Dubai: This city is no stranger to skyscrapers and incredible views – Dubai has held the record for the world’s tallest building and the world’s tallest hotel for quite some time. However, nothing can quite prepare you for the sights you get to see in Dubai, especially when you’re 210 meters above the ground.
Aura SkyPool is one of Dubai’s latest attractions and part of the Dubai Destinations campaign. In true Dubai fashion, this is the world’s highest 360° infinity pool, located atop the Palm Tower.
A dedicated elevator quickly whisks you to the 50th floor of the building and from the moment you step out you’ll be spoilt for views. A lounge area awaits visitors where one can enjoy meals surrounded by azure views all around. The star attraction, however, is the infinity pool and the view of Dubai that you can see beyond the edge.
The entire floor is bordered by the pool, complete with a wooden deck, sun loungers and seating areas. While you could walk around the entire pool from end to end, which we did do while there, the areas are usually kept separated by locked glass partitions to allow for privacy and different view options for visitors. The 49th floor houses rest rooms and a boutique store, which is accessible via stairs or the elevator.
Given the height, the wind can get a bit crazy in the winter season. However, the architecture deals with that using wind-breaking partitions at each corner which also prevent waves breaking over the facility’s outer edge. If you’re swimming, you could swim around the entire 360 degrees in one go, as there is no separation in the pool.
The design is in line with their theme of being ‘an island in the sky’. There are even lounging areas jutting out in to the pool, and away from the deck that give you that feeling. If you’re not into swimming, you could just enjoy a cup of coffee in one of the seating areas around the pool and if it gets windy or hot, just step into the lounge area with fully openable glass partitions that wrap around the space
The views from this incredible destination are what attract the crowds. We jokingly commented that for tourists heading to Dubai, one visit here would cover a lot of sight-seeing, and in style. For example, to one side is the Palm Dubai, the way it’s meant to be seen and enjoyed from atop, with its fronds fanning out and the Atlantis hotel at its crown. You can also enjoy uninterrupted views of other iconic landmarks such as Ain Dubai and the Marina area, Burj Al Arab, Burj Khalifa, and the rest of the glittering Dubai skyline.
While there, we were able to catch the beginning of a morning yoga class on the deck facing the Palm. With COVID guidelines in place, participants were required to bring their own towels but are given a mat and water along with a refreshing welcome beverage.
Unlike many other pool-based offerings, paying for access to the Aura SkyPool lounge or pool doesn’t come with a redeemable food and beverage pairing. However, you can choose from packages starting at Dh150 (which only gives you lounge access) all the way to Dh600 for an entire day. The weekly yoga class would set you back Dh250 but comes with a one-hour yoga session, breakfast and some goodies.
Location: Entrance from St. Regis Hotel, Floor 50, Palm Tower, Palm Jumeirah; Cost: Varies, starts at Dh150; Timings: 10am to 7pm
