The islands of Abu Dhabi

Andre Bedford 11 October 2019
I have been to the UAE many times, it’s actually one of my favourite places. I love the luxury, the high-end hotels and the fabulous service you receive here. Dubai is fabulous and I was really expecting the same again when I visited Abu Dhabi but I was wrong, the two cities are very different indeed.

Firstly, Abu Dhabi is made up of 200 islands so it has a completely different feel and many beaches. The islands are spilt into different attractions. Yas Island gives you water parks, Ferrari Land theme park, Warner Bros Studios and one of the largest shopping malls in the world.

Saddiyat Island offers luxury hotels with beach front accommodation and the only 5 star luxury all-inclusive hotel in Abu Dhabi.

Zaya Nurai Island for a real island experience. 15 mins by speed boat from the mainland, it is an island paradise that really reminded me of the Maldives.

Culturally Abu Dhabi excels too. They have the Louvre. The only Louvre museum outside of France. It’s a great experience the roof alone has been built to represent the Arabian palm trees as the sun shines through them and casts shadows onto the interior floor of the museum. Its art in itself and functional too as it’s used as a cooling system for the museum. It was magical in the sunshine, which is pretty much every day here.

The Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi is a breath-taking spot and well worth a visit. It is one of the largest mosques in the world holding the world’s biggest chandelier and largest carpet, both handmade. It can hold 40,000 people at any one time. The sheer size is amazing to see.

There is a huge selection of hotels to choose from too in Abu Dhabi. The Rixos hotel was a favourite of mine. Situated on Saadiyat Island this hotel is over the top, opulent and luxurious. It would be a fabulous hotel for a honeymoon. Pool access rooms, allowing you to jump straight from your terrace into the pool. Waiters on roller blades serving cocktails and the only 5 star luxury all-inclusive in Abu Dhabi. It is also right on the beach, so you get to experience swimming in the Arabian Sea.

The W hotel is another fantastic hotel and offers a unique experience. Situated on Yas island the hotel sits over the Formula 1 racetrack. If you are travel during the Grand Prix season you can watch the race from your room as the cars race under and around the hotel. The sound of the cars as they pass is exhilarating. It is a great experience and one to add to your bucket list. The W is a truly modern hotel in style with great service, attention to detail and most definitely a great experience. The ethos of this hotel is that every guest will have a truly special experience.

There is also the Emirates Palace to consider. The only 7 star hotel in the world! So you are spoilt for choice.

Abu Dhabi is perfect for a week away or a couple’s city break or indeed a stopover on your way to Bali or Thailand for example. Allowing you to have a two centre holiday.

So if I’ve given you the inspiration to visit Abu Dhabi, let me know and we can start planning your next adventure together.