Jumeirah Saadiyat Island
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Saadiyat Island
Vibe
Elevated wooden boardwalks curve over protected turtle-nesting dunes, connecting three outdoor infinity pools to the white-sand shore.
“Protected dune retreat”
Private duplex pool villas, ocean-facing terraces, and attentive beachside service provide tailored hospitality along quiet island shores.
A sprawling hammam complex pairs Moroccan thermal baths and Rasul mud rituals with a dedicated Bodyism fitness studio.
Boardwalks over protected dunes connect three infinity pools, floodlit tennis courts, and paddleboard excursions on Saadiyat Beach.
On Saadiyat Island's protected dune beachfront, ten minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi and the cultural district.
“more secluded, which affords its 293 rooms, suites, and villas a healthy measure of desert-island tranquility.”
Rooms
Interiors feature marble tabletops, woven rattan accents, and private balconies angled toward the turquoise waters of the Gulf.
“A contemporary take on barefoot luxury is apparent in the property’s nature-inspired design and décor sensibilities; the lobby is crowned by a glass-blown chandelier…”
Wellness
The spa pairs a grand Moroccan hammam and Arabic Rasul mud chamber with hydrotherapy plunge pools and a Bodyism fitness studio.
“This Jetsons-esque hotel nods to the future, both with its sleek and imposing glass design and its eco-conscious philosophy…”
Backstory
Designed around marine conservation, the 2018 property centers on a 400-piece hand-blown glass chandelier reflecting the coastal waters.
Eat & drink
Sample grilled seafood at Levantine restaurant Tean, share Mediterranean plates at SAL beach club, or sip cocktails on The Lounge rooftop.
The neighborhood
Set along Saadiyat Island's protected coastal dunes, the resort sits ten minutes from the cultural district and Louvre Abu Dhabi.
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The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.