This is, without a doubt, the most extravagant hotel stay we've ever had – and probably ever will have.
To celebrate one year since relocating to Dubai, we decided to go all out and book a Sky Pool Villa at the iconic Atlantis The Royal.
We're talking:
- ✅ Private pool with panoramic views
- ✅ Complimentary Moët, snacks & minibar (restocked!)
- ✅ Gastronomy breakfast buffet that's honestly ridiculous
- ✅ Truffle egg sandwiches in the Royal Lounge
- ✅ Sunset dinner at Nobu by the Beach
- ✅ Rooftop access to Cloud 22 (one of the best infinity pools in Dubai)
All in? £2,500.
Here's every single cost, the emotional highs, the slightly outrageous lows (👀 £36 for ice cream!), and whether we think it was actually worth it.
The Room: Sky Pool Villa Tour
First impressions? "This is fancy. This is fancy."
We were immediately blown away. The room is next-level:
- Private pool with incredible views
- Outdoor terrace living space
- Pillow menu – yes, a menu of pillow options (including a pregnancy pillow Sara was tempted by despite not being pregnant)
- Snack drawer for the kids – complimentary and restocked
- Mini bar including Moët – complimentary and restocked
- Panoramic sunroof
- Beautiful bathroom with that magic glass that goes from clear to frosted
- Beach bag and fancy toiletries
Our butler Medina offered to unpack our bags. Everything's designed for maximum comfort and Instagrammable excess.
"It's not lost on us at all that this is probably the most special room stay that we'll ever do in our lives."
Gastronomy Breakfast: The Most Ridiculous Buffet Ever
We've eaten at a lot of hotel buffets. This is a different league entirely.
I was starving but committed to showing you the tour first. That's how much I wanted to capture this place.
What's Available
- All American Bar – Where Adam spent most of his time last visit
- Bakery section – Every type of pastry you can imagine (almond croissants 🤤)
- Ice cream & sweets – The boys filled their boots
- Noodle bar
- Pizzeria – Fresh pizza at breakfast, why not
- Sushi station – For those who fancy sushi at 9am
- Egg station – Mandatory
- English breakfast – For when you just miss home
- Benedict station – The care they put into these is phenomenal
- Asian/Oriental section
- The Orchard – Fresh greens, smashed avo
- Cheese & meat counter
All of this with that view. Pretty stunning place to kick off the day.
Pro tip: You don't need to stay at the Royal to eat at Gastronomy. You can just book and pay to play.
Royal Lounge: Afternoon Tea & Happy Hour
Between 2-4pm, guests get access to afternoon tea with sandwiches, sweets, cocktails and views. Happy hour runs 5-7pm.
Reggie asked what he was allowed to order. Simple answer: "We've paid too much to not say fill your boots."
The Highlights
- Macaroons (Reggie's favourite)
- French martinis
- Scones
- And the star of the show...
"Best egg sandwich I've ever had. The truffle. Egg and truffle. I could sit and eat these all afternoon."
A waiter noticed Adam liked bourbon and brought over an off-menu whiskey sour. Legend.
We easily got over £100 of food and drink value here – twice.
Dinner at Nobu by the Beach
Very different vibe to Nobu at The Palm. Think beach chic rather than white tablecloths.
The verdict:
- Smallest tacos ever seen – but wow, the flavour
- Inside seating is fine but could be anywhere
- Outdoor seating is where it's at (weather permitting)
- Food was amazing as always
- Service fantastic
We caught the fountain show on the way out – pretty special.
Cloud 22: The Adults-Only Rooftop
Arguably the most iconic visual of the hotel.
"This is absolutely stunning. I haven't even been focusing on the camera – I've just been looking around."
An infinity pool perfectly positioned overlooking the Palm. This alone makes me want to come back – just the two of us.
Note: You can visit on a day pass, but it's often sold out. Worth checking early if you're not staying.
Family Pool & Beach
Important note: The Royal Pool is the only pool where children are allowed. Other pools are adults-only.
The loungers in the water are amazing – more of a chill pool than activity-based.
The beach between Atlantis The Palm and The Royal is stunning. Riley played in the ocean and it felt like a bathtub – super warm.
"This is heaven." – Sara, lounging with a beer while the boys had their Nintendo Switch
The Full Cost Breakdown
Time to open the envelope...
| Item | Cost (AED) | Cost (GBP) |
|---|---|---|
| Sky Pool Villa Room | 12,454 | £2,051 |
| Gastronomy Breakfast x2 | ~2,000 value | ~£400 value |
| Royal Lounge (Afternoon Tea x2) | ~1,000 value | ~£200 value |
| Nobu Dinner | 1,600 (after credits) | ~£320 |
| Meal Credit Included | 1,100 | ~£220 value |
| Minibar & Snacks (restocked) | ~500 value | ~£100 value |
| Private Transfer | ~500 | ~£100 |
| Ice Cream by the Pool (4 scoops) | 180 | £36 😬 |
Final Total: AED 15,000+ / £2,500
Working Out the "Real" Room Cost
If you subtract all the included value (Gastronomy, lounge access, minibar, transfers, meal credits):
Adjusted room-only cost: ~AED 7,500 / £1,495
Still a lot. But context matters.
The £36 Ice Cream Warning
We spent 180 dirhams on four ice creams by the pool.
That's £36.33. And they weren't even double scoop.
"Top tip: If you're going to get ice cream, do NOT get it by the pool at Atlantis The Royal. Unless you want to feel like you've been robbed."
The Family Verdict
The Boys' Guesses
- Riley guessed: £1,200
- Reggie guessed: £6,000
When told it was £2,500: "Jeez."
Their Favourite Bits
- Riley: The pool
- Reggie: Gastronomy
Sara's Reaction
"Absolutely gobsmacked. Could not believe you'd spent that much money. I was in shock for ages."
Was it worth it? "It was amazing, but no. I would have struggled to pull the trigger on it."
Any regrets? "No, I definitely don't regret it."
Favourite bit? "Probably that truffle and egg sandwich."
Adam's Final Verdict
"Was it worth it? No, it wasn't. But that's all contextual. For us, it was not great value in terms of money, but we had an amazing experience. Would I go back and spend the money again? Yeah, I would. Which I guess means it probably WAS worth it for us. But I wouldn't do it again as a second time. This was a massive milestone moment – celebrating one year in Dubai. We went completely extravagant and had an amazing staycation. Do I look back with regret? No."
Practical Tips If You're Booking
- This was out-of-season pricing. Post-summer rates will be significantly higher.
- Get picked up early – we benefited from breakfast on arrival day (may have been a bonus)
- Smash the minibar – It's complimentary and restocked. Max value.
- Book afternoon tea – Twice if you can. The truffle egg sandwiches alone are worth it.
- Cloud 22 day passes sell out fast – book early
- Don't buy ice cream by the pool – unless you hate money
- Royal Pool only for families with kids
Would We Do It Again?
In that room? No.
At the Royal? Maybe, for another milestone.
Did we regret it? Absolutely not.
This was a once-in-a-lifetime experience to mark a milestone – our first year in Dubai. Sometimes you just need to celebrate the wins.
Planning your own Dubai milestone? Whether it's a staycation or the big move itself, take my neighbourhood quiz to find your perfect area, or check out my relocation package for personalised help with the whole journey.
And if you've stayed somewhere amazing in Dubai – or anywhere – drop it in the comments. We're always looking for recommendations!