One&Only One Za’abeel’s pool is one of the most exclusive experiences in Dubai.
Dubai is filled with blockbuster views, from the Burj Khalifa to The View at The Palm. The latest comes courtesy of Tapasake in One&Only One Za’abeel. Standing 100 metres high and 120 metres long, it is the UAE’s longest suspended infinity pool. So, we dove right in and found it to be one of the city’s most luxurious experiences.
Tapasake is the One&Only brands signature restaurant, and it can be found at its hotels across the world, from Maldives to Mauritius. The pool is currently only open to hotel guests and adults and is one of Dubai’s bucket list destinations. Specialising in Nikkei food and drinks, the concept combines Japanese and Peruvian food. Plus, the name itself is a combination of tapas and sake.
Tapasake sits atop The Link, which defies gravity as the world’s longest cantilever between One Za’abeel’s two towers. It’s the perfect place to admire the futuristic design, which was created by the architects Nikken Sekkei. Warning: it can get windy, but the pool is temperature-controlled.
The venue boasts indoor and outdoor seats, but everyone has come for the spectacular sights. The widescreen view overlooks the Dubai skyline, and puts two leading stars in the spotlight – Burj Khalifa on one side and Dubai Frame on the other side. The never-ending pool with sun loungers face Downtown Dubai. It’s the view that launched a thousand Instagram posts, and we dare you not to take a picture.
Tapasake’s décor is bright and breezy with shades of blue and white, so you don’t know where the pool ends and the sky begins. Guests can choose from beds in the sun or shade. Beds line the walls and float above the pool, and sunken sofas are great for groups. The white tones are offset by bright blue cushions and green trees. Plus, the beds are spaced out, so it feels plush and private.
On arrival, guests are given a Tapasake branded bag. In the cooler is still and sparking water, and Evian facial spray, which is superb to spritz when you sweat. The service is smiley but a little slow, with each drink taking around 20 minutes to arrive.
The restaurant’s signature cocktails include an Andes Old Fashioned with Tonka-infused bourbon, Hibiscus Cup with Roku Japanese gin, and Paloma Picante with Wasabi Tequila. Make sure you order the Peruvian classics with Pisco Sours, and the non-alcoholic options are fruity and flavourful.
Tapasake’s food menu offers brilliant bites. The Oysters are fantastically fresh and topped with aji amarillo, coriander oil, and Leche de Tigre. The sashimi includes bluefin tuna toro, Hamachi, Salmon, and Scallops. The nigiri includes Acebichado, Crispy Salmon Roll, and Salmon Nikkei.
The dishes can be given an upgrade with caviar and truffle, and even the Potato Wedges come sprinkled with parmesan. The highlight is the grilled Chicken Anticucho, which is marvellously morish and subtly spicy. The Fruit and Mochi Platter hits your five a day and is bursting with berries. While the mochi is soft and sweet, and comes in chocolate, pistachio and vanilla.
At the moment, Tapasake is one of the most exclusive experiences in Dubai and one that has been frequented by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. With the wind in your hair and sunglasses on, its feels like you’re floating on cloud nine. The view might be the star of the show, but you’ll feel like one, too.
GO: Visit www.thelinkdubai.com for more information.
