ATLANTIS THE ROYAL

This new address wants to be the world’s most luxurious hotel. Here’s what it’s like...

An iconic location for an iconic hotel, you’ll find Atlantis

The Royal at the top of the Palm Jumeirah. It’s separated from sister hotel Atlantis, The Palm by the world’s largest waterpark.

Where neighbouring Atlantis, The Palm is a palatial pink beacon of Arabian grandeur, Atlantis The Royal is the antithesis in terms of aesthetic. The design can best be described as posh blocks of Lego stacked on top of each other to create a futuristic, two-tower emporium connected in the middle by a stretching sky pool. Inside, the hotel adopts an equally contemporary feel, adorned in varying shades of oceanic blue and soft sea spray, laced with shimmering gold accents. Those typical Dubai touches exist on steroids throughout Atlantis The Royal, from the fire breathing water features in the lobby, to the mesmerising water fountain in the grounds.

There are two options for the entry level guest rooms – either ocean- or palm-facing – and we’d recommend palm. Whichever room you pick though, expect to soak up the views from your private balcony, make a splash in the generous circular tub, and get polished and preened with all-gold amenities, including gold toothbrushes.

It’s hard to imagine being bored at Atlantis The Royal. For those that like to drop-and-flop, a private stretch of sand and temperature-controlled royal pool await, lined with loungers and cabanas aplenty. A more VIP twist on the classic hotel pool day can be enjoyed at Nobu by the Beach, the brand’s first beach club, where tan-toppers can listen to chilled DJ sets and graze on Nobu signatures. Twenty-two floors above, there’s the awe-inspiring Cloud 22, where guests can take a dip against the backdrop of dazzling city vistas, retreat to the shade of a plush cabana, and sip masterfully mixed cocktails at the swim-up bar.

A burgeoning culinary array of no less than 17 restaurants caters to guests. A star-studded celebrity chef line-up includes Heston Blumenthal’s Dinner by Heston, Jaleo by José Andrés and La Mar, an iteration of chef Gastón Acurio’s famed Peruvian restaurant. For high-energy dining, Ling Ling ticks all the boxes with upscale Asian dishes. Then there’s more casual eateries including Seascapes, a breezy sundowner bar by the ocean; all-day dining restaurant, Gastronomy; and an American diner called Malibu. But even these have been given a royal touch through chic decor and menus that extend far beyond the basics. Take breakfast at Gastronomy, where global cuisines from around the world fill buffet counters and live cooking stations offer made-to-order eggs a dozen ways, that can be upgraded with the likes of truffle or caviar. It’s impossible to dine your way around them all in a weekend.

Room rates start from Dhs2,450 per night inclusive of breakfast and access to Lost Chambers Aquarium and Aquaventure Waterpark.

Atlantis The Royal, Crescent Rd, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai. Tel: (0)4 426 3000. atlantis.com/atlantis-the-royal