Wellness, Thrills, and a Mega Aquarium: Inside Dubai’s Most Iconic Resort

From the moment I walked into Dubai’s Atlantis, The Palm, I felt like I was surrounded by water. The property — which became Palm Jumeirah island’s very first resort when it opened in 2008 — was inspired by the legend of Atlantis, a mythical island lost to the sea. Every detail embraces the aquatic theme, from the seashell fountains to the seahorse carvings on the doors.

The showstopper is the Ambassador Lagoon, an 11-million-liter open-water tank and the highlight of the Lost Chambers aquarium. (That’s more literage than all of the tanks at California’s famous Monterey Bay Aquarium combined.) Just steps away from the lobby, gigantic windows showcase thousands of marine animals that call the aquarium home. Sharks and rays glide past. Schools of colorful fish move in unison. It’s an introduction that instantly sets the tone for the rest of your stay: at Atlantis, The Palm, the underwater world is more than a theme — it’s an experience.

Photo: Jessica Devnani

But facilitating that experience also means doing so responsibly. Atlantis, The Palm, is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), meaning it meets the highest standards in animal care, facilities, and guest experience. It’s also a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), a global alliance working to improve animal welfare, conservation, and education.

Another way the resort is making waves is the Atlantis Atlas Project, an initiative that donates one dollar to conservation and sustainability efforts for every marine animal activity booked. The project focuses on four species — sharks, rays, dolphins, and corals — and two major threats to their survival: unsustainable seafood and plastic pollution. Earlier this year, the project helped release three honeycomb stingrays and 20 Arabian carpet sharks born at the resort into the Arabian Gulf.

For guests who get to spend their stays mesmerized by the resident marine life at Atlantis, The Palm, it’s important to know that the resort not only cares for its animals but also does its part to protect marine life in the wild. In a funny way, that almost describes the guest experience, too. While you’re at Atlantis, The Palm, you can expect equal parts pampering and adventure — and that means that you’ll leave the property feeling rested and enriched when it’s time for you to return home.

Photos: Jessica Devnani

There are 1,544 rooms at Atlantis, The Palm, ranging from standard guest rooms to signature suites. Room rates start at about $35 per night, with the resort’s six ultra-luxurious signature suites starting around $3,000 per night. The most iconic suite is the Underwater Suite, thanks to its floor-to-ceiling windows that look out into the Ambassador Lagoon. (Another perk: the nearly 1,800-square-foot accommodation also comes with round-the-clock butler service.)

I stayed in a King Guest Room with Palm View, which meant I had a lovely view of Palm Jumeirah, but you can also opt for an Ocean View room that overlooks the Arabian Sea. Mornings were my favorite time in the room as I’d spend them watching the sunrise over Dubai’s skyline from my balcony. One fun feature of the room was that you could also take in the view while relaxing in the bath — the incredibly spacious bathroom includes a large tub (complete with bubble bath) and a sliding door that opens up to the main room.

The level of care from the housekeeping team was outstanding. After returning to my room the first evening, I found my cables fitted with Nemo cable protectors, a thoughtful touch from my housekeeper, Naveem, who knew me by name. Each day my room was replenished with fresh fruit, including my favorite but rare tropical fruit: mangosteen. Because the resort has completely eliminated single-use plastics, you’ll also find refillable glass bottles, which have been purified at the on-site plant, replenished daily instead of bottled water.

Photo: Jessica Devnani

Wellness offerings at Atlantis, The Palm, are extensive. At the AWAKEN Spa, you can book everything from facials and massages to Reiki energy therapy and chakra balancing, as well as regenerative AEON Clinic services (think botox, fillers, and IV therapy). In addition to cutting-edge equipment, personal trainers, and guided sessions like yoga and meditation, more therapies (of the cryo chamber variety, for example) await at the AWAKEN Fitness center.

One of the most memorable experiences of my stay was an underwater sound healing meditation. We weren’t actually underwater but instead in a room with three massive floor-to-ceiling windows facing the Ambassador Lagoon. I was joined by a few other guests, and we each had a yoga mat to either sit or lie on. For the next 45 minutes, our sound healer, Eugenie, led us on a journey as the tones and vibrations of the sound bowls filled the space.

