SimplyAbuDhabi VII

5 9 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I Can you ever have too much luxury? Given the range of sumptuous opportunities on offer in Abu Dhabi, and their obvious attractions, that’s not a question you are likely to hear too much from residents or visitors here. But it’s one that – whisper it – we were beginning to consider. No one could deny that we had been having a fantastic time. We had, after all, had an absolutely opulent stay here in the Emirate at the Jumeirah at Etihad Towers hotel, and been thrilled to watch an unforgettable performance by Madonna at the superb Du Arena. We had then flown to London, where we watched the immensely powerful The Dark Knight Rises, and enjoyed the brilliant party afterwards, before going on to experience the pure class of the new Bulgari hotel in Knightsbridge. Every single one of these experiences had been truly exceptional. But as we returned to Abu Dhabi, I hope you’ll understand if we admit that we were just a little tired – well, exhausted! There was no way that we wanted to let up in our pursuit of the finest opulence. But we certainly needed to slow down and experience something a little less hectic. So we headed to the new Iridium Spa, which opened this year on The St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort. Ideal choice It turned out to be the ideal choice. The spa is only ten minutes from the city centre, but after you get there, you very quickly begin to feel as if you are in a different world. As soon as we arrived, we were surprised to find ourselves being encouraged to leave our watches and electronic communication devices in a secure vessel. It was a surprising request, but we complied with it. And we began to understand why. The friendly staff explained that it was so we could give ourselves the rarest luxury of all: time.