Away from chaotic city life, a pristine beachfront location awaits you in Abu Dhabi.
When it comes to a weekend beside the beach, we’re spoilt for choice here in the United Arab Emirates. But suppose you’re looking for a secluded escape with turquoise waters, a sandy shoreline, and stunning grounds. In that case, you can’t beat a stay at Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas on Saadiyat Island.
Upon arrival, the first thing that strikes us about Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas is the stunning view from the lobby overlooking the large pool lined with palm trees that lead the way to the natural beach. It’s a picturesque scene and we feel instantly relaxed. Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi is a five-star luxury beach resort nestled along a pristine stretch of Saadiyat’s environmentally-protected shoreline. Spoiler alert: You might see dolphins and Hawksbill sea turtles during your stay.
Room with a view
Following a swift check-in with the friendly front desk staff, we’re shown to our sea view room on the fourth floor, which overlooks the sprawling property and beach. The hotel houses 306 luxurious suites and villas, which are generously sized and our room boasts a large terrace which is the perfect spot to sit and relax with a book or your morning cup of coffee.
Contemporary in design, the rooms and suites feature complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen televisions, Nespresso machines and a minibar. We adore the open-plan marble bathroom with its spacious layout that includes a large freestanding Toto bathtub and walk-in rainfall shower.
At first, it’s a bit of a maze, with a hidden (and much welcomed) surprise behind every sliding door. But once settled, the rooms are chic and stylish without being over the top. Boasting a cosy, welcoming feel thanks to the neutral colour palette.
Delightful Dining
Combining elements of both Argentina and Lebanon, Maté promises a distinctive culinary experience that goes beyond food and drink. Here, the eclectic interior design delivers an unpretentious environment that is comfortable yet sophisticated, energetic yet relaxed. Stylish portraits of Argentinian and Lebanese legends Diego Maradona, Fairuz, Evita, and Che Guevara adorn the restaurant and bar walls.
While smoky and woody flavours reign supreme as most of the dishes are cooked on the open-fire brick grill, with some made directly on charcoal embers. Menu highlights include Yerba Maté Smoked Beef Tartare, Wood-Fire Tomato Salad with Hummus, Ember-Cooked Scallops with Burnt Avocado, Charcoal-Grilled Sweet Potato with Brown Butter (a FACT favourite), and Wagyu Tomahawk, which is flamed and sliced tableside to enhance the culinary experience.
Sangrias by the sea are a winning combination at Beach House. The relaxed Mediterranean-inspired restaurant serves a mix of Italian, Spanish and Middle Eastern cuisine. We love this multiple FACT Award-winner for its seafood-driven menu featuring pastas, risottos and main courses ranging from beef tagliata to a seafood platter. Overlooking the Saadiyat waters, the venue’s relaxed and tranquil setting makes for the ideal island retreat.
Elsewhere, The Cafe is a day-to-night restaurant that showcases international cuisines where a plentiful breakfast of made-to-order eggs, masala dosas and picture-perfect pastries are the perfect accompaniment to your morning caffineation.
Beach chic
When spending a weekend on Saadiyat, there is simply nothing better than heading to the beach. The beach and pool at this property are simply outstanding and you can easily spend the day on your comfortable sun lounger. The views are beautiful and the water at Saadiyat is crystal clear, which makes for a perfect day of swimming and relaxing.
There are so many reasons to love this luxury resort and one of them is Atarmia Spa. Spread over two floors, the spa features nine spacious treatment rooms, including one VIP couple’s treatment room as well as indoor and outdoor relaxation zones with privacy and separate areas for ladies and men. Elsewhere, the wellness centre offers a 25-metre outdoor lap pool, hydrotherapy facilities, a manicure and pedicure salon, a fitness room, a sauna, a steam room and a whirlpool – whew!
Stunning Saadiyat
Saadiyat is one of the capital’s most desirable destinations and offers a wealth of leisure activities, from sandy stretches of secluded beachfront to golfing, dining and plenty of culture in the form of Louvre Abu Dhabi and the forthcoming Guggenheim Abu Dhabi.
Away from the resort, there are many options to keep you entertained without leaving the island. For the culture vultures, a visit to Manarat Al Saadiyat is essential. For those in search of coffee culture and Insta-worthy views, the beachfront at Al Mamsha is a must. Don’t miss the Japanese delights at NIRI Restaurant and Bar or the best pizza in the capital, which can be found at Antonia.
If relaxation is on the agenda, head to the FACT Award-winning Saadiyat Beach Club for brunch and a beach day. If you want to experience something different, the newly-opened Abrahamic Family House is dedicated to the practice of faith, encompassing a mosque, a church, a synagogue, and shared spaces for gathering and dialogue.
Our stay at Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas was pure paradise. The property has so much to offer and the service is excellent, but it’s best if you want relaxation, lovely rooms and excellent food. No matter where you land on Saadiyat Island, you can’t go wrong.
GO: Visit www.hyatt.com for reservations and more information.
