This 65-acre, low-rise luxury resort is composed of three distinct sections overlooking Jumeirah Beach, spectacular green lawns, and stunning pools. It offers a palatial atmosphere that's refreshingly removed from the rest of Dubai’s industrial landscape. There’s the vague hum of traffic in the background, but the hotel is otherwise well-insulated from exterior noise. Interiors are jaw-dropping in their ornateness. Think: Arabic architectural touches, a painted dome ceiling, and towering palm trees that frame stairwells. Most guests mill around quietly, soaking in the sun and quiet, so this isn’t a party hotel; nor does it encourage loud children. 

The hotel's beachfront perch and isolated feel is a major draw for guests, who tend to stay on property, but take taxis when venturing out. The Dubai Marina is a seven-minute drive away, and the Dubai Mall is an eight-minute drive away. The Emirates Golf Course and popular Jumeirah Beach Residence district are 10 minutes away by car. Downtown Dubai and its attractions, like the Burj Khalifa and Jumeirah Mosque, are 25 minutes away by car. The hotel provides free shuttles to the Emirates Mall, 20 minutes away. The Dubai International Airport is a 25- to 30-minute drive away. Airport transfers are available. 

There are 13 room varieties available between the sea-facing Palace area, the Arabian Court in the gardens, and the hotel's private Residence & Spa section. Even the lowest-tier, Superior Deluxe Rooms in the Palace are luxurious, with plush bedding and sofas, gold-rimmed mirrors, and sea-facing balconies (Arabian Court rooms have garden views). Though Palace Rooms include traditional touches like carved ceiling lamps, their style is more contemporary than the Arabic Court and Residence & Spa Rooms, where arched passageways, traditional wall art, rich colors and fabrics, and intricate tiles unabashedly showcase Middle Eastern opulence. 

Superior Deluxe Rooms have desks, comfortable king-size beds, 40-inch LCD TVs, safes, and air-conditioning. Minibars, mini-fridges, and coffee-making facilities are provided. Wi-Fi is free, but limited to only two devices. Other features depend on the style of room. Arabian Court Executive Suites have their own business centers with printers. The Palace’s Royal Suites feature multiple bedrooms. The lavish Beach Garden Villa is the splashiest option with a kitchenette, a private pool, and a garden.

Superior Deluxe bathrooms have beautiful twin vanities and large mirrors, walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads, and separate marble bathtubs. Italian toiletries and hairdryers are provided.

Features here are as luxurious as the rooms and architecture. Free shuttles between the Palace and Arabian Court are useful for accessing the property's facilities. Seven restaurants and six bar/lounges are open to everyone. Residence & Spa guests have exclusive access to the Dining Room. Gold Club room guests can enjoy the snacks and beverages in the hotel’s private lounge. An impressive, but pricey, range of cuisine is available, from Tagine's Moroccan fare and Indo-European fusion at Nina, to Asian-inspired dishes on the beachfront patios of Eauzone, seafood on the Beach Bar & Grill’s terrace, and Middle Eastern favorites from the show kitchen at Rotisserie. The signature fine-dining restaurant, Celebrities, is especially stunning, and has a classic European menu. The breakfast buffet (not included with all room rates) at Olives is exceptional. Its seemingly endless spread includes dates, cheeses, pastries, cereals, English fry-ups, and fresh juices. Most restaurants have dress codes. Other food and beverage options include a high tea at the Samovar Lounge, cocktails and music at the Rooftop Terrace or Jetty Lounge on the beach, and refreshments in the courtyards. Sheesha and drinks can be enjoyed at the nightclub-like Kasbar.

Over half-a-mile of private sandy beach provides cabanas and water sports, though Jet Skis can be loud, and the frequent construction across the water dampens the views. Free iced water and sliced fruit are served by the four pristine, sprawling, temperature-controlled swimming pools. 

The spotless One&Only Spa has 12 private rooms for massages, scrubs, and facials. Traditional Arabic deep cleaning treatments are available at the majestic Oriental Hammam, with separate hours for men and women. Hair and nail salons use top-of-the-line products. Two fitness centers have the latest equipment, classes, and personal training sessions. For children, there are swimming, waterskiing, and tennis lessons, plus two playgrounds and a KidsOnly program with daily supervised activities. 

Seven event facilities include grand ballrooms and landscaped outdoor lawns. There are three business centers with six total computers through the Palace, Arabian Court, and Residence & Spa areas. Free valet parking and free property-wide Wi-Fi are available. Guests have free access to a boat shuttle that brings them to the sister One&Only Palm hotel's entire range of dining and leisure options.