Atlantis - The Palm, Dubai

Granted, it didn’t have the best of starts. Fire damage weeks before opening, reports of poor service from the first arriving guests, and criticism for hosting such a lavish launch party while the rest of the world faced up to an economic crisis... As the end of its first year in operation approaches and the fanfare subsides, how is Atlantis shaping up?

With an enviable location atop the crescent of The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai’s latest mega resort from Kerzner International Holdings Ltd. is arguably one of the most hyped hotel developments this century. Topping out at $1.5 billion, it offers some impressive figures in the Emirate’s competitive market: a 46 hectare footprint with 1.4 kilometres of beachfront; 1,539 guestrooms including the 924m2 Bridge Suite with a price tag of $25,000 per night; 17 restaurants and bars of which four operate under the direction of Michelin-starred chefs; and over 65,000 marine animals populating its water-themed attractions.

Excesses aside, Atlantis showcases the talents of a number of world-class architects, designers, and landscapers. David Rockwell, Adam D. Tihany, and Jeffrey Beers are just some of the eminent names associated with the project.

On approach to Atlantis, it’s clear why this development has achieved iconic status. Designed by WATG, the main structure is made up of two Royal Towers bridged by a three-bedroom deluxe suite. 5km out to sea, the façade faces inland towards the chilled swimming pool, palm fronds, and beyond that, Dubai’s skyline.

WATG’s design, developed with landscape architect EDSA, is reminiscent of the aquascape of Atlantis in the Bahamas for which EDSA is known. This resort is based on the mythical lost city of Atlantis, while incorporating traditional Arabic themes, such as the central archway, skyreaching spires, and domed lobby.

Inside, oceanic references abound. Surrounded by a reflection pool, the lobby’s centrepiece is a 10m high sculpture with over 3,000 pieces of intensely coloured blown glass said to have taken almost two years to create. This is Dale Chihuly’s first installation in the Middle East. Surrounding it are eight sea snake columns constructed within an architecturally developed sea urchin’s shell. Arched ceilings feature eight handpainted murals by Spanish Artist Albino Gonzalez telling the story of the ancient mythological city of Atlantis that continues journeying deeper into the hotel.

One of the main features is the Ambassadors Lagoon, an 11 million litre marine habitat depicting the lost world and home to sharks, eels, rays, and hundreds of species of tropical fish. It also attracts scores of the homosapien species. Thankfully for hotel guests day visitors can only access certain parts of the hotel.

More for the younger generation is The Lost Chambers, an underground maze of tunnels leading to aquatic exhibits and touch tanks. Further activity can be found at Dolphin Bay and Aquaventure, a waterpark with a range of slides, rapids and waterfalls. Its showpiece is the 30m high Ziggurat from which the plucky can slide down the immense ‘Leap of Faith’ with its near vertical drop, or float through a shark-infested lagoon in ‘Shark Attack’.  

‘Aquaventure’ was created by EDSA who have gone to great lengths to conceal mechanical and structural systems.
With activities and kids clubs galore Atlantis may well be geared towards families during the day, but as night falls it becomes a hub for the grown-ups with restaurants and bars, each individually created to the designer’s own interpretation of Atlantis, with, of course, the mandatory Arabian elements.

Kerzner challenged each designer to come up with something that captured the essence of Atlantis, resulting in a diverse range of eateries that are not only a feast for the eyes, but also for the taste buds.
The Rockwell Group has created an extension of the Nobu brand with an evolution of many of the concepts developed for the flagship Nobu Fifty Seven in New York. Emphasis is on craftsmanship, natural materials, and storytelling with textures and materials chosen to reflect Nobu’s roots in the Japanese countryside, while also celebrating the Dubai beachfront context. Hand-woven curvilinear abaca panels surround the main dining room creating an experience akin to being immersed under an ocean wave, whilst uplit woven banquettes form the seating. A 60-foot long curved river rock wall and laser cut metal screen of cherry blossoms mark the entry to the bar. For the lounge, Rockwell has developed curved translucent flower panels with images of custom large-scale cherry blossom photographs by Michael Palladino, which form an elliptical shape around the centre of the space. A private dining room is lined with sake bottles whilst a white bamboo proscenium forms a theatrical backdrop for the chefs at work. David Rockwell’s interior design reflects the finely crafted cuisine of Nobu’s signature dishes such as Miso-marinated Black Cod, made famous by world-renowned chef and founder of the brand, Nobu Matsuhisa.

The roster of international designers continues in Saffron, a buffet-style restaurant created by Adam D. Tihany. Its bold and contemporary design is based around glass canopies suspended above the eight island cooking stations with colour-changing lights to transform the ambiance of the space throughout the day. White walls and stainless steel counters are a contrast to the black marble floors, traces of rich burgundy, and saffron undertones.

Following on from their design of The Cove Atlantis, an extension of the original Bahamas resort, Jeffrey Beers was commissioned to develop three F&B spaces at Atlantis Dubai: Beers worked in partnership with Parisian chef Michel Rostang to create Rostang, a French restaurant with modern twists; and with Italian chef Giorgio Locatelli to design the rustic Ronda Locatelli. He also created Sanctuary, a decadent nightclub featuring large floral patterns, baroque details and custom pendants against an Arabian backdrop.

Should guests have time to sleep, accommodation ranges from deluxe rooms to a series of larger suites with dressing areas and walk-in wardrobes. Guestrooms are the creation of Wilson & Associates, who were again previously involved in the Bahamas flagship resort. Interiors are understated with subtle references to the ocean fused with elements of Arabia. The Lost Chambers suites, the most arresting of the rooms, are three-floor underwater suites where guests can experience the aquatic feel above and below the water. The master bedroom and ensuite have views of the Ambassador Lagoon.

Wilson & Associates were also responsible for the Atlantis Spa, and a number of restaurants including Plato’s, a traditional Arabian coffee house; Barazura, an oceanic cool blue bar; Levantine, an Arabian restaurant inspired by Arabian caravans with a modern twist; Ossiano, a seafood restaurant with a view of the Ambassador Lagoon’s underwater world; Kaleidoscope, resembling a Middle Eastern marketplace; and Seafire, a steakhouse featuring a custom-designed wine room.

Other facilities in the complex include The Atlantis Spa offering water-based treatments, and one of the biggest meeting spaces in Dubai with capacity for up to 2,500 people.

When Sleeper visited Atlantis it was operating at 100% occupancy, remarkable considering the substantial drops seen elsewhere in the region. A spokesperson for Kerzner International said: “Since opening, Atlantis, The Palm has enjoyed occupancy on average in the mid seventies and we are seeing a steady stream of day visitors coming to Aquaventure, The Lost Chambers, and Dolphin Bay that include residents of Dubai and guests of other resorts.” This does beg the question as to whether the resort has dropped room rates. Although declining to comment specifically, the source said it had “continued to introduce value-minded packages.”

The GCC and Dubai continue to be important regions for Kerzner. With a vast area of Atlantis’ land still undeveloped, the group has plans for expansion with the addition of The Cove, a resort within a resort.

ATLANTIS, THE PALM DUBAI
The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE
Tel: +971 4 426 0000
www.atlantisthepalm.com

Rooms    1,539 guestrooms and suites
Dining    Nobu, Saffron, Ronda Locatelli, Ossiano, Rostang, amongst others
Drinking    Sanctuary, Plato’s, Barazura
Leisure    Spa and fitness centre
Facilities    Dolphin Bay, Aquaventure, The Lost Chambers, kids clubs