Atlantis The Royal was acknowledged for its excellence during the inaugural Michelin Keys global award ceremony in Paris on Wednesday night, bringing home a three-key distinction.
The hotel also received a special award for architecture and design earlier in the evening. It opened in Dubai in February 2023, the second Atlantis hotel on Palm Jumeirah.
Four hotels from the UAE were awarded two keys, including Burj Al Arab, one of the skyline's most prominent designs; and 15 hotels around the Emirates got one key apiece.
While the Michelin Guide has designated stars to restaurants since 1926, Wednesday's event marked the first global hotel awards in which the tyre-turned-lifestyle brand began handing out keys to properties across the world on the same platform, rather than doing so by country-only.
The ceremony, which took place at the Museum of Decorative Arts, had industry professionals and international media gather in the French capital.
Three keys winners
Thirty-eight hotels around the world were granted three keys at the inaugural ceremony. Alongside Atlantis The Royal, other winners in the wider region are Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet and La Mamounia in Marrakesh.
Much like the culinary equivalent of three stars, three keys represents an extraordinary stay, deemed the ultimate in comfort, service, style and elegance. The accolade suggests a hotel that would attract visitors to the destination in its own right, for a stay that doubles as the “trip of a lifetime”.
Two key winners
The four UAE hotels that were honoured with two keys are: Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental Abu Dhabi; Bulgari Resort Dubai; Jumeirah Burj Al Arab and One&Only The Palm.
Other Mena properties recognised are Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheik in Egypt; Royal Mansour in Morocco; and La Fiermontina Ocean in Morocco.
Two keys highlight exceptional and unique stays, with charm, character and eye-catching design or architecture. A total of 231 hotels took home two keys.
One key winners
Fifteen establishments in the UAE received one key, of which representatives from the following hotels were at the event to pick up their plaques: Erth Abu Dhabi, Jumeirah Saadiyat Island and The St Regis Dubai, The Palm.
Other Abu Dhabi properties that were recognised with one key are: Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers; Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island; Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island; Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara; and Rosewood Abu Dhabi. In Dubai, one-key hotels include Address Beach Resort; Al Maha, A Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa; Armani Hotel Dubai; Bab Al Shams, A Rare Finds Desert Resort; ME Dubai by Melia; The Lana - Dorchester Collection; and The St Regis Downtown Dubai.
One key represents a “true gem” within the hospitality scene; a hotel that either breaks the mould, offers something a bit different or is one of the best at what it does, with added extra-mile service.
During the ceremony, 60 establishments worldwide were given one key. “Awarding a first key is a special moment, because that’s when a property becomes part of the Michelin Key family,” said Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin Guide.
Special awards
Four special awards opened the evening, with the Burman Hotel in Estonia taking home the first prize for Opening of the Year. The property, which launched in March, was lauded as being a standout newcomer.
Next came the Architecture and Design Award, which recognises an establishment that gives guests an unforgettable experience through its distinctive aesthetic. Atlantis The Royal was crowned the winner. “To really produce extraordinary moments – from the arrival to the stay – everyone in this room has the same vision. But we are very fortunate to have such an iconic building in Dubai and the Middle East,” a hotel representative said.
Burgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne in Switzerland won the Wellness Award, thanking the team who gave the resort its “soul”. This award recognises a hotel's pioneering and holistic programme that genuinely nurtures mind, body and spirit.
The Local Gateway Award, meanwhile, was awarded to La Fiermontina Ocean, nestled in Morocco's Atlas Mountains. The gong recognises a hotel that offers an immersive connection to its surroundings.
What are Michelin Keys?
Similar to star ratings for restaurants, Michelin Keys aim to direct travellers to stellar hotels and resorts.
With the same rigour as they do for the culinary scene, Michelin's anonymous inspectors independently review the hotels, being mindful of five criteria: overall quality of the stay, individuality, service, design and consistency.
While this is the first global ceremony, the rollout began earlier this year with about 1,500 hotels recognised in 15 destinations, including France, Spain, the UK, US and Thailand.
After the inaugural ceremony in Paris, 2,457 hotels worldwide now have one, two or three Michelin keys.
Poullennec said that 125 years after Michelin launched its first guide, the Michelin Keys aim to highlight hotels that stand out for exceptional stays, where design, service and location come together to create memorable experiences.
“With their unique field expertise and on-the-ground approach, Michelin Guide inspectors have selected the finest properties from across the globe, reflecting the diversity and excellence of today’s hospitality landscape,” he said. “Whether travellers seek iconic resorts, historic city hotels or hidden gems off the beaten path, the Michelin Keys provide a trusted guide to discover, explore and book stays that inspire and delight.”
