Staycation Spotlight: 15 years later, Atlantis, The Palm is still making waves

A legacy of luxury remains at Dubai’s marvellous mega-resort.

Dubai’s transformation over the past two decades has been nothing short of spectacular. A small fishing village has transformed into a desert metropolis, and the city’s skyline, now crowded with architectural marvels, bears little resemblance to what it was years ago. One landmark that has managed to weather the sands of time is Atlantis, The Palm.

When it first opened in 2008, Atlantis, The Palm made headlines worldwide, becoming an instant icon. Back then, it was one of the few structures on Palm Jumeirah, an artificial island designed to resemble a palm tree when viewed from above. With its signature blush-pink towers and central arch, the launch of Atlantis, The Palm was nothing short of historical, with global celebrities in attendance and a spectacular fireworks display. 

Despite opening such a grand resort during the 2008 recession, Atlantis, The Palm has only thrived over the years. And 15 years later, it remains a top choice for locals, tourists, celebrities and those searching for an extraordinary getaway.

Not-so-first impressions

From the moment you step into Atlantis, The Palm, it’s clear that the hotel’s “wow factor” has not aged. The grandeur hits you (each time) as you enter the lobby. This space is as much a work of art as it is an architectural wonder. 

The lobby’s design pays homage to the legend of the lost city of Atlantis, with pillars featuring scale motifs and vibrant murals depicting underwater adventures. This theme is blended with Arabian-inspired elements, including hand-painted murals and oversized lighting fixtures.

In the centre of the lobby stands a glass sculpture by celebrated artist Dale Chihuly, who created his first Middle Eastern installation specifically for Atlantis, The Palm. This 10-metre-high masterpiece is made up of over 3,000 coloured glass pieces, which took the artist nearly two years to complete — and another two weeks for him to personally install. 

The rest of the lobby is occupied by water features and plush seating along with views stretching out ahead. This scene immediately sets the tone for an ultra-luxurious experience. Be warned that Atlantis, The Palm’s lobby is always busy — be it 2am in the morning or 12pm check out time.

Room for everyone

Atlantis, The Palm houses over 1,500 units divided across two wings. These range from Standard Rooms to Suites designed to cater to every type of guest. The property also has Signature Suites, including the iconic Underwater Suite, which features floor-to-ceiling windows that allow you to look out into the Ambassador Lagoon, teaming with marine animals like sharks and stingrays, and the Presidential Suite, which promises panoramic sea views.

FACT checked into the Palm View Queen Room and was greeted by its ocean-inspired decor. The carpet featured a beautiful ocean plant pattern, blending beige and turquoise tones that ran throughout the room. To the left lies a minibar, a spacious wardrobe, and a bathroom featuring a single vanity with honeycomb-patterned accents, continuing the aquatic theme. There’s a private shower and toilet area, along with a ceramic tub bordered by sliding doors that open into the main room. Opposite the bathroom area, a full-length mirror ensures you’re dressed to impress before stepping out.

Perfect for families of four, the room is furnished with two queen beds placed in front of a cushioned, light-gold wall that doubles as an expansive headboard. In the corner, a cosy beige two-seater sofa, decorated with teal and orange cushions, brings a pop of colour to the space. Above the sofa, a coral reef-inspired art piece aligns with the oceanic theme. 

From door fixtures to drawer handles, every detail in the room echoes the ocean theme. Even the prayer mat reflects the signature Atlantis, The Palm iconography — a thoughtful detail rarely seen elsewhere. The large windows offer beautiful views of the sea, the Palm Jumeirah, and the pool below. Elsewhere, the study area provides a great spot for those Eat Pray Love vibes with a hint of luxury.

Currents of flavour

Atlantis, The Palm is home to an impressive array of dining options, ranging from fine dining to casual spots. Some of these restaurants include the newly-opened Studio Frantzén and FZN by Björn Frantzén, which ensures that even after 15 years, the resort continues to keep its culinary scene exciting with new additions. Other celebrity-backed concepts include Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen, Nobu and the FACT award-winning Ossiano.

Beyond fine dining, the hotel also features several casual and family-friendly options such as Ayamna, En Fuego, Kaleidoscope, Seafire Steakhouse and Wavehouse. With these choices, Atlantis, The Palm caters to food lovers of all kinds — and budgets. Plus, the legendary Saffron brunch still remains a firm fixture on Dubai’s party scene.

Sea of amenities

Beyond dining, Atlantis, The Palm ensures a wholesome stay for all ages. Its Aquaventure World, the largest in the world, features thrilling rides including the longest family water coaster in the world and the tallest vertical drop body slide in the Middle East. The Lost Chambers Aquarium, inspired by the lost city of Atlantis, allows guests to explore marine life up close, with over 65,000 creatures in an immersive setting. Access to both is complimentary if you’re a guest at the property.

For relaxation, the Awaken Spa provides a serene retreat with a range of treatments and exclusive wellness experiences. With two swimming pools, a fitness centre, a club for kids and teens, high-end shopping outlets and toy stores, Atlantis, The Palm guarantees a well-rounded experience.

The final wave

Atlantis, The Palm has undoubtedly become more attractive over the past 15 years — making it a must-visit property in Dubai. With its iconic design, beautiful rooms, and a wide range of dining options and amenities, guests continue to find new reasons to fall in love with the region’s only mega-resort.

While the city of Atlantis might be lost in mythical history, Atlantis, The Palm remains very much alive, welcoming guests and proving that some treasures are always worth revisiting.

GO: Visit www.atlantis.com for more information.