CHECK-IN
St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort Abu Dhabi’s handy location makes it good for stopovers, however its amenities are designed to attraction to long-stay company. Simply 20 minutes’ drive from the airport and 10 minutes from downtown, Saadiyat Island is being remodeled into a serious leisure vacation spot. Its clear seashore, lined with powdery white sand, is called the perfect seashore within the United Arab Emirates and you can find a few of Abu Dhabi’s finest resorts right here, together with the St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort.
THE LOOK
Banish all ideas of blinged-up Center Japanese interiors. The St Regis model is thought for its subtle design sensibility and this resort is not any exception, utilizing luxe supplies in a pared-back palette. As an alternative, it’s the hovering scale of the resort that makes an affect right here, significantly on arrival, when you’re met with views throughout the gardens and swimming pools to the seashore past, framed by triple-height home windows. A way of place comes courtesy of Center Japanese motifs scattered with a light-weight contact – within the lighting fixtures, for example, and within the delicate etchings on the again of the elevator doorways.
THE ROOM
My suite is extra of an residence, with separate lounge and sleeping areas, an outsized toilet with separate bathtub and bathe, views out throughout the water and a small balcony. St Regis resorts are recognized for his or her butler service, and never lengthy after I arrive one of many staff knocks on my door to introduce themselves. As is more and more widespread throughout the posh sector, WhatsApp is the really useful technique to contact them, they usually reply promptly to each request, whether or not it’s printing a doc or delivering some provider luggage. One small contact I recognize within the room is that the mini-bar has been left empty, permitting you to fill it with your individual drinks and snacks as a substitute of counting on the resort’s choice.
FOOD + DRINK
Aside from its beachside location, the St Regis’ glorious meals and beverage providing could also be its greatest promoting level. There are six separate eating places together with Olea, the Mediterranean restaurant that serves up a breakfast buffet that’s extraordinary even by Center Japanese requirements. Different highlights embody the Greek restaurant, Mazi Abu Dhabi – strive their excellent roast aubergine – and Signature 3, serving mild bites together with a wonderful rooster salad on a shady verandah. On a balmy night, chill on the beachside Buddha Bar Abu Dhabi, the place Asian-inspired bites are accompanied by cool beats. Go for one of many tables on the sand, kick off your footwear, and savour the tropical resort vibe.
OUT + ABOUT
Among the many company I chat to, many confess to hardly ever leaving the resort, preferring to calm down on the deckchairs on the seashore or within the cabanas by the varied swimming pools that provide each type of swim expertise, from family-friendly splash swimming pools to lap swimming pools. Golfers will love the truth that the 18-hole Gary Participant-designed Saadiyat Seashore Golf Membership is correct subsequent door. If you’re eager to discover, nevertheless, there’s loads inside simple attain, together with the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
THE VERDICT
Location, service, nice meals, and a seashore thrown in – St Regis Saadiyat Island ticks all of the containers.
ESSENTIALS
Charges from $700 an evening . See st-regis.marriott.com
HIGHLIGHT
The beachside setting and the abundance of eating choices provides this resort a laidback resort vibe.
LOWLIGHT
In a resort advanced this measurement, some folks might really feel there’s an excessive amount of strolling concerned – though I really like the chance to stretch my legs when it is too sizzling outdoors for a stroll.
OUR RATING OUT OF FIVE
★★★★
Ute Junker was a visitor of St Regis Accommodations.
