Simply Abu Dhabi VIII

D uring Abu Dhabi’s spectacular Formula One weekend, the lavish social events are as much as an attraction as the race itself. This year we were particularly looking forward to the Amber Lounge party. Many, including ourselves, regard this as the premier after party on the Friday and Sunday nights of the Grand Prix weekend. This year, we were especially excited to attend, as the opulent night was returning to the stunning Yas Links Golf Club, promising an evening of glitz, glamour and unrivalled entertainment. The Amber Lounge is a natural environment for those who love luxury and opulence. The original idea came fromSonia Irvine, sister of Ferrari F1 star Eddie Irvine. The first Amber Lounge event took place at the Monaco Grand Prix in May 2003. Since then there have been brilliant parties in Barcelona, Monaco, Shanghai, Singapore and Valencia – as well, of course, as Abu Dhabi. As with so many other luxurious things, the premise is a simple one: to create a truly VIP nightlife experience that reflects the glamour and exclusivity of one of the most prestigious sporting events in the world. Over the years, Amber Lounge has carved a reputation as a unique venue, where drivers, celebrities, VIPs and regular race fans can come together to enjoy a stylish, fun night out. We were delighted to mingle with many racing stars, as well as talented and visionary people in other fields. Given his victory in the Grand Prix, perhaps the most popular guest on this occasion was the charming Kimi Räikkönen, who celebrated his win with fourteen other F1 drivers, including Jenson Button and the legendaryMichael Schumacher. Over the weekend, the Amber Lounge also hosted internationally renowned pop icons Kylie and Dannii Minogue, pop starlets Natasha Bedingfield and Eva Simons, and footballer Michel Salgado. Naturally, the lavish evenings were planned to perfection, right down to every opulent detail. We were served excellent food, and drank Gize, a unique gold-filtered luxury water. Gize has been an integral part of the Amber Lounge in Monaco and Singapore, and we were delighted to see it being served at the Grand Prix After-Party in Abu Dhabi, too. The musical entertainment was also superb. Taboo, founding member of the Black Eyed Peas, entertained the rapturous crowd by spinning his own amazing musical blend, and combining it with wonderfully high energy dancing and remarkable singing. It was so much fun to be surrounded by these talented and successful people. There was an absolutely electric atmosphere, and the pumping music ensured a full dance floor. The exclusive entertainment continued until dawn – and we and the other guests still seemed enthusiastic to carry on then! We were thrilled that this year’s Amber Lounge party was to be held at the amazing Yas Links. The course has been voted among the Top 10 New International Golf Courses, and even named one of the world’s top 25. I’ve played on this brilliant course in the past. It’s a par 72 championship course that stretches to a demanding 7,450 yards. Alongside the luxurious clubhouse, there’s also a nine-hole par 3 academy course, and floodlit practice facilities. We felt that Amber Lounge’s partnership with Yas Links was an opulent blend of luxury, talent and sophistication that was reminiscent of the spirit of Formula One itself. With sponsors of the calibre of Gize, Audi and Coca-Cola, there was little doubt that this was going to be the most exquisite party in town. The 2012 Amber Lounge was not only a great finish to the Formula One race, but also a fabulous finale to an amazing year. We can’t wait for the 2013 event – which promises to be even more phenomenal! Amber Lounge Abu-Dhabi - Taboo Amber Lounge Abu-Dhabi - Eva Simons Amber Lounge Abu-Dhabi Kimi Raikkonen and Amber Lounge CEO Sonia Irvine