Landing in the United Arab Emirates means accepting that excess is the norm, but Atlantis The Royal has taken that concept to a dimension previously unknown. It is fascinating to see how Asian luxury merges with avant-garde design in a building that seems to defy the laws of physics and economic common sense. Walking through its lobby makes it clear that what is rented here is not rooms, but pure social status.
This is not just a place to sleep, but a statement of intent made of concrete and glass, where every detail is designed to overwhelm the guest’s senses. It is hard to believe that a single night costs more than an apartment in the outskirts, but the reality inside its walls exceeds any expectations you might bring from home. Everything at Atlantis The Royal screams exclusivity from every corner.
A DESIGN THAT DEFIES GRAVITY IN PALM JUMEIRAH
The structure of the complex breaks away from the traditional aesthetic of the monolithic skyscrapers that populate Dubai’s skyline, opting instead for a deconstructed form that resembles the famous game Jenga. The architects managed to make the blocks appear to float in mid-air thanks to a staggered design that allows light and air to pass through the building. This layout is not random; it is intended to maximize sea views from every possible angle.
Seen from a distance, Atlantis The Royal rises like a gigantic gateway between the desert and the ocean, connecting two towers through a dizzying aerial bridge. The feeling when you look at it is that engineering has surpassed imagination, creating silhouettes that change dramatically depending on the time of day and the angle of the sun. It is, without a doubt, the new postcard that every tourist wants to capture in Palm Jumeirah.
THE ONE-HUNDRED-THOUSAND-DOLLAR ROOM
The crown jewel is called the “Royal Mansion”, a two-story, four-bedroom suite that has become an obsession for the global elite. Paying its price means that the cost is equivalent to a high-end car, hovering around 100,000 dollars for a single night between its Egyptian cotton sheets. It is not just about the space; it is the certainty that no one on the planet is sleeping better than you that night.
Inside this private sanctuary of more than one thousand square meters, guests enjoy a personal butler available 24 hours a day and a private entrance to avoid prying eyes. It is striking to discover that even the toothbrushes are made of gold, a detail that perfectly illustrates the level of extravagance that permeates every corner of the suite. At Atlantis The Royal, excess is not a flaw; it is the signature of the house.
THE MILLIONAIRE WHIM OF A HISTORIC INAUGURATION
To understand the magnitude of this project, it is enough to rewind to its opening party, an event that paralyzed the global entertainment world in January 2023. Management decided that Beyoncé would be the guest of honor, paying her a staggering 24 million dollars for a private concert of barely one hour. That night, the hotel made it clear that it was not here to compete, but to rule.
The media impact was so huge that bookings soared even before the general public could set foot on the marble of the lobby. It was a masterstroke in which marketing disguised itself as a show, positioning Atlantis The Royal as the immediate object of desire for influencers and tycoons. Since then, its name has been synonymous with the highest aspiration in luxury tourism.
A GASTRONOMIC MAP INSIDE A HOTEL
The resort’s culinary offering is so vast that a guest could spend two weeks without repeating a restaurant and always dine under the seal of a Michelin star. The complex has brought together the most high-profile chefs on the planet, such as José Andrés, Heston Blumenthal, or Gastón Acurio, under the same roof. It is an amusement park for the palate where the credit card happily goes up in smoke.
Dining here is like traveling the world without leaving the artificial island of Palm Jumeirah, going from cutting-edge Spanish tapas to high-end Peruvian cuisine in just a few steps. The best part is that each restaurant has its own identity, designed so that you forget you are inside a hotel and feel as if you were in the heart of London or Lima. Atlantis The Royal has turned food into an immersive experience.
SWIMMING AMONG THE DESERT CLOUDS
If there is one place that rivals the façade in terms of spectacle, it is “Cloud 22”, the infinity pool located on the 22nd floor, offering an unbeatable panoramic view of the city’s skyline. Swimming up there makes the horizon merge with the water, creating an optical illusion in which it seems you are swimming directly toward the Emirati sky. It is the social meeting point where people go to see and be seen.
Access to this exclusive area is usually restricted, which adds an aura of mystery and desire for those staying in standard rooms or visiting the hotel only for a few hours. The experience ultimately confirms that money really can buy magical moments, at least when it is invested in a sunset from the heights of Atlantis The Royal. It may be a mirage of luxury, but it is one from which no one wants to wake up.
