SimplyAbuDhabi I

21 S IMPLY ABU DHABI WHY I LOVE . . . my qui nt e s s e nt i a l l y c ard Working in partnership with an extensive network of luxury suppliers, Quintessentially Abu Dhabi will give you the virtual keys to any city, with an irresistible package of offers, benefits and privileges that will save you both time and money. So, ‘ what does Quintessentially really provide me with?’ you ask. Well, pretty much everything is the short answer. Need a local restaurant recommendation or last minute VIP tickets to the best events in the world? A to Z bespoke travel arrangements or that limited edition item that you’ve been longing after for ages? Just name it and we’ll sort it. As vibrant as the city of Abu Dhabi is, it seems that Quintessentially’s members are looking for that special something to make time spent more exclusive, more unique, more memorable. From my many requests with Quintessentially over the years, here are my favorite examples of some requests fulfilled by Quintessentially’s Office in Abu Dhabi: • Very last minute provisions and concierge services (including meeting, chaperoning and car pick-up) for high-profile celebrities who performed during the 2010 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. • Same day request for the following three presents to be found abroad; a love bracelet from Cartier, a white cymbidium flower bouquet and a birthday cake. All three items were quickly secured and delivered at midnight as per requirements. • My favorite request: A friend of mine who happens to be an Elite member at Quintessentially Abu Dhabi, requested luxurious travel arrangements to be organised for nine of us, at his costs thankfully. Spanning thirteen destinations across Europe, the team set about sorting those private jet bookings, extravagant car rentals, logistic coordination, luggage handling and delivery and - best of all - creation of a customised Arabic/English city guide, with all the insider info necessary to escort him to the crème de la crème of the best this world has to offer. • Just after the iPhone 4 was launched in Europe, Quintessentially was able to secure two of them within 48 hours for one deliriously happy member and no they were not then resold for a substantial profit on Ebay . I asked Quintessntially to arrange a whole day for me and one of Simply Abu Dhabi’s most prestigious advertisers and this is what they come up with: 07:00: Started our day early with a walk along the corniche side heading towards the Emirates Palace for an unforgettable breakfast served on a silver tray. Fantastic tour in the palace where you can see the 60 metre high central atrium and the 1002 Swarovski Crystal chandeliers. Then dropped by the permanent display of visionary plans for Abu Dhabi cultural centre. 10:00: Booked us in for a guided tour around the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque - the third biggest mosque in the world - where you can see the world’s largest carpet, the world’s largest light fitting and a massive 24 carat gold-plated chandelier. 12:30: Time for lunch... Just choose the type of cuisine you like and enjoy a gastronomical experience in any of the top dining restaurants in the city. We were booked in Hakkasan. 14:00: Dropped by the Cultural Foundation. A permanent photography exhibition reveals the metamorphosis of Abu Dhabi from fishers’ and pearlers’ village into a mini-metropolis. Don’t forget to savour the cardamom& saffron Arabic coffee served in the coffee shop. 16:00: Went for a desert Safari…One of the best must-do experiences in Abu Dhabi: Dune drive, camel trekking, sunset barbecue before relaxing beneath the stars in a charming rustic Bedouin camp. 23:00: Relished the purely refined atmosphere of the outdoor Cedar Lounge in Fairmont Bab AL Bahr. Relaxed and enjoyed my shisha as the DJ spuns some truly uplifting tracks. 01:30: Our after party? Allure in Cipriani Yas Yacht Club was the perfect place to be. In this stunning Penthouse night club you will be offered an ultimate entertainment experience till the early morn. Amazing day, and we got the result we wanted so thank you Quintessentially from all of us at Simply Abu Dhabi.