Arabian Nights at the One&Only Royal Mirage

Modern Dubai often conjures up images of imposing skyscrapers, sleek minimalist hotels and sprawling malls. While that makes for a splendid action-packed holiday, one can escape to a majestic oasis that overlooks the Palm Island Bay: the One&Only Royal Mirage, part of the exclusive One&Only resort group. 

The sprawling estate is divided into three properties: The Palace, Residence & Spa, and Arabian Court. Our sojourn at the latter introduces us to a world of modern Arabia, where luxury and opulence are tastefully contemporised.

As we enter through the domed entrance of the Arabian Court, it feels like we’re stepping into the pages of the tales of One Thousand and One Nights, version 2.0. Middle Eastern design elements abound, with Arabesque motifs dominating the settings. At the lobby, a water fountain filled with red rose petals sets the scene for the lavish surroundings (we’re told that the two in-house florists replace the petals every day), and our noses are teased by the subtle scent of oud lingering in the air.

The rooms and suites are also an extension of this design aesthetic. On the first day, we indulge in a platter of berries and baklava that has been placed in our room: it helps alleviate the jetlag, as do the deliciously indulgent Penhaligon’s amenities in the bathroom. We attempt to relax in the balcony and revel in the scenic panorama of the setting sun into the horizon, but we barely last five minutes as it is 35 degrees Celsius outside.

Further relaxation comes in the form of the Hammam and spa located at the Residence, where a range of massages and other treatments help relax our weary bodies. Dinner is at the Moroccan establishment Tagine, situated at The Palace. Scents of cumin and spices waft through the air, whetting our appetites, and the dishes live up to all expectations. The filo pastry with pigeon filling and garnished with iced sugar and cinnamon is delightful, while the main courses of lamb and chicken are left to simmer in the tagine (stews are cooked in earthen pots called tagine), their flavours exploding in the mouth. Topping the experience is a duo of live Moroccan musicians, putting us in the mood to dance.  

Royal Mirage is a 10-min drive away from the Mall of Emirates and 20min from the Dubai Mall, but should you hanker a honeymoon that melds the best of both worlds, it offers relaxation and respite within the urban jungle that is Dubai.

For bookings, visit royalmirage.one&onlyresorts.com.