A staggering feat of architecture, this 43-storey hotel is making waves in Dubai.
Move over the ship-shaped Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai. And Burj Khalifa - the world's tallest building made famous by Tom Cruise's Ethan Hunt in Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol.
The capital of bling has a new architectural icon. Shaped like a wave and rising 43 floors above sea level, Atlantis the Royal opens next month with 795 guestrooms and five fine-dining restaurants.
A staggering feat of design, the building comprises six towers linked by sky bridges, dotted with gardens and infinity pools up in the clouds.
Even the smallest rooms are 55 square metres and feature walk-in robes, gleaming ensuites with standalone bathtubs and floor-to-ceiling windows with city or sea views.
Want to turn up the luxe factor? Head to the the spa, where you can switch off in the hammam or sign up for the Golden Hour massage, which - in true Dubai style - employs hot volcanic stones dipped in 24-carat gold to melt your stress away.
Akash Arora
Akash is the Deputy Travel Editor for Australian Community Media. He has lived and worked in four cities around the world – Sydney, London, New Delhi and New York – and, at last count, travelled to 42 countries.
My all-time favourite destination is ... New York. You can drop a pin anywhere in Manhattan and start walking in any direction, and the sights and sounds of the city that never stops will begin to stimulate all your senses in an instant.
Next on my bucket list is … Scandinavia - at the peak of summer, when the sun almost never sets.
My top travel tip is … If you’re flying to Sydney from anywhere in the world, pick a window seat far from the wing on the left-hand-side of the aeroplane. If the weather gods and flight path align, you’ll have the most incredible views of the Sydney Harbour and Opera House.
Weekdays
The Echidna
Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more.
