Every corner of Atlantis, The Palm is so Instagram-worthy and this comes as no surprise. The fact that the property on average receives 350 images posted on Instagram every day, 4,500 posts tagging the resort on Facebook and Instagram every week and 147,762 uses of #AtlantisThePalm is a testament to its social media popularity. Having reached one million Facebook fans, the resort decided to reward followers with the launch of the world’s first social media suite. Lucky for me, I was one of first ones to have the opportunity to put the thrilling, luxe novelty of the social media suite to test.
The check-in
The property with its architectural expertise, vistas of the azure-ocean and pearl-white beaches is such a stunner and a destination in itself. My check-in was at the Royal Majlis (read VIP) over dates and some refreshing Arabic coffee. I was explained the VIP privileges I was entitled to (read butler service, access to the VIP lounge and more). Now I just couldn’t wait to get to my suite.
The room
Check-in was no ordinary one. My key to the room were my Facebook log-in details. Intriguing, right? After entering my Facebook log in at the door of the suite, I was spoilt with delightfully delicious emoji-shaped chocolates and fresh fruits. It allowed me to share every moment of my stay with my friends and family as the suite came with a special Facebook Live Lounge, where I could place my phone on a stand and relax on the thumbs up shaped chair to record my messages.
To build it up further, there were thrilling additions extended to the bathroom where a social media mirror was in prime position to message friends as I put my make up on. Even the amenities from bath soaps to flip flops and shaving kits, depict catchy social media slogans. One of my favourite aspects of the suite had to be the breath-taking views of The Palm Island which still has me swooning as I recollect the imagery.
The best part was that I was also entitled to additional VIP amenities and experiences including unlimited complimentary access to The Lost Chambers Aquarium the Aquaventure waterpark along with Atlantis Imperial Club benefits worth over AED 3000 per day, including VIP check in, breakfast, access to the Imperial Club lounges for daily afternoon tea and evening drinks, canapes and use of the exclusive Imperial Club Beach. For me, the feature that I leveraged and enjoyed was the ‘poke’ feature that allowed seamless personal butler service as I sat back and tuned into the special Facebook Fan channel on the in-room TV.
Facebook, food and fun
While leveraging the social-media facilities was an important aspect of my stay, there were food experiences and fun activities to accentuate this even further. The property houses a whopping 23 restaurants, bars and lounges out of which I relished indulgent meals at Yuan and Bread Street Kitchen. At the eclectic Yuan which specializes in Chinese cuisine, I devoured the best of the Dim Sum Platter, Tiger Prawns with Wasabi Mayonnaise, XO Seafood Fried Rice and the scrumptious YUAN cheesecake. All of which reflected chef’s expertise beautifully. For my meal at Bread Street Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay, I gorged on juicy, meaty burgers, melt-in-the-mouth Shepherd’s Pie, curries and a sinful Nutella Ice-Cream with marshmallows.
The lavish breakfast spread included options across cuisines and yet again, won over the gourmand in me. In between meals, I had a beachy blast at the pearl-white beach, enjoyed my aquarium walk and had a ‘dolphinately’ fantastic time at the Dolphin Bay.
Verdict
With culinary options that spoilt me for choice and ensured that I had my moments of gastronomic nirvana, VIP amenities, a bunch of thrilling activities and a suite that is a social-media lover’s dream come to life, my time here was about living the high life and being able to share with my loved ones, the beauty of the destination that Atlantis-the Palm is.
Where: Atlantis, The Palm
Crescent Rd – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 426 2000
Booking details: To book a stay in the Atlantis Fan Suite, Facebook fans can visit www.atlantisfansuite.com from March 1st. All entrants must have ‘liked’ the Atlantis, The Palm Facebook page to be eligible to book a free stay in the suite.
Note– The critic was invited by the Atlantis, The Palm. But all the opinions expressed herewith are her own.
