Dazzling Royal Atlantis

Everything glittered this weekend at the unveiling of long-anticipated resort Atlantis The Royal, from the golden toothbrushes in the room’s vanity kit to a mesmerising performance by Beyoncé.

Over a thousand celebrities and special guests from around the world arrived in Dubai to attend the exclusive, invite-only grand reveal of the city’s newest ultra-luxury resort.

Those not physically present likely couldn’t escape its rooftop parties and mind-blowing concerts across Instagram and TikTok during the three-day event, which was padded with luxe experiences like bites prepared by Michelin-starred chefs.

The main event was Beyoncé’s first live performance since 2018, and a fireworks show to the beats of electronic house music supergroup Swedish House Mafia.

Below, my favourite highlights and observations from the Champagne-drenched weekend.

The latest icon of Dubai’s skyline

Atlantis The Royal is set on the crescent of Palm Jumeirah, the famous palm-tree shaped man-made island, overlooking the fronds of the island and the turquoise Arabian Sea. The architecture (designed by NYC’s Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates) is breathtaking – it’s massive, but somehow delicate, curving in toward the sea, with blocks of suites stacked playfully atop each other amidst windows of blue sky, lending an airiness to the structure. It’s a very different aesthetic from its nearby sister property, Atlantis The Palm.

Where The Palm is pink and regal, The Royal is more neutral and modern. Inside, you’ll find plenty of gold and marble, but in comparison with what one might expect from an ultra-luxury Dubai resort, it’s glamorously understated.

Everything shines – the staff works meticulously to buff out every single fingerprint and smudge leaving all surfaces reflective (truly, I couldn’t escape myself). The rooms are also neutral and airy with plush white beds, dark wood sliding doors, and touches of gold throughout. Every room has a balcony, with floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing views of either the island and Dubai skyline in the distance, or directly facing the sea. And if you’re looking for something really opulent? You can check into the 11,000 square feet Royal Mansion