Daily Times

What’s claimed to be the world’s highest infinity pool is now open – and stunning first-look pictures suggest that it will be very popular indeed. ‘The Aura Skypool’ in Dubai is the world’s first 360-degree infinity pool and is set a whopping 200m above the ground on the 50th floor of the 52-storey Palm Tower on Palm Jumeirah island.

The newly released photos show that boasts from the creators of ‘uninterrupted views’ of the ‘majestic Dubai skyline’ from the blue-tiled lagoon are not idle ones.

One picture shows the steps to the water on the south-facing side of the tower. Sun loungers and low chairs are arranged on the 750-square-metre pool deck, and the skyscrapers of the Dubai Marina and the Ain Dubai observation wheel are seen stretching out into the horizon. From other angles, the likes of the Burj Al Arab hotel and the Burj Khalifa skyscraper punctuate the skyline.

Another photograph sees lines of sunbeds with ‘Aura’ towels and cushions bordering the pool, facing out on breathtaking views of the Palm Jumeirah archipelago.

A third sees a woman recline on a lounger, taking in the vista from the waterside. In a fourth, a model swims in the pool as night falls, the Dubai skyline illuminated by the sunset.

To access Aura Skypool, created by Sunset Hospitality, guests are swept up to the 50th floor in dedicated elevators.

They step out into an area that’s divided into two ‘distinct yet complementary spaces’ – the pool deck and a bar-lounge.

A statement from Aura Skypool reads: ‘Home to chic yet comfortable custom-made sunbeds and lounges, guests are treated to a 360-degree swimming experience with a stunning backdrop to capture that picture-perfect photo.’

Natural materials, stone and concrete were implemented in designing the space. The statement adds: ‘Lush greenery and natural design elements fuse with high-end interior finishes, creating an elegant oasis fuelled by a socially energetic atmosphere.’

The lounge area, meanwhile, is where visitors are able to order international dishes with a Pan-Asian spin. Head chef Craig Best is behind the menus, which feature sticky confit duck salad, glazed miso salmon, loaded grilled cauliflower and marinated pineapple sundae for dessert.

A statement says the lounge and bar are ‘serving a menu inspired by the easy-going vibe of iconic Asian coastlines’, adding that ‘Aura is the ultimate spot for sophisticated, and yet fuss-free sharing style dishes paired with an electric atmosphere in the sky’.

Two floors above, on the 52nd storey, lies The View at The Palm, a 360-degree observation deck that opened to the public in April.

A St Regis hotel with 264 guest rooms and 26 suites opened in The Palm Tower in May, occupying the first 18 floors of the skyscraper. It also houses 432 luxury residences and a variety of dining and leisure facilities.

The Palm Tower is directly connected to the Nakheel Mall, a luxury shopping centre with 350 shops, restaurants and attractions.

Ahead of the opening, Antonio Gonzalez, CEO of Sunset Hospitality, said last month: ‘Aura is truly unlike any other destination in the UAE and the world.

‘With 360-degree views of some of the world’s most iconic sights, from the man-made Palm Jumeirah – celebrating this year 20 years since its construction – through to Burj Al Arab, Burj Khalifa and Ain Dubai – all in one view, it’s a breathtaking new destination that will continue to showcase the very best of Dubai.’

Omar Khoory, Chief Assets Officer at Nakheel, added: ‘We are excited to be adding a record-breaking destination like Aura to The Palm Tower, one of Nakheel’s most prestigious buildings in Palm Jumeirah.

‘As the first and highest 360-degree infinity pool, Aura will not only offer an exceptional experience but will also act as another focal destination that provides visitors with panoramic access to Palm Jumeirah’s brilliant architecture as well as key surrounding landmarks that have been pivotal to Dubai’s growth as a touristic destination.’

Aura Skypool is open each day from 10am until sunset. Three time-slots are available for tickets – morning, afternoon, or a full day by the poolside, ‘taking in all that the cutting-edge concept has to offer’.

Tickets cost from £34 per person, going up to £122 for the full-day ‘VIP Island’ experience. All bookings include a sunbed, access to the lounge and a ‘bespoke welcome pack’, according to the statement, which adds that bathers can enjoy ‘an experience like no other’.

The statement adds: ‘Aura is also the perfect evening location for corporate gatherings, product launches and large private celebrations. The in-house events team promises an unforgettable event experience in the sky, creating tailor-made packages to suit each occasion.’