Atlantis The Royal Dubai: The Best Five-Star Luxury Hotel and Resort in Dubai

Location and getting there:

Atlantis The Royal Dubai is located on the crescent of Dubai’s iconic Palm Jumeirah, just 30 minutes from the international airport. This is a prime location that combines the tranquility and beauty of the palm, with easy access to top attractions like Burj Khalifa, Museum of the Future, Dubai Mall and of course, Ski Dubai.

Room options:

Stays at The Royal are separated first by Guest Room vs Suite, then by Seascape (sea view) vs Palmscape (palm view).

Guest Rooms: With king bed or double queen bed options, all the rooms in this category are the same size. The standard rooms are located on the lower floors and span across all three towers.

Royal Club rooms are located on the mid-high floors, and provide access to the club lounge, which is on the ground level of the resort. The club offers light snacks at specific times throughout the day and an open bar in the evenings. It also serves complimentary top-shelf drinks. I personally enjoyed my Monkey 47 Gin.

Suites: Suites are organized in three categories (Junior Sky View Suite, Sky Terrace Suite and Sky Villa Suite). My favorite is the Sky Villa Suite. With 118sm of interior space and an additional 100+sm of exterior space, you get an amazing sense of space, views and privacy.

Atlantis The Royal Luxury Resort; Palm scape Junior Suite

Dining

Atlantis The Royal and Atlantis The Palm share 17 restaurants, making the resort one of the top culinary destinations in not only Dubai, but also the world.

Estiatorio Milos by Costas Spiliadis: With fresh fish flown in daily from the Mediterranean, Greek staff and a vast wine menu, this is a truly Greek restaurant right in the heart of Dubai. Book an evening meal in advance for front row seats to the water show.

Gastronomy Breakfast room; Gastronomy Breakfast room juice station

Activities:

Cloud22: Spending a day at Cloud22’s infinity pool on the resort’s 22nd floor is a total bucket-list experience. Vibey and relaxed music plays through the speakers. The service is impeccable. Couples or solo travelers should book the Infinity Pool floating bed category. Groups should book a private palm view cabana. Check the weather in advance to know the best time of day to book. This will vary depending on the season. Sunsets can be phenomenal, but not on windy days.

Aquaventure: First, let’s point out that this is the world’s largest waterpark. It’s obviously great for kids of all ages, but adults can have just as much fun here. Guests receive unrestricted free-entry wristbands, unlimited towels and skip-the-line passes. The park arguably has the best lazy river in the world.

Club22 Dubai; Atlantis The Royale Night View

Kids club:

Both Atlantis resorts, separated only by the Atlantis-owned Aquaventure Waterpark, are incredible family destinations. Guests have full access to both properties, with regular, open-air shuttles transporting guests between the two.

Atlantis The Royal certainly has the more sophisticated, adult-friendly energy. While the resort has a beautiful family-friendly pool, and an absolutely incredible kids club, you are more likely to see nannies escorting children to and from their activities here. Atlantis The Palm, the neighboring resort, will have fewer nannies and fewer Birkin bags.

Fitness:

The resort gym has everything you could possibly need. Awaken Fitness has all top-of-the-line TechnoGym equipment, personal training and group classes throughout the day. It’s also connected to an outdoor pool and spa area.

Atlantis The Royal Beach; Atlantis The Royal Nobu by the Beach

Wellness:

The resort also has a beauty salon, anti-aging clinic and spa. You can book Eastern and Western massages or opt for the traditional Hammam experience.

Shopping:

It’s important to point out that this resort has several boutiques with custom collections. You’ll find Dolce & Gabbana, Louis Vuitton, Valentino, 100% Capri, Orlebar Brown and several other pop-ups.

My Conclusion: Everyone must visit Dubai at least once in their life, and a stay at Atlantis The Royal is the best way to experience Dubai's grandeur. Whether you're traveling solo, with a partner or with your family, Dubai has something for everyone. The luxury shopping is the best in the world. The food scene has representation from all corners of the globe. The family entertainment is unmatched. It's also safe and the weather is perfect (outside of the summer months).

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Dubai page.