Atlantis A Royal Binge

The perspective of luxury is redefined with Atlantis The Royal. Behold its stunning property, carefully-curated interiors and dining establishments that put only the most premium food on your plate 

Text: Farzana Contractor

First there was Atlantis The Palm, that laid siege to a world holding its breath, stunning it with what was on offer, with a unique and spectacular launch which had Kylie Minogue earning £2 million for a one-hour performance for its 2,000 guests, as also a display of fireworks, which is still talked about. A 100,000 fireworks were fired from 716 firing locations around the island including 400 balconies at the resort. The fireworks lasted 15 minutes lighting up the entire 5-km stretch of The Palm, creating sensory reactions like never before. That was 16 years ago when its pink castle-like structure made it seem like a gateway to Dubai, establishing for itself an iconic status, going on to capture everyone's imagination.

Then came Atlantis The Royal, bedazzling the world, a world waiting for more, asking for more, for quite simply MORE is the new norm on planet Earth. And once again Atlantis stunned the world. Into such speechless silence they couldn’t ask for more.

It’s simply incredible what they have achieved there. It’s the new iconic landmark of Dubai, for sure. The perspective of luxury has clearly been redefined. The world’s leading designers, architects, artists, have contributed excelling to an extent of challenging the boundaries of imagination. Specialists in every arena have been roped in to contribute in their respective fields. Chefs, landscapists, restaurant conceptualisers, have all worked to take The Royal to another level of awe-inspiring gasps! The stunning Dubai skyline and Arabian Sea view contribute in no small measure. What you see from the rooms, suites, signature penthouses soaring 43 storeys high, simply take your breath away. The walls are hand-textured, the lighting so clever, it creates different moods for you. They have bespoke amenities exclusively crafted for The Royal by Graff and Frette. There are luxurious walk-in wardrobes and dressing rooms, walk-in showers and stand-alone bathtubs, glass enclosed so you see the sweeping view, past your ultra luxurious bed with its hand-stitched mattress by Hypnos.

Everything spells class and subtlety, nothing seems over the top. It all seems to have come in place effortlessly, stylishly in a smart and contemporary manner. I believe the connecting options are so varied, entire floors can be privatised. Indeed, the human mind knows no bounds. This is truly the epitome of luxury.

 So with Atlantis The Royal, have we now seen it all? Is there anything more that the world of hospitality can throw up? I don’t know, I don’t care. I was too stupefied for the three days that I was there, lost and wandering and happy as hell. The grandeur of it all is too much to imbibe. To say that I was overwhelmed would be putting it too acutely mildly. A stay here was beyond my imagination.

So what did I do all the time I was there? Of course I ate and drank, invited my local friends over to share meals with me, I rested and relaxed, I sat and watched the jet-setting world swing by. I tried to figure out how fountains could breathe water and fire simultaneously, how they can have 44 private pools attached to suites. I went and swam in the sky pool, it was like being among the clouds. I wandered around admiring the art, the public spaces, and the lobby. The lobby, phew! I studied the different kinds of marble and granites used (I am an interior design junkie), the claddings, I tried to figure out heights and width and how long would it take to rollerskate the length of the connecting corridors of the three wings; Sunrise, Sunset, Sunlight.

I did so much and I did nothing! I stayed put in the hotel, which is like a world in itself. I didn’t feel the need to go out to town. Why would I ? I had 17 magnificent, world-class restaurants to choose from. One better than the other. One more different than the other. In cuisines, in style, in décor. Marvellous. How many hotels around the world can boast of eight celebrity chef restaurants? Which include Dinner by Heston Blumenthal. That it is a 1 Michelin-star restaurant is incidental because stars and awards don’t really work on me. But I can say, from all the experiences I had at the various restaurants at Atlantis The Royal, the one at Dinner was stunning. I have never eaten a better meal than I did that night. Unfortunately, it was a dinner where I had just myself for company, so I had no wine, as a self-made rule. I guess wine would have taken me to another level of satiation, one that might have had me burst in awe, so I suppose it was alright that I was on my lonesome, ownsome. 

Indeed, The Royal joins its older sibling, Atlantis The Palm as the top culinary destination in Dubai. I have to agree, some of the finest chefs have helped create gastronomic showstoppers. The culinary mastery of The Royal is mesmerising.

Dinner By Heston Blumenthal

Here is a self-taught chef celebrated the world over and known for his innovative approach to cooking and his passion for exploring the science behind food. Dining at Dinner is relaxed and informal, the menu is a reimagining of Britain’s gastronomic past with dishes bearing historical dates going back to the 14th century! Heston became interested in historical cooking in the late '90s upon obtaining a copy of  TheVivendier, a translation of a 15th-century cookery manuscript which contained unusual recipes such as a chicken that appears roasted but wakes up as it is being served. He says, "I’d had little idea the cooking of the past could be so playful, audacious and creative!"

You can take your pick from mains like  Venison and Pickled Cherries or Cod in Cider, but start with Meatfruitand end with Tipsy Cake, the spit-roast pineapple dessert circa 1810 – Signature Dishes of the restaurant. Any gourmet worth his or her salt will be fully aware of these iconic creations by Blumenthal.

 

Gastronomy

Now here is a mind-boggling one! In just one afternoon you can take a flavoursome trip around the world. Gastronomy, inspired by charming food markets, is a treasure trove of culinary experiences. There are 17 live cooking stations catering to a diverse range of tastes, including an Indian one. Also four well-stocked bars with impressive wines from all over the world. 

