Hotels and Resorts

One of the biggest landmarks in Abu Dhabi, the lavish Emirates Palace hotel was developed at a cost of US$3 billion (AED11 billion) and commenced operations in 2005. Located on West Corniche Road, around 30 minutes away from Abu Dhabi International Airport by car, the hotel offers 394 luxury rooms and suites, with many of the latter furnished in gold and marble. Onsite facilities include two swimming pool areas, two gyms, a luxury spa, four tennis courts, dedicated ‘energy’ and ‘kids’ zones, and water sport facilities for sailing, snorkelling and windsurfing.In addition, there are 15 dining venues, covering Emirati, Italian, Chinese, Lebanese and various other cuisine from around the world. As you would expect, the surroundings of Emirates Palace hotel are equally impressive, with a flawless private beach that stretches over 1.3km, in addition to 100 hectares of stunning landscaped gardens with 8,000 trees.

Situated on a pristine white beach and framed by a world-class golf club, the location of the St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort is considered one of Abu Dhabi’s most scenic. The resort, which has been designed with stylish contemporary interiors and Mediterranean-style architecture, includes 312 guest rooms and 61 suites, with stunning views of either Saadiyat Beach or Saadiyat Beach Club. Alternatively, to experience true indulgence, you can book one of three individually-themed Spa Suites (Moroccan, Thai and Contemporary) or reserve the majestic Royal Suite, a 2000 square metre duplex with five bedrooms, a private pool and ocean-facing terrace. Another highlight of the St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort is the region’s first Iridium Spa, while dining options include Mediterranean-influenced cuisine at Olea, Southeast Asian fare at Sontaya, and fresh seafood at the Turquoiz beach restaurant. The resort also features a 3000 square metre ballroomand four meeting rooms for conferences, meetings and other events.

Offering traditional Arabic hospitality in a contemporary setting, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr features a combination of 369 guest rooms and suites. The five-star hotel has a beachfront location with stunning views of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Abu Dhabi creek, which can be truly appreciated at one of its award-winning restaurants, such as Frankie’s Italian Restaurant & Bar, Marco Pierre White Steakhouse & Grill, and Al Naba'a Lounge. If you have a sweet tooth, don’t missing The Chocolate Gallery, where guests can indulge in the confectionery delights of expert chocolatiers. In addition, the resort has state-of-the-art conference facilities, including six meeting rooms, a 945 square metre ballroom and outdoor event spaces, making it popular for corporate events. Finally, for health and fitness enthusiasts, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr offers an Olympic-length outdoor swimming pool, together with a covered pool for children, a mixed-use gym (plus a separate facility for women) and private sandy beaches.

Jumeirah at Etihad Towers is a five-star hotel operated by the Dubai-based Jumeirah Group, offering 382 rooms and suites, in addition to 199 serviced residences. With stunning views of Abu Dhabi Corniche and the Arabian Gulf, the hotel includes some of the UAE capital’s largest facilities for corporate and social events, together with recreational facilities such as a private beach, fully-equipped gym, three swimming pools and the luxurious Talise spa. For mouth-watering cuisine, there’s a generous supply of dining options on hand, from the signature Li Beirut and Scott's restaurants to the casual Tori No Su, Brasserie Angélique and Rosewater eateries, to name a few. The hotel itself is a central part of the ambitious Etihad Towers complex, which also contains an office tower and three residential towers. Additional highlights at the flagship development include an observation deck (offering the highest vantage point of Abu Dhabi), two levels of boutique shopping and a women’s beauty salon.