Sophisticated luxury in Dubai

thepalm.oneandonlyresorts.com

LUXURY PERSONIFIED:The sky is a light blue, a soft backdrop to the creams, terracottas and whites of this beach resort.

Cucumber for your eyes?" asks a tall, dark gentleman.
He's standing at my toes, dressed in a stylish tan shirt and matching loose trousers. In his hands is a tray of ice with slices of cucumber resting on top.
Still, I'm confused. It must be the accent, I think. I'm hopeless with accents.
"Pardon?
"Cucumber for your eyes?" he repeats.
Curious, I say yes and with small silver tongs the man hands me two thin circles of cucumber and strolls away. I giggle, placing them over my tired, puffy eyes.
I'm lying beside the stunning blue-tiled pool at Dubai's five-star One&Only The Palm.
It's a world-class luxury resort and the cucumber is just one detail on a long list that makes this place stand out in the hotel industry.
"Cold towel?" asks another voice.
I lift the vegetable spheres from my eyelids. Another dark gentleman is standing at my feet, this time with a tray of rolled face washers. I eagerly take one for refreshment in Dubai's desert heat.
I take in the scene before me. Couples sprawl on large poolside day beds, the water centimetres from their feet.
Others relax on reclining lounge chairs, hoping for tans under the intense sun.