In Dubai’s fast-paced landscape, the One&Only Royal Mirage stands as a timeless symbol of elegance

For a quarter-century, this beachside sanctuary has offered a much-needed escape from the city’s relentless quest for the next big thing. With sprawling grounds that would leave even the most seasoned landscape architect breathless, the resort masterfully combines grandiosity with intimacy. The lush tropical gardens and serene pools create a tranquil environment that’s so calming, that you might forget you’re in one of the world’s busiest cities—at least until your WhatsApp starts buzzing.

Conveniently located between the dynamic Media City and the iconic Palm Islands, the One&Only Royal Mirage offers guests the best of both worlds. The resort’s three distinct areas—The Palace, The Residence & Spa, and The Arabian Court—cater to every taste, whether you’re seeking opulent grandeur, intimate luxury, family-friendly comfort, or a romantic retreat. The desert-inspired sandstone architecture pays homage to Bedouin traditions, while the dramatic gold camel riders at The Palace entrance add a touch of Dubai’s flamboyant flair. For a more subdued experience, The Residence & Spa offers a retreat within a retreat, with its winding corridors and intricate mosaics evoking an Arabian Nights fantasy (though a flying carpet is sadly not included).

Accommodation

Our experience in the Junior Suite at The Residences felt like a perfect embrace of Arabian opulence, complete with a sea view and a private balcony overlooking the lush garden. The suite’s focal point, a wooden king-sized bed, is dramatically elevated on a platform, creating an impressive centrepiece. The living area, features traditional majlis-style seating, while the separate dining table provides a space for intimate meals or casual board game gatherings.

A sophisticated neutral palette accented with royal purple and vibrant mosaics complements a selection of regional artefacts that tell captivating stories. The bathroom is well-equipped with twin sinks, fluffy towels, plush robes, and an array of Montroi products, ensuring every need is met with ease.

Meanwhile, the Palace and Arabian Court, encompassing a combined 393 rooms and suites, offer their own brand of understated elegance.

Culinary highlights

Our culinary adventure began at the Beach Bar & Grill, where Chef Mauro Colagreco’s expertise is showcased with remarkable flair. The meal commenced with a trio of starters that set a high standard for the feast to follow. Lightly battered Calamari, crisp and golden, was perfectly complemented by zesty lemon mayonnaise and tangy radish pickles. The Empanadas de carne featured a braised beef filling, demonstrating the kitchen’s skillful use of spices and seasoning. The Burrata salad, adorned with local tomatoes, fragrant basil, and toasted pine nuts, offered a refreshing interlude and a reminder that even in luxury, one must enjoy their greens.

The main courses were nothing short of spectacular. The Prawn linguine, with homemade pasta cooked to perfection, was accompanied by succulent prawns that could easily boast an impressive social media following. For those seeking a more substantial dish, the Australian beef burger excelled with its spicy chilli mayonnaise, crisp beef bacon, and melting Argentinian provoleta cheese.

As evening descended, we were transported to Morocco at Tagine, a restaurant where the atmosphere is as captivating as the cuisine. Here, warm lighting and intricate design set the stage for a meal that began with a series of bites: crispy Cigar eggplant, Fried gambas marinated in charmoula, Serpentine of vegetables drizzled with sweet kezbour coulis, Goat cheese briouate, Coussin de kofta & red onion lamb, Chicken roll, and plenty more.

For mains, the Chicken m’hamer, featured tender and aromatic from slow cooking with green olives and lemon confit, while the Mixed kebab platter offered marinated meats perfectly paired with creamy houmous and soft pitta bread. The meal concluded with a Cigar de sellou, a filo pastry filled with an unexpected yet delightful combination of traditional Moroccan Sellou (sweet made from toasted flour, almonds, sesame seeds, honey, butter, and spices) with chocolate, served with rich amlou.

Breakfast at The Dining Room featured a lavish buffet with freshly baked pastries, an array of dips, and a selection of seasonal fruits. For a hot breakfast, choices included hearty shakshuka and indulgent Nutella-topped pancakes.

Our final dining experience at the property was Eauzone. Set amidst tranquil water features and a shimmering pool, this modern Asian restaurant captivates with its visual and culinary appeal. The meal began with enticing appetisers, starting with the Furikake crispy calamari—deep-fried calamari served with aji amarillo aioli, delivering a delightful crunch. The mini Spicy hijiki chicken tacos featured sautéed corn-fed chicken paired with seaweed, honey, and a Peruvian sauce, garnished with freshly chopped chives, offering a unique blend of spicy and sweet. The Prawn tempura presented deep-fried black tiger prawns in a light tempura batter, complemented by spicy mayonnaise and yuzu dressing.

For the main course, the Tiger prawn tempura roll impressed with black tiger shrimp, asparagus, and tempura crumbs, topped with wasabi mayo and sesame seeds. The Prawns pad Thai presented a traditional stir-fried rice noodle dish, featuring scrambled egg, bean sprouts, fish sauce, and pad Thai sauce, garnished with coriander leaves, lime, and crushed roasted peanuts, showcasing a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savoury elements. The meal concluded with a delightful Mango crème brûlée, enriched with yuzu gel, coconut ice cream, and roasted mango.

Facilities

The concept of luxury at One&Only Resorts extends far beyond the confines of your room, creating an expansive retreat that caters to both relaxation seekers and activity enthusiasts. The resort boasts four palm-fringed pools, including an adults-only sanctuary amidst lush gardens that offer a tranquil escape from Dubai’s urban hustle.

The private beach, stretching over a kilometre, is a versatile playground for both leisure and adventure. Guests can dive into a range of water sports, from kayaking to waterskiing, in the inviting clear waters. On land, the resort provides diverse recreational options, including a putting green, pétanque court, basketball and volleyball courts, and floodlit tennis and padel courts, ensuring guests remain active and entertained.

Families are well catered for with the KidsOnly Club, which engages younger guests with a variety of daily activities. The highlight of the resort, however, is the One&Only Spa. Here, you can indulge in Nature’s Resonance by ESPA, an exclusive treatment that combines eco-therapy and vibrational energy. Your journey begins with a refreshing cold sand foot massage, grounding you and setting the stage for deeper relaxation. This is followed by a carefully curated soundscape featuring binaural beats and the Solfeggio scale, which works in harmony with the natural rhythms of Arabia to elevate your experience.

As the soothing beats envelop you, skilled therapists perform a deeply relaxing body massage, focusing on areas of tension to release stress and restore balance. The Fitness Studio and Centre are perfect for those maintaining a fitness regime, while morning yoga sessions on the beach offer a peaceful start to the day. Golf enthusiasts can also enjoy access to nearby PGA-standard courses, rounding out a comprehensive luxury and leisure offering.

BOOK NOW

The Junior Suite is available from AED2,030 per night. Visit oneandonlyresorts.com/royal-mirage.