Dubai’s Atlantis appears virtually undistinguishable to its Bahamian familial, which is to say: dreamlike
By Akanksha Dean
A tiara on the tip of Palm Jumeirah. Think of Atlantis as its fairy-tale namesake, a metropolitan in its own right – only this is not adrift. Atlantis’ tower-topped, red-brick frontage evokes Disney fairy tales, its iconic significant arch implying at doorways to fairy-tale realms.
Its arms spread to hug gardens bursting with butterflies, ostentatious playgrounds and an impressive waterfall. It’s like a film set replete with a soundtrack, with music in the background through speakers concealed in hedgerows.
Inside, each feature seems larger-than-life. Sea creatures frolic around mortar columns, massive urns of flowers adorn tables and the lobby is conquered by a ceiling-high, vibrant glass sculpture that looks like twisting snakes rising from a cascade…..glorious ain’t it?
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Food and beverage
You could stay here for a month and dine at a diverse restaurant every day, but here are some gastronomic choices to highlight: a Michelin-standard tasting menu in aquarium-side Ossiano, taking diners, a world away from the instant of entrance, guests descend into the subterranean dining room, immersing themselves 33 feet to the base of one of the world’s hugest aquariums.
With the exceptional dining environment as its muse, Ossiano delights guests both visually and sensorially to the intensities of the ocean. Wellington at Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen, where the spirited can mix their own milkshakes on workout bikes tailored with blenders.
Wonder at the breakfast offerings, counting deep-fried maki, Hainanese chicken rice, and Chinese scrambled egg, Indian dosas and paranthas and sweet pineapple puffs; Friday brunch is also available at Saffron.
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An oasis of comfort
The underwater theme is firmly observed to with a pallet of marine blue, oyster and coral; coral-shaped door knobs and wall drapes; driftwood-effect hard fixtures and shell mosaic-framed reflects.
Balconies on upper floors offer views of the mammoth palm-shaped island. We have booked two nights at the imperial club room which comes with first-rate advantages at the resort counting some Dolphin watching and enjoyable time at the Aquaventure.
With views of the Dubai Skyline and the coasts of the Palm Island, White Beach arrests the Mediterranean premium qualities of a beach club, where I am pleased to spend my last afternoon.
If you have the moolah, do book underwater at the Neptune suite, a haven for harmony and tranquillity, which charms with massive floor-to-ceiling windows into their 65,000 aquatic animal aquaria in Dubai.
The evening easily flows away with visions of the Ambassador Lagoon from the marble bath tub, and one is captivated as sharks, rays and fish slide right past the bed bidding a calming night’s rest.
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Service
You know a resort is enormous when it has its own health centre. Sometimes feeling more like a shopping mall, there are shops selling nearly everything.
With several guests getting lost in the avenues, eternally polite staff may feel as though they’re endlessly steering cats, however they never show it. Endurance is their asset.
The big chic gym is just one way to stay in form here. There’s a jogging path; table tennis volleyball and tennis courts; two pools and on expenses water sports at the beach, bonus free admission to Aquaventure water park and The Lost Chambers Aquarium, which sporadically hosts yoga sessions within the marine life.
Other activities comprise boot camps at ShuiQi Spa, which also bestows more serene recreations, together with hair and nail salons. Atlantis even has its personal helipad and routs consistent helicopter tours.
Read: A luxury beach getaway at the Four Seasons Jumeirah (February 4, 2022)
Fact Box
Where: Crescent Rd – The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE
Call: +97144262000
(Akanksha Dean is an independent Indian chef, events specialist, & food & travel writer. She trained at Osteria Francescana, in Modena, Italy, rated as one of the world’s best restaurants)
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