Why Atlantis The Royal Is Dubai’s Ultimate Spot to Celebrate New Year’s And Beyond

by Vladimir MartíDecember 20, 2024January 8, 2025

Looking for somewhere chic for when the clock tolls midnight?

Are you acquainted with the Viviennes? If not, then once you cross the threshold of Atlantis The Royal, you will be. The whimsical Louis Vuitton mascots add a flourish to the resort’s spectacular, sculptural tree fashioned out of the maison’s 13 signature trunks. The finishing touch? Snow.

Dress, Dhs6,610, Rasario. Earrings; Necklace, POA, both Damas Jewellery. Bracelet; Bracelet, POA, both Alfardan Jewellery. Headpiece, Dhs1,000; Gloves, POA, both Onori at So Much Trouble. Shoes, Dhs5,340, Alaïa. Bag, Dhs26,400, Judith Leiber. Trunk, POA, Louis Vuitton

From the moment you step inside the hotel, you’re enveloped in festive spirit. The Royal Tearoom with Christophe Devoille has partnered with jeweller Graff to serve up a memorable afternoon feast – from traditional yule logs to chestnut and gingerbread madeleines, served alongside a four-metre tree festooned by the sparkling specialists.

With your feet firmly planted in Dubai, you can embark on a culinary journey throughout the world. Dinner by Heston Blumenthal has put on a five-course tasting menu highlighting the flavours of Britain through the month. A new version of the restaurant’s signature – Plum Meat Fruit – joins roast venison and festive tart, or opt for the original on the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day menus.

Male model wears: Jacket, Dhs11,800; Necklace, Dhs6,540, both Gucci. Female model wears: Dress, Dhs7,715, Rasario. Earrings; Necklace; Necklace; Ring; Ring, POA, all Damas Jewellery

Ariana’s Persian Kitchen is ideal for celebrating with family. Her take on Iranian cuisine with a Christmas accent sees turkey roulade – but also her famed mixed grill platter – with her Princess Cake a fittingly fabulous ending to this multi-plate feast.

The Skyblaze Fountain’s mesmerising show will capture you as you dine at chef Costas Spiliadis’ estiatorio Milos – if its seafood market doesn’t divert you first. The Mediterranean accent continues into its 300-label wine list, with grilled octopus and Saganaki cheese must-tries from the celebrity chef’s repertoire.

Model on left: Jacket, Dhs2,100; Trousers, Dhs1,700, both Rotate Birger Christensen at Ounass. Shoes, POA, Roger Vivier. Bag, Dhs15,700; Earrings, POA, both Valentino Garavani. Model on right: Dress, Dhs3,850, Onori. Boots, Dhs7,955, Chloé. Bag, Dhs13,540, Ferragamo. Rings, POA, Damas Jewellery. Bracelet, POA, Swarovski. Earrings, Dhs4,200, Saint Laurent

It’s all in the name: Jaleo – which means lively – by José Andrés brings Spanish spirit to proceedings with guitarists and flamenco dancers, while showcasing the country’s regional heavy-hitters. Or cross over to South America as Gastón Acurio’s La Mar gives diners a taste of Peru’s Nikkei cuisine, with seafood ceviche, grilled langoustines with aji Amarillo and kobe beef nigiri.

Looking to bask in sunshine? Then Nobu by the Beach will tick all your boxes. Savour the chef’s stalwarts like miso black cod – while a sprinkling of new festive-inspired specials will further perk up taste buds.

Male model on left: Jacket, Dhs7,045, Amiri. Top, Dhs950, Boss. Male model on right: Shirt; Trousers, POA, both Saint Laurent. Female model on left: Dress, Dhs5,150, Christopher Esber at Net-A-Porter. Necklace, POA, Christian Bonja. Female middle model: Top, Dhs12,850; Shorts, Dhs6,040; Belt, POA, all Gucci. Ring, POA, Damas Jewellery. Female model on right: Dress, Dhs7,750, Zimmermann. Bag, Dhs11,750, Saint Laurent

Decadence is the order of the day if you’re at Ling Ling. Sushi rolls with 24k gold? Lobster pad Thai? Truffle wagyu tataki? Done. Everything is elevated – literally as you get soaring views of the skyline and the Arabian Gulf – with DJs taking proceedings late into the night, and into the early hours of the next day. And for those who want a little bit of everything, there is only one answer: Gastronomy. Seventeen live stations, four bars and over 100 dishes together offer a feast for all the senses.

New Year’s Eve takes celebrations to the next level. The pinnacle of proceedings? DJ Kaz James spinning at Cloud 22. Fireworks, views of the whole city and plenty of sparkle – you’ll be ushering 2025 in on a high note.

Male model on left: Jacket, Dhs6,600; Shirt, Dhs1,050; Trousers, Dhs2,200, all Boss. Shoes, Dhs4,200, Saint Laurent. Socks; Bow Tie, both Stylist’s own. Female middle model: Dress, POA, Kristina Fidelskaya. Necklace; Right hand Bracelet, POA, both Christian Bonja. Left hand from top: Bracelet, Dhs85, Limé. Bracelet; Bracelet, POA, both Alfardan Jewellery. Earrings, Dhs4,460, Saint Laurent. Shoes, Dhs10,415, Santoni. Male model on right: Shirt; Trousers, POA, both Amiri

Director: Marne Schwartz. Creative Direction: Dané Stojanovic & Tamim Mortaza. Art Direction: Agata Wycichowska. Models: Aida Atarssa, Teah Otomewo, Beyza Guray, Saber Didi, Henrique Boal. Styling: Laura Jane Brown. Hair: Jean-Luc Amarin. Make-Up: Manuel Losada. Communication Manager: Johana V.Dana. Casting Director: Jean-Marc Mondelet. Production: Becky Lyne. Production Assistant: Erin Steel. Stylists: Imogene Legrand & Charlotte Marsh-Williams. Fashion Assistants: Marguerita Christofordis. Hair Assistant: Kerwin Gawe Solo. Make-Up Assistant: Margo Pushman. Photographer’s Assistants: Mark Anthony Navarro & Mohamed Ramzeen

Words by Natasha Faruque

From Harper’s Bazaar Arabia’s December 2024 Issue

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