Yas Island Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Renovated
2019
Price
$$$
Rated for
Design Resort SocialOutside the door
The house
MarriottIlluminated raceway spectacle
Two towers straddle an active Grand Prix racetrack, joined by a bridge beneath an illuminated glass canopy.
“The curvaceous exterior of W Abu Dhabi Yas Island, an architectural masterpiece, is the first thing that catches your eye as you approach the hotel.”
What it’s good at
Notable
A curvilinear grid shell of five thousand diamond glass panels straddling the racetrack.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
On Yas Island, straddling the Formula One racecourse, is the W Abu Dhabi, looking for all the world like an airport terminal or some equivalently grand post-modern architectural gesture.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Yas Marina sits right at the doorstep, with Ferrari World and Yas Mall a short drive away.
1 of 4
The rooms
Floor-to-ceiling windows look straight down onto the racetrack turns or the yachts moored in Yas Marina.
The rooftop pools
Bring a swimsuit.
Two rooftop pools sit beneath the glass canopy, lined with submerged daybeds and shaded loungers.
The spa and gym
The spa has a gold mosaic Turkish hammam, and the gym looks straight out across Yas Marina.
At the table
Veranda tables at Garage sit right beside the racetrack. Inside, Brooklyn Chop House serves New York steaks and dim sum.
How it began
Asymptote Architecture designed the steel-and-glass complex to open in time for the inaugural 2009 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Abu Dhabi
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The app
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.