Atlantis The Royal: An Unparalleled Luxurious Experience in Dubai’s Extravagant Landscape”
In a city renowned for its futuristic architecture and extravagant attractions, Dubai offers an abundance of over-the-top properties. Among these, Atlantis The Royal stands out as one of the most highly anticipated, costly, and on-brand for Dubai. The mesmerizing 43-story hotel and residence complex, designed by the prestigious Kohn Pedersen Fox architectural firm from New York City, boasts a contemporary masterpiece with its six towers of Jenga-like glass and steel bricks connected by a sky bridge. This opulent establishment, located on the man-made island of Palm Jumeirah, has been 14 years in the making, costing a staggering $1.4 billion.
The grand reveal of Atlantis The Royal during its celebrity-studded weekend launch party was nothing short of spectacular. The event made headlines worldwide, featuring a 60-minute performance by Beyoncé, a culinary masterclass by Jose Andrés, tequila tastings with Kendall Jenner, and thousands of free-flowing bottles of Moët Chandon served in silver slippers. The dazzling display culminated with massive fireworks lighting up the night sky over Palm Jumeirah. Such extravagance is befitting of Dubai, where luxury and opulence are the norm.
Having heard much about this iconic property, I was eager to experience its claim of being “the most experiential luxury hotel in the world.” During a two-night layover in Dubai, I checked into Atlantis The Royal in July to see if it lived up to the hype and to discover what this hotel could offer to travelers looking to make the most of a short stay.
Atlantis The Royal stands apart from its pink-hued, ocean-themed siblings, Atlantis, The Palm, known for its arabesque design, and Atlantis Paradise Island in the Bahamas. The modern design, high-tech interiors, and sky-high price points (especially during peak winter months) distinguish it from its sister properties.
Entering the lobby of Atlantis The Royal, guests are immediately welcomed by smiling hosts and surrounded by multi-sensory design features and sumptuous finishes. The captivating lobby is anchored by the 40-foot-tall steel sculpture “Droplets,” symbolizing the first drops of rain in the desert. A 21-foot-tall jellyfish aquarium, one of the world’s largest, houses 4,000 moon jellies, while cylindrical glass elevators are surrounded by cascading water.
The hotel’s location is perfect for travelers transiting through Dubai, as it overlooks the Arabian Sea on one side and offers stunning views of both Palm Jumeirah and downtown Dubai on the other. However, if exploring the rest of Dubai is on the agenda, it is necessary to rely on taxis or pricey hotel car services, and transportation time needs to be factored into the itinerary.
Rates at Atlantis The Royal start at $570 per night for an entry-level room and can soar to well over $1,000 per night during peak periods. The hotel remains independent and is not aligned with any points programs. Those with Amex Platinum cards booking through the Amex portal can enjoy perks like room upgrades (when available), daily breakfast for two, a $100 experience property credit, and a guaranteed 4 p.m. checkout.
The hotel offers an array of outstanding features. The architecture and design captivate with their water and light focus, and the lobby doesn’t feel overwhelming despite its vast scale. Service is impeccable, with attentive staff anticipating every need. The rooms are elegant and stylish, boasting breathtaking views of the Palm and Dubai skyline. Culinary excellence abounds with 17 restaurants and bars, eight of which are helmed by celebrity chefs.
One standout dining experience is La Mar by Gastón Acurio, serving contemporary and classic Peruvian dishes, including ceviche and anticuchos. Jaleo by Jose Andrés offers classic Spanish tapas, paellas, and Spanish cheeses.
Breakfast at Gastronomy is a food market-inspired extravaganza with live oyster bars, Asian noodle stations, Indian curries, Middle Eastern salads, and much more.
- The hotel’s amenities match its grandeur, with terraced pools overlooking the Palm and Dubai skyline and a pristine private white sand beach. Guests have access to the Atlantis Aquaventure water park, the largest water park in the world, and The Lost
- Chambers Aquarium at Atlantis The Palm next door.
The Awaken fitness center and spa provide wellness-focused facilities and treatments, ensuring a relaxing experience after a long flight. Pricing for spa treatments is reasonable compared to other high-end properties.
While Atlantis The Royal is a prime luxury destination, it may not suit all travelers. Its location can be isolating for those wanting to explore the rest of Dubai, and the hotel is more geared towards style-conscious couples and families with older children, as many restaurants have age restrictions.
Despite some minor caveats, Atlantis The Royal undoubtedly lives up to its claim of being a premier luxury hotel in Dubai. The impeccable service, stunning design, and exceptional culinary experiences make it a memorable destination for those seeking the quintessential Dubai experience.
