With a world of activities and delights for thrill seekers-from the Aquaventure Waterpark to The Lost Chambers Aquarium, Atlantis: The Palm dishes out a culinary and rejuvenation heaven like none else.
Misbaah Mansuri
While the allure of unseen destinations and postcard induced fantasies drives us to travel, it is quite often that we check into a hotel, soak in its aura but then find ourselves seeking some thrilling activities to venture into, during our stay. During my stay at Atlantis- The Palm in Dubai, I was lucky to submerge into a world full of activities, gastronomic delights and lots of preening. Does the destination manage to enthral? Read on to know…
Of architectural delights and check-in indulgences
As I enter the Atlantis’ tower-topped, red-brick façade, I can easily admit that it is the stuff of my
Disney fairytale dreams. I walk by its iconic central arch, hinting at gateways to mythical kingdoms. Its wings extend to embrace gardens filled with butterflies, elaborate playgrounds, and a thundering waterfall- every corner a treat in itself.
The property with its architectural expertise, vistas of the azure-ocean and pearl-white beaches is such a stunner and a destination in itself. My check-in was at the Royal Majlis (read VIP) over dates and some refreshing Arabic coffee. I was explained the VIP privileges I was entitled to (read access to the VIP lounge, evening canapes and more). Now I just couldn’t wait to get to my Imperial Club room which was the epitome of comfort. At 48.5 – 83 sqm, with a spacious bath and shower and a choice of either king or queen beds and interconnecting options, this spacious room is ideal for couples or families looking for extra space. It boasts magnificent views of Haitang Bay’s blue ocean, sparkling beach and Wuzhizhou Island.
Thrill-seeking activities galore
For thousands of years, people have been searching for the lost city of Atlantis. Containing untold riches and treasures, the utopian paradise is believed to have been submerged under the ocean. Luckily, I had a chance to witness the magical city of Atlantis at The Lost Chambers Aquarium. I discovered the mysteries of the deep and learned fascinating facts about ocean life while watching 65,000 marine animals swim in the Ambassador Lagoon. Spying the ginormous grouper fish, vibrant clownfish and menacing moray eels– each of it was fascinating to watch, with its own story to tell.
Another highlight is the morning Pilates session at The Lost Chambers Aquarium which is the first-of-its-kind in the region. Set against the mesmerising tranquillity of the Ambassador Lagoon, surrounded by 65,000 sea creatures, I experienced underwater yoga which is the perfect way to kickstart our day.
Guests should not miss the world’s biggest water parks-Atlantis Aquaventure. With the addition of the brand-new Trident Tower, Splashers Lagoon and Splashers Cove, Aquaventure is now home to over 28 additional rides and attractions, bringing the total number to over 105 slides, rides and attractions across the 22.5-hectare park. With several record-breaking slides and firsts in the region thrill-seekers can enjoy Odyssey of Terror; the world’s tallest waterslide with a Double Tornado Wave, Shockwave; the longest family rafting water coaster in the world, Medusa’s Lair; the first dueling Pipeline Blast Water Coaster slide in the region and Immortal Falls; the first Cliff jumping in the region.
I also experienced Atlantis, The Palm’s newest entertainment destination, Wavehouse where we indulged in a fun bowling session. Here guests can experience live music, gaming, bowling, great food and chilled drinks overlooking a state-of-the-art wave machine, all under one roof.
Culinary indulgences
How could I not have a foodie blast? Atlantis, The Palm after all is home to 29 world-renowned restaurants including Bread Street Kitchen & Bar, Hakkasan, Nobu, Ronda Locatelli, Seafire Steakhouse & Bar and the award-winning underwater restaurant, Ossiano. I heartily recommend a meal at Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen & Bar, heralded by celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay and helmed by Chef de Cuisine Cesar Bartolini. Here I devoured a selection of British classics and Gordon signatures including fish and chips in a craft beer batter, the legendary beef Wellington, and indulgent puddings that took us back to our childhood. Guests should also try the Bread Street Kitchen Ice Cream Counter, which serves homemade scoops including Bread and Butter Pudding softie.
Post my bowling session, I also put to test the Wavehouse restaurant where succulent burgers and shakes managed to win me over with its live tunes, swinging seats and a festival vibe is the perfect place to kick back and relax. Evenings were spent enjoying eclectic cocktail and canapés in the Imperial Club Lounge in the East Tower while breakfast in Kaleidoscope located in East Tower
served up full continental and English delights-from fluffy eggs to sinful pancakes. For those looking at enjoying some culinary marvels by the pool, indulging in a Mexican fiesta at the Shore restaurant should be on your checklist. The meals here for sure are the stuff of gastronomic heaven!
TLC time
For those looking to opt for a spa-radise, the ShuiQi Spa has recently updated its menu, introducing new treatments in collaboration with Aromatherapy Associates and includes some lovely four full-body experiences to try- from bespoke facials, as well as unique treatments for expecting mothers.
With a promise to deliver premium, unique treatments and Instagrammable moments, I also had the chance to experience the property’s nail spa-Nailology which is the newest addition to Atlantis. As the only nail bar in Dubai with in-salon mixologists, this one is as exciting as it can get. I was pampered with the Gold Goddess treatment
that included a decadent amber-infused mask, scrub and cream by Spalinea, a golden patch for my eyes, a blissful 20-minute massage with an amber sphere and argan oil, golden soak, nail polish, mocktail/cocktail, Elim golden finishing spray.
With drop-dead gorgeous talons and preening at its core, days marked with unique oceanic adventures and thrills, food adventures that sure tantalized my tastebuds, I left Atlantis-The Palm with an oh-so-blissed smile. From check-in to check-out, the property doesn’t fail to delight you with the thrill it serves you and that is its biggest superpower!
