All posts by Brielle Bryan

Comfort and Style

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By Brielle Bryan

 

Moved by the desire to tackle the notion that comfort does not require a sacrifice in style, Jaclyn Jones has produced a selection of shoes that appeal to women of all different foot sizes. Her newest collection is inspired by the sights and smells of flowers, and consists of “summer-friendly, playful, bold colors that are immediately mood-boosting.”

 

“I imagine our customers having the freedom of versatility while wearing pieces in our collection,” Jones said. “They’re ready for everything from outdoor weddings to happy hour to vacationing in the Hamptons.”

 

Jones sources the highest quality materials, including a custom 4mm thick foam insole, luxurious lamb lining and signature features.

“Our manufacturing takes place completely in Los Angeles, and we are proud to support U.S. workers and our local economy,” Jones said.

 

Jones saw the opportunity to create Jaclyn Jones USA, the first luxury women’s footwear brand handcrafted entirely in the U.S., after working in men’s shoes for years. Jones worked for Pinnacle Brand Group, a premium design house that designs, sources, markets and distributes fashion footwear and accessories, before she came to a pivotal revelation.

 

“After some market research, I found that the industry was vastly dominated by male designers/owners, and it clicked — all of these shoes were so uncomfortable because they were designed by someone who never had to wear them,” Jones said.

 

Following her realization that women needed someone who understood the perils and anguish of uncomfortable shoes to design their footwear, Jones began crafting her namesake brand in San Diego in October.

 

After successfully taking her experiences and producing shoes that provide both comfort and style, Jones’ empowering brand for women is now available for purchase on her website in half sizes from 6 to 11.

Posey in White Multi Foral

An excellent choice for workweek styling and your wedding season wardrobe, this pointed-toe shoe will be a real showstopper for any nice occasion. The Posey style features a hand-carved 4-inch solid wood heel and custom 4mm foam insoles, which offer comfort similar to wearing 2-inch heels! This style is crafted with ultra-soft lamb leather lining and white multi floral printed leather, which is exclusive to JJUSA. $1,375.

Clover in Sage

An adorable low-heel sandal crafted in versatile sage-colored suede, the Clover style features eye-catching gold studded accents. Built for walk-all-day comfort, this style features a hand-carved 2-inch solid wood heel and signature 4mm custom foam insoles. $1,095.

Water Lily in Gold

“Our easy-to-wear Water Lily sandals are the perfect vacation companions, featuring a pebbled gold leather upper, nude leather foot bed and fashionable strap with gold-studded accents,” Jones said. “The half-inch heel is built from stacked leather and the outsole features a rubber inset for added traction.” $850.

Calla Lily in White & Gold Dot

One of JJUSA’s most-loved styles of the season, Calla Lily is designed with a comfortable 1-inch stacked leather heel and an easy slip-on style. In addition to comfort, this chic pointed-toe shoe is made of premium lamb leather with a gold-dotted pattern, making this pair perfect for the seamless transition from the office to happy hour. $1,050.

Chrysanthemum in Tie-dye

This open-toe slide sandal is the epitome of summer design with its JJUSA-exclusive playful tie-dye print and logoed stud embellishments down the front of the shoe. The Chrysanthemum is crafted with premium lamb leather and a 2-inch hand-carved wood heel that features JJUSA’s signature heel plate and 4mm custom foam insoles for added comfort. $1,250.

 

Photos courtesy of Jaclyn Jones USA

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Going Global: Caribbean Destination Reopens

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A Starwood Capital Group Caribbean destination frequented by visitors from around the world is back after facing Hurricane Irma last fall. Four Seasons Resort & Residences Anguilla, designed by Kelly Wearstler, has a total 132 residences.

“Our beachfront villas are really spectacular,” said Nick Cassini, senior vice president of marketing of IMI Worldwide Properties — a leading luxury resort marketing and sales firm and the exclusive worldwide marketer and seller for Four Seasons Private Residences Anguilla. “It’s a setting unlike anything else.”

