Dubai & Cape Town with One&Only Resorts

Travel is back! Danielle Walker, our Worldwide Senior Account Manager, recently set out on an ‘Ultimate Explorers’ trip to Dubai and Cape Town with One&Only Resorts and we want to tell you all about it.

Her first stop was Dubai, where she had the privilege of staying at the One&Only Royal Mirage, Dubai’s most intimate luxury beach resort. This low-rise, relaxed and elegantly designed property ticks the boxes for everyone in some way, from couples looking for complete rejuvenation to families seeking fun activities and adventures.

Expert tip: For those wanting more space, or for those travelling with children, consider booking a Terrace Suite. The separate living area is extremely commodious and is perfectly situated on the ground floor.

One&Only Royal Mirage features one of the longest private beaches in Dubai, with an exclusive one-kilometre stretch of Jumeirah Beach offering you a place to unwind as you lounge under picturesque parasols beside turquoise seas. If you’re a thrill seeker, make the most of waterskiing, wake-boarding and knee-boarding, or fly high with the incredible Flyboard and Jet Pack experiences.

A visit to the One&Only spa, with its own Oriental Hammam, is a must for anyone looking to rebalance and recharge. However, there are plenty of activities available outside the grounds of the resort too, and Danielle had the chance to head out on a sunset desert safari. On this incredible personalised experience, you’ll travel in a four-by-four vehicle to let loose on a dune-bashing adventure and engage with traditional Arabic pursuits, from camel riding to falconry. You can even try your hand at surfing down the desert dunes!

By day, a visit to DRIFT, One&Only’s adults-only Mediterranean-style beach club is a must-visit (please note an entry fee applies). Enjoy access to their exclusive white-sand beach and striking infinity pool while taking in the amazing views of the New Dubai skyline. One of the most luxurious and exclusive experiences available at One&Only Royal Mirage, though, has to be the 48 or 75ft private yacht rental; take to the seas as you enjoy chef-crafted canapes and watch as the sun goes down. This is how you really do Dubai in style!

Expert tip: Dinner at One&Only The Palm’s restaurant 101 Dining is a must. With mesmerising views of the ocean and Dubai’s skyline, this indoor-outdoor venue is the perfect place to enjoy amazing food and boasts incredible interiors reminiscent of being in the ocean!

Then it was on to One&Only Cape Town, framed by the towering natural wonder of Table Mountain. Situated at the heart of the vibrant Victoria & Alfred Waterfront in an amazing central location, the resort offers the largest rooms and suites in Cape Town.

Expert tip: For those staying in Cape Town for a few days, the Table Mountain View room is more than sufficient, but Island Suites are great for families and longer stays.

If you’re looking to unwind, One&Only Cape Town's exclusive Spa Island will be your favourite spot. Here, they focus on inner and outer transformational treatments, curated from their wellness philosophy of Unwind, Restore and Elevate. Spa treatments are customisable, and fitness sessions are there to challenge you and help you feel rejuvenated.

There is so much to see and do in the city, and One&Only Cape Town make it easy for you to explore the area with an array of activities available. Channel your inner winemaker for the day in the Cape Winelands on a wine tasting tour, where you can help out with the grape-picking, learn the secrets of wine production and enjoy a sip or two with a gourmet picnic along the way. A trip to Boulders Beach to see the colony of protected African penguins is a must-do, and for something extra special, consider booking a private helicopter tour to see the city from a whole new perspective.

A particular highlight for Danielle was a private wine pairing experience in the Wine Loft, with Head Sommelier and industry talent, Luvo Ntezo. Named ‘Best Young Sommelier in South Africa’ there is no one better placed to ignite your love of wine!

Foodies will delight at the on-site Nobu restaurant, where you’ll have the opportunity to try the Japanese and Peruvian cuisine invented by Michelin-starred master chef, Nobuyuki Matsuhisa. Not only is the food incredible, but there are stunning views of the iconic Table Mountain to enjoy, paired with intriguing cocktails and chilled-out tunes that create an unmatched ambience.

Expert tip: Private dining in the penthouse is available for larger groups (when unoccupied) and is an incredible, exclusive experience for anyone looking for something extra special.

Afterwards, it was back to Dubai for a final stay at the iconic Atlantis, The Palm. Nestled in the calm turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf, this famed resort is a destination unto itself and truly has something for everyone!

By day, try out yoga in the aquarium, relax with a treatment at the Shuiqi Spa, ride a wave on the Surf’s Up wave machine or conquer the world’s largest waterpark at Aquaventure, plus an endless amount of other bucket list activities.

By night, enjoy live entertainment and a plethora of incredible restaurants. While Atlantis, The Palm is known for its celebrity restaurants, a particular highlight for Danielle was Hakkasan, a Michelin-star restaurant that combines traditional Cantonese recipes with contemporary cooking techniques to deliver innovative dishes and award-winning cocktails.

Expert tip: An upgrade to the Imperial Club Room offers amazing value for money. Enjoy daily complimentary access to Aquaventure Waterpark and The Lost Chambers Aquarium, exclusive access to the Sunset terrace at the Imperial Club Lounge, where you can sip on complimentary cocktails and canapés, plus private check-in, private beach access and so much more!

If Danielle’s trip has inspired you to book a holiday of your own, get in touch with our team of experts today on 020 7653 1303.