Located seven minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi and 20 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport, The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort promises opulence every step of the way. By Bayar Jain
There’s plenty on offer at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi. Overlooking a glistening white-sand beach and blue waters of the Arabian Gulf, this five-star resort is a destination in itself. Boasting a pre-eminent address on the island, the resort is an immersive experience right from the get-go.
Stay
Step inside and discover the Mediterranean-inspired architecture and contemporary interiors. The accommodation options at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort also offer expansive views of the Arabian Gulf; some of them are paired with private balconies. Smooth Calcutta marble floors, chisel edge stones, sustainable teak, and woven cane rattans complete the interiors. Mirroring the surrounding natural environs, the resort has a beach-inspired sand, brown, and white palette complemented by rich turquoise, red, and coral accents. The lavishly-appointed rooms feature luxury amenities, complimentary WiFi, and a refreshment centre. The Royal Suite, a duplex spreading across the hotel’s two upper levels, sports additional hues of sea mist, teal, and blue. Some of the other accommodation types on offer are a two-bedroom Majestic Suite, two-bedroom Executive Suite, Contemporary Suite, Ocean Suite, and Astor Suite.
Dine
Six restaurants bring global flavours to the guests at the resort. Begin your gastronomic journey at the iconic Buddha-Bar Beach Abu Dhabi. Famed for its Pacific Rim delicacies, exotic interiors, and signature music, the beachside dining experience extends to the Saadiyat beach as well. Seasonal menus and venues take centrestage at this day-to-night destination, giving its diners a unique experience. At the Mediterranean-themed Oléa, live cooking stations as well as à la carte menu options await. Located at the first level, the all-day dining venue comes with panoramic ocean views courtesy of its floor-to-ceiling glass windows, and indoor and al fresco seating options.
Head to Sontaya for a taste of Southeast Asia. Floating among a series of interconnected pools and overlooking the resort’s white beaches, the pavilions and terrace at Sontaya are where you can enjoy Southeast Asian fare and signature cocktails. To amp the romantic vibe, Sontaya also offers two separate private dining areas. While the one indoors can cater for up to 20 guests, and the other one extending outdoors can accommodate a party of 50.
MAZI Abu Dhabi draws inspiration from Greece’s shared culinary tradition, and invites diners to experience superb flavours of traditional Greek dishes with a modern twist, world-class beverages, and a great selection of Greek grapes. The Drawing Room in the lobby of the resort offers handmade sweets from the onsite pastry shop and breakfast snacks. The venue also hosts the timeless St. Regis Afternoon Tea Ritual. The Manhattan Lounge is the place to start the evening or finish the day on a strong note.
Reserve your afternoons for the Lady Astor Afternoon Tea. It is a tradition that began with Caroline Astor, mother of St. Regis’ founder John Jacob Astor IV, who loved hosting intimate gatherings with her closest friends. Held every day from 2 pm to 6 pm, this ritual features a wide selection of home-made cakes and scrumptious pastries to pair with the resort’s special-blend tea.
Experience
The resort also offers a bouquet of other experiences that spell luxury. Take the Iridium Spa for instance. A destination spa with 12 treatment suites, along with steam and sauna facilities, hammam, and a generous relaxation area, this wellness sanctuary offers internationally-acclaimed therapies that blend traditional remedies with modern technology. The Saadiyat Beach Golf Club is the Arabian Gulf’s maiden beachfront course, and gives guests an exceptional golf experience courtesy of an innovative green course designed by ace golfer Gary Player. More fitness offerings await at The St. Regis Athletic Club, which comes with a state-of-the-art gym offering a juice bar, 25-metre lap pool, a tennis court, two squash courts, and a studio.
Most guests, however, can be seen splashing about in the many pools at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi. Guests can relax in the outdoor lap pool on the private beach where hawksbill turtles and dolphins seek refuge, or enjoy a private underwater workout at the indoor lap pool. While younger guests can get busy in the outdoor children’s pool complete with waterfalls and toys, adults can enjoy quality time in the exclusive adult pool too. The spectacular view of the Arabian Gulf and bespoke St. Regis Butler Service are sure to take these experiences a notch higher.
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