There are 33 world-class beaches and 30 restaurants located throughout the island. Other amenities included are three tennis courts, a full-size NBA basketball court, gym, spa and three swimming pools.

Residents and guests are also invited to participate in Anguilla Stronger, a campaign that has raised more than $1.7 million and has delivered more than 240,000 pounds of food, hygiene and household supplies to local Anguillans who were affected by the hurricane. — Brielle Bryan

Images courtesy Four Seasons Resorts & Residences Anguilla

This article orginally apeared in the

Ultimate 2018 edition of Unique Homes. 

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Old Meets New in Arizona

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guests at tanque verde ranch can adventure through miles of horseback riding trails that go deep into the rincon mountains and Sonoran desert.

Seated in the sweeping mountain ranges and boundless desert of Tucson, Arizona, Tanque Verde Ranch combines the spirit of the Old West with today’s modern amenities.

“We’re right at the base of the Rincon Mountains, and the sunsets here are like no other,” says Terry Hanley, the general manager of Tanque Verde Ranch.

Spectacular scenic views can be witnessed in one of the various lodging options, which are tastefully decorated in a traditional southwestern theme with adobe walls and Santa Fe-style architecture.

Celebrating its 150th anniversary, Hanley recalled how Tanque Verde Ranch started as a cattle ranch in the ’20s and was eventually turned into a horse ranch. With more than 150 horses provided by the ranch, guests can take horseback riding lessons or adventure through miles of horseback riding trails.

Every Sunday and Thursday morning, guests can go on an unforgettable trail ride passed towering cacti and rolling hills to the Old Homestead where freshly prepared breakfast is served.

“We are famous for our blueberry pancakes,” Hanley says.

This ultimate dude ranch experience provides a wide range of activities such as fishing, swimming, mountain biking and hiking. The ranch also has outdoor cookouts, country music entertainment and coordinated activities such as chili cook-offs.

  — Brielle Bryan

Photos courtesy of Tanque Verde Ranch

THIS STORY WAS FEATURED IN OUR SPRING 2018 ISSUE.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL DIGITAL VERSION.

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Femininity and Fun: What’s Trending with Women’s Watches

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Many designer brands and luxury watch companies are straying away from the large cases and plain straps to add femininity and fun to luxury women’s watches!

By Brielle Bryan

Photo courtesy of Longines

We’re seeing lots of diversity in each watches’ strap, from fabric and leather to metallic materials, that can be multi-colored or two-toned. Companies are changing up the size and appearance of watch bands, making them skinnier or into a multi-wrap strap.
Multiple brands are downsizing to smaller cases for women’s watches, as well as testing out different shapes to see what women desire in the luxury market. From squares to rectangles, these watch companies are shaking up the industry and diversifying their product lines.
Whether you decide to opt for a more fun strap or play with the case size and shape of your watch, definitely be BOLD about what color you go for! While some watch bracelets remain a classic gold or silver, we’re also seeing lots of colored-bands.
Here are a few watches that showcase the current trends in the luxury women’s watches market:

Photo courtesy of Longines

Longines DolceVita $4,300
You can be as fabulous as Kate Winslet in this marvelous stainless steel watch with an 18-karat pink gold crown and 46 Wesselton VVS diamonds outlining two sides of its rectangular face. This watch is not only the epitome of elegance and prestige, but is also very reliant with its scratch-resistant sapphire crystal glass shielding its face.

Photo courtesy of Neiman Marcus

Hermes Cape Cod GM $3,125
While the face of this watch may seem simple, with its white dial and Arabic numeral time markers, its square stainless steel case and azalea pink calf leather wrap strap add pizzazz and spontaneity to its overall aesthetic.

Photo courtesy of Tudor

Clair de Rose $2,100

This stunning piece of art has a steel case with a polished finish that offers a smaller size of 26mm. It also has a self-winding mechanical movement and is waterproof up to 330 feet. The navy blue fabric strap that attaches the bright silver case to its owner’s wrist is bound to leave an impression on anyone who lays eyes on it.

