Carla (from Taunton) Les (from Clifton) Eva (from Abergavenny) and Sharon (from Yeovil) we're all lucky enough to experience everything the Captial of UAE, Abu Dhabi has to offer.
Day 1 : The team travel to Abu Dhabi
“Having just returned from an amazing trip with Pure Luxury to Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates the first thing I learnt was why on earth have I spent years flying from London when I can go from my local airport of Cardiff! I'm converted! Could not have been any easier.” - Eva
“Although travelling long distance sounds pretty tiring, we had the treat of enjoying the Business lounge in Amsterdam whilst we waited for our connecting flight. The team and I indulged with Champagne and pancakes for breakfast.. Naughty little treat! Amazing! If you have a long time to wait before your connecting flight, this Business lounge has some pods which you can sleep in.. A few more glasses of champagne and I would’ve asked for one!" - Carla
Day 2 : Visit to Saadiyat Island
“So, we arrived at our first site visit on Saadiyat Island - the St. Regis Hotel.
First impressions were excellent, the grand reception area/lobby was beyond what I had expected. The friendly staff here couldn’t have been more helpful, we we’re always greeted with a smile! The hotel boasts elegantly furnished rooms, bars and lounges, offering a feeling of luxury wherever you are.” - Carla
“The foyer of the St.Regis hotel delivers the wow factor which is then complimented by a pristine beach, fabulous choice of restaurants and the best kids club setting I have ever seen.” - Les
The team enjoyed a buffet lunch at the St. Regis, and shortly afterwards they moved on to visit our next hotel, Park Hyatt.
“The hotel’s interior has a minimalistic yet stylish, elegant and luxurious feel. The bedrooms are spacious, modern and have really fluffy towels! The hotel is in a fantastic location, right on the beachfront. Which was perfect as we we’re given a beach pass for the afternoon.” – Carla
“The second half of the day was enjoyed at the Park Hyatt. The modern feel to the architecture and design gave a more adult feel to the hotel. Time spent on the private beach quickly passed and with exceptional leisure facilities to enjoy, the day just got better by the hour. Just when I thought we had seen the best St. Regis had to offer we experienced fantastic hospitality and standard of cooking in the main restaurant. Do not miss the Lobster followed by Chocolate desert which will remain I am sure a highlight of your trip. The hotel also has a more casual beachfront restaurant so choice is not a problem at this hotel.” – Les
“I would stay at the Park Hyatt just for the lobster alone!” - Eva
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TIP from Carla – “If you’d like to stay in a hotel central to the city but don’t want to miss out on time relaxing on a beach, there is a public beach on Saadiyat Island where you can hire out beds. Although, I have to say both St.Regis and Park Hyatt have more of a resort feel, with private beaches they have a really relaxed and chilled out vibe.”
Day 3: Vist to Yas Island.
“Today we visited the Viceroy hotel on Yas Island, which sits at the heart of the Yas Marina circuit. Now, I’ve stayed in a fair few 5 star hotels all over the world, but this is just fabulous. The service is excellent, and the staff we so attentive. This is probably one of the best places to stay in Abu Dhabi.
The hotel overlooks the f1 race track, it’s close to Water world, a newly built shopping mall. And the Ferrari world theme park,(which has the fastest rollercoaster in the world! 0-240km in 7 seconds!) The best time to visit Ferrari world is on a Monday – Wednesday and first thing in the morning. Its quitter around this time, which means you’ll have little-no queues.” – Carla
Tip from Carla – The Marina/track view rooms at the Viceroy also look over the team residences, meaning on race days, your more than likely to see the famous drivers. “ Carla
“Yas Island is a must for racing enthusiasts. At the Viceroy you can hire a driver or drive yourself round the racetrack. I was brave enough to ride “The Formula Rossa” – the fastest rollercoaster and yes I did it, all be it with my eyes closed for the whole time it was exhilarating to say the least! For something a bit slower, Water World is home to the more leisurely lazy river and whilst its 37 degrees in Abu Dhabi, this was a real pleasure!" - Sharon
Tip from Eva - Word of advice, take your own beach towels to Water World as to hire costs about £7 per towel.
