During its opening in early 2023, Atlantis, The Royal didn’t just open its doors – it burst onto the scene with a showstopper of a bash, headlined by the queen of music herself, Beyoncé. But the buzz isn’t just about the celeb factor. Stepping in the property itself is like entering into an enclave of extravagance, where the marble is as white as the clouds and the air is scented with luxury. No wonder the property pirouetted onto the World’s Top 50 list in less than a year of its launch.
From culinary powerhouse venues to 90 shimmering pools, scattered like sapphires across lush grounds, every aspect of the property is enchanting. However, the real crown jewel I discovered is its swish and opulent spa and how it elevates wellness to a whole different level.
Hotel
The mammoth 795-room Atlantis, The Royal dominates with a towering presence in The Palm Jumeirah skyline, stretching an impressive 43 storeys and 178 metres into the sky, while sprawling 500 metres across. It utterly eclipses its sizeable sibling, Atlantis, The Palm.
Architecturally, The Royal is a marvel, comprising six towers, each resembling a stack of individual blocks and was eight years in the making. Its sheer size becomes strikingly evident as you approach, almost traversing the full length of the property to enter its grounds. Greeting visitors is a cascading water feature, perfectly introducing the hotel’s aquatic theme.
Arriving at The Royal is an event in itself. During the grand preview weekend, a line-up of Mercedes-Benz G-Wagons, Rolls-Royces, and Ferraris hinted at the calibre of the guests, matched by the glamour of a red carpet ushering into the lobby. The entrance is framed by another stunning water feature – walls of water intermittently pierced by bursts of fire. This dramatic interplay of elements is echoed in the Skyblaze fountain, a majestic 28-metre-high spectacle on the hotel grounds, where water, fire, light, and music come together in a mesmerising dance.
Stepping in the lobby, I love the modernist architecture that stretches an impressive 1,640 feet, its six soaring towers linked by an almost 300-foot sky bridge. It was dreamed up by the visionary minds at New York’s Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates and surely makes a bold, curvaceous statement in a city already famed for its futuristic skyline. It stands as a testament to Dubai’s love affair with the extraordinary.
Room
The hotel features a unique tri-tower design, aptly named Sunrise, Sunset, and Sunlight. Each tower has its own dedicated lift lobby, ensuring easy and distinct access to these distinct sections. After a swift, VIP check-in I retreat to my room which is suffused with soothing blues that echo the waves and droplets outside.
The Atlantis, The Royal takes a refreshingly subtle approach to its room décor: think muted tones, rich dark woods, plush blue carpets, and tasteful splashes of gold. I love how this deliberate choice in design ensures that nothing detracts from the pièce de résistance – those breath-taking, sweeping views. The resort’s 44 suites and penthouses come complete with private pools – the ultimate cherry on top of this opulent experience.
I’m surrounded by the azure expanse of the sea, the iconic silhouette of The Palm, and the glittering skyscrapers of Dubai Marina. Each room boasts a balcony, thoughtfully designed to maximise these awe-inspiring views. Thanks to the building’s natural curvature, you’re cocooned in privacy, an impressive feat considering the scale of the hotel. I’m flanked by the majestic Burj Al Arab on one side and the towering Ain Dubai on the other, framing a scene so spectacular it almost feels surreal.
Food and drink
The property delivers a culinary odyssey with no less than 17 different restaurants, each a kingdom ruled by culinary powerhouses like Heston Blumenthal and José Andrés. Breakfast at the hotel is an event in itself, hosted at the world-class Gastronomy which features an array of ‘market stalls’ encircling a magnificent dining room. It’s likely the most extraordinary breakfast experience any Dubai hotel offers.
Devoting a morning here to leisurely indulge in unique delights like croiffles (a delightful fusion of croissants and waffles), various omelettes, Eggs Benedict, an assortment of fresh fruits, meats, and cold cuts is a true highlight of the stay. For those in the suites, the Royal Lounge offers an exclusive experience with complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea, and evening cocktails, complete with both indoor and terrace seating options.
