A&E Reviews: The St. Regis Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi

Lindsay Judge   |   04-09-2019

If you’re dreaming of your next summer staycation, why not head to the blue seas of Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat island? We discover tranquil seas and white sand at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island.

 

The St. Regis Saadiyat Island

 

Less than an hour’s drive from Dubai you’ll find Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Island. This low laying island is just 500 metres off the coast of the mainland but despite having access by bridge, really has the feeling of being in the middle of the ocean. White sandy beaches and the bluest of waves have the feeling of a desert island making this a place to really escape and forget about the hectic life of the city.

 

While there are many hotels to choose from on the island, The St. Regis Saadiyat Island is well worth a visit. From the grand entrance to the stunning private beachfront to the elegant dining options thanks to the recently opened Buddha-Bar Beach. The resort features a huge infinity pool for guests as well as a modern adults-only pool and the nearby Saadiyat Beach Golf Course offers something for sport-lovers. Here we discover a little more about this luxury property.

 

 

Accommodation

The rooms and suites are decorated in welcoming blue and white tones with wooden accents, reflecting the scenery and ensuring the spaces are light and airy. Influenced by the Mediterranean the rooms are spacious and relaxing. We stayed in a Premium Sea View Room and waking up to that view was undeniably relaxing. There really is something about the blueness of the sea around this island that makes you feel a million miles away. Each room has a private balcony so you can enjoy the calmness of the ocean day and night.

 

 

As well as the Premium rooms there are a variety of options to choose from varying from the superior rooms to the Spa Suite which includes an in room massage, to the Two Bedroom Ocean Suite with unparalleled views over the ocean. For those looking for the ultimate luxury the Royal Suite is a three-bedroom penthouse over two floors, which comes with its own private plunge pool.

 

Inside the rooms you’ll find marble floors and natural materials included wood, stone, woven can and resin rattan, this gives the feeling of bringing the outside in. The artwork on the walls reflects the local landscape and gives a homely feel to the stay.

 

Each room includes a 42-inch flat screen television, free Wi-Fi, docking station, and the St. Regis Butler service. When you want to cool down the showers are to die for! Huge walk-in rainforest showers are the ultimate luxury and if you fancy something a little more relaxing the oversized sunken bathtubs are stocked with Remède bath amenities.

 

 

If you find yourself not wanted to leave the room after all that relaxation, why not order room service and relax in your robe for the evening?

 

Food and Dining

For those wanting to experience a little more of what the resort has to offer, head to the quite recently opened Buddha Bar Beach Abu Dhabi. The fifth Buddha Bar destination in the world is the newest of the brand’s venues. This beachside restaurant and bar doubles up and an outside party destination in the winter months, seeing a line-up of world renowned DJ’s hitting the beachside decks.

 

Buddha-Bar Beach, Abu Dhabi

 

After a long day at the pool head to the outside terrace to watch the sundown while sipping on a unique and quirky offering of mocktails and drinks created specifically for Buddha Bar Beach by an in-house mixologist. The interiors are something to marvel over. Modern wooden furniture and marble walls make this an uber-classy destination.

 

Buddha-Bar Beach, Abu Dhabi

 

As night falls head back for dinner where you’ll find a fusion of flavours that combine Chinese, Japanese, Thai and other Asian cuisines with a Mediterranean twist. The restaurant team are on hand for recommendations but the Buddha-Bar Chicken Salad is a must try, while for mains the Tooth Fish is delicious. From the same family as Black Cod there are similarities but the Tooth Fish is meatier and in our opinion even more tasty. Finish with the Platter of BBB Gorgeous Desserts & Fruits which is presented in the most Buddha-Bar of ways! If you love Asian food you must also pay a trip to Sontaya. The restaurant overlooks the hotel’s pool and offers delicious south-east Asian cuisine.

 

If Asian cuisine isn’t your thing there are plenty of other dining options to choose from. Olea, the all-day-dining restaurant offers a vast offering of Mediterranean cuisine. The breakfast here one was of the highlights of our stay. With dozens of live cooing stations, and buffet options to choose from you’ll be there all morning! The evening presents a tempting selection of live cooking stations as well as an à la carte menu.

 

 

A Little More

Aside from fine dining and absolute relaxation The St. Regis Saadiyat Island has a number of activities to keep you busy during the day. The nearby Saadiyat Beach Golf Club overlooks the resort and features a beautiful beach-side 18-hole golf course. And while you send your husband to the gold course, the Iridium Spa has an extensive treatment menu for us ladies to relax and pamper ourselves. There’s even a kid’s club to keep the little ones entertained while you have a little ‘me time’. Absolute bliss.

 

Iridium Spa

For more information call 02 498 8888 or email reservations.saadiyat@stregis.com