Its location on the exterior crescent of Palm Jumeirah feels like a destination in itself / photo: Atlantis Dubai
With the vast array of choices consumers are overwhelmed by in Dubai, starting anything new there isn’t easy. Add the anticipation of an iconic sister property, years of ongoing construction, world-class architects, restaurateurs and esteemed clients, there’s no room to disappoint.
Following in the footsteps of Atlantis The Palm, which launched in 2008, Atlantis The Royal burst onto the scene in January 2023 with a celebrity-filled grand reveal, which included Beyoncé’s first live performance in five years. Both are operated by Kerzner International, which also includes One&Only and the new fitness-focused Siro brands in its portfolio. Nearly 12 months after opening, is this 795-room property still managing to deliver a star-worthy experience?
Grand arrival Sitting on the exterior crescent overlooking Palm Jumeirah, the location of Atlantis The Royal creates a destination in itself. It feels like you’re getting away without it being a hassle to reach.
Stepping into the spacious lobby on an early Friday morning, it feels grand yet pleasingly intimate. Having worked in luxury hospitality all of my career, I’m impressed at how the arrival runs like a well-oiled machine – the synergy within departments is indicative of back-of-house and operational excellence that makes the process feel weightless.
Design quality On a tour of the hotel, the design quality is apparent. The use of daylight creates a sense of space which is enhanced by soothing, subtle tones in the decor. Exotic marble flooring with sprinkles of gold line the hallways, artistic fountains dance throughout and the use of the ‘elements’ is distinct and refreshing.
Food and beverage outlets offer something for everyone, with Michelin-star chefs in every corner. This is a true destination for dining.
The guestrooms are an absolute luxury with 360-degree viewpoints of the Dubai skyline being a particular highlight. It’s evident that no matter what time of the day, the use of light in the room will be exceptional. Other memorable touch points include a pillow menu, Technogym in-room workout kits and a gold toothbrush, comb and razor.
Half-hectare spa Last but not least we made it to the Awaken spa which, according to marketing material, “offers half a hectare of transformative wellness”. As someone who values the essence of design, the large windows and use of daylight provide a feel-good sensation and make everything look ideal.
The facilities are extensive (see p85) and you can tell they’re intentionally built to deliver an intuitive customer journey – a series of lounges flow into the Elements Retreat wet area and meditation garden beyond.
The ambience and lighting in the chromatherapy lounge is utterly relaxing and the variety of hot and cold experiences in a therapeutic circuit in the Elements Retreat is well-thought-through. However, the rainshower experience is underwhelming as the sound is compromised and the overall installation feels poorly planned.
The outdoor wellness space, with a meditation and yoga pavilion, pool and loungers is beautiful but unfortunately, it was too hot to use it. Making the gardens as lush as possible would also enhance the sense of wellbeing.
Next-level commitment Overall, Awaken’s treatment menu is a thoughtful one. Price points, starting at AED720 (US$196, €186, £162) for most 60-minute treatments, are higher than competitors on The Palm, but the breadth of the facilities and services along with the ‘destination’ perception means you’re getting more value in my opinion.
Locally inspired wellbeing traditions such as the six-room Hammam Sensorium experience use La Sultan de Saba and Amra products. And the mix of family, teen and couples treatments presents a unique multilayered approach to appeal to different generations. On top of this, an outstanding selection of products complement one another and are top of the consumer demand list (see above).
Out of four A-List signature therapies, I experienced Hypno Healing comprising a body and head massage complete with sound immersion and deep breathwork. It was a quiet and comfortable treatment. Being asked to choose oils at the start was unexpected and delightful and the harmonious sound of bow vibrations further set the scene. Melting into my luxurious Lemi bed marked the start of my journey into getting lost and letting go.
All therapists at Awaken are trained in reiki and I love this approach. This is a next-level commitment by the operators to genuinely bring the element of wellness to the table. Indeed, well-trained staff are also evident throughout the hotel.
My visit culminated with lunch at the Mediterranean restaurant Milos where majestic dancing fountains added to the grandiose wow factor. In a first for me, a chef came to my table and – rather than relaying the menu – asked what I wanted. It felt like a customised order and the freshness and flavours were so potent yet simple that I didn’t want my meal to end.
Missed opportunity? As a local using the facilities, I feel there are better ways the property could attract day spa guests beyond a basic 3-hour spa package. I can’t quite place my finger on it, but from a ‘nurturing’ perspective the approach still feels very corporate somehow rather than authentic and enriching. It has all the right ingredients so it could be doing more to play into the realm of wellness.
