A culinary-led sojourn at the uber-luxe Atlantis The Royal
Dubai’s reputation for grandeur and extravagance precedes it, with a larger-than-life approach to opulence ingrained in its identity. Atlantis The Royal certainly amplifies this ethos. Perched on the iconic Palm Jumeirah island, this mega-resort sprawls across six towers; a modernist architectural marvel resembling a towering puzzle, seamlessly linked by a sky bridge.
Checking into this year-old gem — the culmination of eight years of meticulous craftsmanship — felt surreal. Rising 43 stories high, Atlantis The Royal offers a truly immersive escape from reality. The resort offers a wealth of amenities, home to celebrity chefs and Michelin-recognised dining venues, chic bars, upscale boutiques, a sprawling wellness centre, and several pools including adults-only spaces. With 795 rooms and suites, each promising a lavish experience, this resort creates the perfect setting for an unforgettable stay.
CHECK-IN
In every corner of the resort, the decor revolves around the theme of water. Inspired by the resilient Bedouin tribes, who historically journeyed through the Arabian desert, relying on water wells for survival and navigation, the design pays homage to their ingenuity and warm hospitality. Water, symbolising life in the desert, is revered throughout the property, with elegant water features and sculptures strategically placed to evoke a sense of wonder.
Stepping into our Palmscape Room, we were embraced by a serene colour palette that echoed the calming shades of the ocean and desert landscape. Our gaze was instantly drawn to the panoramic views extending over the island, and the breathtaking Dubai skyline visible through the floor-to-ceiling windows. Throughout our stay, the balcony provided an unparalleled vantage point, especially during the tranquil moments of sunrise, when the gentle rays of sunlight painted the horizon with a serene glow.
The room features minimalist décor, fostering a tranquil ambience. A sleek privacy glass divides the bedroom and spacious bathroom, which boasts a standalone bathtub and walk-in shower, accompanied by exclusive Graff amenities curated for Atlantis The Royal guests. The king-size bed, outfitted with hand-stitched mattresses by Hypnos, ensures a restful night’s sleep. Families with infants will find a cot readily available, complete with a thoughtful travel kit containing grooming essentials and a toy for entertainment.
Adjustable mood lighting enhances the atmosphere for ultimate relaxation. After our resort explorations, we relaxed on the comfortable couch, indulging in Avantcha tea with fruit and confectionaries, while cocooned in plush Frette bathrobes. As night descends, the balcony provides breathtaking views of the fire and fountain show, adding an extra layer of enchantment to our stay.
CULINARY TOUR
The resort boasts 17 restaurants and bars offering a diverse range of culinary experiences, from renowned celebrity chef concepts to upscale pool venues.
Nobu by the Beach marks the debut of a pool and beach club concept by the globally renowned Nobu restaurant. Situated along the shoreline, we opted to dine at the restaurant, complete with an expansive outdoor bar, as the chic sun loungers are reserved for adults seeking a tranquil retreat. The menu features a thoughtfully curated selection of innovative Japanese-Peruvian bites, with standout dishes including the Crispy shiitake salad with goma truffle dressing which packs in texture and flavour fusion.
The Crisp rice tuna provides a delightful crunch paired with fresh, fatty fish, while the Rock shrimp tempura serves as a light bite accompanied by a flavourful assortment of spicy dips. The Salmon avocado jalapeño delivers a kick of heat in a cut roll, complemented by the hearty Chicken teriyaki kushiyaki for a more substantial option. Inventive concoctions perfectly complement the meal, offering a refreshing sip while enjoying captivating deep house beats spun by the DJ.
Entering Ariana’s Persian Kitchen is an instant immersion into a world where aromas of fruits and nuts mingle with savoury meats, grains, and vegetables, reminiscent of a traditional Persian household. Helmed by renowned TV chef and cookbook author Ariana Bundy, this debut restaurant offers a contemporary twist on classic Persian dishes, featuring family recipes passed down through generations. Flooded with natural light, the venue blends modern design with traditional Persian aesthetics, highlighted by pops of pink and green. The menu comprises Mast o khiar, a refreshing cucumber and yoghurt dip adorned with walnuts and petals; the delectable Salad olivieh made with chicken, potato, and egg; and a comforting bowl of creamy Soup e jo.
For mains, the irresistible Ghormeh sabzi, a rich meat stew served with white rice entices, while the renowned Kabab koobideh presents juicy, perfectly charred meat bites. A must-try is the 24K gold jewelled rice, adorned with saffron, pistachio, and dried barberries – a vibrant and Insta-worthy dish bursting with flavour. No Persian meal is complete without dessert, and the Faloodeh — a granita-style treat with rice noodles and rosewater and lime sorbet—stuns with its refreshing notes.
Ascending via the lift surrounded by a cascading water display, anticipation builds for our meal at Dinner by Heston. A bucket list experience, the venue’s terrace provides views of the resort’s fountain, while indoors, the ambience is intimate with subdued lighting. Our gaze is drawn to the open laboratory-style kitchen, where the mechanical pineapple clock at the centre of the room opens every half-hour to roast the pineapples in the kitchen – a stunning visual. Seated at the coveted window booth, we’re introduced to dishes spanning British history, from the Tudor period to the mid-20th century. The menu features the dates each dish was first served, and the staff proudly share the historical background of each culinary creation.
