Abu Dhabi, capital of United Arab Emirates, has a lot to offer to leisure travellers. New Louvre museum, Grand Mosque, Royal Palace are ‘must visit’ attraction for culture seekers, while families would really enjoy a visit to the theme parks – Ferrari World or Yas Water World. The desert in Abu Dhabi is amongst the most beautiful in the world and desert safari can be a lot of fun for those who haven’t done it yet.
Even if you travel somewhere else in the world and flying with Etihad, I would highly recommend a stop over in Abu Dhabi for a few days. The St. Regis Abu Dhabi is The Lux Traveller’s hotel of choice in this exciting city.
Location
Hotel is in a very central location, on Corniche, main street of Abu Dhabi, that runs along the sea. In colder months Corniche is a great place for a seaside walk or morning run. Fancy shopping centres, Emirates Palace and other attractions are within easy reach by taxi and airport is about 30 minutes away.
Accommodation
The St. Regis Abu Dhabi boasts some of the most elegant rooms and suites in the world, located in a modern tower overlooking the Arabian Gulf. From the minute you walk into the lobby you’ll see that this hotel was designed and built as The St Regis. It features the grand staircase, oversized crystal chandeliers, marble foyer, stunning flower arrangements. Discreet seated reception area is tucked away in a separate sala, a very sophisticated arrival process.
The St. Regis is very well know for its spacious guest rooms, they start from 45 sq m. Every room comes with sea view, marble bathrooms, luxurious bedding, butler service. As a guest of The St Regis you don’t even need to worry about laundry – you receive two complimentary items per day.
One of the most popular rooms for couples is Grand Deluxe Suite with incredible, uninterrupted sea views from every window, slight separation between the bedroom and sitting area by the oversized TV and huge bathroom with windows and round bathtub that can fit a couple.
I had a pleasure to experience St Regis suite. The suite felt more like home, than a hotel room. The suite has a very spacious living room with a dining table for four, lounge and TV area, guest powder room. Large bedroom with walk-in wardrobe and marble bathroom for two comes with a rain shower and bath, providing plenty of space for a family.
Dining
The breakfast is beautiful, with a huge selection of salads, dips, fruit, berries, yoghurts, cakes, pastries, hot stations, waffles, eggs – pretty much anything your heart desires you’d find here. What’s incredible – on the weekend the breakfast is served until 3pm.
For lunch there are a couple of options, depending on whether you are spending the day by the beach or not. For a casual meal you could enjoy light bites or burgers poolside at Cabana Beach Bar. The menu also offers healthy alternatives I loved, like freshly squeezed juices, smoothies, raw fish tartar for a light lunch.
For an elegant lunch or dinner you could venture out to Catch, superb fine dining seafood restaurant on the beach. You could admire chefs’ work at the open kitchen or simply delight in the view, food and atmosphere. I especially enjoyed the romantic atmosphere in the evening with live saxophone and a singer.
Facilities
One of the show stoppers at The St Regis is the Remede spa. It boasts amazing facilities with his and hers relaxation areas with sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi, experience showers, all finished with golden mosaics and floor to ceiling windows overlooking the Arabian Sea. The massage I had was divine and I highly recommend a visit to this spa to any spa lover, even if you are not staying in the hotel.
Beach is another highlight. It is connected to the hotel via underground tunnel, which means you don’t leave the property to get to the beach. The water is clean, beach service efficient and oversized cabanas very comfortable for lounging around.
Beachside pool is full of children, especially on the weekend, but there is another quieter outdoor pool on the Mezzanine level of the hotel. Better suited for adults looking forward to a calm dip.
The Lux Traveller Loves
I loved the timeless design, exquisite luxury, very impressive lobby, stunning rooms and home-sized suites. A visit to the spa is a must as well as dinner at Catch and swim at the private beach.
Splitting Hairs
On the first night I had very hard pillows that didn’t match the rest of the exquisite bedding. This issue was solved easily though, as hotel offers a selection of pillows for every taste.
All In All
Ten of ten for this hotel. It is the most tasteful and elegant hotel in Abu Dhabi and one of the best in the world.
