Inside Atlantis The Royal, Dubai’s Chic Playground For All Things Indulgent

When you’ve holidayed or even lived in Dubai long enough, staycations truly start to make sense. With no dearth of top-end beds, the hotel experience becomes central to all plans for both the transient traveller and the resident, as do once-in-a-lifetime experiential moments. A typical getaway in the glittering emirate promises a lavish stay, often accompanied by mesmerising views but always involving copious amounts of good food whether one heads to a boozy brunch, beach club, or chic cocktail lounge.

These experiences are within easy reach, packed into one shiny package at Atlantis The Royal. A year since its launch, the sister property of the older, famously decadent Atlantis, the Palm, is where chic pool days melt into hedonistic nights with a grand choice of modern menus served up at an array of playfully elegant, design-rich restaurants and bars. Add luxury shopping and art-centric experiences to the mix, and you have the perfect staycation destination in Atlantis The Royal. 

Getting There

Dubai is one of the busiest global travel hubs, well connected from just about every Tier I city in India. From Mumbai, Dubai is just a little over a three-hour flight away. Emirates is the universal favourite, of course, but domestic airlines like Air India, Indigo, and SpiceJet work perfectly well for those last-minute bookings. Located on the crescent of the Palm Islands, Atlantis The Royal is a 40-minute drive from Al Maktoum International Airport. 

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Like the recognisable Atlantis, The Palm, Atlantis The Royal is an architectural landmark that is hard to miss. Conceptualized by NYC’s Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates with the award-winning London-based hospitality interior designers The G.A. Group, its design deconstructs Dubai’s conventional tower by taking the form of a stack of individual blocks. With no defined front or back, the views are unparalleled, allowing guests to take in mesmerising views of the Arabian Gulf, Dubai skyline and sheltered lagoon of Palm Island, many times from the same room or venue. Comprising two terraced towers, the structure is held together by a dramatic arch that accommodates the coveted Royal Mansion suite and a 90-metre-long pool deck fringed by restaurants, lounges, and an event space. Thanks to sunshades and the undulating depths of terraces, the energy-efficient glass structure of the hotel remains fully shaded during summer. 

Given its proximity to the Arabian Gulf, the interior design of the hotel centres on the notion of water. Driving into the porte-cochère, the first brush with this theme comes by way of water gushing down the surfaces of the hotel. It’s the first of many water features at the hotel grounds designed by the California-based WET. Walking past two reflective waterskins that hold gushing water and fire, guests are then given a taste of the drama that follows. Inside, the narrative of fire and water continues with a smattering of awe-inspiring water features, sculptures and water-based moments—from walk-through water elevators right up to the first-of-its-kind ‘water and fire’ Skyblaze fountain at the heart of the hotel. Despite the ostentatious use of water across these features, the precious resource is never wasted, instead recycled on a loop. 

Rooms & Suites

Atlantis The Royal is a 795-key hotel spread across 43 storeys or 185 metres above sea level. It’s quite literally the pinnacle of high living whether one opts for a standard room or suite. The Seascape, Palmscape and Royal Club rooms come with spectacular views of the Arabian Gulf, Palm Island, or Dubai skyline. The connection with water flows through guest rooms— blues and turquoise make for a soothing retreat, while the soft curves of furniture mirror the theme to a tee. 

Amenities and toiletries are by Graff and Frette; only at Atlantis The Royal do gold toothbrushes and razors fit in the Dubai bling scheme of things. All room categories enjoy daily breakfast, complimentary entry to the adjacent Aquaventure Waterpark and The Lost Chambers Aquarium along with daily entry to the Atlantis Explorers Club for kids and AWAKEN Fitness Centre that includes thermal facilities and an outdoor lap pool. Besides, every guest enjoys access to VIP experiences including Nobu by the Beach.

The hotel comes with 96 suites and penthouses located on the upper levels of the hotel. Needless to say, every suite and penthouse represents elevated living. Worthy of note is the signature Penthouse experience. At the Palmscape Penthouse, for instance, the two-floor layout can sleep three adults and comes with a host of complimentary services including a dedicated butler service. Guests may delight in the views from a private terrace on the top floor that is fitted with a temperature-controlled infinity pool. 

