The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Saadiyat Island
Vibe
Palatial Mediterranean architecture meets protected white sand beaches, where guests sip Arabic coffee under a crystal seashell chandelier.
“Palatial beachfront hideaway”
Round-the-clock bespoke butler service, private terraces across every room, and attentive poolside service with fresh refreshments.
Five distinct swimming pools, adjacent championship golf, kids club programming, and watersports along a protected dolphin-rich coastline.
Day-to-night gatherings at Buddha-Bar Beach with resident DJ sets, beachside dining, and evening champagne sabering rituals.
On Saadiyat Beach overlooking the Gulf, five minutes from Louvre Abu Dhabi and the cultural district.
“Each of the 376 rooms and suites in the luxury resort offers a private terrace with panoramic views of the sparkling sea, golf course or lush gardens.”
Rooms
Every room features a private terrace facing the Gulf or gardens, with round-the-clock butler service on call for fresh coffee.
“Everything about the property feels thought-through, from the expanses of terraced manicured grass, to the palm trees lining the walkways.”
Wellness
Five distinct swimming pools span the grounds, alongside a traditional Moroccan hammam and twelve private spa suites with open-air terraces.
“Only 10 minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi—but a world away in spirit from the city rush—St. Regis Saaydiyat Island looks like a Mediterranean palace…”
Backstory
Opened in 2011, the resort marked the debut of the historic New York hospitality brand in the Middle East.
Eat & drink
Dine over water at Sontaya in floating pavilions, catch sunset DJ sets at Buddha-Bar Beach, or order the spiced Arabian Snapper.
The neighborhood
Set on Saadiyat Island's protected dune coastline where hawksbill turtles nest, minutes away from the 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.