Located in Palm Jumeirah, one of Dubai’s most emblematic sites, One&Only The Palm enjoys total seclusion, promising peace and tranquility. A rare human-scale resort in a city prone to excess, it was recently voted “Best Resort in the Middle East” by the very select Conde Nast Traveller magazine. Also renowned for its Guerlain spa , which promises an exceptional wellness interlude, One&Only the Palm is a fantastic address for wellness enthusiasts. Pascal Languillon, CEO of Luxe Wellness Club, wanted to test this extraordinary hotel. Here’s the story of his wonderful stay.
A splendid, intimate resort in the heart of Dubai
Dubai aims to position itself as theepicenter of the global luxury hotel industry. The desert city offers visitors an exceptional choice of five-star residences in a variety of styles and designs. Thanks to its emblematic location at the western end of the artificial island of Palm Jumeirah, One & Only The Palm is distinguished by its Arab-Andalusian resort atmosphere, tranquillity and refinement, making it one of the world’s leading best addresses in Dubai. The hotel was inaugurated in 2010, and is still the flagship of the Emirates hotel industry.
As soon as I arrived at the hotel, I was struck by the contrast between these buildings, full of oriental delicacy and refinement, and those I had just seen on the road! It’s true that the Palm is a predominantly concrete area with very imposing hotels with hundreds or even thousands of rooms… and to suddenly find yourself in what could be a Moroccan palace is quite surprising! The resort is indeed small for Dubai, with just 64 rooms, 27 suites and 4 private villas facing the sea.
The resort has its own private beach on the shores of The Palm. Although the skyline is quickly cut off by the hotels opposite, the sand is fine and the water beautiful! I loved the view of Atlantis the Palm and Atlantis the Royal in the distance… certainly the two most famous hotels in Dubai today, belonging to the same group as One&Only resorts, Kerzner, but with a completely different philosophy. For my part, I’m more sensitive to One&Only-style luxury, with the brand’s characteristic refinement and attention to personalization.
The hotel boasts a splendid swimming pool surrounded by palm trees, in my opinion the most beautiful of my entire stay at the group’s various hotels. It would be 1000 m². I enjoyed lounging on the sun-beds, listening to the mellow music and birdsong. What a luxury to be able to hear the birds in a city like Dubai! Even more surprising is the encounter with a few adorable rabbits, here and there, on the bend of a path in this immense garden.
A second infinity pool, Safina, is located beachside and reserved for adults. It offers impressive views of the city’s skyscrapers. It extends into a bar, with a fine wood floor worthy of a luxury yacht.
There’s no shortage of water activities at One&Only, and all kinds of watercraft are available for hire. For me, it was an hour of Stand-Up Paddle, which I love so much.
Throughout the resort, service is impeccable. Ice creams are offered to guests free of charge, and don’t be surprised if someone even offers to clean your sunglasses while you’re lying on your sun lounger!
Large, elegant rooms
The décor of the rooms and suites is very elegant and skilfully blends noble materials with contemporary touches. I was lucky enough to be able to enjoy a wonderful Palm Manor Executive Suite, on the first floor, with a large terrace and direct access to the garden, and the beach just a few steps away.
The extra-soft king-size bed was delicious, as was the bath in the sumptuous marble tub! Floor-to-ceiling silk-printed sliding doors separate the rooms. This 115 m² suite also includes a large living room, a splendid Italian shower and two Japanese toilets.
The overall impression is one of luxury. A butler is available 24 hours a day, the room is cleaned twice a day, and lanterns are lit at night to create a magical atmosphere.
The only Guerlain spa in the Middle East
The Guerlain spa covers more than 2,000 square meters, with a dozen treatment rooms and private gardens. For me, it represents the height of sophistication. It’s a peaceful Andalusian-style sanctuary, with a truly spectacular entrance. You’d think you were at the Alhambra, or in one of Marrakech’s sumptuous palaces!
Cleverly combining ancestral oriental techniques with the latest advances in cosmetics from the famous French brand Guerlain, each personalized treatment repairs, regenerates and revitalizes the skin. You can also treat yourself to an imperial four-hand massage, an exceptional facial or a Thai massage. I was also able to try out an excellent foot reflexology session .
The spa features a steam room and sauna, with an adjoining relaxation room. There’s also an Alexandre Zouari hairdressing salon, which I had the pleasure of trying out to shorten my hair.
Throughout the spa, fragrances from the Absolus D’orient collection. These oriental fragrances with hints of cedar wood, oud wood and incense are inspired by the desert…
The spa boasts a superb adults-only pool , so quiet that I didn’t see anyone swimming in it, despite my many visits.
Yoga classes are offered daily, outdoors where possible. The course I took was beach and poolside, in Safina, with a superb view of the Palm. The Indian yoga teacher was extraordinary, with an extraordinary flexibility. It would almost motivate me to try and train every day like he does…
Delicious restaurants
Under the expert eye of renowned French chef Yannick Alléno, the resort’s cuisine oscillates between Italian (at “Zest”), international (at “101 Dining Lounge”) and resolutely French gastronomy at “Stay”, a restaurant crowned with two Michelin stars, a rarity in Dubai .
Thanks to his perfect mastery of the culinary arts, Yannick Alleno has won three Michelin stars for two of his French restaurants in Paris and at Cheval Blanc in Courchevel. He continues in Dubai tradition of excellence. Although I didn’t dare try the gourmet menu at the Michelin-starred restaurant, having made the trip alone, I really enjoyed the 101 restaurant, which is set on stilts above the sea and serves delicate dishes.
I found the breakfast unforgettable! It offers a wide choice from hummus to Persian salad, pancakes to eggs Benedict, as well as a variety of fresh fruits, nuts and vegetables. The smoked salmon, pastries and homemade juices were also delicious! All this is served in a distinguished atmosphere, in the shade of parasols or palm trees.
For lunch, Zest serves Italian cuisine full of flavor. I enjoyed the tomato salad with burrata, and the pasta with gorgonzola.
Our video
Our feeling
A sumptuous Arabo-Andalusian palace in a peaceful palm-covered oasis, far from the hustle and bustle of Dubai, yet so close in time. This is how to describe our favorite hotel, which we consider to be the most beautiful resort in the megalopolis. The Guerlain spa isn’t huge, but it’s exquisitely refined, with a palette of treatments each more desirable than the last. A must if you’re planning a trip to the Emirates.
Luxe Wellness Club
Book at One&Only The Palm in Dubai
Rates : From around €600 per night in low season. Expect to pay from €1,200 per night in high season.
Call us for the USA on +1 (646) 980 6652 or for the UK on +44 20 4577 3258
