Atlantis Palm Hotel

Only in Dubai can a hotel be considered a top tourist attraction, and such is the case with the extravagant Atlantis Palm Hotel. The 1,539 room ocean-themed resort occupies the top portion of the crescent of land surrounding the man-made Palm Island, just off the coast of Dubai and included 42 acres (17 hectares) of amusement and entertainment space.

Even if you’re not a guest of the resort, it’s worth while to spend a day enjoying everything it has to offer. In sticking with the theme of the resort, many of the attractions are aquatic in nature. Aquaventure Waterpark houses 42 rides and attractions, including a near vertical body slide. Dolphin Bay brings guests face to face with some of the ocean’s most endearing and intelligent creatures, while The Lost Chambers Aquarium involves a journey through the Lost City of Atlantis, surrounding by thousands of marine animals.

The Atlantis Palm Hotel has its fair share of adult entertainment as well. A host of the world’s top luxury brands have set up shop in the resort’s extensive retail space, or for something a bit more active, the Atlantis Tennis Academy offers topnotch coaching. Over a dozen restaurants, a pair of nightclubs and a 27-treatment room spa round out the offerings.