Atlantis The Royal: Inside One of Dubai’s Most Exciting Luxury Playgrounds

Even the world’s most extravagant resorts couldn’t prepare you for Atlantis The Royal, a sprawling seaside property on the manmade island of Palm Jumeirah that was one of the world’s buzziest openings when it debuted in 2023. So it’s all the more impressive that it remains a top destination in a city filled with record-breaking attractions.

It wouldn’t be unreasonable to fly halfway across the world just to witness the property’s nearly 20 bars and restaurants (many helmed by celebrity chefs), dramatic water features (some of which inexplicably seem to “breathe” fire), over a mile of beaches and a massive 55-acre water park.

There’s so much to see and do here, so plan for days packed with activities and dining experiences at night (because meals here truly are an experience). And while water park access is included, you may want to leave the little ones at home, or take them to Atlantis, The Palm, the hotel’s neighboring sister property, instead—The Royal is best enjoyed as a couple, or with a lively group of friends. (Together with Aquaventure Park, The Royal and The Palm make up the complete Atlantis complex.)

The Room

Book a Palmscape room for iconic Dubai city views. 

Each of the 795 rooms overlooks the water, but you’ll want to book a Palmscape room for one of Dubai’s most iconic views. Ask for a higher floor; as you move up in the 43-storey building, Palm Jumeirah's iconic “fronds” come more clearly into view. Every room has a balcony, too, best enjoyed at sunrise or sunset to avoid the midday heat. Palmscape balconies, specifically, offer an excellent view of the regularly scheduled fountain shows.

Like the rest of the resort, even base rooms are spacious and feel open and bright, with abundant (but tasteful) pops of gold—a subtle nod to Dubai’s opulence and omnipresent sunshine.

Rooms have sleek furniture with neutral tones, a polished marble desk, a walk-in wardrobe and a large bathroom with a separate shower and a deep soaking tub. Bathrooms are open to the room and the view beyond, but they can be made private with one touch of a button that turns the glass opaque.

The bathroom is loaded with gold-clad amenities: a back-scrubbing brush, toothbrushes, razor and comb. This is Dubai, after all. And if there’s anything else you want, simply place an order via the Atlantis app (which you should download upon arrival) or ask an attendant to help you track it down.

Beyond a dreamy bed dressed in Frette linens, there's also a robust pillow menu with such eyebrow-raising options as anti-aging, spelt and lavender pillows. In keeping with the rest of the property, it’s just one more example of how a stay at The Royal is a study in excess.

The Features

You can’t beat the sunset views at the Cloud 22 rooftop pool.

Don’t miss: Order the Meat Fruit at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, which is based on a dish that dates back to the 14th century and would have been served to King Henry VIII. One of Blumenthal’s signatures, it’s an optical illusion of sorts: a mandarin and chicken liver parfait that’s crafted to look like the fruit itself.

Standout features: With 6,500 staff members across the complex, Atlantis is the benchmark for large-format hospitality, with The Royal further raising the bar. It’s a stunning resort—a picture of tasteful opulence—but the staff, from the servers to the groundskeepers to the lifeguards, are what really sets this sprawling property apart.

Can’t stop thinking about: The views from Cloud 22, the rooftop pool. You can see the entirety of Palm Jumeirah, and you’d be hard-pressed to find a better place to be for sunset. (Just note the sky-high admission fee, which on weekdays starts at 495 AED, or roughly $135, that applies even to guests.)

The Lowdown

The highly specific reason you’d come here: To celebrate the end of your latest cleanse in the most epic way possible, with meals at a slew of fantastic restaurants.

The first thing you should do when you arrive: Download the Atlantis Dubai app to request housekeeping items, make restaurant reservations and access the resort map. You’re never far from a helpful staff member, but given the property’s scale, there are a lot of details to keep track of—many of which come preloaded in the app.

The perfect spot for your Instagram post: You’ll have more than enough photo-worthy moments to fill a gallery, but you don’t want to miss the sunrise from your Palmscape room’s balcony.

Are guests staying in or going out? For short stays, you may not want to leave The Royal at all. If you have more time, consider hopping on the shuttle to check out some of the restaurants at Atlantis The Palm (like Nobu or Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen & Bar), or book a car for the 30-minute drive to downtown Dubai.

The dish you’re re-creating at home: The rose-infused water from Ariana’s Persian Kitchen. Don’t forget to ask to sample some of the flavored waters just above the bar.

Sunset at Cloud 22 is worth the extra price of admission.

Fast Facts

• Number of rooms: 795
• Number of pools: 5
• Fitness center? Yes
• Spa? Yes
• Salon? Yes
• Number of bars/restaurants: 17
• 24-hour room service? Yes
• Childcare and kids club? Yes

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