A prevailing over-the-top status clings to Dubai, a destination we like to think of as “home” at least annually for the Dubai International Boat Show. With its bright lights, luxury shopping, ultramodern architecture, including impossibly high towers accompanied by incredibly fast elevators, the city is famous for its thriving energy and nightlife, captivating all the senses and inspiring awe unlike any other city on earth. Admittedly, our perception was slightly skewed as, just prior to our arrival, we had been basking in unabashed splendor and serenity on a sandy atoll in the Maldives, where everything is intimate, small-scale, and private.
In Dubai, everything is grand, opulent, and overwhelming. Positioned majestically on the outer Crescent Road along Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah, Atlantis The Royal Dubai is an ultra-luxury experiential resort representing not merely an accommodation option in the city, but a definitive statement in contemporary hospitality design. So definitive, in fact, that it has achieved a rare goal: the pure distillation of Dubai’s many qualities. Our four-night stay left us simultaneously overwhelmed by its scope and wealth of features, as well as captivated by its meticulous attention to detail.
By the numbers
Kerzner International, operators of the well-known One&Only and Atlantis brands, commissioned Atlantis The Royal, which opened with over-the-top public fanfare in 2023. Their design brief was both simple and complex: create the most memorable building in Dubai. This was no small order for a destination hosting the world’s only “Seven Star” hotel and a designer-branded “boutique” retreat ensconced in Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. But New York’s Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates certainly exceeded in their delivery. A ziggurat-shaped silhouette, with staggered structures creating numerous terraces and infinity edges, maximizes ocean vistas and even establishes discrete microclimates with continual interplays of sunlight, plant life, and shade. The result achieves monumentality with a rare spatial intelligence, an architectural organism that lives and breathes with its guests.
The resort features 795 rooms and suites, including 44 VIP Suites with their own private pools and a collection of seven Signature Penthouses. These culminate in the 1,120 m² Royal Mansion, a four-bedroom residence perched high above the city, currently regarded as the world’s most expensive hotel accommodation. All of this is set within six interlinked 43-story towers, unified by a 90-meter skybridge that gives Atlantis The Royal its distinctive architectural tension: soaring yet balanced, linear yet fluid. While Atlantis, The Palm remains the family-friendly destination next door, Atlantis The Royal leans into a more refined, adult-focused ethos, think curated intimacy over spectacle. The proximity between the two creates a compelling duality, offering guests access to a world of aquatic wonder, dining, and beach along the shared 2-kilometer stretch of manicured shoreline, but it is here, at Atlantis The Royal, where the design whispers rather than declares, and where the grandeur comes with nuance.
An architectural feat
Atlantis The Royal provides an immediate sensory recalibration upon arrival, with the approach alone signaling a departure from the standard. On our arrival, nearly 100 people congregated at the entrance, documenting its commanding presence for their social media accounts, providing a fitting prelude to the architectural drama unfolding immediately beyond Atlantis The Royal’s enormous entry.
Flanked by glass-paneled waterfalls punctuated by choreographed bursts of flame, these dual elements establish the conceptual framework of the resort, with fire and water in constant dialogue. Once inside, the eyes are drawn upward and outward in a cavernous lobby space defined by volume, light, and kinetic energy. At its center, Droplets, a monumental work by British designer Giles Miller, anchors the space with sculptural drama.
Composed of 5.5 tons of stainless steel and glass, the suspended installation captures the poetic moment of a raindrop just before impact. Surrounding it, glass pendants in teardrop form descend like a crystalline rain, subtly refracting the shifting light across the space. The sculpture is more conceptual than decorative, embodying the transformative spirit of the resort.
The entire venue is vibrant and immersive. Richly veined marble floors in ivory and bronze tones mirror the luminosity of the space, while golden vertical fins and floating white volumes define the double-height lobby with rhythm and order. A breathtaking sense of modern luxury pervades every corner. Seating areas are curated rather than arranged, with plush sofas and sculptural lighting inviting conversation or contemplation beneath a canopy of light. Vibrant floral installations, whether placed on marble tables or commanding centerpieces, breathe a note of organic vitality into the otherwise structured palette.
