Atlantis The Royal

Atlantis The Royal is the newer, more exclusive sibling of Atlantis The Palm, set on the outer crescent of Palm Jumeirah. It opened in 2023, and its stacked, cantilevered blocks of glass and stone, linked high above the ground by sky bridges, are visible from much of the coast. It was ranked number four in The World's 50 Best Hotels 2026, and inside the emphasis is firmly on spectacle and high-end dining.

Rooms range from guest rooms and Royal Club rooms, which come with access to a private lounge, to suites and signature penthouses. Infinity pools sit on terraces high above the sea, and at ground level there is a long beachfront with its own pools and cabanas. The AWAKEN spa offers a full menu of treatments, and families can use the vast Aquaventure waterpark next door at Atlantis The Palm.

Dining is a major draw. The resort has a collection of restaurants from internationally known chefs, including Nobu by the Beach, which also runs evening dip-and-dine sessions, and Estiatorio Milos, and many of them are popular with non-residents too, so book ahead even as a guest. At the heart of the resort, Skyblaze is a 28-metre fountain that combines water and fire in timed performances, best seen after dark.

This is one of the most expensive hotels in the city, suited to celebrations, honeymoons and travellers who want a resort with everything on site. Families are well catered for, with the waterpark and the beach close at hand. Expect a busy, glamorous atmosphere rather than a hideaway, especially at weekends. Rates peak between November and March and around New Year, when the resort's restaurants run special tasting menus, so book well in advance if you are travelling at that time.

The resort is at the far end of the Palm's crescent, about 30 minutes by car from Downtown Dubai and around 40 minutes from Dubai International Airport, depending on traffic. Taxis are the main way to get around, and the Palm Monorail's Atlantis station is at the neighbouring Atlantis The Palm. The Palm's beach clubs, the View at The Palm observation deck and the Dubai Marina and JBR area are all within easy reach.