The Atlantis Hotel Dubai Wins Virgin Holidays Award for Best Family Hotel

The five-star Atlantis Hotel in Dubai has something for everyone, including families, as the award recognises. But adults are not forgotten either.

The Atlantis Hotel sits on the outer crescent of the Palm Jumeirah, reclaimed land in the shape of a palm-tree off the coast of Dubai. It was opened in September 2008 and has 1539 rooms, 17 restaurants, a vast aquarium and 42 acres of lush tropical gardens, with the biggest themed water park in the Middle East.

Atlantis Hotel, Dubai; Facilities for Children

The Kids’ Club is open every day for children between 4-12. There are three sessions; morning from 11-1.30pm, afternoon from 2pm-6pm and evening from 7pm-11pm. Activities are supervised at all times and include play, adventure, exploration and educational elements. A full day including lunch can also be arranged.

Nannies can be hired at any time for a minimum period of three hours.

Club Rush is a no-adults entertainment zone for 8-12 year olds in the afternoons, while in the evenings from 7pm – midnight, it is reserved for 13-17 year olds only. Internet access and gaming on XBOX 360, Nintendo Wii and PS3 is on offer.

Atlantis Hotel, Dubai, the Water Park

Aquaventure is a themed water park based around the central Ziggurat and has a variety of rides and flumes to suit all tastes. Bob gently around on an inflatable tyre, watching out for occasional rapids, or float past the shark enclosure; for the more adventurous, there are three levels of rides starting at the Ziggurat with the most daring being the Leap of Faith. There are several bars and cafes on site and plenty of loungers to relax on.

Atlantis Hotel, Dubai, the Lost Chambers

At the heart of the Atlantis is the Lost Chambers; an aquarium on the theme of the lost city of Atlantis. It holds 11.5 million litres of water and is home to 65,000 marine creatures. Guides are on hand to talk about the sea creatures from around the world. Large viewing windows in the central part of the hotel allow guests to watch sharks as well as other marine creatures patrol their habitat.

Atlantis Hotel, Dubai, Restaurants

The 17 restaurants within the hotel complex range from casual poolside cafes to fine dining experiences with top class chefs. An international cuisine caters for all tastes with Japanese, Italian, French and Middle Eastern style menus. Alcohol can be purchased in the restaurants.

Atlantis Hotel, Dubai, Dolphin Bay

Dubai’s only marine animal rescue and rehabilitation centre is based next to Aquaventure and guests can join dolphins in the water to experience these creatures up close. There is an educational programme to teach visitors about dolphin welfare and the importance of conservation

Atlantis Hotel Dubai, Fitness and Spa Treatments

There are three tennis courts, a fully equipped gym, and a selection of watersports available: Afterwards, the Spa offers 27 treatment rooms to ease the aches and pains, as well as massage, facials, and hairdressing.

The Atlantis Hotel really does have something for everyone.