Those who know me well know that I have a passion for the Arabian Peninsula. I am also lucky enough to have travelled for business as well as pleasure and have stayed in some amazing hotels around the world. My all time favourite (to date!) is the One & Only Royal Mirage in Dubai, UAE.
The hotel is situated on a kilometre of private beachfront overlooking Palm Island Bay, it is set amidst 65 acres oasis of lavishly landscaped gardens, just minutes away from Dubai Marina.
There are 3 buildings linked by pathways and gardens, The Palace, The Residence and Spa and the Arabian Court. Each has top end restaurants, beautiful swimming pools and access to a private beach. I have stayed at this beautiful hotel a number of times since 2008 and it has never failed to deliver beyond my expectations.
The Arabian Court is my favourite being magnificently appointed with Arabian architecture and styling. One of the memories that stays with me most is the fragrance of frankincense that wafts throughout the corridors and the atmospheric lighting, It makes me feel like Scheherazade from 1001 Arabian Nights from the moment I cross the threshold.
On arrival you are seated and treated to traditional Arabian hospitality, tea and dates whilst being checked in – your bags are already on their way to your room. The service is truly exceptional and, consistently that way.
During each of my visits I have found the restaurants to be of the highest standards. I personally love dining at Tagine, the traditionally Moroccan styled restaurant with an a la carte menu of flavoursome Moroccan salads and a host of tagines or the “mistress of spice” Indo-Eurasian Nina, brimming with flavour from biriyanis to tandooris. These are just two of the eight high quality dining experiences. As a lone traveller and a woman, I have always been made to feel welcome, even if staff have been a little surprised to find I am unaccompanied! In fact, they have often gone out of their way to be engaging, respectful and charming.
My favourite pastime after dinner is to enjoy coffee, shisha (there are a multitude of flavours to choose from) and live music at the Arabian Courtyard, providing an Arabian feel to a night under the stars. They serve a great choice of mezze too, should you want a more casual food choice. End the evening with a cocktail or two at the roof top bar just above. There are 4 bars and lounges and The Jetty is a popular and vibrant evening spot overlooking The Palm Island.
To refresh the body and soul a special treat has to be the The Royal Hammam at The Residence Spa, which is truly indulgent and an experience not to be missed (approx 400 AED). The aroma of the Ghassoul black soap, the steam room, full body scrub and wonderful honey mask is pampering at its best! The spa at The Residence is truly world class with a range of treatments and massages to suit all tastes.
Of course, luxury and good service does not come cheap and so this hotel is not inexpensive. For 5 nights in a deluxe king in the Arabian Court in September 2017 expect to pay just over $6400 AED or approx. $2300 AUD per Deluxe Room at the Arabian Court.
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