One of the standout dining experiences was my experience at Ariana’s Persian Kitchen, where I tried the modern twist on classic Persian dishes. The fesenjoon was a revelation – a rich walnut and pomegranate stew with chicken, elevated by the luxurious touch of gold leaves. The flavours have a certain depth to them that tantalise my taste-buds. The ambiance of the restaurant, with its sculptural white vaulted ceilings and light pink marble, added to the exquisite experience.
Then, there was Estiatorio Milos, where I savoured the seafood-heavy Greek Mediterranean fare. Dining on the terrace, overlooking the fiery Skyblaze Fountain, I enjoyed the most succulent lobster pasta and delicately prepared whole fish sashimi. The concept of selecting my preferred catch from the fish market display was unique, giving me the choice of how I wanted it prepared.
But the highlight of my visit was Nobu by the Beach. The fusion of modern luxury with a minimalistic Japanese aesthetic created an ambience that was both inviting and chic. The beach club, designed like a contemporary Japanese beach house, offered stunning views of Palm Island. I lounged by the inviting lagoon pool, sipping on Nobu’s signature cocktails from the expansive outdoor bar and terrace. The VIP cabanas with private plunge pools overlooking the ocean were the epitome of luxury.
The culinary offerings were as impressive as the setting. The Nobu popsicles and fruit ceviche were delightful, but it was the chicken tacos and the chicken wings with their umami coating that really stood out for me. The sushi, particularly the spicy tuna maki and the salmon avocado jalapeno, were executed to perfection. The pièce de résistance, however, was the miso-glazed black cod served in lettuce cups – a healthy yet indulgent take on Nobu’s signature dish. It was a perfect balance of flavours and textures, keeping in line with the glitzy guests’ discerning palates and gym diets and was the true tipping point of the meal.
Guests can also pay a visit to the one Michelin Star Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, which serves up British cuisine dating back to the 14th-century, such as the mandarin and chicken liver parfait known as ‘meat fruit’ and the ever-delectable ‘tipsy cake’ featuring a spit roast pineapple. Jaleo by Jose Andreas delights diners with its open kitchen serving signature Spanish tapas, paella and scrummy cocktails, while Peruvian cuisine can be found at Lar Mar by Gaston Acurio and there are three spaces dedicated to desserts.
Spa and wellness
As a spa connoisseur, I have tried countless spas but nothing prepared me for the splendour of the property’s Awaken Spa— a grand 54,303 square foot reserve wellness sanctuary that focuses on holistic techniques and self-discovery, all of which is accelerated by high-tech therapies.
The spa boasts an impressive array of facilities, featuring 15 elegant therapy and VIP suites, along with two distinctive speciality suites – a hypnotherapy suite for mental rejuvenation and a fitness recovery suite tailored for physical restoration.
My journey began in the meditation pavilion, a serene space that instantly quieted my mind. The hammam experience was a cultural immersion, blending ancient practices with modern sensibilities. In the salt cave and hydrotherapy pool, I felt the day’s stress dissolve, replaced by a deep, elemental calm.
The Royal Gold Facial at the spa was a sublime experience that elevated the very concept of luxury. As I lay back, the skilled therapist used a 24-karat golden gua sha tool, gliding it smoothly across my face. Its touch on my skin felt gentle yet transformative. I could feel the richness of the ingredients penetrating deeply, improving my skin’s texture and tone, making it feel more supple and youthful. After the session, I emerged not only feeling revitalised but also noticing a distinct improvement in my skin’s appearance, which now had a royal lustre.
And, of course, brownie points to the exquisite blend of diamond, gold, and platinum in the facial treatment that not just gives Cleopatra vibes. but actually works miracles in illuminating the skin with a radiant glow. But the indulgence didn’t stop there. The Golden Hour massage was an equally revelatory experience. Think hot volcanic stones, dipped in 24-karat gold, gliding over your skin, melting away every ounce of tension. The entire journey transported me to a world of sheer extravagance.
