THE SUITE LIFE

Flanked by the azure Arabian Sea, Atlantis, The Palm is a landmark address in Dubai. RASHIMA NAGPAL checks into one of the resort's newly refurbished suites for a weekend on the shore.

- RASHIMA NAGPAL

FROM THE PANORAMIC balcony of my Regal Suite on the 17th floor, the world feels comfortably far. The Dubai skyline is spread out in front of me, across a bright blue stretch of the Arabian Sea. The sky is cerulean and the weather balmy. Before the intense heat of summer bogs the desert city down, the resort's palm-fringed coastline is abuzz with guests enjoying swims. That's the beauty of being on The Palm Jumeirah, one of the most iconic man-made islands in the emirate, consisting of a trunk, 17 fronds, and an 11-kilometre-long crescent-shaped islet that is home to Atlantis, The Palm, among other lavish hotels. The vibe here is tropical and unsurprisingly posh.

In September 2008, Atlantis, The Palm became the first resort to welcome guests to The Palm Jumeirah. The property is 114 acres of sheer indulgence; it includes a water park, spread over 55 acres, and a two-kilometre-long coastline. Featuring 1,548 rooms and suites across 22 floors, 35 dining venues, and a gigantic aquarium that is home to 65,000 marine animals, the resort is a destination in its own right. I remember feeling overwhelmed the first time I was here, three years ago, with so much to do and not enough time. This time, though, I have no such haste.

Besides a balcony with a view, my 164-square-metre open-plan suite comes with a living area, or majlis lounge, kitchenette, bar, dining table, work desk, cloakroom, and a guest bathroom besides the palatial bathroom right next to my bedroom. The property has 168 suites across three categories-Terrace, Skyline, and Regal-apart from seven extraordinary Signature Suites, including one that is underwater.