The One&Only One Za’abeel has just made a stunning entry into Dubai’s already crowded luxury hotel scene. This hotel, as tall as the Eiffel Tower, stands out for its architectural boldness and opulence. It also boasts a new kind of medical spa, Clinique La Prairie‘s Longevity-Hub, making it the first choice in Dubai for high-end wellness enthusiasts. That’s all it took for Pascal Languillon, CEO of Luxe Wellness Club, to go and investigate. Here’s his account of a dizzying journey!
The world’s first vertical resort
This is not a hotel, no. It’s a vertical resort! This is how One&Only One Za’abeel presents itself. Why? Because with 229 rooms, two pools, 11 restaurants and a 3-storey Clinique La Prairie spa, this new One&Only has the feel of a resort rather than a hotel. Here, you don’t ride a buggy, you ride an elevator! I like this new concept of vertical urban resorts, although it can be a little disconcerting at times.
I think this resort is the very symbol of the meteoric evolution of the city of Dubai, which has grown like a mushroom in the desert, and is now effervescent and resolutely international. More than 80 different nationalities are represented on the One&Only staff. Even if Dubai will always have its detractors, as its folie de grandeur can irritate some people, I personally love this vision of a new world, where young people are full of energy.
The resort impressed me on every level. I don’t think anyone can remain indifferent. Nestled in the two imposing towers of One Za’abeel, linked by the Link, an architectural feat suspended 91 meters above the ground, crowned by a breathtaking infinity pool, the Tapasake Pool, where I enjoyed lounging from the early hours of the morning, only to return at sunset…
Another pool at the foot of the towers has a tropical, family atmosphere, with pretty palm trees. Within the two pools, soft electronic music is played underwater, through an ingenious system of submerged baffles ! What a pleasure to surf to the sound of a melody, while admiring the height of the building….
Classy rooms
If I had to sum up the One&Only brand, for me it’s pure luxury. I was lucky enough to stay at the One&Only Portonovi, which undoubtedly has some of the most beautiful rooms I’ve seen in Europe to date. The same designer, Jean-Michel Gathy, is responsible for the rooms at One&Only One Za’abeel, and once again, with great panache!
I stayed in a “GRAND ZA’ABEEL” room, the second room category, on the 47th floor, probably at an altitude of around 200 metres… With a surface area of 84m², the room lacks nothing. The bed is super-comfortable, the mini-bar is impressive and the dressing room is huge. The splendid view towards Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest tower, and the rest of the Dubai skyline is truly impressive.
The highlight for me was the very spacious, ultra-luxurious bathroom, with a large walk-in shower and deep soaking tub. I took great pleasure in slipping into a bubble bath with fragrances evocative of Arabia, watching the lights of the city at nightfall…
The quality of room service is extraordinary: staff can unpack and re-pack suitcases, butlers are available via Whatsapp, and so on. Luxury in the 21st century.
Clinique La Prairie’s Longevity Hub
Occupying three floors, Clinique La Prairie’s Longevity Hub acts as an extension of Clinique La Prairie in Montreux, Switzerland. Like its other centers in Bangkok and Taipei, this new Hub offers solutions to enhance well-being and beauty. The medical team includes a dermatologist, general practitioner, physiotherapist and longevity coach.
This medical spa covers 3,750 m² and features 29 treatment rooms. Male and female areas are separated, and therapists are of the same sex as customers, as required by the country’s religion. Facilities include a Finnish sauna, herbal steam room, hydrotherapy bath, jet shower and infrared sauna. The Hub also includes a movement studio and gym equipped by Technogym, Senaptec and an Ice Pod.
The difference between a luxury spa and Clinique La Prairie’s Longevity Hub lies in the medical expertise developed in Switzerland. Here, you can determine your true biological age through a series of tests.
So I volunteered to determine my “Longevity Index” . This test is based on advanced artificial intelligence technologies and wellness algorithms. After answering a questionnaire about my lifestyle, the software analyzed my skin using a VISIA machine. I also had an impedancemetry check-up, which provides detailed information on body composition: fat mass, lean mass, muscle mass, as well as bone mineral content, water distribution and metabolic indicators of fitness. Then it was time for a non-invasive analysis of the vitamins and heavy metals present in my body. All this gave me a total score (my longevity index) of 77/100, which according to the therapist is an excellent score.
Another very interesting diagnosis was that of Senaptec. The “Senaptec Sensory Station” provides comprehensive sensory evaluation and training to maximize performance. This technology measures and trains visual, cognitive and visuomotor skills, giving athletes a unique advantage to perform more consistently and at a higher level. I’m not an athlete, but it was very interesting to take this test and see that I’m in the upper range when it comes to coordination between my brain and my body .
Clinique La Prairie’s Longevity Hub offers a wide range of treatments. Neuro Wave Stimulation is an acoustic and vibratory therapy that induces deep relaxation in the brain. Among the treatments on offer are cryotherapy, which I was able to try out (obviously horribly cold, but so stimulating), the use of infrared technology and intravenous infusions. The Hub also offers minimally invasive aesthetic procedures such as hyaluronic acid injections, botox and laser treatments.
I loved the massage given by a certain Dimitri for a truly exceptional revitalizing massage. I’m used to it, but I have to say that this massage left me speechless.
As you can see, with its full range of high-tech diagnostics and treatments, the Longevity Hub’s objective here goes beyond simple relaxation; it’s about extend your life! And if that’s not enough, then direction Clinique La Prairie in Switzerland to go all the way with revitalization.
11 restaurants, including 6 Michelin-starred chefs
Gastronomy is another highlight, with several establishments perched high above the clouds in the Link, offering Michelin-starred culinary experiences. Options range from French, Turkish, Thai, Indonesian and Spanish cuisine… It’s unprecedented!
There are so many restaurants that I couldn’t try them all. Notable experiences include Tapasake, a Japanese-Peruvian restaurant adjacent to the swimming pool of the same name. Japanese finesse on the plate, with an exotic twist. Delicious!
I was also intrigued by StreetXO from celebrity chef Dabiz Muñoz. Surprising Spanish fusion cuisine, with an explosion of flavors! It was almost too much for me at the end of the meal….
In the end, however, it was the Arab and Turkish restaurants that appealed to me most. I remember a delicious Mezze, with hummus, Baba Ganoush, and delicious samosas.
The Arrazuna Turkish restaurant is impressive in terms of size and design, with its multiple stalls reminiscent of a market. The lamb I ate there was a pure marvel.
As always, for me it’s at breakfast that you realize the quality of a hotel. The breakfast at One&Only One Za’abeel left me stunned! The choice at the buffet is endless, and the menu lets you try out Arab flavors alongside traditional eggs Benedict and pancakes. Waiters pass between the tables to serve, here vitamin shots, there fine pastries.
For anyone who considers themselves a gourmet, a trip to Dubai is a must to spend a week trying out the restaurants at One&Only One Za’abeeel!
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Our feeling
One&Only One Za’abeel is a new kind of ultra-luxury resort which offers the most spectacular views of Dubai. At once urban, vertical and trendy, it focuses on outstanding gastronomic and wellness experiences. Where else can you measure your biological age and revitalize your body while enjoying the wonders of 6 Michelin-starred chefs?
Luxe Wellness Club
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Rates : From 700 euros per night for accommodation. Wellness programs: Contact us using the form below for a quote.
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