Overview of Atlantis the Royal
As guests pull toward Dubai’s human-made Palm Jumeirah island, Atlantis the Palm’s pink castle comes into view. Just beyond Atlantis the Palm is the brand’s latest hotel, which opens on Feb. 10 but has already cemented itself as an iconic addition to the city’s dazzling skyline: Atlantis the Royal. Designed by New York City-based architecture firm Kohn Pedersen Fox, the stacked boxes that make up Atlantis the Royal represent a deconstructed skyscraper. It resembles an elevated Lego creation, made from thousands of tons of concrete, steel, and glass, resulting in a mega resort spanning 1,640 feet long and 584 feet tall.
Rooms and Suites
If the modern structure wasn’t already a clear indication that Atlantis the Royal is a far departure from the Atlantis resorts we’ve come to know, it immediately becomes apparent upon arrival. With the exception of a trio of fish tanks in the lobby, gone are the campy nods to the ocean and Plato’s mythical island. The entryway, lined with waterfall walls that spout sporadic plumes of fire, leads into an opulent space decked out in white Calacatta Oro marble and gold accents. At the center is a reflective sculpture dubbed Droplets, symbolizing the first drop of rain in a desert, that blooms up to the near-40-foot-high ceiling, flanked by raindrop-shaped pendant lights suspended over plush seating arrangements.
The water-driven theme extends to the 795 rooms, where light and airy quarters are accented with blue tones. All accommodations feature furnished balconies with views of either the Persian Gulf or Palm Island and gorgeous white marble bathrooms with stand-alone tubs, smart privacy glass, Frette robes, and Aqua and Graff amenities. Suite guests benefit from complimentary airport transfers, in-room check-in, and 24-hour butler service. But for the most glorious stay, the Sky Pool Villas and penthouses reign supreme, boasting both living and dining areas, spacious terraces outfitted with infinity pools, and sumptuous Hermès toiletries.
Dining Experience
In addition to marking itself as the preeminent place to stay in Dubai, the resort is also expected to become a go-to dining and entertainment destination. With 17 restaurants and bars, there are no shortage of options. Fine dining comes in the form of Dinner by Heston Blumenthal and Estiatorio Milos, a beloved Mediterranean seafood restaurant by acclaimed chef Costas Spiliadis. Other standouts include La Mar by Gastón Acurio for Peruvian fare, Jaleo for Spanish cuisine by acclaimed chef José Andrés, and Ariana’s Persian Kitchen by Iranian American chef Ariana Bundy.
For those who want to savor their food while a DJ fires up the turntables, there are three exemplary spots. Cloud 22, a swanky adults-only rooftop bar, features several infinity pools with floating daybeds and a French Mediterranean menu. Meanwhile, fans of Nobu can enjoy sushi and other Japanese bites while lounging in the sun at the newly launched pool and beach club. Additionally, at Tao Group’s Ling Ling, contemporary Asian fare meets a high-energy atmosphere.
Leisure and Amenities
To round out the experience, guests will have access to a state-of-the-art fitness center with Technogym equipment. The Awaken spa boasts an impressive array of facilities, including a chromotherapy room, Himalayan salt sauna, steam room, and vitality pool. For family-friendly fun, the full-service Royal Pool deck features a kid’s oasis and complimentary treats. Furthermore, entry to the water park and aquarium at the sibling property, Atlantis the Palm, is also included in your stay.
Atlantis the Royal will open on Feb. 10. Rooms start from $491 per night, and you can find more information here.