Deciding where on earth to go for your honeymoon is one of the more pleasurable sides of wedding planning. From snow-capped mountains to wild lagoons to endless stretches of hot, white sand with nothing to do but drink in the view (and the cocktails), the world is your oyster.
Excited by the possibilities? You should be. One of the most popular honeymoon destinations for British Asian newlyweds is the UAE. This wealthy nation on the edge of the Persian Gulf is home to two of the most exciting cities in the world, where opulence and luxury sit side by side for a honeymoon you’ll forever remember.
Dubai, whose urban landscape is in a constant state of evolution, has long been known as the playground for the rich and famous and oozes glamour at every street corner. It’s the UAE’s biggest city and boasts world-class architecture, shopping and restaurants - making it a favourite retreat for honeymooners.
The city is home to a number of architectural and engineering marvels, such as the man made archipelago; Palm Jumeirah. This stunning island, which can be seen from space, is home to one of the world's best hotels, Atlantis the Palm.
The £950m hotel is perched on the apex of this epic island and as its name suggests, is themed on the mythical city of Atlantis - so naturally it has nautical features by the bucketload. Unforgettable is an understatement.
What makes The Atlantis unforgettable?
The Atlantis makes its mark before you've even stepped through the resort's doors. The magnificent 22-storey crimson hued structure comprises of two towers linked by the Royal Bridge Suite with one side facing the ocean and the other enjoying views over Dubai's dazzling skyline. The reception features a giant multi-coloured crystal sculpture whose sheer magnitude and beauty will leave you awestruck. As far as first impressions go, Atlantis the Palm makes a truly incredible one.
What does the hotel offer?
The colossal resort offers more than just a place to rest your head at night. It has more than 1,500 rooms, an astounding 23 restaurants serving specialties from around the world, a private beach with 700 sunbeds (so finding a spot to stretch out under the sun shouldn’t be a problem) and two enormous swimming pools – the Royal Pool and the Zero Entry pool. The Atlantis is so huge that staff ferry you from one attraction to the next in golf buggies!
What else is there to do?
If you want to do more than lounge on the beach or poolside all day, point your flip flops in the direction of the Atlantis’ Aquaventure Waterpark for 17 hectacres of wet and wild thrills. Or experience the underwater world with a stroll though the mazes, passageways and tunnels of The Lost Chambers Aquarium. The facility is home to an incredible 65,000 species of marine life including sharks, piranhas and sea horses.
So what are the rooms like?
Extremely comfortable. The spacious guestrooms and suites are the picture of opulence, dressed in elaborately patterned furnishings and sumptuous fabrics. All rooms have balconies or patios offering incredible views over Dubai or the Persian Gulf. Of course you'll find all the regular fixtures of a 5 star establishment; flat screen TVs, WiFi and luxury toiletries come as standard. Suites are great for couples staying for seven days or more as they offer spaces for dining and lounging, creating a home away from home (if your home happens to be a luxury flat in Belgravia). There's even a pantry stuffed full of snacks and drinks to quell munchies whenever they hit.
Which is the best option for honeymooners?
The hotel's amazing underwater suites, without a doubt. Couples enter by descending to one of two suites, named Poseidon and Neptune, which feature floor-to-ceiling windows that look into the depths of an 11 million litre aquarium and the 65,000 creatures that live within. Ocean-themed features decorate the suite, which is complete with a lounge, bedroom and marble en-suite bathroom. Tucked away from the bustle of the hotel, the underwater suites make the ultimate romantic hideaway. There's also a personal butler on call around the clock to meet all your needs, allowing you to relax in total seclusion.
The Khush Verdict
There's no doubt about it, Atlantis the Palm is an incredible hotel and resort; an entire world within itself where every need is met with top-class service. It has more than enough to keep couples occupied for days on end, and is worth every inch of its five-star status. Go and immerse yourselves in a fantasy world at Atlantis the Palm. We promise you won’t regret it.
WWW.ATLANTISTHEPALM.COM