Just back from sizzling Dubai, Melanie Bartlett, Kuoni’s online marketing executive, reveals all about staying at Atlantis, The Palm.
I was apprehensive about going to Atlantis, The Palm, because it’s such a large resort, but you really have to go to understand what the whole Atlantis concept – it’s fantastic!
The first impression as you drive up The Palm is a view of the almighty towers at Atlantis. It’s an awe-inspiring sight in Dubai. It’s so big you feel daunted – am I going to get lost or will I be just another name and number – but this isn’t the case. They have so many attentive staff and, once you’re inside, it doesn’t feel like a big hotel or overcrowded.
When you walk into the grand lobby of this luxurious resort, you’ll see Dale Chihuly’s incredible glass art sculpture. We were lucky enough to stay in an executive suite, which was amazing. Just the lounge was the size of my friend’s flat! The suite also had a balcony with sunbeds, a bathroom featuring a huge tub in the centre of the room and a dressing room.
VIP service
We upgraded to the Imperial Club, so we were treated like VIPs. I would really recommend it. In the club room, you can have breakfast, help yourself to snacks throughout the day, enjoy afternoon tea and, in the evenings, it’s unlimited drinks and canapés between 6-8pm. We were drinking champagne – a great way to start the evening. It’s worth the money to upgrade to this option. There’s also a concierge desk so you can book your preferred restaurants and Aquaventure without queuing.
Everywhere you go the staff are so friendly. If you tell them your name during a conversation, they remember it all throughout your stay. It’s attention to detail the whole time at Atlantis, The Palm.
Aquaventure is an amazing waterpark and it’s free entry if you’re a hotel guest. My top tip is to go on a weekday, Dubai’s weekends run from Friday to Saturday. Also, if you go to the back of the park, it’s quieter than grabbing the first sunbeds you see at the front of Aquaventure. We spotted loads of quiet areas for sunbathing while we were on the river rapids. There’s an excellent kids’ section and lifeguards everywhere, so it’s very safe.
Leap of Faith
The Leap of Faith waterslide is almost vertical and amazing if you’re not scared of heights. There’s also waterslides that travel through the shark pools – you can look up and see them swimming overhead.
You can swim with dolphins at Dolphin Cay and the Lost Chambers is a fantastic aquarium. Visit the Lost Chambers both during the day and at night when it’s eerie for a very different experience.
The service on the beach is incredible, with a member of staff just to clean your sunglasses! It’s all about the personal touches, such as cool face towels. As you’re sitting on the beach, you have a view of the city in front of you, and you can see the Skytrain coming and going. The Skytrain station is next to the hotel so it’s really easy to go into the city and explore.
The price of drinks and the buffet were good value for a five-star resort and you can choose to dine at one of the resort’s celebrity restaurants, such as Nobu.
Top DJs at Atlantis
We chilled out in one of the pool bars at night, pulling up a beanbag to listen to live music while drinking cocktails. On certain dates, Atlantis, The Palm, has a huge beach party with top named DJs and a massive fireworks display at the end. Unmissable!
Atlantis, The Palm, is perfect for a long weekend chilling out in the guaranteed sunshine.
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By Kuoni UK
