Simply Abu Dhabi XXVI

Reaching for NewHeights From an award-winning, world-class golf course to the largest hotel suite in the United Arab Emirates, St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort in Abu Dhabi has set the bar high for travelling in style. by Julia Zaltzman L ocated on a beautiful natural island just 20 minutes from Abu Dhabi international airport and ten minutes from the city’s bustling downtown district, the award-winning St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort is Abu Dhabi’s first true beachfront leisure address. Framed by the distinguished Saadiyat Beach Golf Course designed by legendary golfer Gary Player, the resort overlooks pristine beaches where hawksbill turtles find refuge in the sand dunes and bottlenose dolphins play in the surf along the shoreline. Destined to become one of the most-sought after leisure destinations in the world, it combines a unique blend of refined elegance with enduring heritage, having first opened its doors in December 2011. Featuring 377 guestrooms boasting lavish yet intimate spaces, and all with private terraces offering panoramic views of the turquoise blue sea and golf course, it combines intimate spaces with grand opulence, the latter best exemplified by the resort’s flagship Royal Suite. A majestic 2,100sqm of lavishly-appointed duplex that features four bedrooms, a private pool and a spacious, ocean-facing terrace, the Royal Suite is the largest hotel suite in the United Arab Emirates occupying the top two floors of the resort’s west wing and priced at AED 130,000 per night. With an interior designed by UAE-based Enigma Design and inspired by the sea, white sand, sea shells and driftwood, it features a warm earth-toned palette with shades of sea mist, teal and blue. The stunning spiral staircase with a reflective water feature at its base, the custom design lighting and curated artwork from around the world all add to the relaxed grandeur. 9 0 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I