Luxury Hospitality Magazine interviews Tom Roelens, Managing Director of Atlantis, The Royal: Unveiling Luxury
Beyond the stunning location, what specific aspects of Atlantis, The Royal elevate it to the status of a luxury destination?
There are quite a few elements that make Atlantis, The Royal truly remarkable. First, we have its iconic architecture, which sets the stage for an extraordinary experience. The accommodations are exceptional, with a wide range of luxurious suites that redefine what it means to stay in style.
Then, there’s the dining experience—Atlantis, The Royal offers the largest collection of celebrity chef restaurants in one location anywhere in the world. This culinary offering is truly unparalleled.
Third, we have the wellness offerings, including the Awaken Spa and the AEON Wellness Regenerative Centre, which provide guests with world-class rejuvenation and relaxation options.
Fourth, our luxury retail is exceptional, featuring brands like Graff, Louis Vuitton, Valentino, and the Opera Gallery—brands you rarely find in a luxury resort setting. This adds another layer of exclusivity to the Atlantis experience.
Finally, the entertainment options are unique and varied. From fountains that breathe fire to captivating water displays and an array of music and DJ performances, our entertainment offerings are designed to captivate and inspire.
All these elements come together to create a destination unlike any other, pushing the boundaries of imagination. And when you look closer, you discover almost 100 pools scattered throughout the resort, including Sky Pool Villas that make you feel like you are swimming in the clouds.
There truly is no other place in the world that combines all these extraordinary elements in one location.
At Atlantis The Royal, as well as being a well-established brand, what unique selling propositions differentiate the Royal specifically targeting the ultra-luxury market?
When we talk about ultra-luxury, it’s about incorporating elements that traditionally haven’t been part of the hospitality experience. For example, we have woven fashion and style into the guest experience in ways that are quite unique. At Cloud 22, our collaboration with Ounass and Dolce & Gabbana, along with the introduction of Louis Vuitton’s first resort store in the Middle East, highlights this integration.
We have also partnered with Louis Vuitton for our one-year anniversary, bringing Vivienne, their mascot, on her very first trip outside of Paris to Dubai. Unique offerings like the 24-karat gold stone massage at the Awaken Spa, or the culinary creations at Heston Blumenthal’s Michelin-starred restaurant, add even more distinctive elements to the experience.
On top of that, we have an incredible line-up of celebrity chef restaurants, such as Nobu Matsuhisa, José Andrés, Estiatorio Milos, Costas Spiliadis, and Gastón Acurio’s with La Mar. When you bring all these elements together, it truly creates a one-of-a-kind proposition that you will not find anywhere else.
When it comes to guest rooms and suites, what kind of innovative design elements or technological touches set Atlantis, The Royal apart?
Let’s begin with The Royal Mansion, one of the most expansive and exclusive suites in the world. Spanning two floors and located on the 18th and 19th floors of Atlantis The Royal’s sky bridge, the four-bedroom Penthouse covers an impressive 1,128 square meters, with an additional 476-square-meter terrace that includes an infinity pool. The suite offers breath-taking views of the Arabian Sea, Palm Island and the Dubai Skyline, creating a truly unique proposition.
What sets the Royal Mansion apart is its private foyer with sky-high ceilings that will leave you speechless from the moment you arrive. It features 360-degree views of Dubai and the Gulf, and even includes over 100-year-old olive trees in the foyer. Inside, you will find its very own entertainment room along with a library, bar area, jewellery and safe room, as well as 16 rooms accessible by a private elevator.
Beyond The Royal Mansion, we offer a collection of elegant Rooms, Suites and Signature Penthouses, including Sky Pool Villas. These villas, which reach up to the 43rd floor, provide unparalleled views of Dubai, the skyline, and the Gulf. With ultimate privacy and a sense of floating in the air, the Sky Pool Villas offer a truly unique experience, making Atlantis The Royal an exceptional destination.
Culinary experiences are a major draw for luxury travellers. How does Atlantis, The Royal distinguish its dining options to cater to a high-end palate?
