Stepping out of our private car, we felt the warm desert breeze, and caught a scent of jasmine in the air. Lush green gardens surrounded us as we entered the high domed lobby guarded with giant palm trees at Dubai’s One&Only Royal Mirage. If your looking for where to stay in Dubai look no further than the Royal Mirage!
The walk down the grand hallway with intricate archways left us mesmerized.
Expansive palm-lined shaped swimming pools were graced with colorful flower gardens. A pristine white soft sand beach overlooking the famous Palm Island was steps away. Through a courtyard, past trickling fountains, I caught a glimpse of a roaming peacock. Or was that my imagination…did I really see a peacock? Was I in Paradise? Or the set of A Thousand and One Nights? Was Ali Baba around the corner? All my fantasies about Old Arabia were coming to life.
Dubai’s One&Only Royal Mirage exudes the romance of Old Arabia as evidenced by the regal design of rooms & suites, 65 acres of lush green landscape, the culinary feasts, and the spa that lured us into an oasis of calm. “We strongly believe in providing an element of theatrical drama for our visitors and it is the enthusiastic response to our property and service that bring guests back, time and time again,” shares Nicolas Messian, Hotel Manager, One&Only Royal Mirage.
Accommodations:
One&Only Royal Mirage offers a range of accommodations with its three distinctive properties that flow into each other.
The Palace with 231 guest rooms and suites with gulf views, and the Arabian Court with 160 guest rooms and suites with private balconies overlooking the sea. There’s also the most exclusive area of the resort, the Residence & Spa where guests can retreat to their Arabian-styled private residences, suites and rooms.
Onsite staff ensures that every guest is treated like royalty and deliver hospitality with pleasure in this palace-like setting. Impeccable service and attention to detail makes this stylish beach resort stand out, considered one of Dubai’s finest.
We stayed in the Arabian Court property, and felt like we were in Old Arabia when walking down the grand hallways, and admiring the dramatic architecture and décor. We got lost exploring the intimate courtyards with lush gardens, and even discovered Al Koufa, an Arabian Fortress. On a previous visit, we stayed at The Palace property, which is central to the main lobby. From our contemporary designed room, we could easily step out and enjoy strolls on the private beach or through the courtyard areas that led us to The Esplanade and the pools. Both are perfect choices if you are wondering where to stay in Dubai?
Restaurants, pools, and leisure facilities are throughout the resort property including temperature-controlled swimming pools, water fitness center, tennis courts, golf putting green, and the KidsOnly play center.
Restaurants:
Whether you want to dine in a grand and intimate setting or a more lively and casual place, there are eight award winning restaurants to match your mood and craving. We savored the culinary delights from the Near East and beyond at a few of these restaurants.
We dined at Eauzone, located in an oasis of palm trees and overlooking the Arabian Gulf. This modern restaurant complements the seafood with an Asian twist. On another evening, were enticed by the aromas of the Moroccan cuisine at Tagine next to the Palace Courtyard. Stepping through a Moorish designed door, it was as if we entered an old home in Marrakesh, adorned with lanterns and rugs. Mohammed Mezloy, Manager of Tagine, led the way through a candle lit archway. We were welcomed with live music, and taken to our table sprinkled with rose petals.
Music and song complemented our dining experience, as we dipped our traditional breads into the mezzah platters and tasted the couscous royal. To listen to the music at Tagine, click here!
Our servers presented exotic Moroccan tagines such as the Chef’s signature dish Mechoui D’Agneau De Lait – roasted lamb shoulder with cumin, and the Pastilla Bil Hamam, a Moroccan pie of fillo pastry filled with pigeon meat, crushed almonds, and covered with cinnamon and icing sugar. Each platter was laced with spices that ignited our appetites and awakened new taste buds.
Don’t leave The Palace Courtyard without sipping the fresh mint tea, extravagantly poured in the traditional style. Recline on the traditional cushions under the stars, try smoking the fragrant sheesha , and try a fruit flavor – apple, apricot or grape. Known as nargileh, hookah, or hubbly bubbly, the sheesha is part of the social life in the Emirates.
There are many fresh dishes to choose from at the elegant Celebrities restaurant, or dine on the terrace at Olives in The Palace for casual Mediterranean cuisine. The wood fired pizzas are a must!
For One&Only Royal Mirage Dubai restaurant reservations, email: Fb.acourt@oneandonlyroyalmirage.ae
Spa & Oriental Hammam
Not far from The Palace, we made our way to the Spa for the Oriental Hammam experience. Med Saif, the Hammam Manager led us to the ladies area, and enlightened us along the way, “You see, the traditional Hammam, the Oriental steam bath, has long played a part in the cultural and social life of eastern cities.”
He continued, “Entering the Hammam is akin to a journey: winding corridors turn this way and that, dramatic archways entice you on; until, suddenly, one enters the heart of Hammam, a haven of space, warmth and comfort.”
Relaxation was redefined for us as we retreated into a steam bath and exfoliated our stresses away.
Our personal attendant prepared us, and escorted us to the traditional heated marble tables for cleansing, then a series of exotic body treatments – a body scrub from head to toe, body wrap with ghassoul mud with a honey mask, then a calming massage. The soothing sound of running water echoes from the ornately tiled walls. Steam rises and fills the room. All we can see are rays of lights through the mist, as we closed our eyes and surrendered to serenity.
To book your Oriental Hammam, contact: hammam@oneandonlyroyalmirage.ae
Ready to learn more about Hammam? Click here to read How to Hammam
One&Only Royal Mirage cast its spell on us and we’re ready to jump on our magic carpet and glide back to this beach resort.
Want to check in to this magical oasis? Book your reservation at: One&Only Royal Mirage
By Patricia Stone, a travel writer and consultant for Global Adventuress.
Travel Acknowledgements:
We would like to thank One&Only Royal Mirage for hosting our stay. All opinions expressed here are entirely our own.
Credits: some photos and excerpts provided by One&Only Royal Mirage
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