Yahoo Lifestyle The Ten Best Things to Do at Atlantis The Palm in Dubai
Dubai has been on my bucket list for ages, and let me tell you—it’s even more surreal in person. From the moment you arrive, you get why Atlantis The Palm is such a big deal. Celebrities like the Kardashians, the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and The Bachelor Zach Shallcross have been known to love it for a reason. But the real question is—does it live up to the hype?
If you've been to the Atlantis Paradise Island resort in the Bahamas and are wondering whether a trip to Dubai is still worth it, we're here to tell you yes! Dubai is a place unlike any other. It's a bit like Las Vegas but on steroids. Think opulence, luxury and loads of culture.
On top of all of that, Dubai is more frequently visited by Europeans than Americans, which gives it a cooler, more unique allure.
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First Impressions at Atlantis the Palm Dubai
The lobby alone makes a statement. It’s got these massive high ceilings, elaborate designs, and right in the center—this insane hand-blown glass sculpture that’s over 32-feet-tall. The whole vibe is very "underwater palace meets luxury hotel." But honestly, I was just excited to drop my bags and start exploring after the long flight from New York City.
The Room
My room had an amazing view of the Palm Jumeirah, the manmade island that Atlantis the Palm is built on, as well as the Dubai skyline. The room featured a large ensuite bathroom and plush, comfortable beds. I was in Dubai with my BFF for a girls' trip and the room was very comfortable for the two of us to share.
I also simply must give the housekeeping team their flowers because they went above and beyond, cleaning the room each morning and prepping it each evening with turndown service before bed. They even wrapped up all of our cords each day and fastened them with a decorative fish!
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Luxury Suites
I also had the opportunity to take a tour of one of Atlantis The Palm’s most fabulous suites, The Grand Atlantis Suite. It has an elaborate entryway featuring two fountains. The suite itself is two bedrooms and comes with 24-hour butler service. Our sources say celebrities have definitely been known to stay here in the past. It starts at roughly $6,500 USD per night.
10 Best Things To Do at Atlantis the Palm, Dubai
1. Visit the World's Largest Waterpark, Aquaventure
If you stay at Atlantis, you get free access to Aquaventure, which happens to be the world’s largest waterpark. And let me tell you, this place is HUGE—as in, over 55 acres. You could easily spend the whole day here and not get bored.
They have a great range of activities for both kids and adults, with splash pools for the little ones and colossal slides with massive drops for the braver adults. The Leap of Faith? Absolutely terrifying. You drop almost straight down and shoot through a tunnel surrounded by actual sharks. I may or may not have avoided that one…
There are also tons of options for fun-yet-less-scary slides. The park has 105 slides in total, so regardless of how thrill-seeking you might be, you should be more than fine spending time at Aquaventure.
Not into death-defying slides? There’s a massive lazy river (that’s actually not that lazy). It has rapids that push you along, so it’s a nice balance of chill and fun.
2. Do a Sound Bath Meditation at The Lost Chambers Aquarium
I wasn’t expecting much from the aquarium, but honestly? It was one of my favorite parts. The whole thing is designed to feel like the lost city of Atlantis, and it’s packed with some of the coolest sea creatures. Definitely worth checking out, especially if you need a break from the sun.
We did a sound bath meditation inside of the aquarium and it was incredibly peaceful. We laid on yoga mats, surrounded by 65,000 sea creatures, as we went through a relaxing 45-minute meditation. My friend said it was her #1 favorite activity of the entire trip!
3. Lay Out By the Resort's Many Pools
As much as there is to do in Atlantis, sometimes the best part is just unwinding by the pool with a book. Atlantis the Palm has several pools. Keep in mind it gets incredibly hot in Dubai—often up into the 100+ degree territory in the summer, so bring your sunscreen (and be sure to snag a chair under an umbrella).
4. Relax (or Party!) at WHITE Beach
The beach club here, WHITE Beach, is next-level—white sand, crystal-clear water and private cabanas if you want to go full luxury mode. I spent most of my afternoon just lounging, sipping on a cocktail (or two... or three) and soaking in the views. It was easily one of my favorite parts of the entire trip.
WHITE Beach often has a DJ playing music, meaning it can turn into quite a scene. Definitely wear your cutest swimwear here!
5. Unwind at the AWAKEN Spa
After a long flight, I needed some serious relaxation. Enter Awaken Spa. This place is unreal—think dim lighting, calming music and that fresh spa scent that instantly makes you feel like you’re on vacation.
They have a ton of treatments to choose from, but I went with a deep tissue massage because, well, after all those water slides and a long flight in economy, I needed it. They also have cold plunge pools, steam rooms and even a relaxation room featuring those fancy red light masks. It was easily one of the best spa experiences I’ve ever had.
6. Take in the Views from the Dubai Balloon
For an activity somewhere between chill and adventurous, we highly recommend a trip on the Dubai Balloon. We went at sunset and it was absolutely magical. From the hot air balloon you’ll get views of the resort, the city and across the water. We went on our last night and it was the perfect way to wrap up the trip.
7. Take a Quick Trip to The Dubai Mall (AKA Shopping Heaven)
You can’t come to Dubai and not check out The Dubai Mall. This place is a beast—it’s actually the second biggest mall in the world. It’s over 1 million square meters in size and has over 1,200 stores. But it’s not just about shopping. They have an actual indoor ice rink, an aquarium and even a waterfall inside the mall. Casual.
