Amazing places to stay in Abu Dhabi and Dubai

Helen, Branch Manager of our Ipswich shop, recently had the amazing opportunity of a trip to explore Abu Dhabi and Dubai, visiting some of the most stunning hotels in the region and experiencing the highlights of these two wonderful destinations. Both cities are part of the United Arab Emirates, Dubai is the biggest city of these seven states, and Abu Dhabi being the capital. Alongside the riches from the natural gas and oil reserves in the UAE, the country is now well-established as a year-round tourist destination for guaranteed sunshine - both cities are renowned for breathtaking architecture, exclusive shops and experiences, stunning beaches and sweeping desert landscapes. Flying into Dubai with Emirates, Helen headed first to Abu Dhabi, which is a 90 minute transfer time.

The name Abu Dhabi means 'Land of the Gazelle' in Arabic, and the legend goes that a wandering tribe seeking fresh water followed a young antelope here, discovering a modest settlement of a few hundred palm-frond huts. Skip forward in time and today the area has since transformed into the cosmopolitan, high-rise city of the UAE capital.

“On arrival we were transferred to St Regis Hotel,” says Helen. “There was an amazing gold entrance with chandeliers and a staircase replicating the Titanic. I was shown to my stunning Butler Suite which had a huge marble bathroom and stunning views. Breakfast was on the Terrace with a wonderful choice.” The hotel is located on The Corniche, Abu Dhabi’s expansive beach that stretches over an impressive eight kilometres of manicured waterfront.

After a tour of the hotel, Helen visited one of the city’s icons, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the largest in the world. Created as a cultural haven to inspire people from all backgrounds, the main prayer hall's carpet is the largest in the world, hand knotted by 1300 artisans, and is evidence of the Arabian traditions brimming throughout Abu Dhabi, alongside its glittering skyscrapers.  

The following day was spent on Yas Island, a haven for thrill-seekers and families alike, with its F1 Grand Prix circuit and theme parks. Helen visited Ferrari World, home to the world's fastest rollercoaster and highest loop ride, which are just two of its 40 adrenaline pumping attractions. “One of the rides, Flying Aces, was so fast with an inverted loop that petrified me!” says Helen. “I completed it, but what a thrilling experience. The Ferrari Formula 1 cars were also absolutely stunning. With the wonderful hot sun, we spent the afternoon at Yas Waterworld, with over 40 rides and slides too – this was an amazing day!”

Back at the hotel, Helen got to sample rockstar life, “We had a tour round The Presidential Suite, situated on the top floor and suspended in midair, which is the highest in the world. Celebrities such as Mike Tyson, Adele and Stormzy have stayed here to enjoy its wonderful views of Abu Dhabi and the amazing sunsets. We enjoyed a champagne welcome in this two-story suite that includes three bedrooms, six gold bathrooms, a cigar lounge, private spa and its own cinema. Sadly we weren’t allowed to stay!”

“The next day we checked in to the Ritz Carlton Grand Canal,” says Helen, “This stunning hotel has the Grand Mosque behind it, with the hotel buildings forming a crescent shape, curved around a private beach and beautiful pools and grounds. The accommodation includes plunge pool villas as well as suites, and guests have a choice of eight restaurants, including Lebanese, Asian and a Steakhouse.”

That afternoon Helen took a tour of the Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri Hotel with breathtaking views of Khar Al Marqta Creek. “The hotel has its own gondolas that take guests to the local shopping mall!” Helen enthuses, “We enjoyed wonderful cocktails in the bar watching the sunset, with an evening meal to follow.”

The following day Helen headed to the city-state of Dubai. It's hard to imagine that these desert shores were once home to Bedouin tribes and small fishing villages. In this city of superlatives, you find the world’s tallest building, largest shopping and entertainment complex, highest infinity pool and the largest fountain. With amazing architecture and wondrous engineering feats, such as man-made Palm Island that can be seen from space, Dubai is the epitome of mankind’s modern achievements.

Helen visited the JA Beach Resort which is a large resort overlooking the Arabian Gulf with a private marina and lush gardens. The half board or all-inclusive options offer good value and family facilities abound - horse riding, splash waterpark, kids clubs, watersports and of course the beach.

“We checked in to Bab Al Shams luxury desert resort,” says Helen, “and this was my favourite hotel of the trip. Situated in the desert with an authentic Arabian feel, it has a real sense of luxurious wellbeing with treatments, yoga and meditation sessions in an idyllic setting. The suites are beautifully designed with views of the desert wilderness. We ventured out on a 4 x4 Desert Safari over the dunes, seeing roaming camels and wild onyx.  I enjoyed a camel ride, which really made the whole experience. That evening we dined in the desert, under the stars in an open-air restaurant. We were served authentic middle eastern cuisine as dancers, musicians, falconers & camel riders came to entertain us – it was an evening like no other.”

Over the next couple of days Helen visited three One&Only resorts, whose collection of exclusive hotels are all located in breathtaking destinations across the globe:

One&Only Royal Mirage is set in 65 acres of immaculate gardens, with Arabic flourishes and a one-kilometre swathe of private beach.  With views across to Palm Island Bay, the hotel is categorised in three luxury sections: The Palace, Arabian Court for families and The Residence which is adults only.

One&Only One Za’abeel is a new luxury resort in the city of Dubai with glamorous dining, well-being, art and an amazing roof top pool. The hotel has breath-taking views of the cityscape and includes nine world-class restaurants & bars.  

One&Only The Palm is a boutique beach hotel located in an iconic Dubai location. “This evening was a wonderful surprise,” says Helen, “we boarded a private yacht to sail over to the hotel, enjoying amazing views of The Palm.  On arrival we had cocktails & toured the spa, beautiful gardens & stunning pool. Offering out of this world suites and beach mansions - out of all three One&Only resorts The Palm was my favourite!”

We had a wonderful gala dinner, then returned by yacht to the Royal Mirage - with the stunning view of Dubai’s coloured lights and sky-scraping towers, this was such a wonderful sight.”

Helen’s trip was a real showcase of some of the most luxurious and atmospheric hotels available in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Both locations offer a perfect combination of city sophistication, idyllic beach life, adrenaline-boosting experiences and Arabian desert adventures. If you would like to discuss a trip to the United Arab Emirates please contact your local branch. You can find Helen at Ipswich.