Could Dubai get any more luxurious? Well, it just did.
Set on the outer ring of Palm Jumeirah in Dubai is a new iconic wonder that graces Dubai’s skyline: The Atlantis Royal.
The Atlantis brand is known for its majestic resorts, including a grandiose palace hotel that first opened in the Bahamas. The company replicated that magic in Dubai in 2008 with Atlantis, The Palm. However, they wanted to open a different luxury experience that would include a unique structured hotel that doubles as art. That is what The Atlantis Royal is. It is a perfect addition to Dubai’s Instagram-worthy buildings.
This new resort has been touted as the world’s first ultra-luxury resort with its marble floors, gold fixtures, stunning art installations and breathtaking views.
You’ll feel like royalty when you arrive as attendants open your car door and take your bags. Make sure to walk the red carpet to lead you to the hotel foyer, where you will be stunned by a towering metallic statue called “The Droplets.” Water is a big theme throughout the resort as each room has views of the water, the space hosts the Sky Blaze Fountain and jellyfish tank, and the Atlantis Royal offers plenty of water activities and houses hundreds of pools. But there’s much more to see and enjoy at this lavish location.
The 43-story hotel consists of 795 rooms, suites and penthouses with the same features as the common areas around the resort. Rooms include Graff and Frette amenities, balconies to take in the views of the Arabian sea, the Palm Islands and Dubai’s skyline, walk-in closets, stand-alone tubs, and walk-in showers. Each marble bathroom has a smart privacy glass that can be turned on with a button. Each suite and penthouse include infinity pools.
If you have that Beyoncé money, you can treat yourself to The Royal’s residences. There are 231 residences to be exact. During the Grand Reveal Weekend, where the global star performed some of her greatest hits, Queen Bey received the royal treatment in the Royal Mansion that costs $100,000 a night. The 12,141-square-foot, two-level space includes a foyer with real olive trees, a private entrance, and four bedrooms. If you decide to live it up like Bey, you’ll have access to a personal butler and 24-hour room service.
There is something for everyone at one of the 17 restaurants on the property. One day you can enjoy American and Mediterranean cuisine and then dine on Persian and Japanese food the next. One place that I loved was Gastronomy, which reminded me of a food hall with plenty of places to sit indoors or outdoors. The concept has live cooking stations throughout the restaurant labeled by food groups like bread, seafood, pasta, greens and meats. You can dine on truffle fettuccine, lobster, branzino, beef tenderloin, lamb and kebabs. There is also an unforgettable dessert section with various pastries and a wine cellar.
On the way to the Royal Pool, you might pass a Cali-inspired diner called Malibu 90265 for diner classics or breakfast that is served all day. I opted for their double patty burger with cheese and a special sauce like the other diners around me, including artist and super-producer, The-Dream. It was one of the best burgers I’ve ever had. Afterward, I went to House of Desserts for a scoop of gelato to enjoy by the pool.
Other places to grab a bite include The Royal Tearoom, which is adjacent to the hotel lobby, where one can dine on club sandwiches or pasta while enjoying tea or a glass of champagne throughout the day. There are two beach clubs that offer food and drinks while you enjoy the private beach or pools. Nobu by the Beach is the brand’s first pool and beach club in Dubai. It offers private air-conditioned cabanas that look like mini living rooms, signature cocktails, food and live music. Try the black cod butter lettuce wraps, Nobu tacos and mini ice cream bars. My favorite was the white chocolate bar.
There are also eight celebrity chef-owned restaurants at The Atlantis Royal, including dining experiences by Heston Blumenthal, José Andrés, Ariana Bundy and Mich Turner. Each restaurant is excellent for a date or a special celebration with a big party. Turner’s Little Venice Cake Company sells cake by the slice or offers bespoke services for custom cakes and cake decorating classes for groups looking for an activity.
There are plenty of things to do at The Royal Atlantis to fit your mood. If you’re up for an adventure, enjoy the world’s largest waterpark, Aquaventure, home to 105 waterslides, or book an off-site activity with a concierge. If you’re looking to relax, enjoy one of the beach clubs or visit one of the several pools at the resort. When entering The Royal or Nobu by the Beach pool, you’ll enter sliding glass doors that lead into an air-conditioned room where attendants will offer towels, sunscreen, and other things you may need before escorting you to a lounge chair.
If you are a fan of breathtaking views from a high vantage point, go to Cloud 22 on the 22nd floor for a rooftop infinity pool experience and views of the Arabian Gulf. This rooftop experience is a dream. You can lounge on the floating beds in the pool or reserve a cabana that includes its own private plunge pool. Cloud 22 is also a place to grab a drink at the bar and enjoy a live DJ. You know Ling Ling is a good time just by the entry walkway to the restaurant and lounge’s elevator. It sits on the 23rd floor and offers fantastic views, Asian cuisine and music.
Treating yourself to the spa is a must before going home if you’re like me. The Awaken Spa includes a bathhouse, sauna, gym and hair, nails and makeup services, all very personalized. Upon arrival, you can choose an affirmation card for your appointment. You’ll later pick a reiki stone for your Awaken massage treatment that helps determine your soul’s needs. If you choose the jade stone with a fire symbol on it, then the massage therapist will use different oils during your treatment based on the stone. The hour massage hydrated my skin and eased the tension in my body from long travel and jet lag. The spa is a necessary stop to get your body ready for the trip back home.
The dining room of Nobu by the Beach is the brand’s first pool and beach club in Dubai.
Little Venice Cake Company’s treats are all sweet, including the gorgeous Lemon Meringue Cupcakes.
The entryway to the restaurant and lounge is quite unique, letting you know you’re in for a good time.
As if the resort’s structure wasn’t artsy enough on its own, there are additional gorgeous touches all over the place, including through the use of water.
Greeting you as you enter to check into the resort is the towering metallic statue called “The Droplets in the foyer.
The Royal Atlantis will remind you how much you deserve the finer things in life. You’ll leave relaxed, refreshed and ready to conquer the world.