Royal Mirage, Residence & Spa by Vanessa Kaoukji

The most remarkable thing about the Residence is that the there is no fountain - at least not in the reception area - and immediately you notice what a noise water makes when echoing against marble walls. There is no grand reception are here, just a small desk for the concierge. This place is very peaceful and has only 53 rooms. The management try to make you feel like you are in your own home by naming the bar ‘the Library’ or the restaurant ‘the Dining Room’ but no home I can think of has rooms this luxurious or service so efficient. Beautiful, large rooms with terraces and great views, the gardens and pool are also an excellent standard. And one benefit of staying at the Residence rather the Arabian Court or the Palace is that you don’t have to catch the awful shuttle car to get to the Spa.

The Givenchy Spa is above the Oriental Hamman and the smell of both of them when you first walk into the domed building is almost overwhelming. It is immediately very calming inside. No irritating music just a trickle of scented water. In the Hammam you are guided around by a maternal lady who splashes you with water, puts you on the heated marble for a scrub down, puts you in the steam room, takes you out again so for the time you are in there, you don’t need to think at all. She’ll give you water when you’re dehydrated and will put you on a wicker bed with scattered rose petals at the end of your session. The ‘full Hammam experience’ should not be missed.