Introduction
Nothing is more iconic of Dubai than the Atlantis, that monument to every fantasy of the deep sea that seemingly rises out of the Arabian Gulf from the centre of Palm Jumeirah. In 2023, it was joined by Atlantis the Royal, its luxurious sister property. The Atlantis is still, however, the OG and an essential stop on any first-timer’s Dubai itinerary.
Dubai is possibly home to more five-star hotels than any other country in the world, so it can be hard to tell what sets them all apart. Apart from the iconic design and the adjoining aquarium and water park, the Atlantis’ unique selling point - the thing which no other five-star hotel in Dubai, however luxurious, can replicate – is its position on the Palm. Firstly, it is located further away from the mainland and further “into the sea” than any other hotel on the Palm. This guarantees particularly spectacular views of the city skyline in the distance. Secondly, looking horizontally, it is located in the geographical centre of the Palm. This guarantees geometrically pleasing views of the fronds and the crescent of the Palm stretching out on either side of the hotel. Put together, these features earn the Atlantis a spot on the itinerary of any first-time visitor to Dubai and make it a favourite of returning vacationers and staycationers alike.
The resort's crown jewel, The Lost Chambers Aquarium, is a captivating underwater realm that houses over 65,000 marine animals, including sharks, rays, and vibrant coral reefs. With its stunning floor-to-ceiling glass tunnels, guests can embark on an immersive journey, walking through transparent passages that offer unparalleled views of the diverse marine life. Educational and awe-inspiring, The Lost Chambers provides an opportunity for visitors to connect with the ocean's biodiversity in a unique and interactive way.
Ocean palace in a hotel
Entering the Atlantis’ 19-metre high lobby with its soaring vaulted ceilings and travertine marble floors, the epic proportions here certainly evoke the mysterious grandeur of the lost city of Atlantis. The centrepiece of this great hall is a 10-metre high sculpture featuring more than 3,000 pieces of blown glass, created by American artist Dale Chihuly over a period of two years. It’s surrounded by a reflection pool and eight hand-painted murals on canvas by Spanish artist Albino González. These murals tell the story of the mythological city of Atlantis and depict the four seasons of the year and the four elements of air, earth, fire and water. You need to look through the wall of floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the tranquil waters of the Palm Jumeirah to remind yourself you’re in Dubai!
Minimalist the Atlantis is not, but even the most seasoned traveller would struggle to pace the corridors here without experiencing a dropping of the jaw in childlike awe. From twinkling seashell-shaped pendants to arches guarded by seahorses and palm tree-shaped columns girded by fish heads, the turquoise and salmon-themed décor is nothing if not striking. Which other hotel in the world boasts an aquarium 10 metres deep, filled with 11 million litres of water and teeming with schools of deep sea fish – lots of them!
Panoramic views of Dubai’s skyline
It’s not just about the mythical underwater world at Atlantis. Beckoning guests beyond those floor-to-ceiling windows is the very real overwater world of Palm Jumeirah. Ask anyone before Palm Jumeirah was built what they thought of the idea of fashioning 560 hectares of artificial islands in the shape of a palm tree and they would probably have told you it was just as much of a myth as Atlantis! Such is Dubai, though, where no dream is out of reach.
Top tip: book a Palm-facing room (the higher the better). Every Palm-facing room boasts a balcony which is the perfect spot from which to survey the Dubai landscape. Sip coffee at sunrise while watching the surrounding neighbourhood wake up – it’s one of Dubai’s most prestigious and the “fronds” of the Palm are home to many luxurious villas. Or sip a cocktail at sunset while watching the twinkling skyline in the distance light up. Both are equally magical and an underrated privilege of staying at Atlantis! Dubai is often (understandably) associated with thrills and superlatives, but here you can find a surprising moment of pause and peace amidst all those high octane activities.
Forever summer garden
Amidst the fanfare of gargantuan aquariums and exhilarating water parks, gentle strolls through landscaped gardens are probably not what comes to mind when thinking of the Atlantis. Yet even when the resort is buzzing with exuberant little kids, it’s easy to find a quiet spot to pause at for a meditative moment or me time with a good book. The resort is thoughtfully designed with lots of curving pathways, planted with plentiful greenery and cheerful flowers. This is Dubai, where the hot desert climate takes no prisoners, so it’s a credit to the Atlantis’ gardening team that this little oasis is so well pruned and nurtured.
Given the challenging climate, drought-resistant and heat-tolerant flower varieties prevail here. On top of that, the introduction of advanced irrigation systems and the use of specialized soils mean that flowers can be successfully grown even in this climate.
The construction of Atlantis The Palm – and Palm Jumeirah itself – is a testament to human ingenuity and engineering marvels on a grand scale. The Palm was conceived by the visionary leadership of Dubai to enhance the city's coastline. Construction began in 2001, and the process involved extensive land reclamation using a combination of dredging sand from the sea and rock blasting. The intricate palm shape, complete with a crescent, was created using millions of cubic meters of sand and rocks, carefully placed to form the iconic palm fronds and protective crescent breakwater.
Both projects required the collaboration of international experts, including architects, engineers, and construction specialists. The completion of Atlantis, The Palm, and Palm Jumeirah stands as a testament to Dubai's commitment to pushing the boundaries of architectural and technological achievements, creating iconic landmarks that have redefined the city's skyline and tourism landscape.
Enchanted by a mermaid’s song
One of the highlights of the Atlantis is its expansive lagoon of a swimming pool, guarding the perimeter of this ocean palace as if it is a moat. Sunset is when the magic really begins. As the sun sets and families evacuate, the beach crew jump into action, stripping the sunbeds and folding the parasols. The lights are switched on, bathing the pool in a deep blue glow and highlighting the procession of fire bowls surrounding it. At night, the pool turns into a sapphire grotto - the luminescent lights and the ocean breeze makes it feel like mermaids will emerge any second!
Taking a swim here in the evening is to enter another realm: to feel small and humbled in the shadow of the palace yet elevated above the humdrum of the city, far away in the other direction. All of which makes it difficult to choose between whiling away the evening poolside and scrubbing up for dinner at one of the Atlantis’ many restaurants, a decent handful of which are Michelin starred.
Nobu delivers exquisite Japanese-Peruvian cuisine crafted by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa. Hakkasan, an acclaimed global brand, presents modern Cantonese dishes in a chic setting, known for its dim sum and signature Peking duck. Bread Street Kitchen, Gordon Ramsay's venture, offers a casual yet refined British-European dining experience with a diverse menu.
Luxurious and elegant interior design
As you might expect, the interior design here screams “deep blue sea.” Think seaweed patterned carpets, seashell pendants and imitation driftwood doorhandles, pulled together by that trademark turquoise and beige colour scheme. With all rooms – whatever the size – featuring big sliding windows opening onto a balcony, everywhere is light filled and airy. Even the most basic room is a generously proportioned 45 square metres. Open the doors, flop into the generously sized sofa and inhale the sea breeze for immediate holiday vibes.
