When my son and I arrived at Atlantis The Royal in Dubai, to dark skies and after more than 24 hours spent in airports and airplanes, I expected we would check in and fall fast asleep. But we didn't walk too far — just past “Droplets,” a soaring steel sculpture inspired by that first drop of rain in the desert, and then into the people-filled lobby — before our weary bodies felt re-energized.
Outside the lobby's floor-to-ceiling glass windows, the Skyblaze Fountain show was underway, the water shooting nearly 100 feet into the air. Color-changing lights and leaping fire choreographed to dance-inspiring music make the show and its energy irresistible. We weren't alone when we pulled out our phones and moved closer for a better view of the spectacle.
When Atlantis The Royal debuted in early 2023, Beyonce performed at the Grand Reveal celebration, and her show incorporated Skyblaze, one of the world's most unique performance fountains. At a resort that inspires photographs and social media shares, Skyblaze is the epicenter, engaging and entertaining onlookers and keeping the energy level high. Beginning mid-day, and taking place every 30 minutes until long after dark, each Skyblaze show is distinct.
The lobby features a soaring steel sculpture called “Droplets.”
Credit: 2023 Atlantis The Royal
Aiming to be the most luxurious experiential resort in the world, Atlantis The Royal is set on the outer crescent of Dubai's Palm Island, surrounded by the Arabian Sea. Climbing 43 stories — almost twice as high as the adjacent Atlantis The Palm — Atlantis The Royal is an eye-catching series of stacked concave and convex boxes flowing in an S-curve design.
Rooms at Atlantis The Royal
The property’s design and location allow all 795 rooms to have water views. While my son slept in the first morning (as well as every morning after that), I brewed a coffee from a selection of Nespresso capsules and watched the day begin from my balcony perch. Complimentary tea and coffee, refreshed daily, are among many guest amenities at Atlantis The Royal. Within our standard room, we appreciated a woven beach bag, gold-hued flip flops for the pool, cloud-like slippers, cozy Frette bathrobes and an eye-catching display of golden bathroom amenities presented in a jewel-box-like display on the bathroom vanity.
A Seascape queen room
Credit: 2023 Atlantis The RoyalWe spent half of our vacation in a Seascape room with expansive views of the turquoise-hued Arabian Sea, and the rest of our stay in a Palmscape room with views of Palm Island and the Dubai skyline. My son and I enjoyed all there is to see from the latter accommodation, including Skybaze, waterfront homes, the long stretch of beach below us and numerous pools. But we preferred the more tranquil view from the Seascape room, where on the 26th floor, it felt like we were floating above the sea.
Aquaventure Waterpark and Other On-Site Fun
Traveling with a teenager meant spending time at The Royal Pool, which caters to all ages and stages with a splash pad surrounded by cabanas; attentive servers offering complimentary still or sparkling water; food service; and ample space to lounge under an umbrella or swim in the pool. We also visited the 25-meter lap pool, the soft sandy beach fronting the resort and Aquaventure Waterpark.
Atlantis Aquaventure is billed as the world’s largest waterpark, with 50 slides.
Credit: 2023 Atlantis The RoyalNobu by the Beach, the first pool and beach club by Nobu, and the 295-foot-long Cloud 22 infinity pool, which stretches across the resort's 22nd floor, are for guests 21 and older only. Those traveling with children ages 3 to 12 might consider taking advantage of Atlantis Explorers Club, which offers adventures from morning through evening.
Atlantis Aquaventure, billed as the world's largest waterpark, and the Lost Chambers Aquarium are a short stroll or cart ride from The Royal Pool. With 50 slides, Atlantis Aquaventure holds the 2022 Guinness World Records title for the most waterslides in a waterpark. Complimentary for Atlantis guests, Aquaventure is an irresistible amenity for water lovers young and old. We spent an afternoon riding raging rivers and splashing around on inner tubes with people from around the world. And we could have easily returned again and again.
Celebrity Dining and Restaurants at Atlantis the Royal
At this culinary destination, there are more restaurants helmed by celebrity chefs than there are days of the week. And there are more celebrity chefs under the roof at Atlantis The Royal than anywhere in the world. (There is a host of other restaurants, lounges and bars, too.)
Spanish tapas are on the menu at Jaleo by Jose Andres.
Credit: 2023 Atlantis The RoyalWe didn't have time to eat at every venue during our weeklong stay, but culinary highlights were many. We enjoyed Spanish tapas at Jaleo by Jose Andres, burgers at Malibu 90265, and Mediterranean-inspired menu items at Estiatorio Milos by Costas Spiliadis. For unique views of the Skyblaze performance, you can't beat a table on the outdoor terrace at the latter restaurant.
After stimulating days filled with sunshine, entertainment, adventure and food inspired by chefs from around the world, sleep came quickly once we retreated to our guestroom. Bespoke turndown amenities like Dream Mist Pillow Spray, evening tea and Hamman therapy bath bars enhanced our rest and set us up for another day of discovery at Atlantis The Royal.
