Inside One&Only The Palm, a Tranquil Escape Just Outside Downtown Dubai

Stay Here For

A serene trip to Dubai without having to worry about the details—or the city chaos.

At the far end of Palm Jumeirah, a group of man-made islands shaped like a palm tree, One&Only The Palm offers a level of tranquility most visitors don’t experience in Dubai.

The resort is spread across a series of low-rise buildings, a departure from the towering hotels of Downtown Dubai. A stay here is all about quiet luxury—as you pass through the front gate, you’re leaving the city behind, trading car horns for birdsong (and the occasional caw from a crow).

Guests are within driving distance of the Burj Khalifa (the world’s tallest building), the city’s many enormous malls and dune-bashing excursions in the desert. But you’ll be tempted to spend your days at the resort’s expansive Grand Pool, the Guerlain Spa or the private stretch of soft sand beach, where the bustle of Dubai will be the last thing on your mind.

The Room

There are only 94 rooms here, so the one you book is important—although you’re eligible for a space-available upgrade when you book through The Edit, it’s a bit more difficult to get an upgrade here since it’s a smaller hotel. While you can catch a sliver of ocean from some base rooms, consider booking a Palm Beach Junior Suite so you’re guaranteed a great beach and water view.

That said, even the base category, the Palm Manor Premiere Room, is spectacular, measuring 700 square feet, with a spacious sitting area, a large desk and a balcony or private terrace that could comfortably seat four. The bed is incredibly plush, and you’ll be tempted to plop down the moment you arrive, letting your eyes wander around the room as you take in the details, from the textured panels and Andalusian-influenced arches to the soft lighting and desert-inspired hues.

Hidden behind a set of frosted glass sliding doors, you’ll find a marble bathroom with a rainfall shower and a freestanding soaking tub. There’s a separate vanity with a bench, plus a trio of closets, where you’ll find slippers, flip-flops and a beach bag with a One&Only charm.

The Features

Don’t miss: The extensive breakfast buffet and à la carte menu at Zest, where items like the modern eggs Benedictine, served on potato waffles and topped with salmon roe, flaunt the hotel’s flair for luxury. The staff is eager to please; don’t be surprised if multiple servers come by to offer you more to eat and drink.

Can’t stop thinking about: How comfortable the rooms are. Don’t feel guilty spending too much time “at home,” indulging in the speedy room service as you recover from your jet lag, or just daydreaming in bed.

Keep an eye out for: Tom the hawk—the resort’s resident birds of prey help keep the crows at bay. You’ll see Tom (or one of his feathered coworkers) roaming the grounds with a handler during breakfast and lunch, who dispatches the bird whenever the crows get too close to the guests (and their meals).

The Vibe

Spend a few hours at the Safina Pool, where an attendant will greet you and make up a daybed—there are plenty to go around. (Photo courtesy of One&Only The Palm.)

What’s on the speakers? An electronic dance mix that, if you manage to hear it, makes you feel like you’re at the world’s quietest club. It's easy to miss, and given the resort’s overall tranquil vibe, that’s almost certainly by design.

What are you packing? While you’ll see some guests dressed in suits at breakfast before heading out for the day, those spending their days at the resort are more likely to be floating around in beachwear, linen pants and casual button-downs.

What are people drinking? Pool cocktails like the Poire Colada Granita, a frozen blend of pear vodka, salted yogurt and green apple. Or One&Only takes on classics like the Roasted Negroni.

Are guests staying in our going out? Most guests stay in, although the resort maintains a calm atmosphere even when it’s almost completely full. Visitors can also buy a day pass to visit the main Grand Pool or the Safina Pool, which is accessible only to adults.

Guests in Two- and Three-Bedroom Villas have access to their own private pools. (Photo courtesy of One&Only The Palm.)

Fast Facts

• Number of rooms: 94
• Number of pools: 3
• Fitness center? Yes
• Spa? Yes
• Salon? Yes
• Number of bars/restaurants: 4
• 24-hour room service? Yes
• Childcare and kids club? Yes