With commanding vistas of the Grand Canal and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, bedding down in a One Bedroom View Suite at Fairmont Bab Al Bahr affords guests a sense of superiority, as you preside over the city from your 9th floor vantage point. It’s an epic way to view the capital, and a serious USP for this Fairmont property.
The hotel itself is equally impressive, the striking sheer blue glass exterior a looming tribute to contemporary architecture. Inside, water gently trickles melodically from various fountains, while the lobby’s high ceilings let light flood in and bounce off a floor-to-ceiling gold and white art installation that resembles organ pipes. Behind, inverted white umbrellas suspended from up high accentuate the sense of space all the more. With a focus on art throughout the hotel, with pieces belonging to the personal collection of Fairmont Bab Al Bahr’s owner, Al Fahim, contemporary culture beautifully collides with tradition.
My suite on the 9th floor is big – 93 square metres big – and its rectangular layout means you can see from one end right through to the other. This open-plan feel is both appealing and inviting, whilst room dividers ensure privacy between bedroom, dressing room and living room.
Picture windows that span the full length of the suite have two-fold impact – they bathe the room in light and serve up that epic unobstructed view of the mosque. Stand close enough to the glass, and enjoy a sensation of walking in the air. Quite the centrepiece.
As I walk around the suite, I note the unfussy approach to its interiors. The space is, well, spacious, without being overwhelmed by interior paraphernalia. In the living room, two four-seater sofas and an arm chair congregate around a white and gold marble table, while a striking oak console table behind plays host to a Nespresso coffee machine and all your libation requirements. The huge plasma screen TV is welcome, but doesn’t encroach. One could easily enjoy a social gathering here without the intrusion of television.
The living room segues into the dressing room, where His’n’Hers wardrobes allow for uncluttered unpacking, and a dressing table complete with ring-flash mirror gives good light for any necessary beauty touch-ups. On searching, I also find two safes, the usual bathrobes and slippers and an iron with ironing board; the latter, something I see as an in-room prerequisite, not luxury, these days.
The bedroom then beckons just around the room divider – accessed from both sides of the dressing room for dual ease – where a king-size bed invites with its puffed-up pillows and crisp white sheets. Here, the TV is a little more conspicuous at the foot of the bed, and is flanked by a curved wooden desk on one side and cupboards on the other, replete with power sockets for all electronic charging needs. While there are no (spare) power sockets by the bed, I actually welcome the idea of not having my phone glued to my side as I sleep.
The grand five-piece bathroom sits on the other edge of the rectangular room, each section separated by frosted glass, which ensures the natural light to can do its thing. A persuasive deep tub and rain shower fill the bathroom space and secondary twin loo and bidet area edge the ‘powder room’ with its Jack and Jill sinks. With no door on the latter, and a huge mirror that reflects the city views, it’s a rather lovely spot by day or by night. Le Labo’s Rose 31 amenities are dotted throughout, which pleases me greatly, as few brands promise to scent you better.
While Fairmont Gold Suites have access to a private lounge, I take myself to dinner at Marco’s New York Italian, a candlelit eaterie that feels deliciously dark and Mediterranean in its vibe. A thoughtful combination of Italian home-style dishes from Marco Pierre White, I opt for deliciously chargrilled Padron Peppers, a taste-full Pomodoro Linguine, followed by a tart and zingy lemon sorbet.
I stroll back to my suite under the stars, taking in the neon blue night illumination of the mosque, congratulating the hotel once again for its plum position.
I leave the black-out curtains open, letting the early morning sun trickle in through the sheer drapes. Who wouldn’t want to be woken by natural light with views this splendid? Breakfast is served al fresco at CuiScene – an encyclopedic culinary affair, with everything from eggs Benedict to dim sum. The juice bar gives my morning just the right vitamin hit to get me up and moving to the pool for a pre-departure dip. Enclosed by palm trees, and once again overlooking the stately mosque, a few strokes in the Olympic-length pool help blow away the cobwebs in time for my drive back to Dubai. My stay here has been grand – from the sweeping suite to the incredible panorama, to the offering of art at every turn – and it’s fair to say I’m certain I will return to Fairmont Bab Al Bahr.
Stay:
WHAT: One Bedroom View Suite
WHERE: Fairmont Bab al Bahr, Khor Al Maqta, Abu Dhabi
TEL: +971 2 654 3333