Hotel
Atlantis The Royal
An ultra-luxury resort on the Palm Jumeirah crescent with sky-high pools, a beachfront, signature restaurants and access to the vast Aquaventure waterpark next door.
A small boutique art hotel in a restored wind-tower house in Al Fahidi, combining individually designed rooms with a gallery, café and courtyards.
Good to know
XVA opened in 2003 inside the former home of the Seddiqi family in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, and it remains one of the most characterful places to stay in Dubai. The building has three wind towers and two courtyards, and the rooms, arranged around them, have each been styled by the hotel's in-house art specialists.
The hotel doubles as a gallery, with regional art displayed throughout, and the café is a calm spot for a drink or lunch even if you are not staying. A boutique sells handmade homeware, jewellery and clothing from local makers. Staying here puts you in the heart of old Dubai, a short walk from the creek, the abra stations and the souks. With only around 15 rooms, it books up early in the cooler months.
Reviewed by Lifestylemetro · Details checked October 23, 2026
It opened in 2003 in a restored family house.
Yes, the café, gallery and shop are open to visitors.
Café
A courtyard café in the Al Fahidi heritage quarter serving Emirati breakfasts, karak tea and traditional sweets under a large central tree.
Attraction
The world's tallest building, rising 828 metres over Downtown Dubai, with observation decks on levels 124, 125 and 148 open to ticketed visitors.
Bar
A rooftop venue 54 floors up at Address Sky View, combining a modern Asian restaurant, a sky bar and a club lounge with close-up Burj Khalifa…
Thing to do
Deira's covered gold market, where lanes of jewellers display necklaces, bangles and bridal sets in their windows, close to the spice souk and Dubai Creek.