One&Only One Za’abeel: Inside Dubai’s Most Glamorous Urban Resort
From sky-high infinity pools and world-class dining to beautifully designed suites and wellness-focused experiences, One&Only One Za’abeel is redefining the luxury urban staycation in Dubai. Here’s why this landmark hotel deserves a place on your radar
It made its mark as the first city property of the usually resort-centric One&Only brand – with an intimate J.Lo concert at opening to boot – and over two years after it opened its doors, One Za’abeel has become one of Dubai’s definitive landmarks with ‘The Link’, its eye-catching, record-breaking skybridge hosting not just spots to eat, but an infinity pool that floats 100 metres high. The two buildings that comprise the One Za’abeel complex play host to Siro – a wellness-centred hotel – offices, apartments, and arguably the most glamorous option, the One&Only One Za’abeel.
The chic property, with its DIFC-adjacent location, seems to scream business-folk or grown-ups only, so it was a surprise when check-in on the 25th floor saw smiling families being welcomed alongside Bottega-clad couples who complement the soothing, light-filled interiors of the Jean-Michael Gathy-designed space.
At first glance you might not think this was the obvious choice for a staycation, but once you see the sprawling suites – corner Sanctuary Suites are ideal for clans wanting space and separate dining and living rooms to luxuriate in – plus the spellbinding views from floor-to-ceiling windows, along with the plethora of dining options, kids’ club schedule, pools and three-storey Longevity Hub by Clinique La Prairie, you’ll realise a longer stay is needed to fully explore all that’s on offer under one roof.
Particular highlights included the room itself. Framed by sweeping city views, the design is both elegant and exceptionally thoughtful, with details that elevate the experience from the moment you arrive. A Montroi pillow mist adds a calming touch at turndown, while practical luxuries such as a manicure set in the bathroom, plentiful bedside charging points and intuitive in-room technology that actually works make settling in effortless. Combined with immaculate housekeeping throughout our stay, it was a room that proved as comfortable as it was beautiful.
Highlights during our stay included spending a very relaxed afternoon in the foliage-bedecked, Bali-inspired, family-friendly Garden Pool perched beside Indonesian eatery Andaliman. Indulge in a bao ensconced in a cabana or head inside the eatery to enjoy expertly spiced staples like chicken satay, Nasi Goreng fried rice and beef rendang, or go for slow-cooked lamb shank or charcoal-grilled fish while sipping on ice-cold fresh coconut water. Don’t miss the pandan cake for dessert.
The ideal celebratory spot is French chef Christophe Devoille’s eponymous pastry emporium. Treat yourself to the four-course Goûter Parisien, served in an eye-catching display reminiscent of the 1920s Golden Age with its hot air balloon centrepiece festooned with sweet treats (the raspberry tart shouldn’t be missed), warm scones, savoury delights and delicate sandwiches including a stand-out truffle egg concoction.
Carrying on with the gourmet theme, the hotel’s just-opened outpost of Nobu is a destination in itself. The soaring space, best showcased at night when the city lights up and the DJ takes to the restaurant’s decks, serves up chef Matsuhisa’s signature black cod miso and yellowtail jalapeño, plus a host of new dishes like lamb chops with pomegranate salsa and mochi doughnuts.
There’s so much to return for. We were unable to sample Spanish celebrity chef Dabiz Muñoz’s famous StreetXO, known for its bold Asian flavours, graffiti-strewn aesthetics and moreish sharing plates. The Longevity Spa requires a focus of its own; customised programmes offer full metabolic health assessments, complete with aesthetics if desired. An abundant breakfast is usually laid out at Aelia, but during our stay we were treated to a more intimate offering at the club floor lounge. But that’s the lucky thing – given its situation in the heart of the city, it’s a hotel that’s easy to return to, and continues to surprise at every visit.
For more information, visit oneandonlyresorts.com
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