I was told that the spa makes sure that it employs skilled therapists from across the globe to add an authentic touch to its Massages of the World menu. Each massage is like a cultural journey, expertly delivered by a therapist from the corresponding nation, delivering their homeland’s healing practices. I noticed that what sets this spa apart, though, is much more than its luxurious and expansive facilities, it’s the fact that every service provider is Reiki trained. I found this deep understanding of both the physical and energetic realms transforming each treatment into a transcendent experience. This might not be visibly noticed yet this nuanced approach, and the profound sense of rejuvenation and balance felt is undeniable.
The spa’s Elements Retreat spans over half a hectare of serenity featuring spaces designed for meditation and relaxation. I found it the perfect space to unwind and contemplate the present moment. I was particularly fascinated by the Halotherapy Salt Cave, which enveloped me in a therapeutic calm while Snow Shower offered a refreshing contrast, invigorating my senses. Other offerings include the Vitality Pool, Charcoal Sauna, and the Alchemy experience shower.
Moreover the spa’s dedication to veganism is definitely impressive. Post my spa treatments, I indulged in coconut and pea protein balls in an array of flavours, savoured the variety of semi-dried fruits and raw nuts, and relished the fresh fruits available, all of which were sustainable yet top-notch. The coconut water in the gym was a thoughtful touch, perfect for replenishing the electrolytes. The local Arabian Delight was another delightful discovery. It is the classic Turkish Delight but sugar-free, made from organic pomegranates, and rolled in pistachios – an exquisite fusion of taste and health.
I also love how the AWAKEN product range embraces innovative and sustainable wellness. Developed right here in the UAE, these products are made of clean, vegan ingredients, each with a story to tell. The use of Dubai desert sand, revered date in all its forms, and a hint of Oud creates a blend that’s both luxurious and deeply rooted in local tradition. The crushed date seeds transformed into a body scrub were a revelation, exfoliating my skin to silky smoothness.
Meanwhile the date sugar and syrup in the body butter left my skin nourished and glowing, while the Oud added a subtle, grounding fragrance that speaks of the region’s rich heritage. But the innovation doesn’t stop there, the Gulf salt from the Persian Gulf, combined with locally grown Moringa, was another highlight. The floral notes and silken texture of the Moringa left me enveloped in a heady, fragrant cloud. Choosing between the Desert Sand and Date Infusion and the Gulf Salt and Moringa Leaf infusion was tough, but each offered a unique sensory delight.
Another highlight are the original core treatments from the AWAKEN A-List, developed collaboratively by the talented spa team. These treatments use high vibrational aromatherapy oils and specially curated music at specific sound frequencies. As a spa enthusiast, I appreciated the intention behind every element, designed to bring healing and peace.
Apart from the intuitive therapists and superlative spa facilities, I love how the spa utilises luxurious concoctions that elevate the experience to a whole different level, like the use of an incredibly calming Meditation Mist in their sound healing sessions, adding an extra layer of tranquillity to the experience. The spa also has exclusive partnerships with revered global brands like Augustinus Bader and Dr. Barbara Sturm, Subtle Energies, Amra, France’s La Sultan De Saba, all of which bring cutting-edge skincare technologies to the treatments.
In a nutshell
As cliché as it may sound, my spacation was a journey that nourished not just skin but also my mind and soul. I love how The Atlantis, The Royal experience is well capable of ushering in the next generation of both wellness and ultra-luxury hotel travellers, even in UAE’s highly competitive hotel landscape. Enveloped by sheer extravagance throughout my stay, the spacation experience serves endless inspiration and escapism, making hard to speak about it without using superlatives.
Factbox
Stays start from £858/$1,053 USD
Address: Palm Jumeirah – Crescent Rd – The Palm Jumeirah – Dubai
Phone: (04) 426 3000
Website: atlantis.com
Imagery supplied by Atlantis, The Royal
