Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi has become my go-to family getaway in the capital. When I need time to relax and my two children want to enjoy the beach, good food, and everything that comes with a resort stay, it is somewhere we can return to, knowing each of us will find what we need.
For me, the greatest luxury is having everything in one place. We can settle into a spacious suite, spend hours at the beach, and enjoy delicious food. It makes the Palace feel like far more than somewhere to stay; it is a destination in its own right.
Since joining Mandarin Oriental in 2020, the property has continued to evolve while remaining deeply connected to its Arabian identity. Its domes, marble corridors and gilded architectural details preserve its unmistakable sense of grandeur, while refreshed interiors, contemporary dining and an expanded wellness offering bring a more modern perspective.
Accommodation
The scale of Emirates Palace is immediately impressive, yet its rooms and suites offer a welcome sense of privacy. Spacious layouts, marble bathrooms, separate sitting areas and private balconies overlooking the sea, gardens or city create accommodation designed for unhurried stays.
Travelling with children can involve a surprising amount of planning, but the family accommodation here makes everything feel straightforward. Interconnecting rooms and adjoining suites let us stay close while giving everyone plenty of space. Comfortable living areas, generous storage and flexible king and twin-bed configurations have all been carefully considered.
My favourite way to spend time at the Palace is on its private beach. It offers the opportunity to slow down beside the water, while families looking for more activity can choose from a selection of motorised and non-motorised water sports.
Food and Beverage
Dining is one of the strongest reasons to visit Emirates Palace, even without an overnight stay. Its collection of restaurants spans Italian, Cantonese, Lebanese, Indian and Japanese cuisine, giving the property the feel of a culinary destination.
Talea by Antonio Guida is one of its leading addresses. The Michelin-starred restaurant celebrates Cucina di Famiglia, drawing on the warmth and generosity of Italian family cooking. Seasonal ingredients and traditional techniques shape dishes such as handmade ravioli, creamy burrata, ossobuco and vitello tonnato, served in an atmosphere that feels elegant without becoming overly formal.
Hakkasan is an attraction in itself. The Michelin-starred restaurant combines contemporary Cantonese cuisine with dramatic interiors and an expansive terrace. Carved wooden screens, embroidered furnishings and softly lit dining spaces provide the backdrop for signatures including Peking duck with caviar and crispy duck salad. Outside, cabanas and skyline views create a livelier setting for dinner and drinks.
And of course, I was naturally drawn to Lebanese Terrace. Framed by stained-glass windows and olive trees, the restaurant recreates the convivial spirit of a traditional terrace. Hot and cold mezze, charcoal-grilled meats, seafood and breads from the Arabic oven offer a generous expression of Lebanese cuisine and its culture of sharing.
Wellness
The Spa at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental provides a quieter counterpoint to the Palace’s grandeur. Set within the landscaped grounds, the 500-square-metre retreat combines Mandarin Oriental’s Eastern wellness philosophy with treatments informed by Moroccan, Turkish and regional traditions.
Nine private treatment suites sit alongside the white-and-gold Royal Hammam, while Hideaway Spa Cabanas bring the experience closer to the water. Signature treatments include Oriental Qi and the destination-inspired Essence of Abu Dhabi, complemented by therapies using brands such as Tata Harper and 111SKIN.
Younger guests can also experience Mini MO treatments created for children aged six and above, adding another thoughtful element for families.
