An architectural manifesto, a gastronomic mecca, and the epicenter of social life on Palm Jumeirah. We’ve got everything you need to know before your visit. On Dubai’s futuristic skyline, where it seems impossible to surprise anyone anymore, something new has emerged. Monumental yet whimsical, as if assembled by a genius child from giant Lego blocks, Atlantis The Royal isn’t just another skyscraper—it’s a bold architectural manifesto. Located next to its famous "older sibling," Atlantis, The Palm, it immediately set a new standard, positioning itself as the next, more refined chapter in the evolution of luxury. People don’t come here simply to relax—they come to see Dubai’s newest landmark, experience avant-garde design, savor cuisine crafted by world-class chefs, and become part of something truly exclusive. Ready for a full immersion? Together, we’ll walk across its floating bridges, admire views from infinity pools, explore menus created by globally renowned chefs, and break down all the pros and cons compared to the classic Atlantis, The Palm. By the end of this guide, you’ll have only one question left: "When should I book?"
Architecture as art: A deconstructed skyscraper on the Palm
At first glance, Atlantis The Royal impresses with its form. It’s not a conventional skyscraper but a bold architectural experiment. Instead of reaching for the sky as a single monolithic structure, like most of Dubai's skyscrapers, Atlantis The Royal seems to float in mid-air. The architects from Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates appear to have taken a classic skyscraper, disassembled it into six separate towers, and then reconnected them with a 90-meter sky bridge. The result is a structure permeated with light and air, where each block has its own distinct character, creating a mesmerizing illusion of levitation.
The central design concept revolves around the fusion of two elements—fire and water. This theme is evident throughout: from countless swimming pools to grand fountains, the centerpiece being Skyblaze, the first and only fire-breathing fountain in the Middle East. The interiors continue this philosophy of luxury down to the smallest detail: premium materials, walls adorned with contemporary artworks, and every piece of furniture seamlessly integrated into a unified design vision.
In the hotel lobby, one of the tallest aquariums in the world mesmerizes visitors, showcasing over 4,000 jellyfish swirling in an eternal dance.
Don't miss the 11.5-meter Droplets sculpture in the lobby—it symbolizes the first raindrop in the desert and serves as the perfect photo spot.
Atlantis The Royal vs. The Palm: A battle of Titans
Although both hotels proudly bear the name Atlantis, they exist in parallel universes. Imagine The Palm as a vast, bustling amusement park filled with children's laughter and splashing water—a luxury destination whose marine theme and fairytale atmosphere are designed for an unforgettable family getaway. The Royal, on the other hand, is its complete opposite. It’s more like an avant-garde art gallery or an exclusive club for hedonists: quieter, more refined, and instead of slides and rides, you’ll find Michelin-starred chef restaurants and futuristic design. If The Palm is all about creating a "wow factor" for everyone, then The Royal offers secluded luxury and gastronomic revelations for the select few. And, of course, this exclusivity is reflected in the bill.
Briefly, the main points: Choose The Royal for a romantic escape, gastronomic adventures, and immersion into the world of contemporary design. Head to The Palm if your goal is a family vacation packed with maximum activities and entertainment.
Room selection: From panoramic rooms to villas in the clouds
Forget the classic hotel luxury adorned with gold and ornate patterns. The rooms at Atlantis The Royal are a realm of modern, "smart" design, where the star attractions are panoramic wall-to-wall windows, the interplay of light, and impeccable materials that you just want to touch. Here, everything is dedicated to comfort taken to the extreme: from intuitive control of lights and curtains to the exclusive Graff toiletries in the bathroom, which are works of art in their own right.
Seascape and palmscape rooms
Even the entry-level categories set the highest standard. Spacious rooms (starting from 55 sq. m) with floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies offer a choice between a meditative view of the Arabian Gulf (Seascape) and an iconic panorama of Palm Jumeirah against the backdrop of Dubai's skyscrapers (Palmscape). The interiors are designed in a calm, light color palette, allowing the scenery outside the window to take center stage.
Sky terrace and Sky Pool Villa suites
The true magic of the hotel unfolds in the suite categories. Sky Terrace offers guests vast terraces for relaxing outdoors, while Sky Pool Villa raises the bar to soaring heights, featuring private infinity pools with panoramic views. This is a unique "villa in the clouds" experience, where you can enjoy absolute privacy and luxury at bird's-eye altitude.
Royal suites and penthouses
For the most discerning guests, the hotel has prepared a collection of exclusive royal suites and multi-level penthouses. These are no longer just rooms—they are veritable residences with multiple bedrooms, private elevators, dining areas, and the services of a personal team ready to anticipate every wish.
Exclusive privileges: All guests staying in suites and penthouses can count on the services of a personal butler, available 24/7 to handle any request.
The gastronomic scene: A guide to 17 restaurants and bars
Atlantis The Royal has brought together under one roof a record-breaking concentration of star chefs for Dubai, instantly becoming a must-visit stop for any foodie.
Flagships of fine dining (celebrity chefs)
- Dinner by Heston Blumenthal: Prepare for a theatrical performance on your plate. The renowned gastronomic alchemist Heston Blumenthal takes ancient British recipes (some dating back to the 14th century!) and transforms them into something utterly unimaginable using modern techniques. This is not just dinner—it's an intellectual and flavorful attraction.
- La Mar by Gastón Acurio: All the power and vibrancy of Peruvian flavors in one place. Gastón Acurio, the world's leading ambassador of this cuisine, has brought to Dubai his signature ceviches, whose freshness is breathtaking, along with other hits bursting with fire and passion.
