Back on the road to Abu Dhabi from Dubai in the New World
I have a special connection with Abu Dhabi. Every time I visit it brings back special memories as this was my first home when I first arrived to settle in the UAE 14 yrs ago. Glad it is easily accessible in the New World (Post COVID) for the residents of Dubai and the Northern Emirates with PCR testing. *(This is applicable to regulations when the trip was taken, please check entry requirements as per your current travel dates)
Hotel Site Inspections might sound like a very pompous term but building relationships with hotel partners and travel trade is very essential for our business giving us an opportunity to gain a thorough insight into the product so we are able to recommend it to the right clientele. Not only that but when it comes to extending a personalized service while my clients are staying at the hotels/resorts I can rest be assured that they will be well looked after with a personal touch.
My journey to Abu Dhabi required me to take a PCR test 48 hours before passing through the Dubai – Abu Dhabi border. Regardless of whether you are getting your PCR tests done at the government laboratory or at your local clinic, it is recommended to download the Al Hosn App for a swift clearance at the border. My negative test results on the app along with my Emirates ID was checked at the border and I was cleared in less than a minute.
Let me take you there
St. Regis Abu Dhabi – Grand, Opulent, Elegant are three words I would use to describe this beautiful city hotel located on the Corniche. The Grandeur can be felt the moment you step into the reception hall at the grand staircase lobby with a tall dual curved staircase and magnificent chandeliers. The hotel rooms and suites have captivating views of the Arabian Gulf with floor to ceiling glass windows. The suites here are magnificent with some of them featuring a pantry, dining room, cinema, spa treatment rooms and an exercise room. Anything else? Helipad, private VIP entrance and St. Regis Butler service are also available to fulfil every desire of a Discerning Traveler. We had a first-hand experience of Arabic hospitality during lunch at the hotel's Italian restaurant, Villa Toscana. The ambience of the restaurant indoors was that of an Italian Summer house with a wood fire oven spreading aromas of freshly baked pizzas and bread. We cashed in on the beautiful spring weather and dined outdoors on the balcony to try some of the most deliciously different rustic dishes from Tuscany. The highlight of this hotel was the luxurious tunnel which is built under the roadway and connects the Main Hotel building to the Beachfront. The end of the tunnel opens up to the Catch Restaurant which offers both al fresco and indoor dining options with the vistas of the blue waters of the Arabian Gulf. Next to it is the Nation Riviera Beach Club offering access to the in-house guests to their outdoor swimming pool and private beach area. If you do visit the St. Regis Abu Dhabi then do not miss out on experiencing the Champagne Sabering experience which is a signature ceremony of the St. Regis properties all around the world to mark the beginning of the night.
W Abu Dhabi – Funky, Chic, Fun are three words I would use to describe this hotel that is full of character the moment you step into the hotel lobby. This is the only hotel in the world located on the race-track and also the only hotel in Abu Dhabi to welcome your furry friends. The vibrant rooms and suites here are either facing the race-track or the Yas Marina and all come with a floor to ceiling soundproof glass doors. The design and the interiors of the hotel make it very instagrammable, especially the Garage Restaurant which is their all-day dining restaurant and the W Lounge. W Abu Dhabi likes to do things differently they are always up to bringing you the most electrifying experiences. Every month they have offers that are themed around the events and festivities. This month in March as we celebrate Mothers all over the world, W Abu Dhabi have curated special offers for mothers for F&B and Spa Day treats. Sip & Savour at the newest dining destination in the Capital with their latest F&B offers that are curated monthly to fuel your gastronomical journey. We had the pleasure of experiencing the afternoon tea from the TARTs N TAPS menu at the Garage restaurant with savoury crunchy bites, sweet treats and a selection of delectable teas from around the world. Their Stay and Play offer is always enticing for families with children offering complimentary access to the Ferrari World, Warner Bro.s and Yas Water World.
The Abu Dhabi Edition Hotel & Residences: Classy, Minimalist, Cosy are three words I would use to describe this modern hotel located in the downtown district of Abu Dhabi on the waterfront promenade of Al Bateen Area. The Abu Dhabi Edition is one of the 11 Edition properties all around the world. I have had the opportunity of staying at the London Edition and this time I had the opportunity to rest my head at the Abu Dhabi Edition after a busy day of meetings and hotel viewings. This lifestyle Boutique hotel brand is known for curating the taste of the locale, reflecting the best of the cultural and social milieu that truly defines the destination. The architecture of the Abu Dhabi Edition and the design of the interiors is a reflection of the local culture and beliefs. What I do want to highlight about this hotel is their Royal Penthouse Suite overlooking the Marina which can accommodate 6-8 people. It has private access via a Private VIP lift making it an ideal choice for a group of delegates, celebrities or a big family.
On the next day before heading back to Dubai I took the opportunity of visiting the Fossil Dunes in the Al Wathba area in Abu Dhabi. It is around 45 mins driving time from the Abu Dhabi Edition. No 4 x 4 is required and is easily accessible by foot from the parking. The weather was just perfect at the wee hours in the morning before sunrise and we got plenty of photo ops. If I was not pressed for time I would have definitely checked out the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve in the locale.