My Island and desert adventure in Abu Dhabi

I got the opportunity to visit Abu Dhabi in May 2023 and to be honest Abu Dhabi wasn’t a place top of my list to travel to but I have had so many clients there and I really wanted to experience it for myself and put any preconceived notions I had about it to rest…..Oh how wrong someone can be. Abu Dhabi was simply amazing – so much so it would be way up there now as one of my favourite destinations.

I flew with Etihad Airways direct from Dublin to Abu Dhabi…it’s a 7 hour 15 mins flight so it's really comfortable and manageable for all ages and the food and entertainment onboard were just great. My first stop to explore was the island of Sir Bani Yas. Its' about a 3 hour drive from the airport. We arrived at the port and boarded a beautiful yacht to the island. This is an experience in itself. The Island offers we distinct experiences – White sandy beaches of Al Yamm Resort, the wildlife experience of Al Shahel resort and the beauty of the mangroves at the Desert Island resort. I got to walk with giraffes which was so unique, I never thought it would be something I would ever do. This island offers so much and its worth the effort to get there.

My next destination was the worlds largest sand desert called the Empty Quarter. I arrived through the massive sand dunes to what I can only describe as one of the most amazing hotels I have ever stayed in. You enter this majestic palace and from that moment you know its going to be special. The hotel is called the Qsar Al Sarab. I was simply blown away, and believe me I am hard to please!

I stayed in a one bedroom pool villa which overlooked the dunes, it was my peace of heaven in a busy world. The food, service and experience are hard to beat. I took an early morning camel trek which I loved and while here you can do dune bashing experience on the 4 x 4 buggy, Fat biking and a Falcon Show to name but a few……or relax by the hotel pool or even better in your own private pool.

My final stop was to Yas Island – its home to Ferrari F1 track, 4 theme parks- Ferrari World, Warner Bros, Seaworld Yas Island and Yas Waterworld as well as world class hotels. It’s certainly a playground of fun and adventure.

Abu Dhabi has something to offer everyone. It's friendly, relaxed and it's impressive. I will definitely be going back as I am anxious to explore more of it. I have yet to see the white Caribbean style beaches on Saadiyat Island, visit the Louvre Museum and the Grand Mosque but I am absolutely going to on my next visit.

In short, if you want a destination with direct flights, world class hotels, attractions, dining and entertainment – Abu Dhabi is for you. It will forever stick in my mind as a destination worth exploring and Qsar Al Sarab in the desert is one of my top 3 hotels after 34 years of travel…..so it must be special!!

If you would like to know more, please don't hesitate to get in touch