- Jaleo by José Andrés: Forget about silence. Here it's noisy, fun, and incredibly delicious, just like at the best market in Madrid. José Andrés has created a true Spanish celebration, where sangria flows freely onto the table, and tapas and paella make you forget everything else in the world.
Refined and more affordable: everyday casual & chic restaurants
- Estiatorio Milos: This isn't just a Greek restaurant; it's a Mediterranean marketplace in its most exquisite form. At the heart of Milos lies an ice display case, where today's catch stares back at you, destined in just a few minutes to become a culinary masterpiece that highlights its pristine flavor.
- Ling Ling: As the sunset paints Dubai gold, Ling Ling on the 23rd floor comes alive. This is a place where the energy of a Pan-Asian metropolis meets lounge luxury, with signature cocktails and exquisite snacks served against the backdrop of breathtaking views of the city at night.
Bars, lounges, and beach clubs
- Nobu by the beach: For the first time ever, the legendary Nobu brand steps out from under a roof directly onto the beach. Forget about a classic dinner—here, the famous black cod with miso is served right to your lounger by the azure pool, while the atmosphere of an exclusive beach club blends seamlessly with impeccable service and Japanese cuisine of the highest caliber.
Practical information: breakfasts and dress code
Breakfasts for guests are served as a luxurious buffet in one of the hotel's main restaurants. In the evenings, most fine-dining restaurants enforce a smart elegant dress code: trousers and closed-toe shoes are required for men, while ladies are advised to opt for elegant dresses or suits.
Reservations at restaurants helmed by star chefs are the hotel's most sought-after commodity. Book them several weeks in advance, and even months during peak season, especially if you're planning a dinner on a weekend.
The epicenter of entertainment: From a sky-high pool to Fiery fountains
Atlantis The Royal offers guests unique experiences, many of which have already become new landmarks of Dubai.
Cloud 22: infinity pool in the clouds
The hotel's main attraction and most Instagrammable spot is the 90-meter infinity pool on a sky bridge, floating at the height of the 22nd floor. From here, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the entire Palm Jumeirah island. During the day, it’s an oasis of luxurious relaxation with VIP cabanas (some with their own pools), and as the sun sets, it transforms into a trendy lounge featuring sets by top DJs.
Beaches and pools
Guests have access to a 2-kilometer private beach, one of the longest in Dubai, as well as several other pools on the premises, including secluded areas for quiet relaxation and family-friendly spots.
AWAKEN Wellness
The AWAKEN spa center embodies a philosophy of holistic wellness. Here, you can choose from a variety of signature treatments that combine ancient practices with modern technology, visit the Sensorium sensory hammam, or work out in the ultramodern fitness center.
Access to aquaventure
A pleasant and significant bonus for all hotel guests is unlimited free access to Aquaventure, one of the world's largest water parks, and to The Lost Chambers aquarium. Both are located on the grounds of the neighboring Atlantis, The Palm, within a few minutes' walk.
Golden hour at Cloud 22: Come to Cloud 22 at sunset. The view of the city bathed in golden rays and reflected in the mirrored surface of the pool is an unforgettable sight and guaranteed to provide the best shots for your social media.
Planning your visit: Your guide to Atlantis The Royal
To ensure your trip to one of the world's most talked-about hotels goes smoothly, we've gathered essential practical information.
Booking and budget
The most reliable way to book accommodation is through the hotel's official website—this guarantees the best price and access to special offers. Be prepared for room rates starting from $1,000-1,200 per night during the low season. The average bill for dinner for two at a restaurant run by a famous chef (excluding alcohol) will be $300-500.
Best time to visit
The ideal season to visit Dubai is from October to April. During this time, air temperatures remain comfortably between +25-30°C, making it perfect for relaxing on the beach and by the pool. Summers can be extremely hot.
Getting there
The hotel is situated on the crescent of Palm Jumeirah Island. A taxi or car ride from Dubai International Airport (DXB) takes about 30-40 minutes, but always allow extra time for possible traffic.
Dress code
During the day, a "resort chic" style is encouraged on the resort grounds—elegant beachwear, light dresses, and linen shirts. For dinner at most restaurants, please adhere to a "smart elegant" style.
Information accuracy and important disclaimers
This guide is current as of the date of writing. Establishment concepts, chef names, and other details may change. Be sure to check the latest information on the official Atlantis The Royal website before booking.
Important: regarding prices: Keep in mind that prices listed on websites almost always exclude taxes and fees (municipal tax, service charge, tourist tax). Feel free to add 20-25% to the final cost to avoid any surprises.
Even if you're not staying at the hotel, you can visit its restaurants or beach clubs. However, remember: access to the premises for non-guests is strictly controlled, so booking your visit in advance is essential.
Verdict: Who is Atlantis The Royal Designed for?
So what exactly is Atlantis The Royal? It's less of a hotel and more of a curated project, where every element—from architecture to the dish on your plate—is an exhibit. A trip here is an investment in pure experience, an opportunity to spend several days immersed in a living work of art and take home not just a tan, but a fresh aesthetic experience. This hotel will be the perfect destination for:
- Gourmet hedonists traveling in search of gastronomic discoveries and eager to collect dining experiences from the world's finest chefs.
- Modern couples seeking an ideal location for a romantic getaway, where aesthetics and impeccable service create a special kind of magic.
- Connoisseurs of architecture and design, who see the hotel not as temporary accommodation but as a standalone work of art.
Ultimately, choosing Atlantis The Royal is a decision made not by the mind, but by the heart. It’s the choice for those for whom the view from the 22nd-floor pool matters more than water slides, and a dinner prepared by Blumenthal is an event in itself. This is a hotel that impresses, a hotel-gallery, a hotel-performance. And if you’re ready to become both its audience and its protagonist—this place won’t let you down.
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