Mary
Google
I recently visited the One&Only Spa and was left disappointed, especially knowing how outstanding it used to be 10 years ago. Back then, it was easily one of the top 3 spas in Dubai. Today, I wouldn’t place it in the top 10.
The facilities were surprisingly limited. There was only a small sauna that could fit just two people, a plunge pool that was neither cold nor warm—just an uninviting in-between—and a steam room that barely worked. The steam only reached the ceiling, and as soon as it began to drop to a usable level, it stopped.
The spa was open to both men and women during the afternoon, which made the limited space even more noticeable. After using the sauna briefly and trying the plunge pool, we returned to find the sauna already occupied. There was nothing else to do besides sit around and play chess—hardly what you'd expect from a luxury spa.
We raised concerns about the steam room at reception. They asked us to wait while they checked, then came back with a vague response: “That’s just how it is.” We pressed again, and again were told, “Please wait.” After about 30 minutes of this, we were finally taken to a proper steam room located in the hammam—which had been empty all along. It felt like we had to insist repeatedly just to get basic service.
We also asked several times if we could start our treatments earlier, but were always told, “We’ll check,” with no follow-up.
The treatments (massage and facial) were fine—average at best. Nothing like the exceptional quality I once associated with this spa.
Finally, when settling the bill, I mentioned my entitlement to a 20% discount. They confirmed it, but had only applied a 10% reduction. I had to point it out before it was corrected.
Overall, this was not the experience I expected from a spa with such a prestigious past. A real disappointment.