Photo courtesy of Shinola

The Cass with diamonds 28mm $1,900
Cutting corners with this spectacular watch may be tricky with its squared stainless steel case with PVD gold plating that is lined with brilliant-cut diamonds. The 14mm strap of this petite watch is hand-sewn in the U.S. from genuine alligator.

Photo courtesy of Longines

Longines Mini $1,245.40
According to this Swiss watchmaker, “small is beautiful.” The miniature case on this stunning watch is adorned with diamonds and set on bright purple straps. It’s the perfect accessory for any summer occasion.

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Belize Sees an Influx of New Luxury Developments

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Providing high-end amenities and views of the Caribbean Sea, these four luxury developments are gaining traction among homeowners and travelers.

By Brielle Bryan

Photo courtesy of Mahogany Bay Village

Photo courtesy of Four Seasons Caye Chapel

Four Seasons Private Estates Caye Chapel
Located in the heart of Belize’s largest marine sanctuary, this private island invites guests to connect with nature while enjoying the level of personal service and luxurious amenities that Four Seasons offers. Opening in 2021, Caye Chapel will feature approximately 50 Four Seasons Private Estates, with opportunities starting at $2 million.
Erasing the line between indoor and outdoor, these exclusive lots encourage owners to take advantage of the unparalleled access to the natural environment of Belize through boat expeditions, snorkeling, paddle boarding, diving, mainland exploration and more. In addition to the private estates, the 2.5-mile island of Caye Chapel will feature a 100-room Four Seasons Resort, 35 Private Residences, a private airstrip, a Fabien Cousteau Nature and Conservation Institute, an 18-hole Greg Norman golf course, bustling Harbor and Marina village, world-class dining options and a stylish Beach Club.

The Ellysian
The Ellysian is owned by Belize’s Prime Minister’s wife, Kim Barrow, and opened in May of 2017. The boutique property is ideally located within the charming and vibrant village of Placencia, placed perfectly along Belize’s Southern Coast. Upon arrival, guests are immersed into an incomparably lush escape that is in walking distance to local artisan shops, restaurants and sites the village has to offer.

There are 12 beautiful rooms at The Ellysian, consisting of beach view studios and one-bedroom suites. The limited number of suites at The Ellysian ensures guests are afforded privacy and a higher standard of personalized service. Each suite is fitted with a private veranda, viewing either the Caribbean sea or the famous sidewalk center of the village. The boutique hotel values making a difference in the community, and as a result, it supports several charitable organizations such as the Belize Cancer Center and The Placencia Humane Society.

Photos courtesy of The Ellysian

Mahogany Bay Village
Mahogany Bay Village is a fresh and energized take on the conventional resort community. The Village is made up of Belize’s first global luxury branded resort, a collection of customizable homes, and a bustling retail marketplace. Located on the soulful island of Ambergris Caye, Mahogany Bay Village, which just opened in December, sits no more than 10 minutes from the colorful eateries and shops of the historic San Pedro Town.

Photos courtesy of Mahogany Bay Village

Dream Hotel Group
In January, the Dream Hotel Group announced the development of two new hotels in Belize: Unscripted Belize and Dream Belize. The first of the two Belize openings for the group, Unscripted Belize, will debut in late 2018 with 24 beachfront cabana accommodations that will be steps away from the Caribbean Sea. With an open-air concept, the property will also feature an outdoor restaurant and bar, an expansive pool area and two private boats for snorkeling and scuba diving.
In 2020, Dream Belize will feature 100 guestrooms and suites, 120 hotel condominiums and 40 branded residential home sites. Also included will be four vibrant dining and nightlife concepts, three pools, a luxury spa and fitness center and multiple coworking suites to round out the dynamic resort offerings.

Photo courtesy of Gensler

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Adventure Photographer seeking Ultimate Storytellers

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Photographers, writers and videographers can enter with the chance to win money, mentorship and an “adventure mobile.”

By Brielle Bryan

Travis Burke, the widely followed adventure photographer, is on a quest to find some of the most talented individuals who are looking to tell a story through their art. Burke started the Ultimate Storyteller contest to encourage others to follow their dreams and embrace their creativity, which he decided to do four years ago when he took a huge leap of faith. With just $81 to his name, Burke decided to trust his instincts and set out to follow his passion. This calling has taken him around the country in a van or “adventure mobile,” which Burke affectionately refers to as “Betty the Grey Wolf.”