At the far end of the lobby, the vista culminates with monumental glass framing the property’s signature water feature. Every half hour, the space awakens to a multi-sensory spectacle of music, light, fire, and synchronized fountains. More than mere performance, water, movement, and sound stretch beyond aesthetics, becoming elemental expressions of place. Referencing the Bedouin reverence for water as the source of life, these fountains transform the lobby into a moment of ritual, equal parts choreography and contemplation.
Interior craft
Even introductory guestrooms at Atlantis The Royal redefine what a “standard” category can be. With room sizes starting at 56m², each imbues the quiet artistry of a private residence rather than hotel accommodations. Walls of glass open to views of either the Palm or the Arabian Gulf, dissolving the boundary between interior and horizon. Our own accommodations, located on the 42nd floor, offered one of the most serene vantage points we’ve ever experienced in the city. A massive panel of floor-to-ceiling glass revealed an uninterrupted expanse of water and skyline, the balcony a full architectural gesture, equally ideal for sunrise coffees or twilight views that shift with the mood of the sea.
The interiors are a masterclass in tactile precision, with no visual noise, only clarity. Stone surfaces in creamy whites and gold-veined marble carry a quiet richness. Custom-designed rugs echo the changing patterns of light on water, while upholstery in soft celadon, ivory, and misty blue blends naturally with the ever-present palette beyond the windows. The color scheme is a continuation of the view, shifting slightly with the time of day and the weather. The artwork and sculptural accents are elegantly sparse. Every texture has weight and warmth, from the brushed bronze detailing to the tactile softness of bespoke textiles. Lighting is architectural and atmospheric, layered for intimacy. Controls are intuitive, embedded into the design without disrupting it. Even the writing desks and coffee tables feel selected, not furnished.
In the bathroom, full slabs of polished stone wrap the walls and floors, creating a cocoon-like effect. Freestanding tubs appear carved from a single piece of stone, while the mirrored vanities float elegantly beneath circular lighting fixtures that diffuse a warm, flattering glow. Fixtures, amenities, and accessories are all impeccably chosen, from the plush robes to the custom Graff bath products. Everything functions with the polish of a five-star urban penthouse infused with the soul of a meditative retreat.
At the highest levels of the resort, the Signature Penthouses and Royal Mansion elevate this design language to its most dramatic expression. Double-height ceilings, private infinity-edge pools, formal dining rooms, and residential-scale living areas transform the accommodations themselves into architectural destinations. Here, every frame and finish has been designed to evoke a kind of cinematic domesticity, where marble, bronze, leather, and silk coexist in harmonious tension. Sunset views over the Palm, seen through two stories of glass, offer an ever-changing living artwork to those fortunate enough to stay at Atlantis The Royal.
For those seeking additional privacy, Atlantis The Royal Club Lounge offers a serene escape within the property. Discreetly located at ground level, this refined space provides a calm counterpoint to the resort’s kinetic energy.
Designed as a sanctuary for premium guests, the lounge features elegant seating, curated lighting, and a calm, residential tone. Throughout the day, the offering transitions seamlessly, from quiet breakfasts to delicate afternoon pastries to well-mixed evening cocktails, presented with the same precision and restraint that defines the resort’s core philosophy. This is a space more about intention than indulgence.
Awaken wellness sanctuary
Nestled at the heart of Atlantis The Royal’s wellness complex, AWAKEN Spa is a sensory haven that delivers a highly personalized therapeutic journey. Located beside the fitness centre and Olympic-sized swimming pool, the spa’s atmosphere feels serene and contemplative in striking contrast to the vibrant energy of the rest of the resort. Visits begin with an invitation to immerse in the AWAKEN Retreat, a series of wet facilities designed to harmonize the elements. Guests are guided through a carefully curated sequence of experiences, including a Halotherapy Salt Cave, Snow Fountain, and Charcoal Sauna, each designed to cleanse, refresh, and restore. The sense of transition from the resort’s bustle into this calming oasis was immediate and profound.
