10 years married. We celebrated at Atlantis The Palm and tried the Imperial Club upgrade for the first time. Here's everything – the good, the costs, and whether it's actually worth it.
The Week Leading Up
Car Troubles: CAFU App to the Rescue
Had a nightmare with the car – tire went from 16 PSI down to 6. Started changing it on the side of the road in the heat, then gave up and called for help.
Used an app called CAFU – they do fuel on demand but also any car service. They come to you for tire pressures, servicing, whatever you need.
Plot twist: the guy turned up on a moped with a little box on the back. Not quite the van I expected!
Reggie's Rugby Taster
Reggie did his first taster session with the Exiles Rugby Club.
"The coaches are really really good and it's just really fun. Yeah I'm gonna come back. We're now a rugby family!"
The coaching is excellent – very different to Ashby Rugby Club back in England (East Midlands vs Middle East showdown!). I enjoyed a pint in the sun watching. This is becoming our community outside of school.
School Run Insights
Sara's been doing the school runs and captured some honest footage:
The Heat Factor
Pick-up time is 2:30pm – peak heat. People use umbrellas to shade from the sun (not rain!). Morning walks are fine, but afternoon pick-up leaves you a sweaty mess.
"You get in and you're just an absolute sweaty mess. Get in, shower, change your clothes."
Communication & Activities
- WhatsApp groups for each class – endless information from school
- After-school clubs called "enrichment" here
- Two free enrichment activities per week
- Additional paid options available
What Our Boys Chose
- Lambda (coding)
- Football
- Basketball (paid option, Fridays)
Enrichment adds an hour – so 3:30pm finish instead of 2:30pm. Friday basketball means finishing at 1pm instead of 11:45am.
The Feeling of Settling
"It's definitely made me feel more settled here knowing that the boys are settled into their school. It just makes everything feel like yes, we made the right decision. It's been a weight lifted for sure."
Atlantis The Palm: Imperial Club Review
We've been to Atlantis several times before (check out our 3-part series from October 2021 when we first fell in love with Dubai). But we'd never tried the Imperial Club.
The Cost Difference
| Room Type | Price Difference |
|---|---|
| Standard Queen (half board) to Imperial Queen (half board) | ~850-860 AED/night |
| In GBP | ~£180/night extra |
What's Actually Different?
The room: Exactly the same. No difference whatsoever.
What you're paying for is access to the Imperial Club Lounge.
Imperial Club Lounge Benefits
| Time | What's Included |
|---|---|
| Afternoon Tea | Buffet sandwiches, scones, biscuits, popcorn, fruit, any drink |
| Happy Hour (5-7pm) | Canapés + full bar: beers, wines, spirits, cocktails |
The Drink Factor
This is crucial if you like a drink. Alcohol in Dubai is expensive – even more so at places like Atlantis.
Adam went down 45 minutes before dinner:
"I thought it was just beers and wines. It wasn't – there was spirits, cocktails, an awesome selection. Good beers, good whiskies. Max value. I need to be there at 5."
In 45 minutes: several whiskies, glasses of wine, a cocktail. If you plan on "tying one on" – the Imperial Club pays for itself quickly.
Private Check-In
You don't check in at the main lobby. Imperial Club has its own check-in area – no queuing, no waiting 30 minutes during busy season.
"Did you feel bougie?" "I did feel a little bit bougie."
Is It Worth It?
Our verdict: Yes, definitely.
Especially if you:
- Plan to have drinks (they'd cost more elsewhere anyway)
- Want a stress-free check-in
- Appreciate afternoon tea/snacks
At £200/night for two adults and two kids with all that included, it's good value compared to buying drinks separately.
Total Value Breakdown
We paid around £540 for one night. Sounds expensive, but look what's included:
| Inclusion | Standalone Value |
|---|---|
| Room (Imperial Club) | Included |
| Breakfast (Saffron) | 170 AED/person if bought separately |
| Dinner | Included (plus supplements) |
| Imperial Club Lounge (drinks, snacks) | Would cost £100+ at bar |
| Aquaventure Water Park | ~£100/family separately |
| Kids Club | Morning, afternoon, or evening sessions |
| Arcade vouchers | 2x 50 AED cards given at check-in |
When you break it down: breakfast, dinner, unlimited drinks, kids club, water park, and a room – £540 is actually solid value.
Nobu Dinner: 22nd Floor
Nobu has moved from ground floor to the 22nd floor – stunning views.
Half-Board Supplement
With half-board, most dinners are included. Some restaurants charge a supplement:
| Person | Supplement |
|---|---|
| Adults | 400 AED each |
| Children | 200 AED each |
| Total (family of 4) | 1,200 AED (~£240) |
Plus wine (£25+ per glass minimum).
The Experience
- Multiple courses – a LOT of food
- Food absolutely fantastic
- Staff exceptional with recommendations
- Note: Outside terrace was closed (check if visiting in summer)
"It was a memory. 100%. It was very nice."
Worth the splurge for a special occasion like a 10-year anniversary.
Saffron Breakfast: The Highlight
If you're staying at Atlantis, choose Saffron over Kaleidoscope for breakfast.
Price for non-half-board guests: 170 AED/person
Why It's Special
"I don't like buffets at hotels because they normally make you feel like cattle and the food is crap. This is the exact opposite. Service is fantastic, food is top-notch."
Everything you could want is there. The venue itself is beautiful. We went for a weird mix: full English, mimosa, and coffee. Max value!
Kids Club & Arcade Win
Dropped the boys at Kids Club – gave us time as a couple on the beach.
Sessions available:
- Full morning session
- Full afternoon session
- Evening session
At check-in, we got 2x 50 AED arcade vouchers for Wave House.
Reggie Hit the Jackpot!
After Nobu dinner, we went to the arcade. Reggie hit the bonus on one of the machines – 500 tickets!
He shared with his brother, they got snacks (Nerds, Oreos, Maltesers), and even asked "Daddy what do you want?" Sweet moment.
The McDonald's Hack
After all the fine dining, we ordered McDonald's to the room. Because balance.
Opened the Careem app, checked the vouchers (don't normally look at these!):
| Detail | Amount |
|---|---|
| Order total | 112 AED |
| Voucher discount | -100 AED |
| Final price (3 meals, delivered) | ~£2.50 |
Three meals delivered to Atlantis for £2.50. Always check your delivery app vouchers!
Quick Cost Summary
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Atlantis Imperial Club (1 night, half board) | ~£540 |
| Imperial Club upgrade alone | ~£180/night |
| Nobu supplement (family of 4) | 1,200 AED (~£240) |
| Saffron breakfast (if not on half board) | 170 AED/person |
| McDonald's (3 meals delivered with voucher) | £2.50 |
Our Verdict
| Feature | Worth It? |
|---|---|
| Imperial Club upgrade | ✅ Yes, especially if you drink |
| Nobu for special occasions | ✅ Yes, exceptional experience |
| Saffron over Kaleidoscope | ✅ Always choose Saffron |
| Atlantis as a staycation | ✅ Great value when you factor everything in |
Planning Your Dubai Trip?
- Take the neighbourhood quiz – Find where to stay
- Atlantis The Royal review – The even fancier option
- Work with Sara – Get personalised help with your move
Here's to the next 10 years! 🥂