As a first-time tourist or fresh-off-the-boat denizen in Dubai, Atlantis The Palm Jumeirah will most definitely be on your list of ‘must-see’ places in Dubai. We were no exception to that rule and I still vividly remember our excitement as we saw the little dot symbolizing our car, climbing up the trunk of The Palm in Google Maps, and then finally reaching the utterly grand and palatial Atlantis resort. Fast forward to nearly 8 years in Dubai and countless meals and trips to Atlantis, we finally checked in for an actual stay at the resort this summer as travel is still a distant memory for us and we still haven’t braved any pandemic border crossings.

As soon as you enter the hotel, you’ll be greeted by a towering installation by Dale Chihuly, a vibrant glass sculpture that brings the essence of the sea and it’s creatures to life. No matter how many times I visit the property, I always have to stop and marvel at the grandiose of this 10-meter high sculpture that contains more than 3000 pieces of hand-blown glass. Surrounded by a reflection pool, it truly sets the tone of what an extraordinary time you can expect at the resort.

As the resort has SO MUCH to offer, I’ll try to categorize and summarize everything as best as I can:

Check-In: We checked in via the Royal Majlis which is just to the left of the main check-in but is a perk offered to the Imperial Suites’ guests that allows you to skip the lines (and boy oh boy, were there lines, it is after all the most coveted resort destination in the entire Middle East)!

Room/Suite Options: You can book yourself a guest room, an Imperial Club Room, a Suite, or a very special Signature Suite, such as the one that is underwater, peeking into the aquarium, or the Royal Bridge suite that Kim Kardashian stayed in.

In-room amenities: Custom-made exclusively for the property, the in-room amenities at Atlantis are full-range, housed in on-theme mother of pearl countertop drawers and jars, and smell absolutely lush. You can expect the standard kettle, espresso machine, hair dryer and even a prayer mat in the room, which unfortunately is quite unusual even at most 5-star properties. Additionally, the resort offers a tote bag, beach slippers and a waterproof room key card necklace.

Covid Awareness: Hand-san dispensers are placed throughout the property and security guards gently remind you to make sure masks are kept on. Guests also receive a Covid/hygiene kit upon arrival to their rooms/suites.

Imperial Lounge: If you’re staying in one of the Imperial rooms/suites, you have access to the Imperial Lounge, which is a really nice perk especially for those on half-board.

Beaches: Atlantis has 3 sprawling beaches overlooking The Pointe and while they all have the same sand and access to the same sea, the vibe is completely different between each. The Royal Beach, which is accessible to all, is understandably enough the busiest and most bustling of all. The Imperial Beach right next to it is only for residents of any of the Imperial level suites, and is far more quiet and exclusive. This one was my beach of choice. And the last one, White Beach, is the one furthest away from the hotel and even comes with it’s own separate entrance and parking. This one is the party beach, only accessible to ages 21 and above.

Free Activities for Hotel Guests:

Aquaventure: For every day you spend at Atlantis The Palm, you (and the number of people entitled to stay with you) get unlimited access to Dubai’s most popular water park with 79 record-breaking slides and attractions, including a private beach and the Surf’s Up Wave Rider!

The Lost Chambers: It doesn’t just stop at Aquaventure, all guests are entitled to unlimited access to The Lost Chambers (which houses 65,000 unique marine animals and 21 unique exhibits) throughout the duration of their stay.

Other Activities optional at an additional charge: The Dolphin Bay for a chance to swim with the dolphins, Watersports of so many sorts, The Sea lion Point, Diving in the Aquarium, Helicopter tours and so much more! It truly is such an adventure-packed resort that you could spend an entire week here and not run out of things to do!

Shi Qui Spa: If you’re looking to massage those sore muscles after a day of waterspouts, Atlantis have some very qualified therapists who will make sure you return knots-free. I must admit though, that the females’ relaxation lounge gives off more airport-lounge vibes than spa lounge, but the treatment itself got rid of all my knots.

Dining Options:

Plato’s:  The Lobby Lounge of sorts, Plato’s serve up a lovely Afternoon Tea which I enjoyed with my best friend who came by to visit me during our stay. While I’m all about a fully-involved Gong Fu Cha ceremony,

Hakkassan: Anytime anyone asks me for recommendations on the best restaurants in Dubai, especially Chinese, Hakkassan is top of mind.

Ossiano: Ossiano needs no introduction and is a recognized Dubai venue locally and internationally as one of the most (if not the most) romantic restaurants in Dubai. Set like a ship under water, Ossiano is a coveted location for picture-perfect proposals and beautifully-plated food alike. Recently, however, the young and prodigal Chef Chris Malone has taken the reins and the aforementioned beautifully-plated food is now also unforgettably delicious. The balance of flavors and textures and creative use of ingredients is truly a welcome  and much-needed addition to Dubai’s fine dining stage. I’ll post a separate and detailed blogpost on the new menu as Ossiano and link it, soon.

Bread Street Kitchen: The restaurant that marked the return of Gordon Ramsay to Dubai, and determined that this time he’s here to stay. A family favorite for many reasons, Bread Street Kitchen serves up many straightforward but solid dishes, but the one I keep going back for is of course the Gordon classic: the Beef Wellington.

Wavehouse: This one is dining meets entertainment, but for me it’s all about the bowling! Warehouse truly made me feel like I’m on holiday in foreign lands, because truth be told, as long as I’m in Dubai, living my usual life, I only ever really peel myself off my couch and away from my tea table for a night of fine dining.

Saffron: One of the first buffets I heard of when I moved to Dubai, as it was in the Entertainer and those who had been swore that one could expect a great feast. I’m not big on buffets and chafing dishes and so I never went to Saffron until this staycation and I have to say that this was without a doubt the best breakfast buffet we’ve ever been to in our entire lives! This was quality meets quantity x infinity. The viennoiseries were crispy and flakey and the variety of cuisines and menu items was so diverse that we even found a tea-based chicken soup that we’ve only ever found in Singapore and Malaysia, called Chi Ku Teh! It’s mostly made with pork, so it was a treat to be able to have this in chicken instead.

Overall, do I recommend a stay at Atlantis The Palm? Absolutely. Whether you’re a couple of a family, this resort has something for everyone and is an absolutely integral part of living the Dubai experience.