There’s a true sense of arrival at Atlantis The Royal from the moment you approach this revelatory resort situated on the iconic Palm Jumeirah in Dubai. The winding driveway curves in sync with the hotel’s striking stepped silhouette, an architectural marvel in itself designed by the wizardry of Kohn Pederson Fox. The anticipation and intrigue builds with every turn, heightening as you walk past a dance of fire and water through the cascading waterfalls which flank the entrance. The surreal symphony of elements sets the tone for what to expect: an other-worldly experience that is anything but ordinary. Here’s our review on Atlantis The Royal based on a thrilling three-night stay at this thrilling hotel.
When Bold Design Meets Dream-like Drama
Of course Atlantis The Royal isn’t just a hotel. It’s an immersive experience fashioned at the intersection of sculptural architecture, sensory elemental theatrics and unabashed luxury.
Intention meets drama in every nook and corner from the sky-high infinity pool to the striking stepped silhouette of the property. There is a blurred line between design and performance, constellating around a dazzling display of water fountains positioned at the very heart of the hotel. The harmony of music, light, choreographed dance and water plays out in a hypnotic show every hour through the day and every half hour come evening.
The rooms are spacious, blending elegant design with modern comfort. Sleek lines are lifted by gold accents, while toiletries are custom-made by Graff, emulating the same luxury as the brand’s legendary diamonds, a quiet nod to refinement that elevates the mundane. The generous balconies are a highlight with endless blue from bed to balcony. The sea, sky and skyline seamlesly melt into a picture-postcard panoramic view that can’t help but make you feel like you’re sailing on a cruise liner!
Forks first
Atlantis The Royal is home to what is quite possibly, the world’s largest and grandest breakfast.
Spread out over the all-day restaurant Gastronomy, the epicurean extravaganza spans everything from a coffee roastery to champagne room, eggs benedict station to steam billowing baskets of dim sum, creperie to ice cream counter (yes really, acai sorbet anyone?) and so much more. Let your senses guide you through the inviting sections, starting with the freshly-baked aroma of Kouign-amann in the busy bakery, past the colourful rows heaving with every exotic variety of fruit available to “The Orchard,” for freshly-squeezed green tonics and avocado toasts made to order.
Truth be told, Atlantis The Royal is a drinking and dining destination in itself with an impressive selection of cafes, restaurants and bars. Our favourites include:
- Dinner by Heston Blumenthal. Historic British recipes are reimagined with Heston Blumenthal’s contemporary flair against the surreal, almost cinematic, backdrop of the hotel. The Sunday roast is as comforting as it sounds, but also creative, refined through Heston’s signature lens of story-telling and science. His classics ought never to be missed, from the iconic Meat Fruit to Tipsy Cake.
- Milos Estiatorio. A must-visit for seafood enthusiasts, Milos is an ode to elevated abundance humming with a chic international set who know good taste – both on and off the plate. From fresh oregano leaves deftly snipped into glossy little bowls of olive oil to a show-stopping lobster spaghetti – every element of the fine dining experience is curated to celebrate the fresh simplicity of Mediterranean flavours with unabashed abandon.
- Nobu by the Beach. Also nestled within Atlantis The Royal, is Nobu’s first ever beach club with a serene lagoon pool framed by the hotel’s stepped silhouette. Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s inimitable play on Japanese-Peruvian cuisine takes shape in a parade of small sharing plates which segue into sunset cocktails by the beachfront bar.
- Cloud 22: Stylishly perched 96 meters above the Palm Jumeirah, is an infinity rooftop pool experience designed in collaboration with Dolce and Gabbana. The brand’s iconic prints leave a lasting impression everywhere from the tiles of the pool through to the sunbeds idly floating in the water. The menu is every bit as impossibly-extravagant menu as you’d expect, spanning the likes of gold-dusted caviar flatbreads and truffle-heavy pizzas. This is La Dolce Vita at its finest.
Explore more from this foodie’s guide to Dubai, here.
No review of Atlantis The Royal would be complete without a mention of the Royal Lounge – a curated oasis of calm sheltered within the fulcrum of the hotel. The all-day lounge offers a more intimate – but no less indulgent – retreat, with cocktails and champagne on tap, alongside gourmet canapés. It’s exclusive yes, but without feeling excessive—a quiet luxury perfect for slipping away from the buzz.
Little Guests, Big Adventures
One of the main attractions at Atlantis The Royal is that there is something for everyone here, including the littles who can let their imaginations run wild from building sandcastles on the private beach to supervised play in the dedicated Kid’s Club.
Of course, the main action is next door at the hotel’s sister property, Atlantis The Palm, which is home to the world’s largest Aquaventure Waterpark. Unforgettable experiences include an up-and-close encounter with the dolphins followed by a plunge down the thrilling water-rides. Then there’s the colossal aquarium, home to a staggering variety of underwater species, not to mention the Atlantis Explorer’s Club which spans all manners of creative activities and pretend play!
All said, Atlantis The Royal may be pinnacle of luxury – but beyond the extravagance, it’s all about unforgettable experiences that feel larger than life, yet deeply personal. We’d highly recommend it for a stay that’s not just extraordinary, but deeply memorable.
Atlantis The Royal, Palm Jumeirah – Crescent Rd – The Palm Jumeirah – Dubai – United Arab Emirates | https://www.atlantis.com/atlantis-the-royal
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