“Next, we visited the Abu Dhabi Hilton. The hotel is set on the vibrant cornice, Abu Dhabi’s prime beach location. The hotel allows you to explore everything the capital has to offer, as luxurious malls, traditional souqs and pristine white sand beaches surround it. They have a private beach club, with three pools, water sports and a children’s area. When it comes to food, you’ll be spoilt for choice. With 15 award-winning restaurants, bar and lounges and beachfront dining you won’t know where to eat first!” – Carla
Tip from Carla - If your heading to central Abu Dhabi, many bars have a “ladies night: on different nights of the week. Selected drinks are free of charge for ladies for a selected duration e.g 7-11pm.” Carla
Day 4: Emirites Palace.
“Today we visited the stunning Emirates Palace. This hotel claims to be beyond a five star hotel, and it certainly doesn’t disappoint! We we’re treated to a lip smacking buffet lunch here, and it was amazing!” Here’s a tip, you can book afternoon tea, meals and even beach/pool access at the Emirates Palace so for those who can’t afford to stay there can still experience it! - Carla
“Emirates Palace is an iconic place to stay for any traveller. Built to the highest standards of opulence no expense has been spared in its attempt to impress. From the central dome, the hotel has an east and west wing. One wing allows the hotel to accommodate families, with fun slides round the pool and even a Camel for family entertainment. The adult wing has a more sedate atmosphere and privacy is an absolute given at this Oasis from the real world.
A pristine stretch of beach runs the full length of the property so space is yours to enjoy. The hotel is a landmark and whilst the public areas are busy with people enjoying grand afternoon teas, in the Le Vendome brasserie I was able to enjoy the most spectacular and gourmet buffet you can imagine.” – Les
"World-renowned Emirates Palace was a highlight of my visit. It’s a stunning Hotel in a fabulous location. This Hotel breathes luxury. We had the lunch buffet highly recommended.” - Sharon
“Emirates Palace is the most luxurious hotel I have ever been in with a 4 billion price tag. It’s definitely a playground of the rich and famous. Gold leaf everywhere, crystal chandeliers and even a gold vending machine, only in the UAE! Sounds crass but the hotel is truly stunning. Set on 1.3 km of beautiful beach and only 302 rooms you really can find open spaces and peace and quiet. The food in Le Vendome brasserie is superb and the desserts are something to behold.” - Eva
Visit to Sheikh Zayed Mosque
“After lunch we took a trip to Saadiyat Island construction & culture project. This museum showcases the plans for construction happening in the next 15 years. We learnt that in the next two years they are constructing Louvre & Guggenheim museums and it will be the first city in the world to have both!
We then took a tour of the white mosque. Ladies, take loose fitting clothes with non-transparent fabric if you would like to see the Mosque. The security gaurds outside decide if you are dressed accordingly and you will be turned away if not.” - Carla
“The Grand Mosque is a stunning building and a Must See on your trip. It’s beyond description for the level of detail and opulence that is visible all around this site. As a place of worship I am sure the best time to visit would be early morning when the atmosphere can be appreciated best but don’t forget to dress correctly as the dress code is strictly adhered too.” - Les
“Visiting the Sheikh Zayed Mosque was another highlight of my trip. It’s an imposing building carved in white marble the interior is opulent but very elegant which was beautiful.” - Sharon
What the team thought of Abu Dhabi..
“Abu Dhabi for me was a real revelation for me. It’s ideal for winter sun as it’s just a 7 hour flight away. The weather is well into the 30's, there’s plenty to see and do, the people are wonderful and really welcoming, the Arabian sea was inviting and the food was divine. Abu Dhabi continues to grow within the next year they will be opening the Louvre the second one in the world they also have plans for a Guggenheim so for people who enjoy culture Abu Dhabi is going to be the place to be.” - Sharon
“Abu Dhabi really has something for everyone, a really classy destination and not pretentious. Totally loved it and can't wait to go back.” – Eva
“Abu Dhabi is for anyone who is looking to experience a different culture. Many unique attractions to entertain added to by the highest standards of service and year round sunshine.” Les