The AWAKEN Massage, blended Swedish and aromatherapy techniques with Reiki energy healing to deliver both physical relaxation and emotional balance. The experience is designed to work with each guest’s unique elemental energy, with options to select an oil based on immediate needs and preferences for pressure. For an hour, we felt the therapist’s expert touch move across key muscle groups while channeling positive energy, aligning the body and spirit in a journey of true restoration. The suite, one of fifteen that comprise the spa, was a sanctuary of its own, a spacious, private space equipped with elegant touches like an open fireplace and plush furnishings, adding to the soothing atmosphere.
Beyond the treatment rooms, the spa offers an array of facilities, including a Hammam Sensorium that reinterprets traditional bathing culture with modern design in an immersive ritual blending water, light, and heat. AWAKEN also features a dedicated Meditation Garden, a plant-powered Refreshment Lounge, and a Deep Relaxation Retreat, each providing guests with a place to pause, unwind, and reset. The spa’s holistic philosophy and attention to detail make it an integral part of the Atlantis The Royal experience. With its well-deserved popularity, we recommend booking well in advance to secure a visit to this serene sanctuary.
Culinary cosmos
Seventeen restaurants and bars, including eight helmed by celebrity chefs, give Atlantis The Royal an unprecedented concentration of premium dining venues, more than any other single property worldwide. This includes a remarkable number of award-winning establishments. We enjoyed seven extraordinary culinary experiences during our stay, each one demonstrating exceptional execution in both cuisine and service. Some will be covered in detail in upcoming issues, but a few highlights follow:
La Mar by Gastón Acurio delivered a masterclass in refined Peruvian fusion, where bold coastal flavors were matched by impeccable service. While the cuisine itself stood out, an artful procession of ceviche, octopus, and exquisitely prepared seafood, it was the team behind the scenes that truly distinguished the experience. Every gesture felt considered, each interaction precise yet warm. From the balance of citrus and spice in the cocktails to the delicate layering of textures in every dish, the evening unfolded with a quiet confidence that spoke to the restaurant’s pedigree.
Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, the resort’s MICHELIN-starred jewel, delivered a transportive journey into historic British gastronomy. Widely regarded as the most coveted table at Atlantis The Royal, its entrance alone sets the stage. Tucked discreetly within the grand lobby, a solid black wooden door stands unmarked but for the host who receives guests with quiet formality. As the door opens, one steps into a hushed antechamber entirely clad in dark timber, where dim lighting and near-silence disorient the senses. Finding the second door becomes part of the experience. This purposeful sequence prepares guests for what lies ahead, a departure from the world outside. Within, the dining room is anchored by a kinetic clockwork pineapple, a sculptural centrepiece rendered in bronze and set against a palette of obsidian and smoked metal. Both whimsical and precise, it plays a role in one of the restaurant’s signature desserts, though Blumenthal’s edible theatre deserves a stage of its own, which we will explore in detail in a future issue.
Estiatorio Milos by Chef Costas Spiliadis brought a vibrant Mediterranean spirit to Atlantis The Royal’s dining scene, its prime location overlooking the dancing fountains adding a theatrical flourish to an already dynamic atmosphere. The mood was effortlessly convivial, music, conversation, and the rhythmic pulse of the fountains weaving together to create an ambiance that felt both celebratory and relaxed. Greek hospitality infused the experience from the outset, with a team that was as knowledgeable as they were engaging, guiding guests through the menu with warmth and ease. One of the most memorable moments came during the selection of fresh seafood, where servers presented an array of glistening fish and shellfish, allowing each guest to take part in a ritual that felt both timeless and entirely of the place.