Italian, Chinese, Thai, Greek, Mexican, North American… you name it, they have it. Sushi, too, and seafood like you cannot imagine. You will even find a Latin American section serving sizzling fajitas! You have plenty of vegetarian options, as well as vegan. Gastronomy does not disappoint anyone. I stuck to the Turkish grills where the meats were so perfectly done, I could go on my knees and thank God for the opportunity to feast so. Alas, I am a small eater. But I do eat a lot more with my eyes!

You don’t need to make reservations at Gastronomy. Bright and high-ceilinged, it is large and offers all kinds of seating, including out in the open in the fresh air, with the Dubai skyline for a super view.

Ariana

I loved the look-feel of Ariana. Like the Persian cuisine, the decor was all soft, pink, gentle and delicate, the atmosphere light and airy. An amazing array of Iranian caviar is what sets the tone. Royal Beluga, 30 gms of it which adds just AED 1950 to the total.

You will be swept away into a mystical world of mellow, perfumed, Persian delights, where fruits, nuts, herbaceous plants and floral fragrances merge magnificently with meats, grains and vegetables.

Helmed by Iranian-American Chef Ariana Bundy, Ariana is a fresh, modern take on Iranian cuisine, serving Persian classics spun with a refreshingly modern twist in terms of textures, ingredients and presentation.

You have Cold Mazzeh, with enticing names such as ZeytoonParvardeh and Mast O Khiar; Hot Mazzeh such as Kashk E Bademjoon and MirzaGhassemi; salads using Lighvancheese, soups made with pistachio, mains like Rosewater Seabream, Fesenjoon, BhaghaliGhatogh. A Persian restaurant will never be without its grills; JoojehKabab, KababKoobideh, KababBarg, even a Sturgeon Kabab! Rice, of course! Tahdig Rice, Saffron Rice, and hold your breath, 24 K Gold Jeweled Rice 65.

Must-try Signature Dish: GhormehSabzi.

Milos

You don’t find Greek restaurants easily and certainly not ones as good as Milos, where flavours from the Greek islands are transported to the legendary Palm Island. The restaurant, a large and sweeping space, spells subtle sophistication. A class apart in its simplicity. Just like the cuisine.

The man credited for changing the world’s view of Greek food is Costas Spiliadis, founder of Milos, who says, “We realised Greek food was either unknown or completely misunderstood. We had a strong conviction that people would appreciate and love our food as soon as they discovered its virtues.” And Milos helps in no small measure, where the seafood is to die for. They have an elaborate display on ice of the day’s catch and a raw bar where you can feast on a selection of oysters and raw fish options. You would do well to choose what catches your fancy. The ancient practice of Greek cooking which involves rising early and the Herculean effort – from a fisherman’s boat to the chef’s kitchen is pretty evident here. I ate the most delicious  cod cooked in salt. They are particular about every small detail at Milos so you have herbs being cut directly on your salad at the table and you get to taste the most amazing olive oil which they cold press from the tiny, aromatic olives which come from centuries old Koroneiki trees.

What not to miss at any cost is their house favourite in every Milos restaurant globally – the lightly-fried, crispy, Paper-Thin Zucchini and Eggplant. Served with the Greek Saganaki cheese and home-made tzatziki. Takes you to another level in gastronomy! What’s good is you get to share the dishes, family-style. The Greeks are like us Indians, in that aspect.

Nobu By The Beach

It is just not possible that Atlantis The Royal could have gone without a Nobu starring in its line-up of 17 restaurants. This iconic brand is number one in the World’s Best Restaurant category. It has established its presence in 56 locations, as well as in 36 hotels. At The Royal though, Nobu debuts as Nobu by the Beach, with an enviable beachfront location. It blends modern cool luxury and minimalistic Japanese tradition into a concept of a beach club. Featuring a lagoon pool, and an expansive outdoor bar. You can lounge on appointed sun loungers or upgrade to one of Nobu’s luxury cabanas with their own private plunge pool! With a live DJ providing a seductive deep house soundtrack to the day, guests can enjoy
a menu of signature Nobu bites and sharing dishes, paired with an extensive selection of cocktails and beverages. Can you ask for more?

It was a luxury, relief and pleasure to have the chef take charge of what I was to eat. With just one request from me; I wanted the Black Cod with Miso included in my menu. It’s a globally acclaimed dish, a classic that has been part of Nobu since the beginning. A traditional Japanese dish, elevated with a Nobu twist – the freshest black cod is marinated in a special miso sauce, seared and then cooked until it becomes a silky, buttery, slightly sweet but light dish. The bite-size cod is then placed perfectly on top of butter lettuce cups.

Elements

sNow here is a superb location to sit and chill at either before dinner or after. A large open porch-like space, across from Milos, the Greek restaurant, with dancing fountains between the two. Fountains that lull your senses as you sip at a cocktail or make you jump up to click innumerable pictures as water, fire and clever lighting kick up a storm right in front of you. The breeze only helps the fountains dance even more. It was like watching Synchronise – at the Olympics.

Quite a marvellous creation, this Elements Terrace Lounge where you could eat light snacks and catch up on conversation. Even with the extremely smart and friendly staff, young girls and boys from every corner of the planet.

Best time to be there I would say is late evening, when day turns to night, and you experience a smooth sonet lumiere into the darkness.

Ling Ling

This is a restaurant which converts into an exciting club at some point of its pulsating journey into the night. An ultra-luxury entertainment zone; pure, unadulterated, Ling Ling is a unique dining and lounge experience destination. Featuring contemporary Asian dishes meant to be shared, coupled with a comprehensive drink menu, exquisite dining space and an eclectic, high-energy soundtrack. Ling Ling evolves from drinking to dining to dancing – in no particular order. Located on the 22nd and 23rd floors it overlooks the resort’s expansive sky pool, Cloud 22 with panoramic views of Dubai’s glittering skyline.

Must-try Signature Dish: Australian Lobster Pad Thai.