The Royal Retreat

If Dubai is a work in progress, then the Royal Mirage is a work of art — and a huge one at that. The sprawling beachfront resort consists of three stylish hotels (the grand Palace; the smaller, exclusive Residence & Spa; and the bustling Arabian Court with its domes, arches and intoxicating shisha aroma), eight restaurants, 15 boutiques and 26 hectares of gardens. But if you become overwhelmed and crave a little more intimacy, then retreat to the resort's traditional Hammam (Turkish bath). This beautiful, warm sanctuary, with its intricate mosaics and splendid dome, is a place where the outside world melts away. I chose the Ritual treatment, where I disrobed and was bathed by my therapist before entering the steam room. My body was then plastered in mint-scented clay and my face smeared with honey that smelled so sweet I was tempted to taste it. Know going in that the word massage is derived from the Arabic mass (gentle touch). After a second bathing, as aromatic oil is rubbed into your skin, it's clear that, in the vastness of the Royal Mirage, it's still possible to both cleanse the body and nourish the soul. oneandonlyroyalmirage.com