Luxury and opulence are often words that can be used to describe many hotel properties in the capital but The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal is the true essence of five-star hospitality.
The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal wows from the moment you enter the large arches of the expansive driveway to reveal a truly stunning resort. Set amidst beautifully landscaped gardens, fountains and Venetian-inspired buildings, The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal offers a luxury beach resort experience mere minutes from the city centre.
Located across the road from the beautiful Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the hotel is somewhat of a dream destination that could easily resemble a grand resort found on the canal shores of Venice – with all the charm and elegance of Arabian hospitality.
Inspired by 15th to 17th Century Renaissance architecture, the property is enormous. With this in mind, one of the staff at reception will be happy to show you the way to your room, so there’s no chance of you wandering off in the wrong direction! If, like us, you like to explore hotels, then getting lost in this place is truly a delightful experience.
Luxurious Living
We stayed in a Two Bedroom Villa with views over Khor Al Maqta that featured a large garden terrace overlooking the verdant frangipani filled gardens and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. The villas are absolutely gorgeous and very spacious with a king-size bed, a great desk area for work and leisure, and a full marble bathroom with a large tub, separate rain shower and luxury amenities. Then there are all the five-star features such as the 42” LCD TV, tea and coffee-making facilities (with Nespresso machine), a safe, iron and ironing board that all make for a very comfortable stay. Every thought and detail has gone into these villas and you can easily spend an entire weekend without leaving the confines of the luxurious surroundings.
With a separate kitchen and living area, the expansive villa with its two spacious bedrooms complete with ensuite bathrooms provides a luxurious abode for families and larger groups looking for a refined and sophisticated hotel stay.
Dining Goals
For a taste of five-star dining, The Forge Steakhouse is a must when staying at this beautiful property. If you’re serious about your steak, The Forge is the perfect venue for an intimate meal or a fun group dinner. While meat is high on the agenda with a plethora of options from the US, Australia, Canada and South America, their succulent seafood is also top-notch.
For a taste of contemporary Lebanese delights, a visit to Mijana is a must. The menu features Lebanese favourites alongside regional specialities in a confluence of traditional and modern. Kick start the weekend on the terrace and enjoy Mixed Grill & Mezze Nights, which, as the name suggests, offers mezze and flavoursome mixed grills in a delightful Arabian setting on Thursday evenings.
Li Jiang is another firm favourite among the FACT team. This Southeast Asian restaurant features an open kitchen where diners can watch as the chefs prepare dim sum and traditional rice and noodle dishes.
Giornotte is an all-day dining restaurant with a difference. The name combines the Italian words for “day” and “night”, thus reflecting the very essence of this chic concept. Giornotte offers elevated Mediterranean cuisine in a charming space that resembles a lavish Italian Villa. The expansive breakfast spread includes live omelette stations, fresh bakery items and juices galore. Giornotte is also home to the exciting Chef’s Brunch held each Friday lunchtime, when the restaurant becomes a hub of activity with chef fronted live stations preparing everything from foie gras and sushi to burrata salads, dim sum, ceviche and seafood soups. It’s a culmination of all seven of The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi’s signature restaurants, yet it’s the plated desserts and beguiling cocktails that you’ll remember most fondly.
Fabulous Facilities
The one thing that we enjoyed during this stay at The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal, is the luxury of not having to leave the resort to enjoy our home-away-from-home holiday. One of the reasons why the hotel makes for a good anniversary, romantic getaway and even a weekend staycation spot is that it offers something for everyone! For little ones, Abu Dhabi’s largest swimming pool and children’s water play area will be a haven of fun, plus there’s the Ritz Kids Club which offers safe, friendly and fun recreational activities, allowing mum and dad some quality ‘me time’ to chill out on the private beach and take a dip in the canal waters.
The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal is a clear representation of luxury hospitality at its finest. This hotel is perfect for couples and families, especially if you are looking for facilities, fun and things to do in the resort.
GO: Visit www.ritzcarlton.com or call (0)2 818 8888 for reservations and more information.
