In a world of such continued chaos and confusion, I find it ever-important to reclaim some semblance of serenity whenever I can – an opportunity to relax and recalibrate the mind, so to speak. When that need comes knocking, and on a constant quest to find the perfect hideaway far from the madding crowd, I often retreat to The Abu Dhabi EDITION, knowing its pared-back minimalism and contemporary comforts will provide just the right stillness for my soul.

A modern masterpiece of angular proportions, the property is tucked away in the downtown district - towards the end of the capital’s Corniche - on the waterfront overlooking Al Bateen Marina. Its white, sharp-lined exterior belying the seductive, ataractic interiors – all neutral colours, creamy-brown infusions and light streaming through various skylights and windows.

One first clocks the kinetic light installation, the lobby’s striking art piece designed by Amsterdam’s wonder duo, Studio Drift, that represents the evolution of humans and one’s constant desire to fly. It comes ‘alive’ every hour, with light rippling through its oscillating, spine-like structure.

The surrounding five-floor atrium of the hotel echoes the movement of its watery location and there’s an inky black marble water feature on the first floor lobby that releases soporific sounds; a peaceful backing track to the work-cum-social space.

Whatever floor you stay on, when you emerge from the elevator, make sure you look down to appreciate the soft sinuous lines of the design in play here. So pleasing on the eye

Back down on the ground floor, there’s also a Cavicchi gold-leaf billiard table, umpteen leafy plants, candles, lanterns and woolly chairs inspired by the way Emirati children braid their hair, designed by Latifa Saeed. All so cool, so contemporary, and so calming.

Whatever floor you stay on, when you emerge from the elevator, make sure you look down to appreciate the soft sinuous lines of the design in play here. So pleasing on the eye.

The rooms and suites continue the somewhat Nordic vibes – minimalist in design, maximalist in style and comfort. Dark wood herringbone flooring, vast floor-to-ceiling windows, taupe throws over white linens, marble bathrooms with deep-soak tubs, bespoke Le Labo salts, creams and soaps, and a bed so crisp you can’t spot a crease. Solid pale khaki rugs cushion the feet as you walk through, into off-white marble-tiled flooring in the bathroom.

Furniture is minimal but considered, and cleverly positioned to create cosy corners amidst the open space – a chaise-lounge overlooking the marina, a comfy living room peppered with over-sized coffee table books, a natural-wood desk-cum-dining table that feels anything but business, topographical artworks of the Middle East by 20th-century photographer Brett Weston, and just the right level of mood lighting to ease you into your escape. The dressing gowns deserve a mention too – like enveloping yourself in a marshmallow hug, they’re warm and reassuring.

The Royal Penthouse at the ‘prow’ of the hotel takes The Abu Dhabi EDITION’s luxury dream to the extreme, with a private lift, three bedrooms, two living rooms and wraparound balcony with views of Al Bateen Marina’s bobbing boats.

At The Spa, a Singing Bowl Welcome Ritual sends my head into the clouds, the sound healing vibrations tingling every bone in my body. The space is another temple to tranquillity, continuing the oak wood, taupe and cream colour scheme. There are two hammams, seven treatment rooms, and a menu encompassing hot volcanic stone massages, detoxifying camel milk bath soaks in your private tub.

The cabana-lined swimming pool furthers my quest for optimal relaxation, its bar area bleeding into the beautiful outdoor space of Alba Terrace. The light-flooded Italian restaurant transcends both day and night, elegantly serving everything from artichoke salad and grilled garlic gambas to sirloin steak and, of course, pizza and pasta. Set to the backdrop of the twinkling Aperol Spritz bar, finish your night with a dark chocolate tart or a tangy lime sorbet, or sit outside when the weather allows to live out true Mediterranean escapism fantasies.

For those carnivore-inclined, cross over the lobby to Oak Room for perfect steak and well-shaken cocktails amid sleek, considered interiors. After dark, steal a sophisticated nightcap at Library Bar, a craft-gin joint flanked by written words and scripts on the wall. Or bypass bed in favour of rooftop revelry at Annex, The Abu Dhabi EDITION’s multi-level social space, that features a bar, games area, DJ-hosted dancefloor and roof terrace with garden bar, firepits and endless views.

“Come morning, and at the touch of a button, the bedrooms are bathed in sunlight, a natural energizer

Come morning, and at the touch of a button, the bedrooms are bathed in sunlight, a natural energizer. Breakfast at Market at EDITION, by Michelin-starred chef Tom Aikens, starts the day right – kaleidoscopic ingredients tumble out of the open-plan kitchen, as a bounty of plants breathe life into the casual eaterie, and the menu fuses fresh and organic with nutrition and farm-to-table flavours.

Then swap organic avocados to sip organic Arabic coffee in the lobby, and drink in the last of the morning’s calm before you go about your day.

With comfort and quietude around every corner, The Abu Dhabi EDITION weaves something special through its walls: style and serenity, sumptuousness found in subtlety, and a soulfulness that is all its own. Retreat, relax, repose and repeat. My new mantra...