This is a common question: “Can I visit Atlantis The Royal if I’m not a guest?”
The answer is YES!
You cannot walk in and use the pools or go to the beach. But you can experience the best parts of this iconic hotel. As a Dubai travel expert, I’ll show you how to plan the perfect day.
Many people think you need a room key (which can cost thousands) to see the magic. You don’t. You just need a plan… and a few reservations.
Here is how to spend a perfect day at Atlantis The Royal as a visitor.
11:00 AM: Arrival and Lobby Sights
Your day begins by arriving in style. Take a taxi or a luxury car rental directly to the main entrance. The drive up to the hotel is an experience in itself.
You can walk into the main lobby. And you should. The first thing you will see is the 11.5-meter-tall “Droplets” sculpture. It’s a massive, shining steel piece that represents a drop of rain.
On either side, look at the giant aquariums. They are not filled with fish, but with thousands of hypnotic jellyfish.
Visitor Rule: You are welcome to see the lobby and take photos. However, you cannot go past the main lobby towards the guest elevators or lounges.
1:00 PM: A Celebrity Chef Lunch
This is your “key” to the resort. To go past the lobby, you need a reservation at one of the 17 restaurants.
My advice? Book lunch at a celebrity chef spot. It’s an amazing experience.
- Best for Vibe: Book a table at Nobu by the Beach. This is the world’s first Nobu beach club. You can eat world-class sushi with a view of the pool and the sea.
- Best for Foodies: Book Jaleo by José Andrés for fun Spanish tapas. Or try Milos for the best Greek seafood in Dubai.
Reservation Tip: You must book this weeks or even months in advance on the hotel’s website. You cannot just walk in.
3:00 PM: High-End Shopping
After lunch, explore “The Royal” shopping arcade. This is not a normal mall. This is a collection of ultra-luxury boutiques. You will find brands like Louis Vuitton, Graff (for diamonds), and Valentino.
It’s a beautiful, quiet place to walk. You’ll also find the “House of Desserts,” which is a perfect stop for a high-end ice cream or pastry. Many guests who come for bespoke shopping tours start their journey right here.
5:00 PM: Afternoon Tea or Cocktails
As the sun begins to set, you have two choices.
- For Elegance: Book “Afternoon Tea” at The Royal Tearoom. This is in the main lobby. It is designed by celebrity baker Mich Turner. It’s a very formal, classic experience with perfect scones and pastries.
- For a “Wow” View: Book a table at Ling Ling. This is the high-energy lounge on the 22nd floor. It’s next to Cloud 22. Book a sunset spot on their terrace. The view of the Dubai skyline is unbelievable.
7:00 PM: Watch the Skyblaze Fountain
After your drink, head back down to the main entrance area. Find a spot facing the “Lake of Dreams.” This is where the Skyblaze Fountain show happens.
It’s a spectacular show of water, lights, music, and—most famously—fire. Massive fireballs shoot into the air. It’s free for everyone to watch, and it runs every 30-60 minutes in the evening.
8:00 PM: A Grand Dinner
For your final experience, have a “destination” dinner. Book a table at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal. This is a 3-Michelin-star experience. You will try his famous “Meat Fruit” (a chicken liver parfait that looks like a mandarin).
This is a true “bucket list” meal. It’s the perfect way to end your day.
So, What CAN’T You Do?
It’s important to know the limits. As a non-guest, you CANNOT:
- Use any of the pools (especially not the guest-only pools or the 21+ Cloud 22).
- Use the private beach.
- Get into the Royal Club Lounge.
- Go to the Awaken Spa (unless you have a spa treatment booked).
- Visit Aquaventure (unless you buy a separate ticket for that).
But as you can see, you can still have a full, 10-hour day of pure luxury.
Insider Tip: The best way to guarantee you see it all is to have a reservation. This is true whether you are booking a single meal or planning your entire stay.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I walk into the lobby of Atlantis The Royal?
A1: Yes, the main lobby is open to the public. You can enter to see the “Droplets” sculpture, the jellyfish aquariums, and visit The Royal Tearoom or the high-end shops.
Q2: Can visitors go to Cloud 22?
A2: No. Cloud 22 is an exclusive, 21+ skypool reserved only for hotel guests staying in Suites or Club Rooms. The only way for a visitor to see the view from that floor is to get a reservation at the nearby Ling Ling lounge.
Q3: How do I see the Skyblaze Fountain?
A3: The Skyblaze Fountain is in the main plaza (Lake of Dreams) and is free for all visitors to watch. The show runs multiple times every evening.
