only six Guerlain hotel spas and experimental gastronomic dramatics at two Michelin-starred Chef Yannick Alleno’s STAY, this is an easy and polished approach to Dubai’s usual extravagance.
With the resort’s dedication to ensuring easy relaxation, it’s no wonder the swimming pool takes centre stage. Lined with double day beds (perfect for blissed-out couples) and private air-conditioned cabanas that hide among the palm trees offering access to the beach, indoor space to escape the heat and an attentive pool host, once settled here there is little need or desire to venture elsewhere.
With two- and three-bedroom family-focused villas perched on the oceanfront and a KidsOnly Club prepared to whisk eager children off to sister hotel One&Only Royal Mirage for fun on motorised water sports, this is a place where little ones can run riot without disturbing the peace.
Families looking for all-singing-all-dancing entertainment outside its walls, find it in Dubai’s oversized theme parks, mega malls and its genuine something-for-everyone promise.
For an insight into Dubai’s sandy roots, an overnight desert safari cruising through the Desert Conservation Reserve in a classic 1950s Land Rover comes close; picture camel rides, henna tattoos, live bread making and a traditional performance by locals.
As the sun sets, dinner is served in an authentic Bedouin camp, while the morning welcomes caviar breakfast and hot-air balloon ride complete with a world-first in-air falconry display – an art that’s been part of desert life here for hundreds of years.
Widely recognised for its feats of architecture and illustrious establishments, Dubai certainly doesn’t do things by halves. And this might be its most soaring and extravagant venture yet.
Bringing a certain Californian-style ease to the city shore, this wonder brand’s first foray into the Middle East is a culmination of clever design, an enviable location and meticulously appointed services.
Towering archways, arabesque domes and ornate spires create the dream-like vision that is Atlantis.