Situated on the pristine shoreline of Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Island, home to frolicking pods of dolphins and rare hawksbill sea turtles, The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort takes pride of place on a six-mile stretch of natural coastline.
Making our way along the private road that circumnavigates the luxurious resort, we pass stunning villas flanked by slender date palms and surrounded by greenery and perfectly manicured gardens. Despite there being no valet parking service due to COVID-19 restrictions, the friendly staff go out of their way to help with our bags and take us through the new green pass process, which is required for entry to public areas throughout the capital. Coming from Dubai, the guidance was undoubtedly appreciated.
Luxurious Living
Situated on the hotel’s upper level, which spreads along the coast like a grand sandcastle, our St. Regis Guest Room is both spacious and comfortable. The room perfectly captures a Middle Eastern charm without appearing overtly kitsch, with wooden furniture and neutral decor to reflect the natural landscape outside the windows. A large private balcony showcases enviable views of the powder white sands and azure waters of the Arabian Gulf. The highlight, however, is the bathroom which runs the whole length of our room, featuring two basins separated by a large shower and a deep bathtub. The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort provides a private butler service, and we’re soon greeted with some much-appreciated welcome treats and offered a bubble bath, which you can bet we took advantage of!
Beachfront Retreat
Walking through the hotel gardens, we feel like we’re in an exotic locale with the fragrant frangipani trees, trickling water features and meandering walkways that lead us down to the beach, where Saadiyat’s inviting waters feel more like the Caribbean Sea than the Arabian Gulf.
The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort boasts a large family pool, a popular choice for families with little ones. A nice touch was that the hotel provides inflatables and water toys, so the building of extravagant sandcastles is certainly an option. In addition, children will undoubtedly enjoy the Sandcastle Kids Club with indoor and outdoor activities set around a sandy cove.
Our favourite area was the adult’s pool, tucked away with a dark blue-tiled finish. It’s the perfect place to cool down from the intense summer heat. Thanks to the quaint pool bar, in-water lounges, jacuzzi jets, and shaded canopies strung effortlessly over the pool, we felt like we’d been transported to Greece or Italy. Several private alcoves provide privacy for guests, with curtains and fans. We couldn’t get enough of this adults-only pool area and would happily return for this space alone.
View this post on Instagram
We also try out the Iridium Spa for a massage and are mesmerised when we walk through the doors. This wellness haven is stylish, refined and timelessly chic while placing guests physical, emotional and mental wellbeing at the centre of everything they do. The team were accommodating and enthusiastic, and even those that aren’t familiar with spas will feel at ease.
While we’re spoiled in the UAE with a plethora of beaches, Saadiyat Beach is easily one of the best. The six-mile stretch of natural beach with real waves and soft sand is simply stunning and The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort takes full advantage of its position on the sand, with plenty of loungers and waterspouts a stone’s throw from the water.
Destination Dining
The five-star resort is known for its dining destinations, including Mediterranean restaurant Olea, the floating dining room at Thai restaurant Sontaya and (our personal favourite) Buddha-Bar Beach Abu Dhabi. Bringing the heralded Buddha-Bar vibe to the stunning Saadiyat beachfront, the venue is chic while offering the ideal place to watch the sunset. Our visit coincided with the launch of Buddha-Bar Beach’s new Nazka menu, combining authentic Peruvian ingredients with Japanese culinary techniques and an assortment of exciting mixologist creations. Available for a limited time only, we highly recommend the tori robata and sumptuous sushi from this adventurous Nikkei menu.
Located close to Louvre Abu Dhabi, Yas Island’s leisure attractions, and just ten minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi, The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort is ideal for a tranquil island escape. So, if you’re looking for a relaxing staycation complemented by stunning sea views, destination dining and one of the best beaches in the UAE, look no further than this beachfront resort.
dscvr: The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi (02 498 8888). @stregissaadiyatisland
