When you drive into the One&Only Royal Mirage, the first thing you notice is its old-time glamour. The green palms are offset by the sand-hue of the buildings – setting the scene for an elegant day ahead.
A daycation at Drift Beach begins with checking into the accompanying hotel. Here you are temperature checked, and politely asked to sign a waiver declaring whether you have had any symptoms of the virus or travelled in the last 14 days or so. You are then shown to your stunning room, which is yours from 11am-8pm.
POOL
A short buggy ride will then escort you to the entrance of the beach, where again safety measures are followed. And it wasn’t long before we were poolside, mocktail in hand, taking in The Palm and beach view with the sounds of ambient house music in our ears. Pure Dubai bliss.
Although temperatures have reached scorching, all the staff members were wearing their masks, in the correct fashion, and distancing in the pool was kept as socially acceptable as possible in these new-normal times.
THE ONE&ONLY ROYAL MIRAGE ROOMS AND SUITES PROVIDE SPACIOUS REGAL SETTINGS TO RELAX IN
We divided our time between sunbathing and cooling off in the temperature-controlled water before heading inside for lunch, which consisted of a delectable yet light offering of tuna tartare and grilled prawns cooked in garlic and chilli oil to start, and steamed sea bream served with bak choi broccolini, citrus and salsa verde along with confit tuna salad niçoise. Undeniably nutritious yet packed with flavour.
If opting for dessert, I highly recommend the Pain Perdu – delicious French toast with dulce de leche, caramelised banana, toasted almonds and praline ice cream.
THE ONE&ONLY ROYAL MIRAGE
After our skin was sufficiently sun kissed, and the sun was starting to set over the horizon, we took the buggy ride through the garden grounds back to the hotel to relax in the tub and watch the sunset from the safety of our own balcony.
The Daycation for two costs Dhs850. Find Drift Beach at The One&Only Royal Mirage located at King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud St, Dubai, UAE. For more information, call +971 4 399 9999 or visit driftbeachdubai.com
Photos: Supplied
