THE SUITE LIFE
A stay at St. Regis Abu Dhabi is nothing short of magnificent, as guests witness the artful marriage between the refined traditions and opulence of the past with state-of-the-art design and contemporary conviviality. Home to 283 rooms and suites, each cherishes unrivalled views of the capital’s iconic corniche, none more so than The Abu Dhabi Suite, where it sits, high on a skybridge between the two Nations Towers, lauding its luxury over the capital. For quintessential sophistication, the Al Manhal Suite, on the hotel’s 39th floor, is both polished and private. Elegance reigns throughout the one-bedroom suite, from the white carrara marble and limestone flooring to the crystal chandeliers and elaborate wall mosaics. The bedroom is a beacon of light, with a cream and turquoise palette that keeps things clean and chic, and a vast dressing room with ample unpacking space.
The bathroom is something of note: an elegant freestanding tub is worth sinking into for sunset views alone, while a chandelier illuminates elaborate wall mosaics that are inspired by the vibrant colours of a peacock. The addition of a separate spa room for en-suite treatments ensures unrivalled rejuvenation.
THE LIFE AND TIMES OF A MODERN GUEST
The beauty of the Al Manhal Suite goes beyond bedroom elegance, distilling down the design to provide essential creature comforts for its sophisticated residents. In the living room, marble and tiles of laser-cut semi-precious stones, mother of pearl, and picasso jasper pave the way for an L-shaped sofa that sneaks a front row seat to the floor-to-ceiling views over the Corniche, letting guests unwind in stylish quietude.
On the other side of the majlis space, there’s a separate dining area that seats 10, with a kitchen to cater for private dinners, meetings or family gatherings. Beyond the living room lies an open-plan study, with stunning traditional walnut wood floor inlaid with marble.
Home to a dark wood desk, the study’s high-speed internet complements the suite’s 55-inch Bang & Olufsen 3D flat screen television, BeoLab 800 speakers and a mirror-integrated flat screen TV in the bathroom, each catering to the multifarious needs of today’s guests. With complimentary shoe shining and a butler at your beck and call 24 hours a day, the Al Manhal Suite truly delivers a stay of unbridled luxury.
THE ART OF RELAXATION
Venture out beyond the hotel walls and you’ll find Nation Riviera Beach Club, the hotel’s private haven of wellness and relaxation, home to a 200-metre strip of beach just for hotel guests, a swimming pool flanked by cabanas, beautiful palm tree-fringed gardens and Treasure Island Kid’s Club.
Adding to the air of exclusivity, only hotel guests can gain access to Nation Riviera Beach Club by venturing through an air-conditioned marble underpass that runs beneath the Corniche and brings you up at the entrance of the stunning Hamptons-esque beachside retreat. Dip, swim and unwind in the pool as its meditative fountains trickle into the azure water, or sit and sip at the swim-up bar with freshly-made juices and cocktails.
Adding to the air of exclusivity, only hotel guests can gain access to Nation Riviera Beach Club by venturing through an air-conditioned marble underpass that runs beneath the Corniche and brings you up at the entrance of the stunning Hamptons-esque beachside retreat. Dip, swim and unwind in the pool as its meditative fountains trickle into the azure water, or sit and sip at the swim-up bar with freshly-made juices and cocktails.
EAT, PLAY, LOVE
Seeking sustenance after a long, lazy day by the pool? Nation Riviera Beach Club is home to two restaurants: Cabana Beach Bar & Grill, which continues the Hamptons vibes, with its distinguished white wooden building. Tropical drinks accompany fresh seafood, ceviche, burgers and salads, served either on the terrace or with sand between your toes in its idyllic beach-chic setting.
As the sun sets, this is where you’ll find the laid-back bohemian vibes. Catch at St. Regis, however, raises the bar for elegant, ambient settings, with its interiors inspired by the beautiful underwater world. Casual and cool, as the vibe goes, revellers immerse themselves in an exclusive dining experience, with a sushi counter, private dining room and a full wall of the restaurant dedicated to wines from around the world. Or, as the sun sets, venture back through the tunnel to Azura Panoramic Lounge and take advantage of its terrace that wraps around the hotel pool, with sweeping views over the city skyline. Its gin bar is worth a visit, while shisha and Arabic mezze are served to an evocative backing track of jazz.
INDULGENCE AT EVERY TURN
St. Regis Abu Dhabi’s 3,200sqm Remède Spa is a gilded haven of health and wellness, a serene place to focus on mind, body and soul.
The light-filled spa reception houses all the products one wants in their own beauty/wellness arsenal to continue the journey at home, while warmly-lit labyrinthine corridors weave their way round to 11 treatment rooms, that include a couple’s room and VIP suite. Offering both male and female lounges, the women’s area is a shrine to elegance.
With marble flooring, aquamarine tiles and St. Regis’ signature golden dome ceiling surrounding the Jacuzzi, there’s also as an ice shower, steam room, sauna and relaxation room with wall-to-wall views of the Arabian Gulf. The spa menu ranges from trademark Remède and breakthrough Elemis therapies to locally-inspired treatments, and guests will also find a Sisters Beauty Lounge, spa café with outdoor terrace, fitness centre, and served champagne and truffles to ensure a truly exceptional experience.
FOOD FOR YOUR SOUL
St. Regis Abu Dhabi celebrates the Arabian tradition of sharing food with family and friends with its dynamic collection of restaurants. Centred around legendary refinement and contemporary cuisine, the hotel’s seven restaurants serve something to suit every mood or inclination.
At Crystal Lounge, which sits at the top of the Grand Staircase, you can sip champagne, indulge in an afternoon tea or perhaps a pre-dinner aperitif to the backdrop of the hotel’s regal crystal chandeliers and blown-glass ‘bubble’ light installation that floats above the bar. Day-to-night restaurant, The Terrace on the Corniche, will keep you fed throughout your stay with breakfast, lunch and dinner and Middle Eastern and international dishes on the menu. Its main dining room and al fresco terrace create an elegant indoor-outdoor flow to make the most of Abu Dhabi’s beautiful winter weather.
Villa Toscana deftly calls upon the traditions of Italian cuisine accompanied by an open kitchen, and stunning setting with richly-painted murals on the walls, a wine room and expansive terrace. Then, when the sun sets, make your way to the atmospheric St. Regis Bar − comprising a library, main bar and Cigar Lounge − for a sophisticated evening savouring art, culture or a signature St. Regis Bloody Mary.