It got me thinking, how do modern-day spas curate packages similar to the experiences you get in Bali or India? Is this an opportunity that others are missing too? That said, it wouldn’t stop me from returning.
The target market at Atlantis The Royal is elitist, appealing to influencers and high net-worth individuals who can afford the rack rate, which starts at AED4,149 (US$1,203, €1,126, £978). Russian and British guests were the main visible source markets. Prices are high, but let’s face it, they’re high everywhere in Dubai and as someone who appreciates excellent service, quality and thoughtfully designed spaces, I’d make it a mission to come back.
• Atlantis wellness director Lyndell Nelis tells us how well the spas are performing on p86
"It feels very corporate somehow rather than authentic" – Lindsay Madden-Nadeau
Spa facilities and suppliers
• 17 treatment rooms and suites
• A six-room Hammam Sensorium
• Changing rooms with heat and hydro facilities
• Welcome, relaxation and chromatherapy lounges
• Elements Retreat hydrothermal area featuring halotherapy salt rooms, snow room, vitality pool, charcoal sauna, tepidarium, aromatherapy steamroom and heated ceramic lounger
• Meditation garden
• Fitness centre, movement studio and 25m lap pool with aquatic training
• Product houses include Dr Barbara Sturm, 111Skin, La Sultane de Saba, Amra, Augustinus Bader and Subtle Energies
• Other suppliers include Lemi, Sommerhuber and HydraFacial
• Wet spa design and fit-out by Barr+Wray
Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine
Profile: King of Bhutan
Plans for a 'mindfulness city' nearly as big as Hong Kong have been unveiled by the King of Bhutan. Katie Barnes takes a closer look
Destination focus: London
Major hotel brands from Mandarin Oriental and Raffles to Six Senses are all investing in the UK capital, but how will they differentiate themselves asks Katie Barnes
Sponsored: Beltrami – made in Italy
Beltrami has more than 50 years’ experience creating bespoke textile products for spas around the world, with a focus on quality
Jeremy McCarthy: Details matter
Attention to detail is a superpower and necessity in the luxury spa arena, says our contributing editor
Interview: Esin Güral Argat
The owner of Joali Being tells Neena Dhillon what inspired her to create an island dedicated to transformative wellbeing in the Maldives
Family matters: The Wilhelmis
The father and son duo behind the Buchinger Wilhelmi fasting method share their exciting plans for research and innovation with Megan Whitby
First person: By royal appointment
Lindsay Madden-Nadeau has a hypo-healing experience at Atlantis The Royal, Kerzner's sister property to the iconic Atlantis The Palm
Interview: Lyndell Nelis
The wellness director for Atlantis Resorts explains how its two Dubai properties are 'smashing it' when it comes to spa performance
New opening: Kilolani Spa
Grand Wailea's famous Hawaiian spa has been transformed into a moon-inspired, open-air haven
Event report: Hotting it up
Jane Kitchen reveals the thermal spa issues and trends delegates were talking about at this industry gathering in California
Sponsored: High end
Hoar Cross Hall has a new gym to match its award-winning hotel and spa. We find out more about the transformation
Software: Building relationships
Using personal data to create tailored experiences is paramount for spas, but operators have been fined millions for breaching GDPR. How can software systems help navigate this?
Sponsored: Add life
Increasing life expectancy is one of the great achievements of our
times and Starpool is working to bring real meaning to longevity
Le Atelier by C.O.D.E. doesn't offer a standard bespoke service, it provides a highly
customised approach to designing massage beds and loungers in high-end wellness
environments. [more...]
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Its location on the exterior crescent of Palm Jumeirah feels like a destination in itself / photo: Atlantis Dubai
With the vast array of choices consumers are overwhelmed by in Dubai, starting anything new there isn’t easy. Add the anticipation of an iconic sister property, years of ongoing construction, world-class architects, restaurateurs and esteemed clients, there’s no room to disappoint.
Following in the footsteps of Atlantis The Palm, which launched in 2008, Atlantis The Royal burst onto the scene in January 2023 with a celebrity-filled grand reveal, which included Beyoncé’s first live performance in five years. Both are operated by Kerzner International, which also includes One&Only and the new fitness-focused Siro brands in its portfolio. Nearly 12 months after opening, is this 795-room property still managing to deliver a star-worthy experience?
Grand arrival Sitting on the exterior crescent overlooking Palm Jumeirah, the location of Atlantis The Royal creates a destination in itself. It feels like you’re getting away without it being a hassle to reach.
