In a city known for the world’s tallest building, the world’s deepest swimming pool and the world’s largest fountain, nothing could’ve prepared us for the arrival of AURA Sky Pool & Lounge.
In an ever-evolving city of firsts, it’s often hard not to be blasé, but we were well and truly blown away from the second we set foot upon the wooden deck at AURA Sky Pool.
The world’s highest 360° infinity pool sits pretty on the 50th floor of the newly inaugurated Palm Tower and is the latest development from Sunset Hospitality Group. A company that has brought the likes of Black Tap and SUSHISAMBA to Dubai, as well as the FACT award-winning Lola Taberna Española and a stunning hotel on the Turkish Riveria, METT Hotel & Beach Resort Bodrum.
It would appear that Sunset Hospitality Group can do no wrong. Having perfected food, beverage and beach club concepts across Dubai, AURA Sky Pool & Lounge offers an amalgamation of the very best the brand has to offer.
Let’s start with the vibrant infinity pool with its azure waters, offering unrivalled views of Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, Burj Al Arab and the Arabian Gulf. If you think you’ve seen Dubai from above, then think again, and then be prepared to be blown away by the views. Expect an entirely new vantage point 200-meters above the city from a pool that can be used to swim in the sky or just to gawp at the view as you complete laps atop the Palm Tower.
The poolside experience is a delight, with comfortable loungers and day beds evenly spaced around the chic pool deck. With a capacity for just 160 guests, AURA never feels crowded. Despite the limited space, we found people to be evenly dispersed between the water, deck and lounge, meaning visitors have plenty of opportunities to snap photos and enjoy the AURA experience without feeling overwhelmed.
The 750-square-metre pool deck features elegant custom-made sunbeds and loungers, while the internal lounge and bar are anchored around a live DJ spinning ambient tracks. There’s also a lively bar area where mixology is the name of the game. Yet AURA is as much about the food as the beverages, and Head Chef Craig Best (formally of Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen) has curated a menu of Asian-inspired poolside fare that is light and tasty. Ponzu Tuna Tartare (AED 75), Wagyu Beef Sliders (AED 145) and a Truffle and Wild Mushroom Flatbread (AED 85) ensure hunger is kept at bay, with a rich array of complementing flavours that impress as much as the sky-high views.
Pairing sunbeds and swimwear with contemporary Asian flavours, laidback vibes and breathtaking views. AURA combines its extraordinary location and carefully crafted design with a memorable experience that should be at the top of your Dubai bucket list.
Visits will start from AED 170 per person, with three ticketing time slots available to choose from.
GO: Visit auraskypool.com for reservations and more information.
