One&Only One Za'abeel hotel review: a towering but tranquil Dubai retreat
This striking stay may be One&Only's first city centre resort, but it feels surprisingly similar to the brand's more far-flung, beachy hotels that are dotted all over the globe (and on Dubai's coast) — no mean feat considering it's slap bang in the throbbing metropolis. It's located in one of the two glass-covered One Za'abeel towers (rising 59 and 68 storeys) that are linked by the world's longest cantilever (the length of almost five double-decker buses) with extraordinary views of Dubai's skyline. Inside the cantilever you'll find the Link, which features three storeys of acclaimed restaurants — plus a spacious infinity pool on its rooftop. The hotel is spread over 22 floors, which are accessed by 29 lifts: be warned, finding your way around can feel like a game of snakes and ladders. Wellness is high on the agenda, with the serene Garden Pool and the Longevity Hub by Clinique La Prairie, an immaculate three-storey spa.
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Score 9/10There are 229 accommodations, ranging from spacious Za'abeel rooms to the palatial penthouse Villa One (with its own gym, cinema room and lap pool) — and all are luxurious. Za'abeel suites are the entry-level suite category, positioned in the corners of the tower with stunning city-wide views from their dual-aspect floor-to-ceiling windows. The interiors, conceived by the celebrated hotel designer Jean-Michel Gathy, focus on cool calming blues and greys, with marble floors, lavish rugs and vast sandstorm-style artworks adorning the walls.
In the Za'abeel suites, a king-size bed smothered in soft linen takes centre stage in an expansive living area, which includes a comfy day bed, sofa and dining area. This leads to a large marble bathroom with double showers and a gigantic, deep rectangular bath positioned next to the window to take in the views while soaking.
A walk-in wardrobe keeps belongings tucked away and there's a large drinks and snacks cabinet —more of a maxibar than a minibar. If you need ice and a slice, just call your dedicated host (ie butler): another perk included with each suite. Even the standard rooms have great views of the city and feature king-size beds, walk-in wardrobes and giant bathrooms.
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Score 10/10The hotel has six dining options, ranging from the informal Culinara social dining hall to fine-dining at the Michelin-starred La Dame de Pic. Breakfast in Aelia features a huge buffet counter and bakery, as well as an extensive à la carte menu and trolleys serving mimosas and special dishes. For laid-back lunches, Andaliman serves tasty Indonesian dishes: don't miss the dadar gulung, a dessert of pandan green pancakes stuffed with coconut, palm sugar and coconut ice cream. Elsewhere, the graffiti-covered StreetXO is the street food concept of the experimental Spanish chef Dabiz Muñoz. Standout dishes include brioche soaked in curry cream, with iced roasted pineapple, coconut kakigori and toasted coconut shavings. Order the rum-heady Blood XO cocktail, presented in a ceramic heart. For elevated poolside dining, Tapasake serves South American and Japanese dishes, such as heavenly wagyu tataki and shrimp gyozas.
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Score 8/10There's the glamorous cabana-lined infinity pool on top of the Link, and the more tranquil Garden Pool on the fourth floor with a swim-up bar and lustrous palm trees. The kids' club is also on this floor. As typical of Dubai, service is excellent throughout the hotel, but this is a large property, so it's not particularly personalised. The other special experience here is the Longevity Hub by Clinique La Prairie, a biohacking wellness centre whose treatments range from infrared facials to IV drips and cryotherapy (all at an extra charge). Hotel guests also have complimentary access to the gender-segregated steam rooms and saunas, and a whirlpool that features stunning views of the city.
Score 8/10
If you're in town for a conference, the Dubai World Trade Centre is a few minutes' walk away. But if sightseeing is on the agenda this is also an excellent location: the Dubai Frame and Creek are only ten minutes away by taxi, as is Dubai International Airport. The Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and Dubai Fountains are 15 minutes' drive in the opposite direction. If you want to feel the sand between your toes, the beach is about 20 minutes by car.
Price B&B doubles from £375Restaurant mains from £24 (at StreetXO)Family-friendly YAccessible Y
Alexandra Whiting was a guest of One&Only One Za'abeel (oneandonlyresorts.com)
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