A taste of sheer luxury

THERE’S NO doubt about it. Abu Dhabi is officially the haven of luxury, high end pampering and indulgence following a number of major hotel openings in the recent months and three more slated to open before the year ends, all equally as opulent, if not more, than the others. The likes of which include the Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island, Hyatt Capital Gate, The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa, Jumeirah at Etihad Towers and Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche. And the already existing Emirates Palace, Shangri-La at Qaryat Al Beri, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Al Raha Beach Hotel and the Desert Island Resort & Spa by Anantara at Sir Baniyas Island, just to name a few. And now, set to complement them all are The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal; St. Regis Abu Dhabi and Rosewood Abu Dhabi — all scheduled to open in the last quarter of 2012. We have rounded up a few facts about the new hotels to give you a preview of what they have to offer. The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal Set to redefine the luxury hotel experience in the Capital, The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal is located amidst beautifully-landscaped gardens with its own private beach overlooking the Grand Canal. The hotel will feature 447 luxurious guestrooms and suites, as well as, 85 private villas. Inspired by the 15th to early 17th century Renaissance architecture and the urban planning of the city of Venice, the waterfront resort will consist of 10 stately buildings arranged in a crescent formation, complete with artfully designed water features and manicured gardens throughout the 230,670 square meter (57 acre) property. The hotel will also have The Ritz-Carlton Club, a private floor accessible only by elevator key, offering five complimentary food and beverage presentations throughout the day with dedicated concierge service. Other key highlights of the hotel include resort-style guestrooms with feather beds, spacious balconies overlooking the canal and separate rain shower and soaker tub. The hotel will also boast of three signature restaurants designed by Super Potato, a breezy pool and beach restaurant, two poolside bars and a lobby lounge and bar. The 2,000 square metre (21,500 square foot) stand-alone spa will offer 15 private treatment rooms, as well as, a private beach and outdoor plunge pools. The first Ritz-Carlton property in the Capital is expected to open in the last quarter of this year. The St. Regis Abu Dhabi Scheduled to debut later this year, The St. Regis Abu Dhabi is located in the heart of Abu Dhabi on the vibrant Corniche, offering captivating waterfront views of the Arabian Gulf. Setting a new standard of luxury in the emirate, the Starwood brand will feature the world’s highest suspended Presidential suite complete with private entrance, dedicated spa, fully-equipped gym and a movie theatre. Suspended 200 metres above the ground, this 1,085 square-metre extravagant ‘Abu Dhabi Suite’ is the first-of-its kind. Located within the 33rd and 49th floors of one tower, The St. Regis Abu Dhabi will have 283 luxuriously-appointed guest rooms, including 40 elegant suites. Guests will have the chance to experience a wide range of luxury experiences with 10 distinctive culinary, lounge and bar venues. From Rhodes 44 – a restaurant from famed Michelin-starred chef Gary Rhodes to the iconic St. Regis Bar – following in the tradition of St. Regis brand’s legendary New York hotel. The St. Regis Abu Dhabi will also offer over 3,000 square meters of ultra-modern health club facilities, including a signature spa and outdoor swimming pool, as well as, the first Hommage Grooming Atelier in Abu Dhabi. In addition, guests will enjoy a private access to the hotel’s Nation Riviera Beach Club, expected to become one of the most sought-after destinations in the UAE Capital. The St. Regis Abu Dhabi will feature the famed hallmarks of St. Regis hotels including the signature St. Regis Butler Service. Trained in the English tradition, the butlers provide ever-present, yet unobtrusive service while anticipating guest needs and customising each guest’s stay according to his or her specific tastes and preferences. Rosewood Abu Dhabi Rosewood Hotels & Resorts will be opening their first iconic property in the UAE by the end 2012 on Al Maryah Island, the core of Abu Dhabi’s new Central Business District between the prestigious commercial development Sowwah Square and Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. Rosewood Abu Dhabi will be a landmark five-star high-rise hotel and residences with extensive amenities featuring a variety of signature restaurants that highlight global cuisine and all day dining. The ultra luxury hotel will have 189 spacious guest rooms and suites, and 137 serviced residences. The Handel Architects-designed tower is inspired by the glistening Arabian Gulf and the vast desert that surrounds Abu Dhabi city. The 34-story tower is a dramatic modern structure covered with reflective glass which was chosen for its daytime shimmer and its night-time luminescence. The curvilinear architecture of the 470-foot-tall building is designed to suggest movement in this vibrant city, and the inspiration for the interiors of the hotel comes from the meeting of land and sea, desert and sky. The hotel complex, which will boast of a water feature and a dramatic wall of art in the lobby, will also consist of nine signature restaurants, lounges, bars and an 18,000-square-foot beauty, wellness and fitness retreat – Sense, a Rosewood Spa.