FACT checks into the capitals latest five-star opening for a weekend of theme parks, fun and destination dining.
The sleek and contemporary Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island is the latest five-star hotel to open in the UAE capital. Forming a centrepiece of the new Yas Bay development, the luxurious property offers 545 rooms, numerous dining options, a stunning central swimming pool and Abu Dhabi’s first eforea spa.
Arriving at the waterfront property, tucked away behind Yas Leisure Drive, we are greeted by an abundance of smiles as we pass through the entrance and into the modern lobby. Our first impression combines a sense of wonderment with a distinct feeling of homeliness, and despite a busy check-in, the staff are courteous and accommodating.
Designed with contemporary touches, the resort-style property is inspired by the ocean and offers a soothing, tranquil palette of neutral colours and natural textured materials. The calming neutral hues extended throughout the communal areas, where the carpets are patterned like waves lapping at a sandy shoreline, and into the chic guest rooms.
Suite Indulgence:
Walking into our King One-Bedroom Suite, we’re filled with a sense of warmth similar to that of visiting our childhood home. You enter into a living room to find a large sofa waiting to be lounged upon. There’s a small dining table just behind it, ready to take on your hungry room service orders, alongside a sink and tea and coffee making facilities. The spacious 58sqm space sprawls out into a separate bedroom with a large bed, writing desk, and plenty of storage space. Keep walking and you’ll enter the luxurious bathroom with a perfectly placed bathtub, illuminated mirrors and appealing walk-in rainfall shower.
The vibe we get from the layout and neutral décor of sand and grey hues is the feeling of total sanctuary. Here, time seems to slow down and lets you chill out; whether you’re watching the 55-inch flat-screen TV, checking your emails, having an afternoon snooze or taking a long soak, there’s absolutely no rush – exactly how life should be when staying in a five-star hotel.
We particularly loved that the suite offered a spacious balcony, with views overlooking the swimming pool, waterfront and the neighbourhoods of Al Zeina, Al Bandar and Al Raha Beach. When we needed a moment of quiet to appreciate our surroundings, this was the ideal place to do it from and at night, the view was even more spectacular!
The accommodation at Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island successfully manages to become an extension of guests’ own homes and living spaces, making for a comfortable, family-friendly stay.
Innovative Dining:
The resort offers a host of restaurant concepts that cater to all guests, whether it may be a daytime brunch, poolside snack or a relaxed evening dinner. Under Executive Chef John Buenaventura’s guidance, the hotel’s all-day-dining restaurant, Graphos Social Kitchen, redefines the way we think about day to night dining. Offering a plentiful buffet of international favourites, from live stations for dim sum and sushi to quirky salads presented in flower pots. The multi-levelled restaurant space is colourful, welcoming, and offers a unique breakfast, lunch, and dinner experience.
Poolside, you’ll discover Capila Pool Bar & Grill, featuring a menu of refreshing salads, flatbreads, healthy bowls, and charcoal-grilled anticuchos accompanied by poolside beats beside the shimmering waters.
Finally, Osmo – Lounge and Bar is the place to fill up on snacks, your morning cup of coffee, or to indulge in an exquisite afternoon tea presented within a bento box. The venue is conveniently licensed, making it ideal for sundowners overlooking the waters of Yas Bay.
Refined Relaxation:
Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island has clearly been designed as a family-friendly destination. The resort offers a sizeable temperature-controlled pool flanked by palm trees and offering pockets of privacy for those searching for fun in the sun. The centre of the pool features a colonnade of dancing fountains that move in sync and make us feel as though we’ve escaped into a Busby Berkeley musical.
The resort also boasts one of the most impressive kids clubs we’ve seen. More than just video games and a movie room, the Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island features a splash park where palm trees shoot out water jets, plus a playground, cinema and an abundance of arts and crafts, all led by a dedicated recreation team.
For adults, the property features Abu Dhabi’s first eforea spa. Ideal for a spot of pampering, guests can opt for body scrubs, wraps, facials, and massages, with separate female and male facilities allowing guests to relax and enjoy the whirlpool, steam room and sauna. We couldn’t resist the Magnesium Rebalance Massage designed to relieve muscle fatigue and improve sleep via a deep aromatherapy massage reinforced by magnesium’s healing properties.
A stay at Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island also allows each registered guest room one park general admission ticket, valid for Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld or Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi’s newest five-star resort embraces its family-friendly approach and proximity to the diverse leisure and entertainment attractions on Yas Island. The luxurious accommodation acts as a base from which to experience all of the thrills that the island offers, from retail therapy at Yas Mall to theme parks, destination dining and circumnavigating the Yas Marina Circuit.
Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island is also expected to open a restaurant and beach club from Cafe Del Mar in the latter half of 2021. Watch this space…
GO: Visit www.hilton.com for reservations and more information.