Beginning with the 13th-century classic, the Meat Fruit, a labour-intensive creation resembling a mandarin but concealing a sumptuous chicken liver parfait within, ‘the peel’ infused with mandarin juice and oil for a unique flavour. Accompanied by toasted bread, this dish boasts a velvety texture and a creamy mouthfeel. Next, Rice & Flesh, the Michelin-starred chef’s speciality, features slow-cooked beef complemented by saffron risotto and truffle shavings. The tender Venison & pickled cherries is perfectly complemented by smoked beetroot, creating a harmonious balance of taste and texture.
Transitioning to 1940, The Cod in Cider presents tender fish atop a bed of cider broth, accompanied by plump mussels. The highly acclaimed triple-cooked chips are hands-down the best we’ve ever tasted. Crunchy and crispy, the moreish fries are sure to fill you up. Finally, the Tipsy Cake, ordered at the meal’s outset and taking 45 minutes to prepare, features caramelised spit-roast pineapple and vanilla-drenched brioche balls, delivering a warm, comforting conclusion to the dining experience.
The allure of Cloud 22’s infinity pool is undeniable, with stunning panoramic views stretching from the Burj Al Arab to Dubai Marina and beyond. This adults-only pool club offers a breathtaking setting to relax and soak in the beauty of Dubai’s iconic skyline. We were offered a lounger, however, other enticing options include a floating bed, a double day bed, or the lotus pool floating bed, for an unparalleled experience.
After a couple of dips in the pool, we tucked into Italian-inspired dishes including the fresh and silky Hamachi carpaccio with bursts of citrus and creamy avocado, or the tender, perfectly grilled Australian ribeye topped with an onion jam-like relish. For a substantial bite, the juicy sliders pair well with crisp fries. The beverage menu, featuring poolside classics as well as inventive fruity, smoky, and vibrant sips complemented our day of relaxation.
La Mar by Gastón Acurio provides an authentic Peruvian experience with sharing-style dishes that pay homage to tradition. The terrace boasts views of the stunning fountain and fire show below, while indoors, the ambience is relaxed, with dangling glass fixtures and oceanic vibes. An expansive fish counter showcases premium seafood on ice, setting the stage for an exceptional meal. The menu is a treasure trove of classic Peruvian specialities, including a Cebiche tasting to savour the best of this iconic dish.
The Clásico, Limeño & Brasa dishes made a dramatic entrance with dry ice, adding a playful touch to the table. Among our favourites was the Conchitas Poderosas, featuring rich and tender Hokkaido Scallops in a tangy olive oil dressing and a dollop of nutty, buttery Oscietra caviar. A surprising addition to the menu was the Wagyu beef MB7 nigiri, topped with a fried quail egg, stir-fried beef sauce, and crunchy shoestring fried potatoes, showcasing a fusion of flavours inspired by chef Acurio’s time in Japan. Tart, sweet and smooth sips are a crucial aspect of the Peruvian dining experience.
Don’t miss out on the Noodle box beverage, served in a takeout container and topped with spiced cucumber noodles for an extra playful touch. The Anticucho classic, featuring grilled veal heart with fried potatoes and a sublime Ocopa & rocoto pepper sauce, provides a true taste of Peru, with notable spice notes. Biting into empanadas filled with Wagyu beef MB7 cooked lomo saltado style, we savoured the distinct flavours in each parcel.
Another favourite from the mains is the comforting rice bowl, featuring slightly crisp stir-fried rice with bell peppers, mushrooms, and spring onions, topped with Wagyu beef, all expertly mixed at the table. At the end of our meal, a surprise awaited us as we were presented with a large chocolate box filled with colourful cacao variations, each nestled in its compartment, offering a tempting array of choices to indulge in.
Breakfast options abound across various venues, with the private Royal Club Lounge offering an extensive spread that includes Eggs benedict with short rib and truffle, alongside a buffet featuring the usual breakfast fare such as fruit, cheese, deli meats, and a wide selection of bread and pastries. The lounge also offers afternoon tea, a lavish spread of canapés in the evenings, and complimentary premium beverages throughout the day.
For a breakfast experience like no other, we headed to Gastronomy. The expansive dining hall showcases multiple live cooking stations, with everything from Asian dishes including dim sum and Indian specialities, to freshly cut sashimi, a variety of cheeses and deli meats, pastries such as gianduja pain au choocolat, made-to-order noodle soup, pizza and manakeesh, eggs benedict with smoked salmon, grilled meats, and a range of global breakfast treats, alongside fresh juices and smoothies at a dedicated bar. We couldn’t resist stopping by the gelato and fresh cake section to treat ourselves a bit.
FAMILY FUN
Atlantis The Royal caters to guests of all ages with activities ranging from the Atlantis Explorers’ Club and children’s splash pad to family watersports, ensuring there’s something for everyone. The Royal Pool caters to families with the resort façade serving as a picturesque backdrop for photos, while the expansive 1.2-mile beach offers plenty of space for play and leisurely strolls.
BOOK NOW
The Royal Club King – Palm View room is available from AED5,800 for a two-night stay. Visit website for more information.