Simply Abu Dhabi III

Saadiyat Beach Picture it if you can – a nine kilometre arc of immaculate golden sand stretching as far as the eye can see. Home to Hawksbill turtles and pods of playful dolphins, Saadiyat Beach is an idyllic setting for five star hotels, a private beach club and a championship golf course. It sounds almost too good to be true but we witnessed it first-hand. We couldn’t fail to be mesmerised by the warm sea breezes as we arrived at this laid back tourist retreat. Fringed by unspoilt white sands merging blissfully into sparkling azure waters and with uninterrupted panoramas of the Arabian Gulf we knew we were part of something very special. Capturing all that epitomises relaxed island life, Saddiyat Beach is located on the island’s North Western coast and is set to become big news in the tourism industry. The nine highly landscaped five star resorts at Saadiyat Beach are certain to become renowned for their tranquil ambience and first-rate branding and will be opening from this year onwards. The original vision to create a district on a par with the world’s finest established resorts is one that is already being achieved as big names flock to the island to be part of the success story. Many upmarket and glamorous hotel operators have been attracted to the Saadiyat Beach proposition, charmed by its distinctive magnetism and character. The district will pride itself on the Middle East’s first St. Regis hotel, a five-star property by Rotana Hotels and Resorts as well as featuring definitive resorts such as Park Hyatt, the Shangri-la owned by the Al Jaber Group and Mandarin Oriental. And this is only the story so far with plenty other big name brands set to be attracted to the subtle glitz and relaxed appeal of the area in the future. At one with nature Saadiyat Beach may be being developed as an enticing international tourist destination packed full of unparalleled facilities and attractions, but with TDIC’s commitment to environmental sensitivity, any urbanisation is being woven flawlessly into the natural eco-system. Developers working on the resort are adhering to strict guidelines which present them with the huge challenge of creating a sought-after destination at one with nature whilst also providing the most superb hospitality, entertainment and amenities that discerning guests could wish for. It is much to their credit that the most incredible resorts in terms of opulence and allure are being built with due care and consideration to the natural dunes and fauna located on the beachfronts that lie in close proximity to them. With this in mind, the nine five-star hotels and international resorts that will sit at the heart of Saadiyat Beach have been designed to blend effortlessly into their physical surroundings and to respect the natural balance of this beautiful unspoiled island. To achieve such a balance is a remarkable feat, but one we saw already under transformation as the district takes shape and the finest pedestrian-friendly atmosphere is created. Where families play, couples cavort and socialites gather, turtles also nest and dune grasses are caught blowing in the warm sea breeze. Rest, relax, revive, recharge Set beside stunning sapphire waters, the Saadiyat Beach District invites countless possibilities for rest and recreation. In a magical setting under the sun, a laidback leisure orientated lifestyle will appeal to both residents and tourists. Whether you want to laze by the pool, relax over a coffee, mooch around the shops or work up a sweat at the treadmill, a choice of private and public beach clubs will cater to your needs offering an array of sport facilities, high-tech gyms and indulgent day spas. If like us, you visit a beach resort expecting fine restaurants, lively shore-front cafes and bars, enticing spas, beautiful boardwalks you simply have to stroll along, the picturesque backdrop of golden sand dunes and sparkling azure waters, then Saadiyat Beach can’t fail to exceed expectations. A high quality camera is a must as although these are beautiful images that will be imprinted on your mind, you’ll simply have to show loved ones back home. The very essence of island living, Saadiyat Beach will draw in visitors who wish to pursue their hobbies and live their dreams. This is exactly what we did when we paid a fantastic and memorable visit to the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club. A champion experience at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club Golfing legend Gary Player, the designer of the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club stated “our vision is to have a golf course of many seasons. We’ve got to do something very, very special here”. Away from the fast-paced bustle of everyday life, he has certainly achieved that. During our visit we saw first hand how he has created a club that successfully achieves his goal to “make golfers feel like champions.” As golfing fans what could be better than a championship golf course set next to the ocean? This is truly the stuff that dreams are made of and we simply couldn’t stop smiling throughout our day spent at this heavenly club. Gary Player has created one of the world’s most alluring golfing projects with first-class amenities where visitors can enjoy a unique golfing experience whilst also soaking up the truly awe-inspiring views of the immaculate white sandy beach. We are pleased to report that Saadiyat Beach Golf Club serves golfers of all abilities so everyone can par off and enjoy putting their skills to the test. We certainly did just that as we signed up for the ‘Member for a Day’ experience – the only golfing pay and play facility in the Middle East. We were able to practice our backswing on several beach-front holes as we moved around the figure eight course which has been organically designed so you don’t have to play the same hole twice. The friendly, courteous staff couldn’t have done more to put us at ease and we relaxed into our game as we were made to feel like champions! As with the development philosophy of Saadiyat Beach as a whole, the course has been designed to reflect stringent eco-guidelines. With a golf academy, excellent practice facilities and an iconic clubhouse that makes the most of stunning views, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club is posed to provide the social and recreational focus of Saadiyat Beach. It’s fair to say we had worked up something of an appetite and were feeling rather peckish by lunchtime and boy were we in for a pleasant surprise! Far from the usual golf club grub, in the Hawksbill Restaurant, our mouths watered as we were presented with a comprehensive menu offering a tantalising selection of culinary delights from around the globe. Jordana opted for delicious fresh tagliatelle pasta with succulent prawns and arriabiata sauce. My Saadiyat Salmon more than satisfied my hunger with its subtle avocado and garlic undertones and we shared some garlic and mozzarella bruschetta – the perfect accompaniment to a tasty and leisurely lunch. As we tucked in we chatted animatedly about the thrilling plans for Saadiyat and we looked out from the terrace at the glorious views of emerald green fairways and the glistening blue waters of the gulf. If this is what just one little corner of one district of Saadiyat has to offer, we’re in for a real treat when the incredible project is completed. Our first impressions of Saddiyat Beach – a completely natural environment on the doorstep of our luxurious hotel that appealed to all our senses. Our lasting impression of Saadiyat Beach – pure beauty at its intrinsic finest – a place that has captured our hearts and will be firmly in A&J’s diary for a return visit in the not too distant future. SAADIYAT ISLAND a new chapter in the stor y of the UAE 12 SIMPLY ABU DHABI

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