Simply Abu Dhabi VIII

The level of opulence was truly stunning. So it’s hardly surprising that within a few hours of our arrival, we were already convinced that our stay at the Shangri- La Hotel was going to be absolutely unforgettable. Our suite made a memorable first impression. But perhaps the best aspect was that the better we got to know it, the more exquisite it seemed. It was clear that no detail had been overlooked in the pursuit of the highest degree of luxury. The room was equipped with cable TV, while bottled water and state of the art facilities for making tea or coffee – alongside a deluxe tray full of refreshing fruit – ensured that we were never hungry or thirsty. The hotel’s staff had also considered our comfort in the utmost detail. A pillow menu, for example, allowed us to choose precisely the right model to ensure an excellent night’s sleep. It’s the little things like this that really make all the difference. We can’t resist going into more detail about the marble mosaic covered bathroom – which had a separate rain shower, bath, toilet and bidet. While the room itself was opulently decorated and fantastically spacious, it was again the small details that really persuaded us that this was something out of the ordinary. For example, the room was equipped with a full range of luxurious L’Occitane branded amenities. There were incredibly comfortable bathrobes and slippers for both of us – and on top of all this, a superb flat screen LCD TV. All in all, the suite enabled us to enjoy a truly opulent lifestyle – you could even call it presidential. And from speaking with the management and the other guests, we were aware that we weren’t the only ones to have been living in this kind of style. Alongside the two presidential suites, the hotel also has sixteen executive suites, four garden suites and four speciality suites. We heard glowing reports of all of these, and we were delighted to be shown around some, too. We’re now in no doubt that every single one of them provides an experience of the very highest luxury. The sixteen executive suites – located between the 2nd and 6th floors – have a spacious king bedroom, an exquisite lounge and a fabulously relaxing seating area. The four garden suites, meanwhile, are located on the hotel’s first floor. Alongside a bedroom, spacious lounge and dining area, they each have a private garden and, naturally, stunning canal views. And in addition to these, there are four gorgeous speciality suites. Covering a total of 135 square kilometres, these suites each have one king bedroom and a large seating area. They also boast balconies and sublime canal views. We’re sure you’ll agree that it all sounds fabulous. We were bowled over by the quality of our suite, and we’d have loved to be able to stay there long enough to sample all the others, too. But the suites, stunning though they are, are just one part of what this glorious establishment has to offer. Alongside them are almost 200 sumptuous rooms. Depending on which one you choose, you’ll benefit from amazing features ranging from canal views to terrace access. But whichever one you go for, you can be sure that opulence will come as standard. Arguably the crowning glories of the Shangri-La, though, are its six spectacular villas – which each cover an impressive 600 square metres. With their private gardens overlooking the sea, these are truly the epitome of luxury, grace and elegance. The villas have been individually designed by Simon Black from South Africa. This supremely talented designer has used his magisterial skill to make each villa unique and memorable. Two of our favourites have been decorated in tasteful grey and cream shades. On our tour of the villas, we felt that these would be perfectly suited to a family stay. These villas both had fabulous terraces facing the splendid Sheikh Zayed Mosque – the ideal location, surely, for a relaxing evening meal in the sunset. The other designs are equally stunning. Two more villas show a strong Arabic influence in their design, with wonderfully rich and striking tones. And the other two are decorated in a really fun and vibrant style, that would make them the ideal location for hosting magnificent social events.

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