I’ve just returned from an amazing trip to Dubai where I got to experience two of the very best hotels out there – Atlantis The Palm and Atlantis The Royal.
They sit right next to each other on the Palm, but they are actually quite different experiences. Atlantis The Palm is the iconic Dubai resort we all recognise, while Atlantis The Royal takes things to a whole new level of ultra luxury.
ATLANTIS THE PALM – THE ICON
There is something really exciting about arriving at Atlantis The Palm. As soon as you drive onto the Palm and see that famous pink hotel appearing on the skyline, you know you are somewhere special.
For families, it honestly has just about everything you could want – there is far too much for me to cover in one blog!
You have Aquaventure Waterpark, incredible marine experiences, dolphins, kids’ clubs, endless activities and more than 30 restaurants, bars and lounges.
There really is something for everyone, whether you want fine dining, something casual with the kids or a drink with a view.
I stayed in an Imperial Club room, which gave me access to the Imperial Club Lounge for breakfast, snacks and soft drinks throughout the day, followed by evening drinks and canapés.
If the budget allows, I would definitely recommend it. It is a lovely extra and gives you somewhere quieter to pop into during the day.
And for the adults, I have to mention Nobu. It sits high up in the hotel on the 22nd floor and is definitely worth doing in the evening when Dubai starts to light up. You can go for dinner or just head up later for drinks in the bar, but either way the views across towards the Dubai skyline are amazing.
ATLANTIS THE ROYAL – ONE WORD… WOW!
Atlantis The Royal really did blow me away. It is genuinely one of the best hotels I have ever stepped foot in.
The design and architecture are incredible and, at times, there is almost too much to take in. Everywhere you look there is something else to see.
What surprised me most was how relaxed it felt. Looking at the hotel online, you could easily think somewhere this glamorous might feel a bit pretentious or intimidating. It really doesn’t. It is ultra luxurious, but still manages to feel calm, relaxed and welcoming, which I loved.
The rooms are gorgeous and I was lucky enough to have a look around quite a few different room and suite categories including the Penthouse Suite. Oh my goodness!
The space, the design, the views and all the little details were just incredible. It was one of those rooms where you keep walking around saying “wow” at everything.
THE FOOD…
The restaurant choice at Atlantis The Royal is unbelievable.
There are around 17 restaurants and bars to choose from, so the main problem is deciding where to eat!
You have everything from relaxed dining to some of the biggest names in the food world, and eating out really feels like part of the whole experience here.
The hotel also has its own Skyblaze fountain show, which combines fire and water and is really dramatic to watch in the evening.
NOBU BY THE BEACH
One of my favourite parts of the trip was spending the day at Nobu by the Beach.
This is the adults-only pool and beach area at Atlantis The Royal and it was absolutely my kind of place.
Very chilled, gorgeous surroundings, great music, excellent service and fabulous food and cocktails.
Basically, top-notch everything!
It has a really relaxed atmosphere and I could very easily have spent a lot longer there.
ROYAL CLUB
If you are looking at Atlantis The Royal, I would definitely consider the Royal Club room categories too.
Royal Club guests have access to the Royal Club Lounge, where you can have breakfast, snacks and free-flowing alcoholic drinks throughout the day.
Again, it is an upgrade, but if you enjoy club lounge access I think it really adds to the experience.
AND YES… IT WORKS FOR FAMILIES TOO!
Atlantis The Royal might feel very grown-up and luxurious, but families are definitely not forgotten.
You still have full access to everything over at Atlantis The Palm, including Aquaventure Waterpark, which is right next door and really easy to get to.
The kids’ club at The Royal is also seriously impressive, so the children are definitely going to get their own wow-factor too.
It means you can have the ultra-luxury experience but still have all of that amazing family entertainment on your doorstep.
ATLANTIS THE PALM OR ATLANTIS THE ROYAL?
Atlantis The Palm is the iconic Dubai resort and is fantastic for families who want loads going on, endless entertainment, restaurants, activities and that full Atlantis experience.
Atlantis The Royal takes everything up another level.
Yes, the price point is higher, but you are going from luxury into ultra luxury, and you really can feel the difference.
For me, Atlantis The Royal was something very special.
If you love amazing hotels, fabulous dining, beautiful rooms, gorgeous pools and plenty of wow-factor, it absolutely delivers.
That said, I would happily go back to either.
Two incredible hotels, two quite different experiences – and both very much worth experiencing.
