Simply Abu Dhabi XXVIII

1 8 7 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I making shopping child’s play!) and Barney’s, while exquisite jewellers such as Harry Winston bedazzle with massive, luxury diamonds and stunning timepieces. Here, on the roads to success for many living the American Dream, high street brands, elegant fashion houses and tiny boutiques cater for fashion New York-style and provide quirky gifts and heavenly scents, while foodie favourites bring fine dining to the streets in cool sidewalk cafés where to-go coffees become your new found access card to NYC life. On corners and near zebra crossings tourists become more distinct from the New York dwellers. Here, the rush of the city becomes apparent, as locals on their way to work have exchanged their classy footwear for sturdy sneakers, pacing through the routines to get to their first meeting of the day. This city is made for walking, even though taxi cabs are visible at each entrance and on every city’s block, especially enticing on a winter’s day. All the while, tourists are keen to take in the city, slowing down their pace and enjoying their casual stroll, chins tucked into woolly scarves enclosed by winter jackets, through festive lit neighbourhoods while gasping at the skyline filled with historic remnants and metal, window-paned titans. Sparkling splendour It is here where splendour makes its way through hotel lobbies and exquisite taste flaunts itself on rooftop terraces – where guests escape the sidewalks below. Rumour has it that in the olden days, ice rinks were created on these top terraces to woo the aristocrats, while elevators carried private cars and even elephants to the opulent ballrooms. Now, people can relax and enjoy the views of the city that never sleeps. Ideally situated in the midst of the city, opposite theMuseum of Modern Art, the terrace of the lavish Baccarat welcomes guests and residents alike. In the grandeur of its time, the hotel’s entrance sparkles through ceiling-hung chandeliers revealing the crystal company’s heritage and the 250 years of history translating its essence into contemporary culture, whilst the Harcourt vitrines showcase works by commissioned artists. The exquisite art knowledge and taste of glamour embellish the hotel, resulting in a collection spanning from the 18th century to the present day. The suites are decorated in subtle colours, elevating the carefully curated artworks and finer materials. Floor-to-ceiling windows subdue the city lights bringing in the right amount of cosmopolitan vibe – all together the perfect setting for a private haven of calm after a day out on the town.