Whether you’re into high-end shopping or just want to window-shop at stores you can’t afford at the moment (same), it’s an experience. But fair warning—this place is so big, you might actually get lost. You’ll want to plan your trip because things are NOT close together.
8. Partake in Some Viral Dubai Chocolate
My mouth is watering just thinking about getting my hands on some more of the viral Dubai pistachio chocolate bars. This chocolate is ultra-popular on social media for its bright green pistachio filling. It's sold in many stores in Dubai, so it's worth giving a shot.
9. Show Off Your Competitive Side With Some Arcade Games
Wavehouse, one of Atlantis The Palm's restaurants on the property, not only features fun food that both kids (and kids at heart) will love, but they also have a slew of arcade games and a bowling alley. Got some pent up energy after traveling with family? This is a great place to let it out.
10. Rent a Kayak or Jet Ski
For those seeking a bit of adventure, we recommend renting a kayak or jet ski and hitting the Persian Gulf. From here you'll take in some breathtaking views of the resort (and maybe get a little bit of exercise too.)
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Where To Eat at Atlantis The Palm, Dubai
Okay, let’s talk food. Atlantis has over 30 restaurants, so choosing where to eat is kind of overwhelming. No matter what type of cuisine or level of formality you're looking for, Atlantis the Palm has an option to fit your needs. The resort features several restaurants by celebrity chefs, including Gordon Ramsay, Björn Frantzén and Nobu Matsuhisha.
Nobu
You must got to Nobu, because, well… it’s Nobu. The black cod? Worth every bite. We did a tasting menu and enjoyed every single thing we tried. Nobu also has a terrace overlooking the city of Dubai which is pretty spectacular. Plus, Kendall Jenner has paid a visit in the past.
Gordon Ramsay's Bread Street Kitchen
For something more laid-back, Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen is a solid choice. They have a menu featuring everyday favorites like caesar salad and burgers, but also have some ultra-fun (and Instagram-worthy) cocktails. They were incredibly understanding about my need for gluten free options and brought me a platter of some of the best gluten free bread I've ever had in my life! Plus, they offer late-night pizza.
Ossiano
Looking for a once in a lifetime memorable dining experience? Ossiano overlooks Atlantis’s giant aquarium and features all kinds of ornate fish dishes in a nautical-inspired setting. It has one Michelin star and we can clearly see why. I highly, highly recommend you pay Ossiano a visit for a special occasion, even if it's just for a glass of champagne and some fish-watching.
Hakkasan
Hakkasan is Atlantis’s cantonese restaurant and it’s the epitome of luxe and class. Like Ossiano, it too has one Michelin star. The menu features uber-fancy cocktails like caviar martinis and loads of luxe dishes. It's owned by the Tao Group, so you know the interior is a proper vibe.
Wavehouse
After spending the day at Aquaventure, Wavehouse is a very fun option—both for kids and adults. The menu is filled with casual comfort food like nachos, chicken fingers and colossal milkshakes. Plus, they have a really fun cocktail menu with shareable options like this giant watermelon drink.
After eating at Wavehouse, you can check out their arcade and bowling alley for some added fun.
En Fuego
For something a bit fun, En Fuego is bright and colorful and practically BEGGING you to have a margarita. The mango margarita with Tajin rim is absolute perfection. They also have a party brunch and from what we hear it really turns up at night.
Ayamna
Ayamna is Atlantis the Palm’s Lebanese food destination. They’ll ensure you’re filled up with loads and loads of dips, as well as other favorites like falafel and meatballs. The interior design is top tier, with ornate tile designs.
Seafire
Craving a classic steakhouse experience? Look no further than Seafire. They’ve got all the steakhouse mainstays, with some utterly incredible mashed potatoes. You even have the chance to choose your own knife to go with your steak.
Breakfast Options at Atlantis The Palm Dubai
As for breakfast, I had the buffet experiences of my LIFE at Atlantis the Palm. The resort has multiple high-end restaurants serving elaborate buffets. And these buffets are massive—think every type of cuisine you can imagine. Perfect if you’re indecisive, picky or just really, really hungry. We won’t judge you if your plate ends up kind of… weird. Plus, several of the breakfast restaurants offer mimosas with the cost of entry!
Imperial Club Lounge
The Imperial Club lounge features an outdoor deck with stunning water views. They offer a buffet, but you can also place orders from the wait staff. The smoothie and omelettes are excellent!
Kaleidoscope
You will find any type of food that you could possibly dream of here. There's even a giant chocolate fountain! Kaleidoscope also offers a live omelette station and pastries galore. This was our favorite breakfast of the trip. You can pop by for a mimosa or two and give yourself a relaxed start to the day. Hey, you're on vacation!
Saffron
Similar to Kaleidoscope, Saffron is world-class buffet breakfast. Dubai brings in a multi-cultural crowd and they provide the food to prove it. They have everything from Asian delicacies to American favorites available here.
Final Thoughts—Would We Go Back?
So, is Atlantis The Palm worth it? Honestly… yes. It’s not just a hotel; it’s an experience. If you love adventure, amazing food, and more than a little bit of luxury, this place is definitely one for the list. Would I come back? In a heartbeat. There’s a reason why celebrities love it so much. I mean, the Kardashians have visited in not one but two seasons of Keeping Up with the Kardashians.
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