Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers is the perfect spot for a city break, FACT’s David Tapley checks in for a weekend of comfort, luxury and dazzling dining.
Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers should require little introduction to residents and visitors to the UAE because the glass structures can be seen on fridge magnets, postcards and memorabilia throughout the capital.
Comprising of five slender towers rising from the ground like shards of glass, the majestic Etihad Towers complex penetrates the skyline for all to see. More than just a five-star hotel and residential complex, this lifestyle destination saw Hollywood superstars Vin Diesel and Paul Walker jump a Lykan HyperSport supercar between the towers in the 2015 movie Fast & Furious 7, cementing the structure into movie history in the process.
The stunt may be memorable but perhaps not as impressive as Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers. The luxury hotel can be found within one of the glittering skyscrapers and is home to 382 rooms and suites, an elegant spa, a private beach, and eclectic restaurants. The property is, without a doubt, one of the most sensational spots for a staycation in Abu Dhabi.
Situated on the upper level of a spiralled podium, the design exudes elegance and class. Think deep carpets, gold embroidery and gurgling water features, though it’s the five spherical lamps pulsating above the lobby that are most likely to be remembered.
A haven of refined luxury
Our Deluxe King Room is located on the hotel’s upper levels, and we are immediately wowed by the impressive view from the floor-to-ceiling windows. All rooms at Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers offer either cityscape or sea views and we were more than happy with the latter.
Rooms are comfortable and stylish, offering chic interiors to complement those majestic views. The spaces have been designed for relaxation, whether after a business meeting or a day at the beach. Aside from the large king bed, with its fluffy pillows and a delightful duvet that made it hard for us to get out of bed each morning, the room also features remote-controlled curtains and lights, a 42-inch widescreen interactive HD LED TV and complimentary wi-fi access. Meaning we could stream Netflix and post on Instagram until our hearts were content.
Clocking in a generous 50sqm, these Deluxe Rooms put convenience first. A handy connectivity hub allowed us to easily hook up our various devices, so we could play music via the in-room speakers and watch movies from our laptop on the TV. An inviting chaise longue made for the perfect reading and napping area, come late afternoon when the sunlight hits just right.
A bathroom with a separate shower area is more luxurious than one might expect, clad in marble and featuring detailed mosaic tiling in gold. With toiletry bottles shaped like the towers themselves, it’s as if no detail has been overlooked in planning a memorable guest experience.
Lobby Lounging
The lobby lounge offers a meeting point in the centre of the hotel. Bathed in natural light, the space acts as a hub for guests and visitors while providing picturesque ocean views. The comfortable leather seating makes for an excellent option to spend an afternoon, whether it’s drinks, lunch or a light snack you’re after. The lobby lounge has garnered quite the reputation for having one of the best afternoon teas in town and we’re inclined to agree. A range of hot beverages are offered, accompanied by a pleasing selection of savoury sandwiches and sweet treats showcasing premium ingredients. Yet it’s the show that we will most likely remember. Yes, you heard correctly. Afternoon Tea at this five-star address comes with a show!
The Up in the Air afternoon tea presents outstanding performances, where each act centres around a distinct theme to narrate a story through the main character’s perspective. We don’t want to spoil the surprise, but you can expect out-of-the-box props consisting of pianos, helium balloons and more. Kids and adults will be enchanted by complex acrobatic techniques on a hotel cart, elegant dances by stunning ballerinas and a show-stopping moment during which performers are suspended from an enormous helium ball high above the heads of diners.
Le Petit Chef
Up In The Air is not the only show you’ll see when visiting Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, as the hotel is also currently home to daily performances from Le Petit Chef. A dining experience where bright white table cloths are illuminated using cutting-edge 3D technology and digital mapping to transform your plate and the tabletop into an interactive culinary theatre, complete with visuals and striking sound effects. Over 90 fun-filled minutes, diners are taken on a journey through different environments as the clumsy but endearing chef prepares a five-course menu that will delight even the most jaded of diners. The seamlessness with which the themed music, props and holograms combine is impressive, resulting in what could easily be considered one of the capitals most memorable dining experiences.
Rest, relaxation and recreation
One of the advantages of a staycation in the UAE is the ability to relax at the beach without having to hop on a flight. Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers boasts pristine pools and a pleasant section of private beachfront.
We spent much of our stay lazing by the water’s edge and topping up our tan on a swathe of golden sand that wraps around the base of the glistening glass towers. Even with social distancing measures in place, there are still more than enough sun loungers to go around and the warm shallow waters are perfect for little ones. There’s a small pontoon that you can swim out to, or for some additional pampering, a variety of treatments are offered at Conrad Spa.
Whether visiting for business, leisure or family-time, Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers have all the bases covered. Your stay will be comfortable and chic and it’s easy to see why this particular five-star property has become the jewel in the crown of the Abu Dhabi Corniche.
GO: Visit https://www.hilton.com for reservations and more information.
