_Exploring The Palm Jumeirah: 24 hours on Dubai’s iconic island
Easily accessible from the mainland by renting a car or Dubai Metro, crossing from city to Palm Island instils an immediate sense of calm, no matter how many times you’ve made the journey. Whether driving onto the island or riding the Monorail through the core of the Palm’s Trunk, there’s an unmistakable drop of the shoulders and gentle exhale as the azure waters of Palm Jumeirah begin to surround you.
To your right sit the sandy-coloured Shoreline Apartments, flanked by private beach clubs and Club Vista Mare, one of the Palm’s vibrant dining destinations with unfettered views of the Burj Al Arab and Arabian Gulf. Glance towards the left and the Dubai Marina skyline stands proud, with towering skyscrapers, Jumeirah Beach Residence and the world’s largest observation wheel, Ain Dubai, taking centre stage on Bluewaters Island.
Below the Palm Jumeirah Monorail, families gather in Al Ittihad Park, a community hub for the island, with luxury living in The Golden Mile, a plethora of shops and cafes to choose from and a 2.65km jogging track. At the end of the park, rising up on either side of the Monorial is the Nakheel Mall, soon set to bring a raft of luxury retail, restaurants and leisure amenities to the Palm Jumeirah.
A landmark destination
Continue along the 2km Palm Jumeirah Trunk and marvel at the 17 perfectly manicured fronds fanning out into the ocean, home to some of Dubai’s most luxurious villas, complete with private pools and beaches. In a matter of minutes the Palm Jumeirah’s landmark tourist destination comes into view – the majestic Atlantis The Palm. With architecture famed the world over and a mythical heritage begging to be explored, Atlantis The Palm is the ultimate must-visit attraction in Dubai.
Start at The Lost Chambers, home to 65,000 marine animals in a giant Atlantis-themed aquarium, and continue to the Ambassador Lagoon, featuring 14 different species of shark. Gaze in wonder or take the plunge and enjoy one of several diving or snorkeling experiences. Then it’s time to get the adrenaline pumping and experience the thrills of Atlantis The Palm’s renowned Aquaventure waterpark, most famous for the Leap of Faith, a nine-storey-tall mega slide.
Immerse yourself in the myth of Atlantis, exploring The Avenues and the host of retail and dining options to complete your experience. From Nobu, Hakkasan and Rhonda Locatelli to Saffron, Seafire and Wavehouse, there really is something for everyone.
An incomparable luxury lifestyle
If you can’t bear to tear yourself away, check into the hotel or add a luxury apartment at the Royal Atlantis Resort & Residences to your bucket list. Adjacent to the mega-hotel, the Royal Atlantis Resort & Residences, a dramatic new property rising up on the Palm Jumeirah’s crescent, is soon to be the Palm’s most coveted address. With Sky Courts, Penthouses and Garden Suite apartments for sale, all with uninterrupted views of the ocean or across the waters of the Palm towards the Dubai city skyline, The Royal Atlantis Residences are the ultimate in luxury lifestyle.
The pinnacle of the Palm Jumeirah address, the Royal Atlantis will be in good company. Don’t forget to visit one of the luxury resorts on the crescent of the Palm to complete your leisurely afternoon. For the ultimate in privacy and relaxation, select One&Only The Palm, sat on the end of the West Crescent with spectacular views of Dubai Marina. For opulence, proceed next door to Jumeirah Zabeel Saray or if you’re seeking the trendiest option, the newly opened W The Palm is sure to tick all your boxes. Settle in for sundowners, watching the parachutists at Skydive Dubai float down to the shore against the sky’s pinkish hue.
Make a night of it with dinner and dancing at one the Palm Jumeirah’s late-night options, from Nobu and Nassimi at Atlantis The Palm to El Chiringuito at Rixos The Palm Dubai. A host of options awaits at Palm Jumeirah’s luxury hotels, with cuisines to tantalise all taste buds.
The ultimate in relaxation
For those seeking a more understated experience, take a stroll along the 11km Boardwalk, marveling at the sparkling seas to one side and grandiose hotels on the other. Meander onto the East Crescent, where Anantara The Palm’s overwater villas offer a taste of the Maldives and the Waldorf Astoria’s palatial vibe caters for those seeking traditional luxury in an iconic location.
There are casual options, too, as even Dubai’s jet set crave time away from the glitz and glamour. Head over to The Pointe, a beach destination opposite Atlantis, where families sit, stroll and talk into the early hours. Come here day or night for a unique perspective on Atlantis The Palm and the new Royal Atlantis Resort & Residences, and on special occasions for unsurpassed views of Atlantis The Palm’s famed firework displays.
Whichever way you choose to explore The Palm Jumeirah, your experience will be unparalleled. It’s a Dubai destination guaranteed to keep drawing you back.