Dubai … like ‘The Royal"

Extravagance and opulence.

From the lobby to the penthouse, Atlantis The Royal is an elite experience in every way imaginable.

Beginning with breakfast, the daily “buffet” at Gastronomy is a supermarket of global cuisines and live cooking stations. Impossible to describe… and impossible to consume in one trip. Worthy of a king’s feast.

Without the kids, we strolled through AquaVenture, the world’s largest water park… skipping the waterslide through sharks, aquarium and other watersport adventures. We decided swimming with the dolphins was much more our speed.

Among all the stunning restaurants, bars and clubs, one stood above them all: Cloud 22. The adults only rooftop pool club on the 22nd floor is a way to cool off, while indulging in decadent cuisine and beverages, while taking in Dubai.

Having aged out of the nightclubs, (I humored Aaron and) we tried night golf at Emirates Golf Club.

And, of course, a state-of-the-art health and wellness retreat awaits… in 32,000 square feet of spa. Where you can shower in four types of rainfall (not to be confused with the 15-minute “shower experience”), a snow shower and jacuzzi pool.

When it comes to food, wellness and play, The Royal might be king.

Illuminated cascading water feature in front of a modern glass building at night.
Blonde woman in a black dress and sunglasses standing on a balcony with a view of a coastal cityscape and a large body of water in the background.
Infinity pool on a high-rise building overlooking a cityscape and waterfront, with people relaxing on lounge chairs and in the pool.
Assorted toppings and candies in glass jars on a marble counter, including chocolate pearls, goji berries, marshmallows, chia seeds, and colorful gummy candies.
Assorted desserts displayed on a marble counter, including Coffee Tonka Tart, Asawer Pistachio, and Dates Cheesecake.
Modern high-rise building with geometric architecture, illuminated at night, surrounded by palm trees and featuring a water fountain at the entrance.
Luxurious hotel lobby with modern decor, large floral arrangement, and elegant seating area.
Modern metallic sculpture in a hotel lobby with a high ceiling and large windows in the background.
Person relaxing in a rooftop infinity pool with a view of Dubai city skyline and Palm Jumeirah, holding a drink.
Gourmet dish with sliced meat, boiled egg halves, colorful radishes, greens, and creamy sauce on a textured white plate.
Glass with drink garnished with chili powder, chopsticks, water bottle, and chef in background.
Modern hotel lobby with stylish seating, large glass windows, decorative ceiling lights, and a sculpture of a space-suit figure holding balloons.