Travellers in the know have long obsessed over One&Only resorts. It’s been nearly 20 years since founder Sol Kerzner and his team opened the first One&Only resort in Los Cabos, setting a glamorous blueprint for what would go on to become the brand’s world-renowned signature look and feel at its ultra-luxury properties: castaway, toes-in-the-sand resorts from Mauritius to Mexico. But never one to coast when there’s new ground to be broken, One&Only launched its first European outpost in Montenegro in 2021, signalling the winds of change. Now, there’s another exciting new opening to know about: the brand’s first-ever city experience in Dubai.
When it opened at the very start of this year, One&Only One Za'abeel – a city resort with all the elements of a dream holiday under one roof in the heart of Dubai, where there are already two chic coastal sister retreats – quickly shot to the top of many travel editors' bucket lists. Condé Nast Traveller was first in the doors. Cutting an imposing figure, One&Only One Za'abeel rises at what feels like touching distance from Dubai’s skyline; two glassy skyscrapers linked by a three-storey cantilever known as The Link. The futuristic architecture fits right in with Dubai’s bigger-is-better vibe without conforming to the mould – straight away, you know you’ve booked an experience that stands apart from the (many) other hotels in the city.
Of course, this is still a One&Only resort and elements that loyal guests will expect during their stay are present and correct: think service that anticipates your next move, ultra-luxurious surroundings and a considered wellness element. But the team has tricks up their sleeves here, tapping into Dubai’s world-class dining, shopping and entertainment scenes and bringing the best the city has to offer within the hotel’s very walls.
The Link, the world’s longest cantilever, is more than just a quirky architectural detail – this is a boulevard that floats 100 metres above the city; a neighbourhood to explore in itself without having to leave the resort at all. Here, you’ll find world-class, sky-high dining from names such as multi-Michelin-lauded French chef Anne-Sophie Pic, Spanish chef Paco Morales, Sagetsu by Tetsuya and DuangDy, from the people behind World’s 50 Best Restaurants Thai hotspot Bo.lan – Le Dame de Pic and Sagetsu even won a Michelin star apiece in this year’s awards. Book an exquisite afternoon tea at French-inspired Aelia, or brunch at Middle-Eastern flavoured Arrazuna. Elsewhere at The Link, take a dip in the United Arab Emirates’ longest infinity pool at Tapasake, surrounded by cabanas and with epic views of Dubai’s skyline.
That’s not the only place for a dip here, though: One&Only One Za'abeel also has a swimming pool surrounded by lush greenery at The Garden, a fourth-floor restaurant and bar overseen by internationally esteemed Spanish chef Dabiz Muñoz (best known for his cooking at DiverXO, which came third in the 2023 World’s 50 Best Restaurant awards).
And for those wanting to take the zen feeling that step further, there’s Longevity Hub by Clinique La Prairie, the first UAE wellness outpost of its kind from the brand. Here, the globally renowned Swiss clinic known for its carefully considered medicalised wellness concept promises guests a vitality-focussed programme that might include time in the hammam and hydrotherapy area, detoxifying massages, aesthetic treatments and more.
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With all of this at your fingertips – plus the light-flooded, extra-spacious rooms and suites to retire to when you need a timeout – you’d be forgiven for not exploring much of Dubai itself. After all, you’ve got widescreen views of the city from every angle here. But if you want to, you’re slap bang in the middle of the well-heeled Za’abeel neighbourhood and a short distance from Downtown Dubai. One&Only One Za'abeel’s finger-on-the-pulse concierge can hook guests up with all the right people to grant access to Dubai’s galleries, best shopping experiences and more. And we didn’t even have a chance to exalt the views; taking in that glowing-pink skyline everywhere from the infinity pool to your bed might just be our favourite part about One&Only One Za'abeel.
Book your stay now at oneandonlyresorts.com