Dubai has recently emerged as a thriving culinary hub, unlike anywhere else in the world. Visitors to the city are eager to discover something new, and we cater to that desire with a mix of home-grown concepts and world-renowned dining experiences. For example, at our hotel, we have unique offerings like Malibu 90265 and House of Desserts, which reflect the local flavour.
At the same time, we have introduced Michelin-starred and celebrity chef restaurants, adding another layer of culinary diversity. Currently, there are over fifty dining options at Atlantis in Dubai, with seventeen of those located at Atlantis, The Royal. This range allows us to provide exceptional superior service and a wide variety of experiences all within one destination.
Complementing our diverse dining options is an exclusive beverage program. Most of the wines and spirits available at Atlantis, The Royal are not found anywhere else in the Middle East. Each restaurant offers a curated wine list tailored to its unique theme. For instance, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal features an exceptional selection, while Estiatorio Milos focuses on Greek wines, and Jaleo offers a selection of Spanish wines.
This approach creates distinct dining experiences throughout the resort, allowing guests to explore a world of flavours without leaving the destination.
Luxury often goes hand in hand with impeccable service. Can you describe the guest service philosophy that ensures an unparalleled experience?
For us, everything comes down to service. Our goal is to provide a level of service and experience that our guests haven’t encountered anywhere else. The real challenge lies in delivering something exceptional for guests who have seen and experienced it all. We aim to offer something so unique that even those who can afford anything feel compelled to return.
It is all about intuitive, personalised service—being attentive to guests’ needs around the clock and delivering what they want, when they want it, and how they want it, often before they even ask. This level of attentiveness and anticipation is crucial to creating a memorable experience.
We are proud to have earned a 5-star award from Forbes Travel Guide in our first year and to be recognised among the world’s 50 best hotels in the inaugural ranking. Notably, we are the only hotel in the Middle East to receive this distinction.
Ultimately, it is these elements of exceptional service, beyond the physical beauty of the property that set us apart.
How does Atlantis, The Royal cater to guests who want the customised itineraries or activities that will be bespoke stay?
We make it a priority to understand each guest’s likes, dislikes, and preferences during their stay with us. There is no one-size-fits-all approach. Our Butler team is highly skilled in observing and understanding the reasons behind each guest’s visit, allowing us to create a more personalised experience.
We offer several “surprise and delight” elements, whether it’s monogrammed sheets, pillowcases, and bathrobes for guests or returning visitors, or a customised pillow menu to enhance their sleep experience. We also focus on learning what makes each guest unique and incorporating those special touches, like surprise moments during turndown service that reflect their preferences and reasons for their stay.
For more personalised stays, we offer several options to set things up ahead of time. Depending on how the guest books—such as through a travel partner—we ask about their preferences, likes, and dislikes, as well as details like the family composition or any specific celebrations. This preparation allows us to anticipate their needs before arrival.
Our Butler team also prepares for suite arrivals by reaching out in advance to gather similar details, ensuring everything is set up to perfection. Understanding the purpose of the visit—whether it’s a vacation, a business trip, an anniversary, or a multi-generational family gathering—gives us a foundation to create those extraordinary moments that make a stay truly memorable.
Looking ahead, what are some exciting developments or initiatives planned for Atlantis, The Royal that will further solidify its position as a leader in luxury hospitality?
We constantly challenge ourselves to provide new and unique experiences at the hotel. What’s remarkable is that even within just a year, we already have guests who are on their 10th or even 15th visit. Many now consider us their home in Dubai, which speaks to the loyalty we’ve built in such a short time.
To keep things fresh and exciting, we continue to introduce new offerings. For example, we’re thrilled to announce the upcoming opening of Carbone, a New York-style Italian, set to debut in Q1 next year. Over at Atlantis The Palm, we are also adding two new restaurants with Björn Frantzén, which we expect to be Dubai’s first three-star Michelin restaurant with FZN.
Beyond culinary experiences, we continually partner with fashion and lifestyle brands to bring new elements to the resort. Each time a guest returns, they’ll discover not just new menus, experiences, and amenities, but also exciting new collaborations from the world of fashion and lifestyle, ensuring there is always something different to enjoy.