Stepping into the spacious lobby on an early Friday morning, it feels grand yet pleasingly intimate. Having worked in luxury hospitality all of my career, I’m impressed at how the arrival runs like a well-oiled machine – the synergy within departments is indicative of back-of-house and operational excellence that makes the process feel weightless.
Design quality On a tour of the hotel, the design quality is apparent. The use of daylight creates a sense of space which is enhanced by soothing, subtle tones in the decor. Exotic marble flooring with sprinkles of gold line the hallways, artistic fountains dance throughout and the use of the ‘elements’ is distinct and refreshing.
Food and beverage outlets offer something for everyone, with Michelin-star chefs in every corner. This is a true destination for dining.
The guestrooms are an absolute luxury with 360-degree viewpoints of the Dubai skyline being a particular highlight. It’s evident that no matter what time of the day, the use of light in the room will be exceptional. Other memorable touch points include a pillow menu, Technogym in-room workout kits and a gold toothbrush, comb and razor.
Half-hectare spa Last but not least we made it to the Awaken spa which, according to marketing material, “offers half a hectare of transformative wellness”. As someone who values the essence of design, the large windows and use of daylight provide a feel-good sensation and make everything look ideal.
The facilities are extensive (see p85) and you can tell they’re intentionally built to deliver an intuitive customer journey – a series of lounges flow into the Elements Retreat wet area and meditation garden beyond.
The ambience and lighting in the chromatherapy lounge is utterly relaxing and the variety of hot and cold experiences in a therapeutic circuit in the Elements Retreat is well-thought-through. However, the rainshower experience is underwhelming as the sound is compromised and the overall installation feels poorly planned.
The outdoor wellness space, with a meditation and yoga pavilion, pool and loungers is beautiful but unfortunately, it was too hot to use it. Making the gardens as lush as possible would also enhance the sense of wellbeing.
Next-level commitment Overall, Awaken’s treatment menu is a thoughtful one. Price points, starting at AED720 (US$196, €186, £162) for most 60-minute treatments, are higher than competitors on The Palm, but the breadth of the facilities and services along with the ‘destination’ perception means you’re getting more value in my opinion.
Locally inspired wellbeing traditions such as the six-room Hammam Sensorium experience use La Sultan de Saba and Amra products. And the mix of family, teen and couples treatments presents a unique multilayered approach to appeal to different generations. On top of this, an outstanding selection of products complement one another and are top of the consumer demand list (see above).
Out of four A-List signature therapies, I experienced Hypno Healing comprising a body and head massage complete with sound immersion and deep breathwork. It was a quiet and comfortable treatment. Being asked to choose oils at the start was unexpected and delightful and the harmonious sound of bow vibrations further set the scene. Melting into my luxurious Lemi bed marked the start of my journey into getting lost and letting go.
All therapists at Awaken are trained in reiki and I love this approach. This is a next-level commitment by the operators to genuinely bring the element of wellness to the table. Indeed, well-trained staff are also evident throughout the hotel.
My visit culminated with lunch at the Mediterranean restaurant Milos where majestic dancing fountains added to the grandiose wow factor. In a first for me, a chef came to my table and – rather than relaying the menu – asked what I wanted. It felt like a customised order and the freshness and flavours were so potent yet simple that I didn’t want my meal to end.
Missed opportunity? As a local using the facilities, I feel there are better ways the property could attract day spa guests beyond a basic 3-hour spa package. I can’t quite place my finger on it, but from a ‘nurturing’ perspective the approach still feels very corporate somehow rather than authentic and enriching. It has all the right ingredients so it could be doing more to play into the realm of wellness.
It got me thinking, how do modern-day spas curate packages similar to the experiences you get in Bali or India? Is this an opportunity that others are missing too? That said, it wouldn’t stop me from returning.
The target market at Atlantis The Royal is elitist, appealing to influencers and high net-worth individuals who can afford the rack rate, which starts at AED4,149 (US$1,203, €1,126, £978). Russian and British guests were the main visible source markets. Prices are high, but let’s face it, they’re high everywhere in Dubai and as someone who appreciates excellent service, quality and thoughtfully designed spaces, I’d make it a mission to come back.
