Take a look inside the resort where Beyoncé performed live for the first time in years
This weekend marked the grand reveal of the long-awaited ultra-luxury Dubai resort, Atlantis The Royal, and everything sparkled. Over a thousand A-listers and VIPs from all around the globe flew into Dubai for the resort’s majestic, private unveiling. The three-day event was covered with opulent vibes and experiences like gourmet fare prepared by Michelin-starred chefs, rooftop parties, fascinating performances, lavish settings, and other forms of pure extravagance.
The major highlight featured Beyoncé’s first live performance since 2018 and a dope fireworks display was set off to the sounds of Swedish House Mafia. The Queen made a phenomenal return, and social media was inundated with videos of her lavish stage production, which even included her daughter Blue Ivy.
Here are some of the highlights that some of the resort’s distinguished invited guests loved, and some of our own favorite observations as well.
The newest skyline masterpiece in Dubai
Nestled on the crescent of Palm Jumeirah, the world-famous palm tree-shaped man-made island, “Atlantis the Royal” looks out over the fronds of the island and the azure waters of the Arabian Sea. The structure’s design, by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates of New York City, is nothing short of astounding. Its colossal, yet intricate, curves lead the eye toward the water, where blocks of suites are layered subtly onto one another, and windows flood the interiors with light.
Compared to its neighboring sister property, Atlantis The Palm, it has a very different concept. The Royal is much more neutral and contemporary than The Palm, which is rose and statuesque. Despite the presence of a plethora of gold and marble inside, it is stylishly toned down in contrast to what one might reasonably expect from an ultra-luxurious Dubai resort.
All surfaces are gleaming thanks to the staff’s painstaking efforts to remove fingerprints and smudges, as noted by Condé Nast Traveler. The rooms are similarly light and airy, with plush white beds, dark wood sliding doors, and a sprinkling of gold. Each room features a private balcony and floor-to-ceiling windows that reveal views of the sea, the island, or both Dubai’s skyline and the island in the distance.
Resort doings, attractions, and vibes
The resort’s 1.5 miles of secluded beach is the longest private stretch in Dubai, and just one of the many amenities available at the resort’s nearly 1,000,000 square feet (about the area of Chicago’s Millennium Park). In addition to the beach and the Royal Pool with its kid-friendly waterslide, the resort features a total of five swimming pools, two of which are reserved exclusively for adults at Nobu by the Beach and Cloud 22.
People also pointed out how impressive the fact is that the Atlantis Aquaventure waterpark has 50 waterslides, making it the record holder for the Most Waterslides in a Waterpark according to the Guinness World Records.
Youngsters will love Dolphin Bay and Sea Lion Point, two marine mammal facilities, and the Lost Chambers Aquarium. This resort features one of the world’s largest jellyfish tanks, which is home to 4,000 marine creatures.
White Beach and Nobu by the Beach are for adults only, while the 16,500-square-foot Awaken Wellness spa is a wonderful place for grown-ups to relax and rejuvenate.
Skyblaze Fountain, a water-meets-fire show that was incorporated into Beyoncé’s performance, is just one of several water features found throughout the property.
A variety of upscale cuisine, nibbles, and refreshments
There are plenty of options for the finest vacation dining with 17 bars and restaurants, eight of which are run by celebrity chefs. Nobu by the Beach, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, Jaleo by José Andrés, Ariana’s Persian Kitchen, La Mar by Gastón Acurio, Estiatorio Milos by Costas Spiliadis, and Little Venice Cake Company by Mich Turner were all represented at the opening weekend’s Feast of Dreams.
Along with drinks by the pool and Mediterranean food, Cloud 22 also provides panoramic views from 22 feet in the air. The 23-story-high restaurant and nightclub Ling Ling is another option for visitors.
The official opening for the public
Atlantis The Royal’s Grand Reveal Weekend guests experienced a full 3 days of activity, but the hotel won’t be open to the public until February 10. Online reservations are currently available.
Evie Blanco is a journalist with nearly a decade of experience who was born in the Dominican Republic and raised in Queens, New York. She is extremely well-versed in hip-hop music and culture and is always aware of any developments within it. Whether it’s the latest in pop culture, a fascinating foreign destination, a truly amazing new restaurant, or breaking news, she loves to write about it all.
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This story was originally published January 25, 2023 at 2:46 PM with the headline "Take a look inside the resort where Beyoncé performed live for the first time in years."