The Golden Age of Wellness

Atlantis, The Palm and Atlantis, The Royal are leading the evolution of holistic travel in Dubai.

by Macey Phillips / photos courtesy of Atlantis, The Palm, and Atlantis, The Royal

As I settle into a poolside cabana, stretching out my legs on the plush lounge chair after a long 12-hour flight, I’m surprised to discover that despite the soaring temperatures — well over 100 degrees — I feel nothing but relaxed, sipping an ice-cold spritz atop the 22nd floor as the sun sets over the city of Dubai. This is the kind of luxury one quickly becomes accustomed to in the city of gold. Known for its extravagance and decadence, Dubai inspires immediate awe and wonder, yet it is the city’s evolving wellness scene that offers a more restorative way to discover the destination.

Savvy travelers have long been drawn to one of the seven Emirates to indulge in a life of richness. A global hub, Dubai attracts a wide range of visitors — from those accustomed to a lavish lifestyle to international business leaders and adventure seekers. Yet a new wave of interest is taking center stage, as wellness offerings become seamlessly woven into the city's luxury landscape, delivering a deeper kind of internal wealth. Hotels like Atlantis, The Palm, and Atlantis, The Royal are enticing travelers to linger longer and look beyond the glitz and glamour.

Both Atlantis properties have established reputations as destinations in their own right, each with its own unique take on indulgence. Firmly planted on The Palm Jumeirah, an artificial island shaped like a palm tree, the resorts offer views of both the endless blue sea and cityscapes. Beyond the scenery, the hotels provide high-end shopping, fine dining, immersive activities, and spa and wellness offerings that will leave you wondering if you should extend your stay in this golden slice of paradise.

Atlantis The Royal Sky Blaze Fountain Fire

Stepping into the soaring lobby of Atlantis, The Royal, with its dramatic glass windows and expansive ceilings, it’s immediately clear that five-star treatment is the baseline here. A space that has already welcomed A-list celebrities since opening three years ago, the atmosphere feels both grand and effortlessly chic. One of the first stops for guests seeking restoration is the AEON Clinic, which specializes in regenerative medicine and advanced wellness treatments. From ozone therapy with medical-grade O₃ to innovative stem cell treatments focused on biological age reversal, and customized IV drips designed for an immediate health boost, AEON offers a customizable and innovative experience.

The lobby and Tearoom at The Atlantis Royal

After treatments, guests can retreat to their spacious suites, which feature walk-in closets and oversized soaking tubs. The standout in-room amenities, however, are inside the famous toiletry box. Complete with combs, toothbrushes, and razors all drenched in gold – a subtle reminder that luxury is woven into every detail.

The Horizon Penthouse Suite at The Atlantis Royal

The AWAKEN Spa continues the journey with offerings such as the Golden Hour Massage, featuring hot volcanic stones hand-dipped in 24-karat gold, leaving you truly glowing the rest of the day. The indoor and outdoor facilities will keep you occupied for hours, from hydrotherapy pools and aromatherapy steam rooms to a snow fountain—a must in Dubai.

Dining plays a central role in the experience. Guests can reserve tables at Milos, by acclaimed Chef Costas Spiliadis, for Greek Island flavor; enjoy omakase in a cabana at Nobu by the Beach; or explore standout concepts like Carbone, whose recent arrival (late 2025) only enhanced the impressive list of dining options on property. For those seeking something a little more exciting and vibrant, Cloud 22 should be at the top of your list. The hotel’s iconic rooftop sky pool, currently in collaboration with Ounass x Dolce&Gabbana, which makes you feel dropped into an eternal Italian summer, offers sweeping views from cabanas and an infinity pool overlooking The Palm. One can catch a sunset and a live DJ while indulging in cocktails for the ultimate escape.

Other decadent things at The Atlantis Royal

Atlantis The Royal Dinner by Heston Pineapple Rotisserie

Atlantis The Royal Gastronomy The Orchard

The Palm

While Atlantis, The Royal captivates with its scale, ultra-luxury offerings, and modernity, its sister property offers something equally compelling — a sense of familiarity, warmth, and pleasure that is just as enticing.

Situated next door, Atlantis, The Palm presents a more whimsical interpretation of luxury, one that feels far-reaching, playful, and deeply immersive. Upon arrival at the resort, guests are greeted by a mesmerizing 32-foot hand-blown glass sculpture by artist Dale Chihuly. This vibrant and eclectic piece sets the tone for what those checking in are bound to encounter — a unique, one-of-a-kind, and enchanting stay.

A 32-foot tall sculpture by Dale Chiluly is the centerpiece of the lobby at Atlantis, The Palm

Rooms here take inspiration from the sea, with softer color palettes that mix blues and coral, inducing an immediate sense of relaxation upon entering. Balconies offer views over the property, including the beach, where you will often find an early morning paddleboarder getting in some alone time before the heat takes shape. Twenty-four-hour room service came in handy as I adjusted to jet lag, which I enjoyed while wrapped up in a plush robe and slippers, a true moment of luxurious indulgence.

Days here are designed to unfold organically. Mornings might begin with a Cryotherapy session at AWAKEN fitness to support recovery and reduce inflammation, followed by tapping into your inner child and sliding down some of the world's best water slides at Aquaventure Waterpark. Afternoons usher guests toward a more relaxing moment in the beachside cabanas. In the evening, you won’t find yourself short of dining options with buzzy spots like Nobu for decadent sushi, one Michelin-starred Hakkasan for innovative libations (the Lychee Martini is a must), and Studio Frantzén for a casual brasserie by Michelin-starred chef Björn Frantzén, which has a candy shop inside for a unique and enveloping dessert option.

Wellness exists here not as a centerpiece, but as a natural extension of the lifestyle. At AWAKEN Spa, treatments draw inspiration from balance and sensory restoration, providing therapies that help guests recalibrate after long-haul travel or busy seasons of life.

Signature offerings include AWAKEN Hypno Healing, which provides a hypnotic experience that soothes the mind, and the Skin Firming Facial, which uses products from the world-renowned Augusts Bader line, leaving you with a radiant glow that lasts throughout your trip. Expansive amenities, such as cold plunges and saunas, allow relaxation to last well beyond the treatment room. After my session, I found myself lingering longer than expected, wrapped in a robe and in no hurry to be anywhere else — the clearest sign that the treatments had done exactly what they were meant to do.

With the ongoing list of indulgent offers at Atlantis, The Palm, the greatest one might be the freedom to create and shape each day entirely as you please, alternating between energy and ease, activity and stillness.

Combined, both properties reveal the span of what refined hospitality can look like. Atlantis, The Royal offers a taste of grandeur and extravagance that some travelers seek in a getaway. At the same time, Atlantis, The Palm provides a dreamier, resort-style retreat rooted in comfort and discovery. Neither stay eclipses the other; instead, they complement one another, allowing guests to choose the rhythm that best suits their preferences. Dubai is becoming more than just a city to stop over on your way to other destinations; it is becoming the destination for ultimate renewal and tranquility, a place for uncovering more than meets the eye.

Other decadent things at The Atlantis Royal

The Palm

Dining at Atlantis, The Palm