First impressions
In a land where dry deserts are bountiful, Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara is a welcome change of scene. The hotel is positioned along the banks of Abu Dhabi’s Eastern Mangroves district, where lush greenery forms an impressive wildlife reserve, visible in all its glory on the hotel’s infinity pool and surrounding promenade. At check-in, my guest and I are served customary warm tea and local dates as the lobby’s chandelier glitters from above and the front-desk staff swiftly arrange our keys. Traditional Emirati interior design is combined with Thai hospitality, a unique and modern approach for a luxury hotel.
The suite
The Anantara Mangroves Pool Suite is airy and every need appears to be catered to. The 180-square-metre space comprises two bedrooms (with ridiculously comfortable king-size beds), spacious bathroom with Elemis amenities and a living area with gold leather couches that offer a touch of Arabian opulence to what is an otherwise very natural-looking space that blends in well with the surroundings. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors from the living room open out on the balcony with its uninterrupted views of the tranquil mangroves and the city skyline in the distance. A set of stairs running from the balcony lead to a shaded patio with a private pool, lounge chairs, and an outdoor shower
Fine-dining
Weekend guests should definitely pay a visit to all-day restaurant, Ingredients, for their Friday champagne brunch. With oysters flown in from Ireland, a Thai chef cooking made-to-order dishes and more French cheeses than I cared to count among the offerings, the brunch is a lesson in decadent dining. Couple your feasting with some live Latin music and it’s a good few hours well spent.
Relax and recharge
Just three floors above the marble encrusted main entrance is Abu Dhabi’s largest hammam, “the capital’s jewel in the crown.” Renowned for it’s traditional Turkish Hammam, the newly launched Red Flower Hammam Ritual was on my agenda, consisting of a six-step detoxification process finished with a 45-minute, full-body massage. Relaxation begins at the spa’s entrance, where trickling water behind a wall of glass elicits a soothing soundtrack that continues down the Arabic-style hallways to my treatment room. The aromas of Lemon Coffee Blossom scrub, Jasmine Rhassoul Clay, Moroccan Mint Tea Slit purifier, and orange quince fill the air as my therapist carefully scrubs my complexion to the purest state possible, ending my session with a final lather of re-hydrating Tangerine Fig Butter Cream, which deeply detoxifies the skin. A beautiful blend of tastes, smells, and soothing sounds all in the span of two hours makes The Red Flower Hammam a must for anyone looking to rejuvenate, relax, and finish their stay at Eastern Mangroves on a tranquil note.