1st look at 1 of the most exciting hotel openings in years: Atlantis The Royal Dubai
In Dubai, you should always expect more than more because there, less is certainly not more. In fact, the emirate is home to the world's tallest building and a series of intricate manmade islands with glitzy resorts from some of the world's top brands.
And soon, the Palm Jumeirah, an artificial archipelago of islands shaped like a palm tree, will be home to one of the most exciting hotels to open in years: Atlantis The Royal Dubai. And to prove just how (purposefully) over the top this new Atlantis will be when it opens its doors to guests next March, we are excited to share a series of the first released photos along with new details about the resort.
Read on to see just how far Dubai intends to push it.
Meet Atlantis The Royal Dubai
Self-dubbed as "the most ultra-luxury experiential resort in the world," Dubai's new take on Atlantis isn't the sandcastle-like resort you've likely seen in the Bahamas. In fact, it's not even similar in physical design to the classic Arabian-style Atlantis, The Palm, the new resort's next-door neighbor on the far end of Palm Jumeirah.
This super-modern take on Atlantis is futuristic and elevated — quite literally, as it towers 43 floors above the Arabian Sea almost like a spaceship or something out of a movie about the future.
But in Dubai, the future is almost always now — at least when it comes to buildings — and Atlantis The Royal is no exception.
On the 22nd floor, Cloud 22 offers guests an infinity pool experience like no other, with 15 private cabanas with plunge pools to rent, views of The Palm and the sea, DJ sets, a swim-up bar and an atmosphere that's sure to be one of the hottest places to see and be seen in Dubai.
Next to Cloud 22, Tao Group will introduce Ling Ling, a pan-Asian-style restaurant where "guests can expect a culturally rich, multi-sensory, dining and late-night party experience," because, remember, more is more.
Lower to the ground, famed Japanese restaurant Nobu is set to open its first pool and beach club while an impressive lineup of celebrity chefs, including José Andrés, Ariana Bundy, Costas Spiliadis, Gastón Acurio and Heston Blumenthal, will helm restaurants and bars scattered through the nearly million-square-foot resort. In total, 17 restaurants and bars will operate at Atlantis The Royal.
With 795 rooms, suites and penthouses, there are plenty of accommodation types to choose from.
Entry-level rooms face the sea or The Palm (with views of the Dubai skyline) and measure slightly less than 600 square feet with one king bed or two queen beds. Better yet, the rooms include a balcony that's a little under 100 square feet. Upgrade to a Royal Club-level room and get access to daily breakfast, afternoon tea, evening cocktails and 24-hour butler service across two different Royal Club Lounges.
As for suites, visitors can select between a Sky Pool Villa, a Sky Terrace Suite and a Junior Sky View Suite.
At over 1,200 feet, the Sky Pool Villa has a large living room and dining area, a pantry and two bathrooms, plus a giant soaking tub. But the star of this show is the decks, which range in size from roughly 1,000 to 2,000 square feet and are decked out with sun chairs and a private infinity pool, pictured above.
The Sky Terrace Suites skip the pool but still have plenty of space to recharge outside while the Junior Sky Suite offers incredible views of Dubai with a smaller outdoor space.
And for those with deep pockets or willing to splurge for a really special occasion (or maybe are just rich, famous or both), the resort's assortment of signature penthouses is sure to wow even the wealthiest Real Housewife. From the two-level, four-bedroom Royal Mansion with its stunning private entrance flanked by 100-year-old olive trees to the two-bedroom Panoramic Penthouse, the highest point of the hotel, these extravagant offerings really, truly have it all — and (you guessed it) more.
Some perks that I love for guests in a suite or penthouse include "elite" butler services that take care of unpacking your luggage, pressing your clothes and taking you on a private tour of the resort, should you desire.
Guests can even request custom pillows from a miniature pillow menu (pictured below), with options from memory foam feet pillows to buckwheat pillows (a big trend in Japan) to help ensure a perfect night's sleep.
Each of the different room types also features modern digital services, like streaming TVs and smart technology (think: temperature, lighting and TV controlled by your phone), alongside luxury and bespoke amenities from exclusive brands like Graff, Frette and Hermes.
Beyond all of the "wow" moments mentioned above, there's still more, more and more. At Resonance by Heston Blumenthal, the British celebrity chef's first cocktail bar, a 21-foot tall jellyfish aquarium housing 4,000 moon jellies is sure to be the center of attention.
Meanwhile, the nearly 40-foot-tall artist's interpretation of the first drops of rain in the desert, called "Droplets," (pictured below) will be every wannabe-influencer's dream photo op.
There's also Skyblaze, a fountain that literally breathes fire and is "the first and only permanent fire and water performance fountain in the middle east" designed by Wet Design. The spa has treatment options to everyone's liking plus a "re-imagined" hammam with four different experiences and treatments that use volcanic rock, crushed meteorite, lavender black soap and gold.
How to book
Atlantis The Royal Dubai is currently taking reservations though the hotel isn't scheduled to open until the beginning of March. Unlike the Atlantis properties in the Bahamas that are part of the Marriott Bonvoy program, this new resort is owned by a separate group and, like Atlantis, The Palm, it is expected to remain independent from any points programs.
Taking a scan at opening rates, expect to pay at least $900 a night for an entry-level room booked with the Advanced Purchase Offer and over $1,000 a night with the Best Available Rate. Royal Club-level rooms start around $1,200 a night while Sky Pool Villas are easily over $5,000 a night.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.