Through the Ultimate Storyteller contest, Burke is seeking entries from photographers, writers and videographers, and will be choosing winners based on their works’ creativity and authenticity. The contest is accepting admissions during the entire month of May, and winners will enter with the chance to receive “Betty the Grey Wolf,” $6,000 worth of gear and a one-on-one mentorship with Burke himself.

Burke hopes to share his personal experiences with aspiring artists seeking adventure. Burke has visited the backroads of Vermont during Fall to photograph a covered bridge under the star-filled night sky. He’s captured the dangerous, yet stunningly beautiful ice caves in Washington and spent months in Utah exploring some of the longest and deepest slot canyons in the world in search for the perfect light. Burke is following his dreams, wherever they take him — chasing inspiring images and capturing them for everyone to see.
Burke’s breathtaking pictures feature the unending beauty of the natural world. A trademark of his images is the human touch — a man on a cliff admiring the beauty before him, a trio trekking through rock formations, a couple kissing under a waterfall. Burke said that his photographs help people experience the emotion and grandeur of a location so that they can imagine themselves being there.

Along his journey, the avid athlete can be found walking slacklines over canyons, freediving through caves in the ocean and just pushing himself and the boundaries of his craft. Burke has enjoyed the insight and experiences that he has gained from his travels. It’s a life that has fed his soul. Now Burke wants to pay it forward!

Photos courtesy of Travis Burke Photography

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WSDG Designs Brazil’s First World-Class Recording Studio

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This super high-end recording facility is perched atop a scenic bluff overlooking the pristine Minas Gerais mountain range.

By Brielle Bryan

Global architectural acoustic consulting firm Walters-Storyk Design Group announced the opening of Brazil’s first world-class, destination recording facility, Sonastério Studios. A 30-minute drive from Belo Horizonte, the luxurious home is a collaboration between famed Brazilian architect João Diniz and WSDG, and was created for the famous musician and engineer Bruno Barros.

The modernistic glass and concrete 8,000 square foot structure is meticulously well appointed, and features a 1,500-square-foot world-class recording studio with 20-foot-high ceilings. This super high-end recording facility is also perched atop a scenic bluff overlooking the pristine Minas Gerais mountain range.

“Sonastério Studios is a work of art in itself,” Barros said. “More than just a recording studio, Sonastério is a house of creation designed to enhance the natural expressiveness of each artist.”

WSDG was engaged during the earliest phases of the project to ensure a seamless integration of the recording studio component — a key requirement of Barros from the beginning. WSDG has designed nearly 4,000 media production facilities worldwide. Its projects range from Jimi Hendrix’s Electric Lady Studio and Jazz At Lincoln Center in New York to broadcast facilities for The Food Network, CBS and WNET. WSDG has additionally designed private studios for Green Day, Jay-Z, Bruce Springsteen, Alicia Keys and Academy Award-nominated film composer Carter Burwell.

In addition to this showcase home’s recording studio, which features an SSL 924 recording console, it has three guest bedrooms, 5-star amenities, abundant natural lighting and drop-dead gorgeous views from both indoor and outdoor spaces.

Photos courtesy of WSDG

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NYC Rooftop destinations provide residents unbeatable views

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196 Orchard and One West End, two highly anticipated developments, are dedicated to providing rich outdoor areas and amenities for homeowners.

By Brielle Bryan

196 Orchard
This development is a limited collection of studio to four-bedroom condominium residences, featuring a 4,100-square-foot landscaped rooftop terrace with sweeping city views, a sky lawn, cabana seating, two chef’s tables and two Alfresco kitchens. The 11-story building also features private courtyards and terraces that are up to 1,634 square feet.
“The Lower East Side has never seen anything like this,” said Jordan Brill, a partner at Magnum Real Estate Group and the developer of 196 Orchard. “We have exposed cement ceilings, but we have beautiful European hardwood floors and top-of-the-line finishes — it’s a direct expression of what we view the Lower East Side to be, which is deep-rooted in great authenticity.”
The building has oversized, dramatic metallic bronze industrial-styled casement windows with imported hand-laid Gilded Bronze glazed Spanish brick surroundings, and is crowned by private rooftop gardens.

