One&Only The Palm Dubai

The impressive Moorish and Andalusian-style architecture of this luxury resort is full of arches and columns. The sand-colored buildings are skirted by immaculate lawns, elegant palms, flowering trees, and soothing water features like pools and fountains. Interiors are no less impressive and soaked in a subtle kind of opulence. Sunlight streams through walls of glass into the jewel box-like lobby, which is full of graceful arches, pretty lattice-patterned panels, enchanting lamps and candle lanterns, and gleaming floors laced with floral designs, all awash in ivory shades. The hotel's dining spaces follow suit with an equally refined style: white marble abounds at ZEST, accompanied by silver details as well as floral etchings and Moorish lattice patterns on mirrored panels. The 101 Dining Lounge and Bar offers a beach-chic look that's breezy yet polished. STAY by Yannick Alléno is cloaked in bolder, darker hues, with black chandeliers and burgundy hues throughout. Even the outdoor pool is a sight to behold, tiled in a giant lattice pattern and rimmed in palm trees and chic vermillion daybeds. The hotel is a stunning place that's geared toward well-heeled travelers seeking a blend of luxury, exclusivity, and a dose of pampered beach life -- and the Palm Jumeirah location plays a large role in securing these facets. It's an ideal spot for couples and honeymooners wanting a romantic setting, but not the best choice for families with kids.

This One&Only hotel is located on the west crescent of the Palm Jumeirah, an artificial palm-shaped archipelago in Dubai that's home to several luxury hotels and resorts. The hotel is surrounded by water, which gives it a feeling of isolation and solitude -- one that's hard to find in this busy city. However, it might not be the best locale for travelers eager on sightseeing, as it takes about 15 minutes just to drive onto the Palm's west crescent. Top sites like the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Mall, the Jumeirah Mosque, and the Wild Wadi Waterpark are about a 30-minute drive. The Bastakia Quarter (Old Dubai) as well as the gold and spice souks are around 40 minutes away. Dubai International Airport can be reached in about 40 minutes.

A variety of rooms and suites are on offer here, housed in either the Manor House or the Palm Beach Mansions, plus private Beachfront Villas are also available. Decor is chic and contemporary, doused in sophisticated soft neutrals accented by dark wood furnishings and pops of color courtesy of velvet accent pillows in shades like teal and blush. Latticed panels frame headboards or adorn sliding doors, while cream-colored rugs feature subtle floral designs. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, DVD players, Nespresso machines, free bottled water, and free Wi-Fi.Bathrooms are particularly stunning, featuring large freestanding marble bathtubs as well as massive walk-in rainfall showers, plus Aqua di Parma toiletries are supplied. Chandeliers hang above and the spaces have vanity areas as well as armchairs for comfortable grooming time.All of the spaces are large (entry-level rooms start at 700 square feet/65 square meters) and offer seating as well as desks, plus they have private balconies/terraces or garden patios. Suites have separate living/dining areas, while some of the Palm Beach Suites have private pools. The two-bedroom Beachfront Villas have living rooms with bars, dining areas, kitchenettes, and private pools. 

Features here are as luxurious as the price tag and decor would suggest. The hotel offers three on-site dining options, one of which is helmed by Michelin-star Chef Yannick Alléno. All-day dining is available at the elegant ZEST, which also has a lovely shaded outdoor terrace. The chic 101 Dining Lounge and Bar is scenically set on a jetty that overlooks a private yacht marina. There's also a lobby lounge that serves light fare and afternoon tea. Note that food and drink is expensive here. However, the expansive and gourmet breakfast buffet at ZEST is included in all rates. Room service is also available. The gorgeous grounds include a massive and beautiful outdoor pool that's surrounded by tall palms, plush sunbeds and chic daybeds, and six private air-conditioned cabanas with en-suite bathrooms. There's also a smaller lap pool by the spa area. Guests also have access to a lovely stretch of sandy beach that offers comfortable sunbeds.The luxurious Guerlain Spa has nine treatment suites as well as a mani/pedi studio and a hair salon. The property also has an impressive fitness center, as well as offering personal training sessions and a tennis court. Other facilities include meeting and event space, plus free Wi-Fi.