• Atlantis wellness director Lyndell Nelis tells us how well the spas are performing on p86
"It feels very corporate somehow rather than authentic" – Lindsay Madden-Nadeau
Spa facilities and suppliers
• 17 treatment rooms and suites
• A six-room Hammam Sensorium
• Changing rooms with heat and hydro facilities
• Welcome, relaxation and chromatherapy lounges
• Elements Retreat hydrothermal area featuring halotherapy salt rooms, snow room, vitality pool, charcoal sauna, tepidarium, aromatherapy steamroom and heated ceramic lounger
• Meditation garden
• Fitness centre, movement studio and 25m lap pool with aquatic training
• Product houses include Dr Barbara Sturm, 111Skin, La Sultane de Saba, Amra, Augustinus Bader and Subtle Energies
• Other suppliers include Lemi, Sommerhuber and HydraFacial
• Wet spa design and fit-out by Barr+Wray
Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine
Profile: King of Bhutan
Plans for a 'mindfulness city' nearly as big as Hong Kong have been unveiled by the King of Bhutan. Katie Barnes takes a closer look
Destination focus: London
Major hotel brands from Mandarin Oriental and Raffles to Six Senses are all investing in the UK capital, but how will they differentiate themselves asks Katie Barnes
Sponsored: Beltrami – made in Italy
Beltrami has more than 50 years’ experience creating bespoke textile products for spas around the world, with a focus on quality
Jeremy McCarthy: Details matter
Attention to detail is a superpower and necessity in the luxury spa arena, says our contributing editor
Interview: Esin Güral Argat
The owner of Joali Being tells Neena Dhillon what inspired her to create an island dedicated to transformative wellbeing in the Maldives
Family matters: The Wilhelmis
The father and son duo behind the Buchinger Wilhelmi fasting method share their exciting plans for research and innovation with Megan Whitby
First person: By royal appointment
Lindsay Madden-Nadeau has a hypo-healing experience at Atlantis The Royal, Kerzner's sister property to the iconic Atlantis The Palm
Interview: Lyndell Nelis
The wellness director for Atlantis Resorts explains how its two Dubai properties are 'smashing it' when it comes to spa performance
New opening: Kilolani Spa
Grand Wailea's famous Hawaiian spa has been transformed into a moon-inspired, open-air haven
Event report: Hotting it up
Jane Kitchen reveals the thermal spa issues and trends delegates were talking about at this industry gathering in California
Sponsored: High end
Hoar Cross Hall has a new gym to match its award-winning hotel and spa. We find out more about the transformation
Software: Building relationships
Using personal data to create tailored experiences is paramount for spas, but operators have been fined millions for breaching GDPR. How can software systems help navigate this?
Sponsored: Add life
Increasing life expectancy is one of the great achievements of our
times and Starpool is working to bring real meaning to longevity
Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai in Hoi An, Vietnam, has put together a Global Wellness Day
(GWD) agenda with activations rooted in nature and shaped by four pillars of Joy – in
alignment with the day’s theme #JoyMagenta.
The Global Wellness Summit (GWS) will celebrate its 20th anniversary at the 2026 event in
Phuket, Thailand, later this year with the theme: The Science, Art and Soul of Wellness.
Auko, an all-inclusive development, is opening in Phong Nha in Vietnam in Q3 2026, with a
series of 30 tented eco-lodges and wellness hospitality operations by Lumina Wellbeing.
Therme Manchester’s 28-acre development, which will include interconnected glass pavilions
that measure 65,000sq m, will be the largest bathing and wellbeing attraction in the world once
complete, according to prof David Russell, CEO of Therme UK.
Naples Beach Club, a Four Seasons Resort, has opened a 2,800sq m spa called The Sanctuary,
with the design and concept inspired by the Native American people that populated Florida’s
Southwest coast – the Calusa.
Swire Hotels’ luxury hospitality brand Upper House has revealed it will roll out its two-day
House of Healing retreats at its three hotels in Hong Kong, Chengdu and Shanghai.
LVMH-owned beauty house Guerlain will launch up to five spas with partners a year as part of
its plan to expand globally, according to the brand’s international spa and wellness director,
Diane Davody.
A new global study by Kevin Kelly and Peter Yesawich, called WELLSurvey 2.0, has revealed
more than half of consumers in the UK, US and Germany would not choose numerous high-
profile wellness resort brands for a future trip.
Luxury hospitality and wellness pioneer Jeremy McCarthy has launched Leisure Alchemy, a
digital platform that will provide professionals with strategic guidance on how to build
transformational leisure experiences that drive profit.
Le Atelier by C.O.D.E. doesn't offer a standard bespoke service, it provides a highly
customised approach to designing massage beds and loungers in high-end wellness
environments. [more...]
+ More featured suppliers
COMPANY PROFILES
Immunocologie Skincare As a cancer survivor, I started Immunocologie to promote skin health, and to do that, I made sure ev [more...]
