The first-ever vertical urban resort from ultra-luxury hospitality brand One&Only will be located in Dubai’s exclusive Za’abeel neighbourhood, overlooking the glittering city skyline.
A reimagined resort concept
One&Only One Za’abeel Dubai is to become an architectural landmark in which the traditional resort concept has been reimagined as a vertical landscape where garden meets the sky.
The resort is a part of the One Za’abeel development by acclaimed architectural practice Nikken Sekkei in which dual skyscrapers are intersected by the world’s longest cantilever known as The Link, which is 100m above the street. The development is also home to One&Only One Za’abeel Private Homes.
“Kerzner International has always challenged conventions – and our first One&Only Urban Resort is no exception. One&Only One Za’abeel redefines what it means to provide ultra-luxury hospitality in the heart of a city,” says Philippe Zuber, Chief Executive Officer, Kerzner International.
“Our Urban Resorts have all the elements of One&Only’s DNA – life and energy, space and privacy, curated experiences and exceptional service – translated to a dynamic urban setting. Found in the most inspiring destinations on Earth, each One&Only resort is an exceptional one-off, celebrating the unique charisma of its location.”
“Perpetually altering Dubai’s skyline, One Za’abeel is a landmark architectural development not just for the UAE, but for the world – and we’re thrilled to introduce our first Urban Resort in such a spectacular setting.”
A new lifestyle hub
This urban resort will feature rooms, suites and a penthouse that are among the largest in Dubai, with the interior design of Jean-Michel Gathy reflecting the hotel’s Za’abeel location. This narrative is woven into the design through its colour palette and subtle sand motifs.
The resort will house a collection of exclusive suites including the Grand Panoramic Suite with 180-degree views, Sanctuary Suites with wellness amenities and Creative Suites with acoustic panelling and AV technology. The Royal Suite will have three distinct living areas and both the Sama Signature Duplex Suite and Villa One penthouse will span two storeys. The penthouse is an Arabian reimagining of One&Only’s signature beach villas.
Several culinary concepts by chefs including Anne-Sophie Pic, Bo Songvisava and Dylan Jones, Mehmet Gürs, Paco Morales and Tetusya Wakuda will be found in The Link, which is inspired by the restaurant-lined streets of New York and Hong Kong. Other highlights of The Link will include the nightlife venue Sphere and the beach club concept Tapasake featuring the UAE’s longest infinity pool.
The level-four Garden will bring the outdoor lifestyle of a beach resort to an urban vertical setting with a lagoon-style family swimming pool and a swim-up bar, plus StreetXO by Dabiz Muñoz and elevated Indonesian concept Andaliman. Other facilities throughout the resort will include the Spa Clinic, a fitness hub, kids’ club, boutiques, a private club and event space including two ballrooms.
Jan Tibaldi, who is to lead the resort’s opening as General Manager, said: “It is exhilarating working alongside the team at One&Only One Za’abeel to bring this property to life. This new icon is a blueprint for the future, disrupting the concept of what it means to deliver ultra-luxury hospitality in a thriving cosmopolitan setting. Guests will experience a world within a world – a place to collaborate, celebrate and recalibrate in equal measure.”
