One of Dubai's Most Luxurious New Hotels Opens Next Month — Here's a Sneak Peek Inside
Welcome to Atlantis the Royal, opening Feb. 10 with Nobu's first pool club concept and unreal Sky Pool Villas.
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 looks like an elevated Lego creation, but instead of plastic it’s made from thousands of tons of concrete, steel, and glass that results in a megaresort spanning 1,640 feet long and 584 feet tall.
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 of the 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 not only from more space but 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.
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, along with an accompanying lounge where craft cocktails are paired with a curated snack, and Estiatorio Milos, a beloved Mediterranean seafood restaurant by acclaimed chef Costas Spiliadis that overlooks Skyblaze, a fountain spouting water, fire, lights, and music. Other standouts include La Mar by Gastón Acurio for Peruvian fare; Jaleo for Spanish cuisine by acclaimed chef José Andrés; Ariana’s Persian Kitchen by Iranian American chef Ariana Bundy; and Mich Turner’s Little Venice Cake Company, where you can grab a sweet confection to go or order a custom creation to commemorate a special occasion.
For those who are looking to savor their food while a DJ fires up the turntables, there are three exemplary spots. Cloud 22, a swanky adults-only rooftop bar–cum–day club, features several infinity pools with floating daybeds, 15 VIP cabanas with their own private oasis, panoramic vistas of Palm Island, and a French Mediterranean menu. Meanwhile, fans of Nobu will be delighted to learn that the world-renowned chef has launched his first pool and beach club concept at Atlantis the Royal, where you can nosh on sushi and other Japanese bites while lounging in the sun. While over at Tao Group’s Ling Ling, contemporary Asian fare meets a high-energy atmosphere and a sequestered lounge with bottle service to keep the party going.
To round out the experience guests will have access to a state-of-the-art fitness center with Technogym equipment and thoughtful amenities like a massage gun and refreshments. For some rest and relaxation, the Awaken spa boasts an incredible array of facilities that include a chromotherapy room, Himalayan salt sauna, steam room, outdoor and indoor relaxation lounges, vitality pool, hammam, and experiential showers to complement your treatment. And for some family-friendly fun, head over to the full-service Royal Pool deck — complete with a kid’s oasis, massage cabanas, and complimentary treats like popsicles and juice shots — or down the road to sibling property, Atlantis the Palm, where entry to the waterpark and aquarium are also included in your stay.
Atlantis the Royal will open on Feb. 10. Rooms start from $491 per night, and you can book your stay here.
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