Last week was all about the resort’s bells and whistles — so dreamy! — but Marsa Al Arab’s restaurant collection is also worth a closer look. From a dining perspective, I think it’s fair to say that I’m not unfamiliar with the property. I’ve previously visited Kira and The Cullinian (both third-party), as well as Rialto and Umi Kei. The quality among these restaurants is consistently high (if a bit safe and expensive), and there is a palpable sense that food and beverage were considered rather than an afterthought. While I would argue that there are plenty of wonderful reasons to leave the property and visit some of the best of what Dubai has to offer locally, guests don’t have to, as many cuisines are represented (even with a few current closures).
As a comp in the market (both in terms of F&B and rooms), Atlantis The Royal just… doesn’t do it for me. Dinner* was probably the exception (RIP), and I do have a place in my heart for Nobu at the Beach, although one would argue that both a…
