SimplyAbuDhabi V

20 S IMPLY ABU DHABI Protecting the Environment TDIC tirelessly strive to oversee both construction and operational activity to protect the environment. In keeping with their policies in this area, resort development is restricted to more than 60 metres back from the seaward edge of the coastal dunes to create a safeguard between the turtles’ habitat and the construction process. With strict guidelines for the Saadiyat coastal dune system, procedures to be followed by construction contractors during the nesting season and rules for individual properties to ensure the turtles are not disturbed, the plan aims to cut down on the number of unnecessary turtle deaths and preserve these valued creatures. With the Hawksbill Turtle in danger of dying out as a species unless great efforts are made to preserve their environment and to put a stop to their capture, Viktor Bondarchuk’s selfless actions represent a significant show of support for the TDIC’s Hawksbill Turtle Conservation Plan. As Mr Bondarchuck sprang into action that day, little did he know what a sign of unity he was showing to sustain a beautiful natural species. Having discovered more about the animal he rescued, Viktor deserves to feel immensely proud of himself for his worthy contribution to the environment. And as for little Vik, we wish him all the best for a speedy recovery and hope he won’t find himself riding the waves again anytime soon! Unparalleled Service and Facilities As one of the most exclusive beach resorts in Abu Dhabi, the St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort Abu Dhabi offers a fabulous range of unrivalled services and facilities allowing guests to truly unwind and opens up endless opportunities to create some unbelievably memorable moments – a unique hospitality experience from start to finish. Well- travelled connoisseurs like ourselves have come to expect a lot when it comes to efficient service and exceptional hospitality and our first impressions of the new St Regis Hotel were of a remarkable and highly welcoming environment fully geared up to the needs of the modern tourist. At the heart of the brand philosophy is a firmly resolute devotion to providing every single guest through the St Regis doors with an outstandingly bespoke service within a beautiful setting where every request is met with speedy efficiency from arrival to departure. It is this commitment to the customer experience which has seen the brand flourish and ensures repeat business. It is with first- hand experience that we say they are getting it very right, as we wouldn’t hesitate to make a return trip to this magnificent hotel where we felt as though we were VIP guests throughout our stay. A shining example of this complete dedication to the customer is the solicitous early and late departure lounge. This unique facility caters for guests who are waiting to check in or leave the hotel, allowing them to catch up on emails and correspondence, make use of the gym facilities, take advantage of the entertainment, freshen up or quite simply take the time to relax. The St Regis brand has defined luxury for so long that they excel in all that they do and the service they provide. With their legendary standard of excellence the hotel staff were incredibly helpful throughout our stay – always quick to make recommendations and on hand to make restaurant reservations on our behalf. The staff on the concierge desk were eager to ensure our enquiries with dealt not only with smooth efficiency but with a range of suitable options where appropriate. Whether your trip is for business or pleasure, you will be treated to the ultimate in comfort and luxury with fabulous amenities and friendly staff to take care of your every need. Every single member of staff we encountered went above and beyond the call of duty to ensure our stay was magnificently magical. This fabulous high-end hotel experience is etched on our memories and has left us with a fabulous lasting impression of all that the St Regis brand represents and values. First Class Facilities and Services Sports lovers and fitness fanatics will love the St. Regis Athletic Club with its state-of- the-art gym, juice bar and 25-metre indoor lap pool. This exclusive fitness venue also house two tennis courts, two squash courts and four outdoor swimming pools including an adult pool with private seating bays and Jacuzzis and an exclusive pool for adults. Kids are also well catered for with a fabulously fun children’s pool featuring not only a water slide but a cave. Talking of children, in their commitment to the overall perfect customer experience, the St Regis Hotel is dedicated to their provision for families to make sure every family member enjoys a truly memorable holiday. The exclusive Sandcastle Children’s Club offers parents a chance to relax while they children play in brilliantly crafted indoor and outdoor areas with a range of exciting activities on offer including the popular climbing wall. Catering for children aged one to ten years the Sandcastle Club is available to all in-house guests. A Sensual Spa for the Spiritual Soul So, with the kids nicely occupied, take some well-deserved time out. Choose to indulge your senses in the Iridium Spa with its 12 treatment rooms or re-invigorate your whole being in the 25m indoor lap pool – you’ll feel all the better for the experience! Whether you want to take the path to self-discovery or simply indulge your senses with pampering the St Regis Spa experience is a positively enchanting one. The serene atmosphere marries with internationally-commended treatments for an intimate and exclusive pampering experience for the body and spirit. On entering the tranquil Iridium Spa, we were greeted by a soothing water wall feature, welcomed by the friendly staff and the fabulous range of traditional remedies, individually tailored treatments and modern technologies were described to us in tempting detail. Jordana and I pride ourselves on a strong work ethic, but also fully appreciate the importance of taking care of the body and soul, so savour every second of or ‘down’ time. Rather than be pampered in one of the treatment rooms, for a more personal rejuvenation experience, we opted to have our treatments in one of three themed Spa Suites with its own private terrace and pool – total bliss. Having savoured the experience of the Spa facilities at the St Regis Hotel we thoroughly recommend taking the time to refresh your mind, revive your soul and revitalise your body. Believe us when we say you will immerge from this spiritual experience feeling like a new person! A Choice of Sensationally Sumptuous Suites It is hard to sum up in words the unparalleled level of tastefully unashamed extravagance that awaits visitors to the St Regis Resort on Saadiyat Island. With 62 fantastic sea- facing suites, this fabulously decadent accommodation represents the absolute pinnacle of luxury. Every aspect of the hotel represents intimacy and tradition and you feel truly welcomed and taken care of. Immaculate rooms with ornate furnishings and finishes –such as elaborate wooden fans – provide the perfect setting for appreciating the finer things in life. The calming colour scheme of serene creams and browns with splashes of bright coral turquoise, made it easy to kick back and chill out. Our ocean-facing suite, overlooking the Saadiyat Beach Golf Course, designed by the legendary Gary Player and the glimmering white sands and sparkling water beyond was the perfect place for a few glorious days spent relaxing and unwinding, taking a break from the normal daily routine. Our stunningly furnished 105sqm Ocean Suite with its well conceived interior and distinctive decor was a true haven positively brimming with modern comforts and all the treats associated with a care-free Mediterranean lifestyle. In this immaculately planned and beautifully designed spacious suite we had a separate living room, dining area and bathroom. In the living room our contemporary entertainment console incorporated flat screen television and an iPod docking station. Other much-appreciated amenities include the ideally placed refreshment centre and the as Wi-Fi available throughout the suite. With soft bathrobes and slippers at our disposal in the walk-in-closets, you are positively encouraged to take things easy – it would be hard not to in such a tranquil well-equipped and comfortably appointed environment. Deluxe king sized beds adorned with plush baby-soft linen, feather-down comforters and feather pillows provide the most comfortable night’s sleep you can imagine. The large bathroom was sumptuous with a pristine suite incorporating an extravagant over-sized stand-alone oval bath, double vanity units with twin sinks and huge mirrors, an incredible shower and with the added bonus of a fabulous rain shower. We spent many indulgent hours relaxing on our private terrace with a refreshing drink, whilst reading a book and taking stock of the glorious ocean views. The other accommodation available is just as opulent with superior sea view rooms, St Regis Suites, Spa Suites and Majestic Suites all available to the discerning guest providing unrivalled levels of luxury and service. The signature St. Regis Butler Services was the grandly lavish cherry on the cake of this exceptional experience. s imp l y s t r e g i s t ranqui l l i t y and be au t y