One West End
Located on the corner of 59th Street and West End Avenue, this pre-eminent residential tower offers a 12,000-square-foot rooftop terrace overlooking the Hudson River and architect Christian de Portzamparc’s Riverside Center. Developed by Elad Group and Silverstein Properties, this 42-story building is comprised of 246 light-filled one- to four-bedroom residences, with two stunning penthouses.
“It was important to create a quiet, welcoming and relaxing environment,” said Samantha Sax, the chief marketing and design officer of Elad Group.
Fine craftsmanship touches every aspect of these homes, from the bespoke cabinetry to a brushed bronze newspaper box on the entry door. “One West End brings together a roster of distinguished leaders in architecture and design to seamlessly offer resort-style living to residents,” Sax said. 

Additionally, there is a two-story, 30,000-square-foot Equinox Fitness Center and Spa with a private entrance, which occupies the second and third floors of the building. 
“We were always designing a roof, but when we were able to sign Equinox as our tenant, and they put in a flagship gym, we decided to expand on that and create a lifestyle for our residents — not just another simple amenity,” Brill said.
 The Equinox Fitness Center will include a yoga and Pilates studio, juice bar and lounge in addition to all of the other training and cardio features the gym has to offer.
This building is located near iconic restaurants, which makes this home perfect for anyone seeking a luxury lifestyle.
“The Lower East Side has really maintained its identity and anybody looking for a real New York experience is attracted to our building,” Brill said. 

One West End is the first and tallest condominium to welcome residents within Riverside Center, and offers a wide variety of amenities, including an expansive fitness center with studio space for yoga, Pilates and personal training, spa treatment rooms and a swimming pool.
“The building has over 35,000 square feet of amenities that are all located above-ground, which is quite unique for a property in New York City,” Sax said.
 The property is debuting a 12,000-square-foot terrace this spring, and it will include beautiful landscaping and cabanas, as well as space for grilling and entertaining.

Photos courtesy of Williams New York

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Hapuna Beach Residences Debut at Hawaiian Resort

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MaunaKeaLiving.com and Hapuna Realty announce new oceanfront condominiums on the Big Island.

By Brielle Bryan

Set within the iconic Mauna Kea Resort on the lush western coast of Hawaii — the legendary destination where modern island luxury was born — a new collection of exceptional residences is reinventing the beloved resort for the next generation. Just mere steps from two of Hawaii’s most celebrated beaches, with sweeping views from the snow-capped Mauna Kea volcano all the way to Maui, the Hapuna Beach Residences present a rare and limited opportunity to own one of the last and most coveted beachfront properties in all of Hawaii.
The Residences promise an exhilarating beachfront lifestyle that embraces the warm and welcoming spirit of aloha. Limited to just 62 owners in total, the spacious and sophisticated residences offer unobstructed views from each of the four distinctive floor plans, ranging from one to four bedrooms and up to 3,400 square feet. The initial release offers 17 of the most exceptional properties in the collection along with exclusive benefits for debut release buyers.

“Early buyers are afforded the benefit of locking in one of the most favored properties at the debut rate, as well as the added luxury of customizing select finishes, and first choice selection of an original work from Hawaiian painter Jaline Pol, our artist in residence,” said Tomo Matsumoto, owner of Hapuna Realty, the dedicated brokerage exclusively representing the property.

Guided by two of Hawaii’s most respected firms — de Reus Architects and Philpotts Interiors — the Residences reinterpret island luxury for the modern age. Elegantly understated interiors and open living areas with floor-to-ceiling windows flow into well-appointed chef’s kitchens with Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances — all connected by expansive oceanfront glass terraces that maximize the indoor and outdoor lifestyle of living just steps from the beach. The contemporary décor is strong and subtle, with warm wood accents and a neutral color palette that allow the serene lushness of the land to shine.

