A look at what $25,000 a night gets you at One&Only Royal Mirage in Dubai
There's no better feeling than scoring a sweet suite upgrade.
Most major hotel chains offer their top-tier elite members complimentary upgrades to suites, pending availability. But there's a limit to these upgrades — you'll typically find yourself in a junior or one-bedroom suite.
There are plenty of points properties in Dubai, many of which offer luxurious and spacious standard and suite accommodations. For most people checking out the city for a few nights, that's more than enough.
But for a select few, a standard suite doesn't cut it. Whether you're after the utmost privacy or you looking for as much personal space as possible, there are a handful of super-premium rooms in the desert city.
One of them — the beach garden villa at One&Only Royal Mirage — is more than a premium suite. It's a 3,300 square-foot private beachside sanctuary within the megapolis. With nightly rates hovering around $25,000, it's fit for a prince. And with the typical stay ranging from six to eight weeks, most villa guests rack up a bill north of a million dollars.
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But you don't need to be a millionaire to check it out — just take a look at the video tour below and keep reading for more about this uber-luxurious space that I visited as a guest of the hotel.
As you'd expect, the villa is located far away from the main resort area. It has a dedicated multi-car driveway just past a private security booth.
In addition to the lush and perfectly manicured gardens, you'll find two Club Car golf carts parked under a shaded terrace, with chauffeurs ready to whisk you off to other areas of the resort at your beck and call. Speaking of which, as a villa guest, you're entitled to priority restaurant and spa reservations during your stay.
But let's go inside.
As you open the double doors, the first thing you'll notice is the marble-lined hallway leading to the living room and private plunge pool.
If you take a left instead, you'll be in the blue-accented master bedroom, designed with traditional Arabian motifs throughout. The king-bedded room has a TV, plenty of seating and, my personal favorite, a private indoor terrace overlooking the pool.
The terrace is yours to customize. When I visited, there was a small gym set up with a treadmill and some free weights. Rest assured that your personal butler will happily arrange to have the equipment swapped with whatever you'd prefer. Unfortunately, I didn't have a chance to ask if One&Only could source a Peloton in Dubai.
The ensuite bathroom features a double vanity, indoor and outdoor shower, freestanding soaking tub and massive walk-in closet.
As you walk out of the bedroom, there's a small business center with a printer and desk. There's also a half-bathroom with crystal-plated faucets across from the workstation.
If you continue down the hallway, you'll find yourself in the second master bedroom. This one is decked out with green accents and a glittering chandelier.
Just like the main master bedroom, there's a private terrace here too. This one was clearly designed for a pandemic-era stay when schools are closed — there was a small kids' play area with plenty of educational toys. But if you left the kids at home, you could ask to convert this space into a yoga retreat or library.
The second main bathroom also has a double vanity, freestanding soaking tub, shower and separate toilet. Instead of an outdoor rainfall shower like in the master, this bathroom sports a private hammam steam room with space for two. As such, One&Only offers its villa guests access to a private massage therapist 24/7.
The rest of the villa is designed as a common space.
There's an eight-seat oak wood dining table, perfect for entertaining. The resort is happy to provide a range of catering options depending on the occasion.
The hallway continues to the living room, which features a velvet sofa, some freestanding chairs and a television.
Dubai can get really hot in the summer. Thankfully, you're just steps away from a private pool. When you rent the villa, you're in control of the pool's temperature — too hot or too cold, just ask for an adjustment.
The expansive terrace features a sparkling blue pool, as well as covered day beds and table, hammocks and chaise loungers.
No matter the outdoor temperature, you won't forget that you're in Dubai. Take a look back at your villa and you'll see the Marina downtown area in the distance.
If you're ever feeling confined to your villa, the resort itself features four pools. There's even a gazebo reserved for you at the main pool throughout your stay.
If you prefer the sand, you'll be pleased to learn that your backyard opens to a nearly mile-long stretch of beach reserved for resort guests.
And when it comes time to eat, you can dine in your dining room — or feast at one of the 16 restaurants spread throughout the property.
Now that you've seen what $25,000 a night gets you in Dubai, it's time to ask for a credit limit increase on your Chase Sapphire Reserve® — or just hope for an extra special upgrade during your next stay at One&Only Royal Mirage.
All photos by Zach Griff/The Points Guy
Note: The author was staying at the hotel on a discounted/free rate given by the public relations team.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.