Breaking Travel News investigates: One&Only the Palm
Located at the furthest tip of the West Crescent on the iconic Palm Jumeriah, One&Only the Palm offers guests the chance to escape the bustling city and enter an exclusive island enclave.
Complete with its own private marina and accessible by boat or via a winding driveway, this elegant retreat might be minutes from the heart of Dubai, but it feels like a million miles away.
Inspired by the architecture of Andalusia’s Moorish palaces such as the mighty Alhambra in Granada, the last palace built for Muslim emirs in Spain, One&Only the Palm blends Middle Eastern influences with a contemporary palette of neutral tones.
Indeed, the hotel is considered the Middle East’s Most Romantic Resort by voters at the World Travel Awards.
From the Grand Lobby columns edged in white scrolling tendrils, to the quadrangle design of the One&Only Spa with its courtyard fountain, Arabesque design is reinterpreted for the modern, discerning traveller, giving the chic resort a rare and distinct identity.
Comprising of just 90 guest rooms and suites plus four opulent beachfront villas, One&Only the Palm is incredibly private with a feeling of expansive space.
Guests can stroll along the 450 metres of private beach, bask in the sun on oversized daybeds by the grand swimming pool or recline in an air-conditioned poolside cabana.
Three captivating restaurants, artfully guided by three Michelin-star chef Yannick Alléno include Zest, Stay by Yannick Alléno and 101 Dining Lounge & Marina.
The Guerlain Spa offers a unique chance to experience the secrets of one of the oldest skincare houses in the world, with treatments created exclusively for One&Only The Palm guests.
Boasting a 120m2 cutting-edge fitness centre, adults-only pool, tennis courts and dedicated beauty salon with Pedi:Mani:Cure Studio by Bastien Gonzalez and Zouari Hair Salon, there is very little reason to leave.
Pedi:Mani:Cure Studio by Bastien Gonzalez is also recognised by World Spa Awards as the World’s Best Nail Studio Brand.
Those that do want to delve into the calm waters of the Arabian Gulf can experience a series of water sports at Dolphin key or simply take in spectacular views of the city skyline from their own private balcony.
Some 90 stylish guest rooms and lavish suites are located across the Manor House and six-low rise Mansions set in lush gardens.
Designed to offer a comfortable and secluded residential experience, rich fabrics that pop in hues of turquoise and mauve and intricate Arabic artwork are offset by cool and contemporary neutral tones.
All guest rooms and suites feature bathrooms with freestanding bathtubs and rain showers, plus private balconies or outdoor terraces overlooking the beach or iconic grand pool.
On the top floor of the main Manor House, the Grand Palm Suite commands 250m2, allowing guests to luxuriate in the grand master bedroom, separate living and dining areas, private outdoor terrace with dining area and sun lounge plus round-the-clock personal service from a team of expert hosts.
Those looking for total seclusion and personalised service can book into one of four two-bedroom villas nestled in the lush gardens.
Spread across two immaculate levels, each 325m2 villa has a light-filled living space at its centre complete with fully stocked bar, impressive dining area and serviced kitchen.
Patios, rooftop terraces and balconies are beautifully dressed with oversized sun loungers, intricately-carved wooden dining furniture, umbrellas to offer shade and temperature-controlled plunge pools.
Providing the perfect culinary accompaniment to One&Only the Palm’s ultra-luxury surroundings, three Michelin-star chef Yannick Alléno curates the exceptional culinary experience for guests.
The journey starts at Zest, which artfully blends flavours from the Middle East, Asia and the West.
Located in a bright space embellished in glass leaf and cut quartz crystals, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the striking swimming pool and sweeping outdoor terrace – this is dining on a decidedly decadent level.
Building on the refined French techniques that won him the highest honours in the culinary world, Stay by Yannick Alléno is fine dining at its most playful.
Traditional cooking methods are married with modern culinary advancements to create a seasonally evolving menu of signature dishes.
Ensuring the space matches the soaring quality of the cuisine; the dramatic monochrome dining room with baroque black crystal chandeliers cast a gentle spotlight on Yannick’s witty dishes.
The Pastry Library gives guests the chance to assist the Chef De Patisserie to create their own desserts, adding a unique experience and encouraging guests to cast off expectations and interact with the culinary team.
Adjacent to the resort’s private marina, 101 Dining Lounge & Marina perches above the Arabian Gulf with an overwater terrace that boasts glittering, panoramic views over the city skyline.
Serving a refined seafood menu designed by chef Yannick Alléno, the concept takes inspiration from the renowned artist Damian Hirst’s exhibition Treasures from the Wreck of the Unbelievable, every aspect, from the intricately designed ‘fish scale’ tableware to an elevated menu of the finest seafood, celebrates the restaurant ocean-side location.
Spanning 2,400m2, the ethereal Guerlain Spa is accessed via a breath-taking Moorish courtyard with garden terrace, central pool and carved walkways transporting guests to a sanctuary of complete calm.
The Parisian beauty house that was founded in 1828 designed three bespoke treatments exclusive to One&Only the Palm guests – combining centuries of expertise in the quest for beautiful skin with sheer indulgence.
The only Guerlain Spa in the United Arab Emirates features luxurious treatment suites, a relaxation room, private swimming pool and inviting lounge.
A secluded, self-contained couples’ suite complete with hammam facilities, includes a double scrub room and shower, private steam room, two separate soaking baths as well as a private lounge area.
The spa’s sumptuous reception is fully stocked with Guerlain cosmetics and perfumes, giving guests the opportunity to purchase a comprehensive array of products to continue their pampering ritual at home.
More Information
For more on visiting One&Only the Palm head over to the official website or for all that is new on the Palm Jumeirah visit Breaking Travel News’ sister website Palm Times.