“Hapuna Beach Residences promise to be an incomparable living environment — private, quietly exclusive and in all ways visually and spiritually invigorating.” Matsumoto said. “It’s the perfect setting for entertaining or spending time with family against the backdrop of a magnificent Hawaiian sunset.”

The Residences are the latest offering to come to market from MaunaKeaLiving.com’s collection of new contemporary living options within the resort, and have a starting price of $1,500,000. Along with the one-of-a-kind Hapuna Beach Villa — a spectacular four bedroom, 10,600 square foot private oceanfront estate — and Hapuna Estates homesites, the Residences are part of a multi-million-dollar transformation bringing fresh excitement to the Mauna Kea. At the centerpiece of the expansive refresh is the new Westin Hapuna Beach Resort; a dramatic $46 million renovation which debuted in March, with transformed common spaces, refreshed dining experiences, beautifully re-imagined guest rooms and an invigorating new wellness and workout center. Owners can easily access the hotel’s amenities, as well as those at the neighboring Mauna Kea Beach Hotel.  

Owners have the opportunity to join The Club at Mauna Kea, considered the most active and vibrant club on the island. Members enjoy preferred tee times at two world-class courses, and there is a lively social scene at the Seaside Tennis Club, named one of the world’s top five tennis experiences. Three fitness centers, inspiring dining options and a revitalizing spa rejuvenate and refuel the mind, body and soul. Owners also have exclusive access to the new Amaui Club at Mauna Kea Resort, with fitness activities, massages, men’s and women’s locker rooms with steam showers, a pool, water slide and barbecue area.

Photos courtesy of Hapuna Beach Residences

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DUBAI SOON TO DEBUT FIRST SUPER PRIME LUXURY RESIDENCES

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Opening in late 2019, The Royal Atlantis Resort and Residences will immerse its guests and residents in a world of unrivaled ocean views, lush green spaces and incredible dining and entertainment experiences.

By Brielle Bryan

Enhancing the landscape of Dubai, The Royal Atlantis Resort and Residences will be the first ‘Super Prime’ residences of its kind in Dubai. To be located on the crescent of The Palm Island next to the existing resort called Atlantis, The Palm, The Royal Atlantis will provide a rich cultural and sophisticated lifestyle experience to all its guests and residents. All who visit or live within this luxurious expanse will find themselves immersed in a world of unrivaled ocean views, lush green spaces and incredible dining and entertainment experiences.
Opening in late 2019, this luxurious 43-story building will offer 231 residential homes comprised of two, three, four and five-bedroom residences including skycourts, penthouses and garden suites ranging from 1,434 to 17,088 square feet. The property will offer more than 90 swimming pools in total, a Givenchy Spa, Beach Club and bespoke interior styling and art work by Sybille de Margerie.
New York City’s Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates designed the exterior of The Royal Atlantis, while the interiors of each hotel guest room and suite were designed by London-based G.A Design. David Mexico Design Group, renowned for creating a new paradigm in architecture and design, created Dubai’s newest icon, a sky-high infinity sky pool, elevated at 295-feet. Similarly, another ground level central water feature encompasses jaw-dropping fire and water elements by Californian master creators, WET Design.
Kerzner International, which owns multiple luxury hotel resorts including Atlantis, The Palm, will be bringing The Royal Atlantis to Dubai. Renowned for innovative food and beverage concepts, Kerzner International has a series of new world-class restaurants with award-winning celebrity chefs for The Royal Atlantis, as well as new entertainment experiences. Similarly, residents and guests will have access to the existing 23 dining establishments at Atlantis, The Palm at their fingertips, bringing a Michelin Star chef directly into their private residence at The Royal Atlantis.
Sybarites that stay in The Royal Atlantis can adventure nearby and discover exotic marine life at The Lost Chambers Aquarium at Atlantis, The Palm, take the plunge at Aquaventure Waterpark or indulge in culinary lessons.

Photo courtesy of the Property of The Royal Atlantis Residences

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