An Idyllic Bubble

The beach resort at Jumeira prides itself on gift wrapping tradition and fantasy in a dreamy package bursting with gently rippling waves, dancing palm trees, gourmet-blessed cuisine, sleep-inducing havens and more. Check into any of the three properties: The Palace, the Arabian Court or the Residence & Spa in a resort so discreet that you would never know your neighbouring suite was occupied by a Hollywood star; Bollywood tends to get itself noticed with its off screen antics, although many of our silver screen divas have swum in seclusion in the temperature-controlled pools, away from the prying eyes of the paparazzi.

The architecture is a fascinating influence of arabesque splendour with arches, fountains, domes and gardens that create an almost mystical version of Arabian Nights. Dine at Arabian Court’s Eauzone, the waterfront eatery that boasts a dramatic view of the setting sun and the translucent pool. Experiment with a menu that gives an Asian twist to the modern. Try the seared tuna with soya bean salad or the miso glazed black cod. Revel in the robust flavours of lemongrass corn fed chicken or a Vietnamese crepes trio and top up with a pineapple carpaccio.  Continue the culinary journey towards the wicker-furnished, floral-patterned The Dining Room, a buzzing café by day and fine dining by night. The affable Chef Fredy works his magic on the delicate textures of mushroom and truffle foam and pan-fried tiger prawns with saffron risotto. Get spoilt for choice with roasted salmon, poached halibut, grilled sea bass…. In the heartland of the good life take spirited sips of a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc and relish the finale offerings of strawberry souffle and chocolate fondant.

Between the three properties there are 14 ‘eat and relax’ venues, encompassing al fresco courtyards, rooftop bars, intimate lounges and trendy interiors, serving fresh seafood, high tea, Arabic mezzes and eye-popping cocktails. Complimentary shuttles whiz you back and forth from the three hotels so the Louboutins  and Choos remain dust-free and in good shape for the evenings ahead. Spend the warm afternoons pursuing well-being in the aromatic surroundings of the Health and Beauty Institute and unwind with a ritual of the Orient: the stress-busting Royal Hammam. For 80 minutes, let an expert masseur work on every bone of your body. First, comes the deep cleansing with Moroccan black soap, then the vigorous exfoliation followed by an eucalyptus-scented body wrap, a soothing honey facial and a relaxing massage, all interspersed with bouts of bathing in hot water bubbling forth from a copper pot.

The Prestige Room at the Residence & Spa is a cocoon of comfortable luxury. Tranquil furnishings, chocolates in a box, flowers in a bowl, fruits in a basket. Share an intimate breakfast on the private terrace overlooking foliage and fern or gaze at the stars from cushioned recliners, taking long sips of a chilled Chardonnay. For complete romantic seclusion or unobtrusive entertaining, the ornate two-bedroom Beach Garden Villa, 40 steps from the pristine sands is exclusively private with its own driveway entrance, kitchenette, swimming pool, gardens and gazebos. It is no wonder then that Royal Mirage is the premier resort in Dubai that the harried and hurried escape to from the real world for the ultimate indulgent experience.