For moments of quiet indulgence, Ariana’s Persian Kitchen offered a more intimate experience, steeped in a refined Arabian ambiance. The décor was richly layered yet restrained, drawing a discerning local clientele who appreciated both the setting and its authentic expression of Iranian cuisine. Lunch at Malibu 90265 delivered a relaxed Californian mood, elevated by thoughtful plating, clean flavors, and breezy seating both indoors and al fresco. Wavehouse, by contrast, embraced a spirited, family-friendly atmosphere. With the resort’s wave pool just steps away, children queued to surf while adults lingered with well-mixed cocktails in hand. Among the most distinctive settings was Nobu by the Beach, located beside the adults-only pool. Here, Japanese cuisine accented with South American influences unfolded in a series of refined, beautifully executed dishes. The energy shifted effortlessly from serene midday dining to a more vibrant rhythm as the sun dipped lower, with a live DJ guiding the tempo. As Nobu’s first pool and beach club concept, the venue captured the balance of elegance and ease that defines Atlantis The Royal itself.
Crafting the experience
Despite its monumental scale, Atlantis The Royal never feels overwhelming. Thoughtful spatial choreography guides guests through a sequence of unfolding moments, balancing spectacle with intimacy and creating a sense of continuous discovery. Public spaces flow into private ones with clarity and grace, and each transition offers its own texture, whether it be a fragrance, a light shift, or an unexpected view. The design language invites exploration yet always returns the guest to a sense of place.
Among the most striking experiences is the resort’s connection to The Ambassador Lagoon and The Lost Chambers Aquarium at Atlantis, The Palm, just steps away across a seamless shared pathway. These aquatic environments form part of a vast, 11-million-liter, 10-meter-deep marine habitat that feels more like a living museum than an exhibit. Approximately 65,000 marine animals, many native to the waters of the Arabian Gulf, move through a carefully constructed world of coral towers and rocky alcoves. Crescent angelfish glide past Arabian carpet sharks, moon jellies pulse in clusters, and eagle rays skim the deeper shadows. The setting is dramatic, yet remarkably tranquil. Guests can dive, snorkel, or try the AQUATREK XTREME walk, descending beneath the surface with helmeted ease.
Equally ambitious in scope is Aquaventure Waterpark, a 22.5-hectare playground of engineered thrill located between Atlantis The Royal and her sister property. With more than 105 attractions, the park holds the Guinness World Record for the most waterslides within a single destination. It is an immersive realm where gravity-defying designs like the Odyssey of Terror, currently the world’s tallest waterslide, sit alongside slower, meandering rivers and beachfront lounging. Whether one seeks adrenaline or escape, the experience is seamless. Much like the resort itself, Aquaventure is designed to delight at every scale, from the child discovering water play for the first time to the adult seeking the rush of architectural exhilaration.
Evolution
Few properties can command attention with the sheer architectural audacity and unrestrained opulence of Atlantis The Royal. Among a wealth of features, including high-end boutiques of global luxury brands, guests can look forward to both days and nights filled with trendy beach clubs, the city’s best bars and restaurants, and a stunning Dolce & Gabbana sky pool called Cloud 22. Day blends into night and the party never ends here, but what distinguishes it is its reinvention of what a contemporary luxury resort can be. This is a multi-dimensional experience that engages all senses, constructing an entirely new category and integrating terms like “theatrically immersive luxury” into traditional hospitality vernacular. The resort isn’t merely a place to stay but more a complete sensory realignment, demanding engagement, not passive consumption, from guests.
Atlantis The Royal emerges as a destination where everything has been designed to challenge the boundaries of the imagination by welcoming guests with artful masterpieces, illuminating entertainment, and beautiful craftsmanship at every turn.
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Photos: Dany Eid, Brandon Barré, Mathieu Fiol | Words: Janine Devine and Pablo Ferrero