Team A&E gets the royal treatment for all the family at Abu Dhabi’s most iconic hotel.
As the most recognisable landmark on Abu Dhabi’s skyline, Emirates Palace embodies the opulence and tradition of Arabic hospitality and the renowned excellence of Mandarin Oriental in a one-of-a-kind resort experience. A symbol of the UAE’s rich heritage this spectacular palatial property is sculpted from rich marble in desert hues, reflecting the sunshine and blue skies of the surrounding landscape. Located in a natural bay along the Arabian coastline the property offers panoramic views of both the ocean and city.
Driving up the long driveway to the hotel lobby you will truly be overwhelmed by the size and detailing of this iconic property. When you step inside the vast entrance you truly feel like you have entered a real-life palace. Don’t be surprised if your kids gasp as though they just arrived at Disneyland, and you will instantly feel the grandeur and relaxation that this property has to offer. The unique interiors, which resemble that of a real palace, are undeniably extravagant, guaranteed to make anyone feel like a prince or princess, whatever their age!
Rooms & Suites
The rooms and suites follow the same traditional décor of the public areas, with many of them offering unrivalled views across the ocean. If you are bringing the little ones with you, there are several larger suites perfect for the whole family to relax and enjoy the experience and also perfect for a longer stay.
The most luxurious of all are the Palace suites, which come complete with an expansive terrace, majlis, formal dining room, living area and bedrooms as well as an oversized bathtub and jacuzzi. Other touches include crystal chandeliers, gold-thread bedding, plush soft furnishings and state-of-the-art technology. A regal colour palette of blue and gold resembles the Arabian palaces of years gone by. Each room has its own private butler who will be on hand to meet your every need.
Food & Dining
The resort features thirteen award-winning restaurants, cafés and lounges offering cuisines from around the world.
Emirates Palace – Mezlai
For families with a range of tastes, you can’t go wrong with the all-day dining restaurant; Le Vendôme. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, food is now served à la carte to adhere to COVID-19 restrictions. Combining traditional continental recipes with refined Middle Eastern preparations, it caters for a range of tastes using seasonal and carefully sourced produce. Aiming to elevate itself from what is usually expected of all-day dining eateries, each dish at Le Vendôme is precisely fashioned by a team of talented chefs. choose from healthy salads, soups and sandwiches, as well as hearty curries, grills and more including a number of options for kids.
Emirates Palace – Martabaan
Arabic flavours come to life at Mezlai whose menu offers dishes with ingredients derived from the sea, mountains, oases and the desert associated with the region. Arabic staples such as hot and cold mezze, Arabic grills and delicious deserts. If you have guests in town and want to show them the best of Arabic cuisine in a traditional setting, there is no better place to come. The interiors mirror those of an airy Bedouin tent with stunning views of the Palace grounds.
Hakkasan
Travelling across the world to India, Martabaan offers contemporary classic Indian cuisine, designed by Hemant Oberoi; celebrated master chef and the first Indian chef nominated to the World Gourmet Club. He is internationally recognised for his innovative approach to Indian cuisine and his contemporary play on traditional dishes. This is a unique dining experience, taking guests on a culinary journey with delights such as Temple Cuisine, Iron Cuisine and the Naza. Much like the rest of the hotel, the interior of Martabaan is opulent and splendid, fusing traditional Arabic décor with a touch of contemporary Indian design. When it comes to the menu there are several traditional dishes on offer, all with a new modern twist, providing a taste experience like no other. Highly recommended dishes include the Varqui Crab, Dum ki Nalli and the Masala Chai Creme Brulee.
Emirates Palace – BBQ Al Qasr
Inspired by Greece, casual dining restaurant Cascades provides a family-friendly alternative for those looking for a lazy lunch by the pool. Providing Mediterranean cuisine for all the family, guests can dine on the terrace while overlooking the sparkling waters of the Arabian Gulf. With the Kids’ Club, Park and Pool nearby, there is no shortage of activities to keep children of all ages busy whilst the parents linger over a long meal.
Emirates Palace is also home to award-winning Asian restaurant Hakkasan, which has become a must-visit dining destination in the city, as well as several casual dining options.
Spa & Wellness
The resort also features a spacious luxury spa and hammam, professional barbers for gents and expert stylists for ladies, tennis courts, two outdoor temperature-controlled swimming pools, 6km of running paths, a modern marina, free bicycles and two 24-hour fitness centres – so there really is no excuse not to relax and take good care of yourself!
Emirates Palace Spa Reception
The Emirates Palace Spa Abu Dhabi will instantly transport you to another realm, inspired by the ancient traditions of the region. It features a traditional Moroccan Hammam that is well-appointed with two Jacuzzis, two steam rooms, heated marble and an ice cave. As with all Mandarin Oriental properties many of the spa’s treatments are inspired by the local surroundings. For the ultimate in luxury try “A Day of Gold;” a rejuvenating treatment that begins with a Hammam, followed by the Signature Palace massage, followed by lunch and finished with a 24-carat gold Radiance facial and pedicure. Meanwhile, the Palace Rose & Oudh Hammam blends traditional Hammam with ingredients that the region is known for. Your skin will be softened by the touch of rose ghassoul clay and rose shea butter to brighten your complexion, increase blood circulation and promote healthy skin tone and texture. Finish by experiencing the in-house Jacuzzi and ice cave that will help to cool the body down and eliminate toxins.
Fun For All The Family
If you’re looking for a family escape from the city there is no better destination than Emirates Palace. Children are considered in all aspects of the hotel experience from dining, to safety to the facilities and activities on offer. And this summer there’s no excuse for parents to relax too as the Emirates Palace Kids Camp returns.
In collaboration with The Pro Kids Sport, the summer kids camp offers activities for children from 3 to 14 years old including swimming, kickboxing, wakeboarding, Zumba and more. An ideal way to keep the children entertained during the long school break, the camp will run from 4 July to 26 August, Sunday to Thursday, and will be divided into various age groups with the 10 to 14-year-old team segregated by gender. There is the option to sign up for individual days or weekly packages. For younger children, the Little Prince and Princess program will run in collaboration with The Bright Minds Institute which will offer 45-minute original Whole Brain training classes, for toddlers aged 6 months to 5 years old, including various activities that promote right and left-brain stimulation such as music and singing.
This summer families can take advantage of special packages and rates specially curated to ensure everyone enjoys a family holiday in the luxurious surrounds of the hotel. Find out more at www.mandarinoriental.com/abu-dhabi.
