OOLIVIER P Louis, general manager, One&Only Royal Mirage, who has been with the property since its launch spelt out the secret of the hotel’s success: “While most five-star hotels in Dubai are aiming to be bigger and bigger, at the One&Only Royal Mirage, we pride ourselves on remaining true to our identity.
By staying a small, boutique hotel, we can deliver standards others simply cannot match and ensure personalised service.”
Of course, this is not to suggest that the property has not expanded. Over the years, the original hotel, the Royal Mirage, Palace, was joined by two more five-star hotels, the Arabian Court and the Residence & Spa.
The Palace opened in 1999, while the other two opened in December 2002 and all came subsequently under the worldwide One&Only brand.
The hotel pays tribute to Arabian architecture and hospitality on a truly regal scale. Considered the most stylish resort on Jumeira Beach, it overlooks the Arabian Gulf with a kilometre of private coastline in 60 acres of landscaped gardens, water fountains and meandering pathways. It is 20 minutes from Dubai International Airport and the city centre, situated opposite the prestigious Emirates Golf Club.
The Palace sits on a private beach offering rich leisure facilities. Temperature controlled swimming pools, a water-sports centre, tennis courts, golf putting green, children’s care centre and most importantly, a tranquil haven for rest and relaxation. It has 173 guestrooms, 53 Gold Club rooms, 18 Suites and 2 Royal Suites, all sea facing, with private balcony or terrace and adorned with ornamental arches, terracotta tiling and custom-made furniture. The Palace has an outstanding array of dining venues, and the Royal Ballroom caters for up to 350 guests and three further meeting rooms offer a complete business solution.
The Arabian Court is illusive and mysterious, an ancient dwelling that is disguised behind a sheltered oasis, protecting the inner beauty. The property is crafted in the spirit of the orient with dramatic architecture creating symmetry, amidst a landscape of fountains, walkways and lush gardens.
The Arabian Court is linked by intimate courtyards that lead from water to stone, from granite to wood and from the palm trees to the sea. The subtly angled entrance leads guests to the impressive grand gallery, the vertebrae of the hotel that links the two wings of the property’s 162 charismatic guest rooms and 10 elaborately styled suites, all of which have a sea view, private balcony or terrace.
The Residence & Spa, one of only 50 hotels recognised by the Leading Small Hotels of the World association, is an intimate sanctuary for those who wish to linger in the comfort of prosperity. The Arabian-styled private residences, each cared for by a specially selected, dedicated team, house a retreat of three Royal Villas, 18 suites and 32 deluxe rooms that are spacious and created with the finest detailing and all are sea facing with private balcony or terrace.
The property is also home to the exclusive Givenchy spa, which blends fantasy and tradition and leaves guests both pleasured and inspired. “We strongly believe in providing an element of theatrical drama for our visitors and it is the enthusiastic response to our property and service that brings guest back, time and time again,” says Olivier Louis.