The Residence, Dubai's One&Only boutique hotel

With its own discrete entrance and lobby, The Residence is easily overlooked, and indeed it is this understated privacy that many of its guests are searching for in Dubai.

This modern Arabian-style boutique hotel has just 50 rooms, including one well concealed garden villa favored by celebrities and four grand 118 square metre executive suites. The rooms are arranged in four buildings, each with its own entrance to the gardens, so even if the hotel is full it has a feeling of calm and space.

All rooms are large, even by Dubai standards, and the executive suites enjoy a roof-top terrace with the opportunity for dining or breakfast al fresco. Interior decoration is sumptuous and never moves far from the modern Arabian theme with arches and elaborate detailing in the furniture and soft-fabrics. Bathrooms are again exceptionally spacious, with a double-size bath and rain-head separate shower cubicle.

Resort facilities

It is part of the joy of the Royal Mirage complex that guests from The Residence can wonder around the 65-acre garden, and use any of the many swimming pools, including two of the largest in Dubai; they can also visit its seven restaurants and many bars. But at the same time, facilities at The Residence are for the exclusive use of these guests alone.

You will not find anyone else using the superb dining room whose Australian chef is an undiscovered marvel of the city; afternoon tea is also served in The Library Bar, while breakfast and lunch may be taken on the terrace or in the dining room. Likewise, guests staying in The Residence have their own exclusive pool and sunbathing area with shaded gazebos and tents.

The Residence is also the home of the Royal Mirage's Givenchy Spa which reflects the spirit of Arabia with its dome and carved arches and luxurious interior. There is also an oriental hammam, hair saloon and fitness centre in the same building.

Business or pleasure

This level of exclusivity and privacy is ideal for anyone seeking a beach holiday in Dubai away from the crowds, or as a haven for a visiting Chief Executive Officer from a multinational. Even with the construction activity all around the hotel, and across the bay the Palm Jumeirah is alive with cranes, an atmosphere of calm pervades The Residence, which admittedly is away from the biggest construction sites.

Service is first-class at this hotel and unobtrusive, and nothing is ever too much trouble. The One&Only Royal Mirage maintain the highest standards among its staff drawn from many nations.

In short, The Residence is the finest resort within this well reputed resort complex, and will not disappoint the most discerning visitors to Dubai.