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Dining

A stay at Atlantis The Royal guarantees the satisfaction of an unmatchable dining experience at 17 exceptional restaurants and lounges that represent the height of culinary excellence. From the world’s most renowned chefs to the region’s most awarded Michelin stars in a single destination, the hotel has prioritised immersive culinary experiences of the highest quality. There’s La Mar by Gastón Acurio, where the authentic Peruvian culinary experience comes alive with a Pisco Sour in hand. Sample specialities range from ceviche (the Brasa: Bluefin Tuna & Smoked Yellow Chili Leche de Tigre is a must) to the Chucuito, a lip-smacking serving of Hokkaido scallops with avocado, garlic chips and olive oil emulsion. 

Then, of course, is Ariana’s Persian Kitchen, a good choice for a hearty lunch packed with flavours and textures. The debut restaurant of celebrity chef Ariana Bundy sits under a soaring vaulted ceiling and is abundant in shades of pink and handblown glass. It’s where the best of Persian classics are presented with a modern twist. 

With a spectacular view of the hotel’s SkyBlaze fountain, a meal at Estiatorio Milos by Costas Spiliadis is not to be missed. Experience Greek hospitality as you savour a glass of wine and seafood cooked by a team devoted to cooking fish with artisanal precision. Every one of the dishes on the menu—from the paper-thin zucchini and eggplant bites to the seafood and Greek desserts—live up to this philosophy. Then, stop by for a cocktail or two at Elements, an outdoor bar with sunken seating. 

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Breakfasts at the casual all-day gastronomy are excellent, however, it’s the inclusion of innovative gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan options that set it apart from other lavish breakfast buffets. Nobu by the Beach is, of course, where beach chic meets the consistency of Nobu’s Japanese-Peruvian menu by the pool. At Cloud22, a pool bar 22 levels above, soak in panoramic views as far as the eye can see as you nibble on a delightful menu designed in collaboration with Dolce & Gabbana. The Italian fashion house has also teamed up with the hotel to introduce its iconic Majolica fabric on sun loungers at the poolside as part of Atlantis The Royal’s one-year celebrations. Finally, Ling Ling is your trusty lounge to start and end a night of hedonistic pleasures. Before you submit to the pulsating beats of the DJ and dance the night away, indulge in rounds of Ling Ling’s contemporary Asian plates.

Leisure, Shopping and Beyond

There’s much to keep you busy during your stay at Atlantis The Royal with unwinding and alignment being your go-to mode of recreation. The hotel’s AWAKEN Spa is a wellness sanctuary that offers a selection of massages and energy therapies, game-changing facials and IV therapies, and facilities like a Halotherapy Salt Cave, Vitality Pool and Charcoal Sauna. We recommend spending a few moments in the meditation garden while sipping on a plant-powered refreshment before making your way into the real world, once again. 

Stop by for a spot of luxury shopping at Louis Vuitton (LV enthusiasts swear by this particular store), Valentino or Level Shoes (should you have something in mind that’s not available in store, be assured that you’ll have it in hand within 90 minutes). You’ll also chance upon some or all the six larger-than-life Vivienne dolls, Louis Vuitton’s playful mascot. This iconic collaboration not only marked the launch of the store in November, but it also celebrates the hotel’s first birthday. The renowned Opera Gallery’s flagship in Dubai sits near the Louis Vuitton store. The gallery is currently exhibiting the works of late Colombian artist Fernando Botero, Spanish artist Manolo Valdés and British-American artist Anthony James’s awe-inspiring light sculptures.  

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Guests have access to a whopping 90 swimming pools including multiple outdoor and indoor pools, including the infinity pool at Cloud22 and heated pools for year-round enjoyment. One can also take a dip in the turquoise waters of the hotel’s private beach, relax on sun loungers, or partake in paddleboarding, jet-skiing, and kayaking. 

Final Thoughts

Atlantis The Royal offers an immersive and luxurious experience for those seeking relaxation, a vibrant nightlife and exceptional culinary experiences. That said, while the hotel is completely family-friendly, those with young children would perhaps better enjoy the facilities at Atlantis, The Palm. Atlantis The Royal, is, after all, a playground for discerning adults looking for an indulgent stay. 

#DPLoves

• The turndown service includes a bowl of fruits and something new with the close of every day, including Hammam soap squares, lip balms, after-sun care and chamomile tea. 
• The retail opportunities are endless– whether it is at the beautifully laid out Louis Vuitton store, Valentino, Level Shoes, the Dolce & Gabbana or Ounass pop-ups– the choice is yours! 
• Should you exhaust every one of the top-notch culinary offerings at Atlantis The Royal, Michelin Star restaurants like Hakkasan and Ossiano by Chef Gregoire Berger at Atlantis, The Palm are just a shuttle ride away.