Normally, I’d keep my eyes closed during a meditation, but I couldn’t pass up the opportunity gaze up at the aquarium this time. This was an entirely new meditative state. I watched rays and fish drift by as the reflection of the sunlight danced in the water. It felt as if the sounds were connecting me to the tranquility of water and the flow of nature. For the first time in a while, I felt truly present.

Photo: Jessica Devnani

Another morning, I started the day with an hour-long massage at the beautiuflly designed spa, where streams run through the halls in keeping with the resort’s aquatic theme. As suggested, I arrived a bit earlier than my appointment to make use of the spa facilities. I was greeted with a refreshing herbal drink and then shown to my locker. The jacuzzi, sauna, and steam room left me in an already relaxed state before my massage even began.

When I finally met my massage therapist, Fetery, she asked several questions before getting started and really took the time to tailor the massage to my individual needs. I was grateful for her attention to the knots in my back and left feeling rejuvenated.

Photos: Jessica Devnani

Staying at Atlantis, The Palm, includes complimentary access to the on-site waterpark, Aquaventure. This isn’t just any waterpark — it’s the world’s largest waterpark, with over 105 slides and attractions. Some were made for adrenaline lovers, such as the Leap of Faith slide, a near-vertical drop that shoots you through a shark-filled tunnel. Other activities, like chilling in one of the lagoons or tubing down the lazy river, are more relaxing. My personal favorite was the Odyssey of Terror, a group tube slide that sends you flying up two massive wave-shaped walls where you’ll feel a moment of weightlessness before plunging back down.

Guests also receive complimentary entry to the Lost Chambers Aquarium, a labyrinth-like space designed to feel like the ruins of the lost island of Atlantis. Over 65,000 marine animals call this place home, and you can get up close and personal with them if you book a snorkel or dive session. I opted to try the Aquatrek Xtreme, during which you wear a helmet connected to an air supply and descend about 30 feet to walk along the aquarium floor. Standing underwater among the sea life — all while your head remains completely dry — is a surreal experience that I’d highly recommend. You can even wave to guests viewing the aquarium from the other side.

Photo: Jessica Devnani

It’s no surprise that a resort as large and thoughtfully designed as Atlantis, The Palm, has a comprehensive culinary program. On-site dining venues are loosely grouped into three categories: celebrity chef restaurants, signature restaurants, and casual restaurants. Add in various lounges, cafes, and fast-casual spots, and you’ll never have to eat at the same spot twice if you don’t want to.

For me, and many others, Nobu tops the must-eat list. Led by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, this eponymous restaurant is famous for crafting innovative dishes that blend traditional Japanese flavors with Peruvian ingredients. Go for the omakase menu (a Japanese dining experience where guests entrust their meal selection to the chef). At Nobu, this includes a seven-course meal. I’m a big fan of sushi, so my favorite courses were the sashimi and nigiri, plus a shoutout to the beef toban yaki (marinated beef that’s cooked on a hot ceramic plate). Pro tip: check out the view from the restaurant’s 22nd-floor terrace while you’re there.

Hakkasan is another restaurant you shouldn’t skip. The Michelin-starred restaurant brings a sleek, modern edge to Cantonese cuisine. The first thing I noticed upon entering was the atmosphere — dimly lit with cool blue undertones. I asked my server for a recommendation and ended up with the premium dim sum, which was almost too gorgeous to eat. Then came the Boston lobster, which was heavy on chili and garlic and an explosion of flavor with every bite. I asked for a unique cocktail and was presented with the Mistress of Deception, a coral-colored concoction with a smoke-filled bubble on top. Presentation at Hakkasan is not something to be missed, but rest assured that every dish tastes just as incredible as it looks.

From Dubai International Airport (DXB), a taxi or Uber will get you to the hotel in about 35 minutes for roughly $35-$45. Complimentary airport transfers are included for guests staying in suites.