Saadiyat Island: Your gateway to culture, nature, relaxation
Amere one hour from Saudi Arabia, Oman and Bahrain respectively, Abu Dhabi is fast becoming one of the region’s most sought-after destinations for that perfect break. Opened in November, Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island is the newest addition to Abu Dhabi’s line of top worldclass hotels and resorts. Just 20 minutes from Abu Dhabi airport, Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort provides the perfect staycation that combines culture and nature in the most luxurious of settings.
The resort is island life at its best. It is Jumeirah Group’s first luxury “eco-conscious” resort, where depending on the season, guests may catch a glimpse of Indo-pacific humpback and bottle nose dolphins, green or hawksbill turtles and dugongs. Guests can choose to stay at one of the resort’s 293 modern, sunlit rooms with panoramic suites offering floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies overlooking the Arabian Gulf.
Jumeirah at Saadiyat Resort also offers eight private high-class villas, with either two, three and four-bedrooms with private pools. Some of the villas are equipped with their own spa treatment room ensuring maximum privacy for an even more luxurious and unforgettable experience. The villas also feature a space for domestic helpers, so guests have the opportunity to travel and enjoy their time in a family-friendly environment.
The resort has three outdoor infinity pools, a children’s pool and a tennis court. The Bodyism Wellness Centre, the first in the UAE, is a state-of-the art gym with a separate and dedicated ladies section.
The spa is an oasis of calm tranquility with a variety of organic treatments centered on a grand Moroccan Hamman, which will enrich the body and mind with cleansing rituals that have been celebrated for centuries.
Here are our top five things to do while you are enjoying your break on Saadiyat Island:
Louvre Abu Dhabi
The world-renowned Louvre Abu Dhabi museum, located in Saadiyat Island is every art lovers dream. The galleries tell the story of humanity in 12 chapters. The concept of the museum is to reveal the connections and openness of cultures by focusing on shared themes. The magical structure, designed by Pritzker-prize winning architect Jean Nouvel, is a place where water and light are combined and shine together in harmony. Adults and families can enjoy insightful tours and children-friendly exhibitions. Tickets can be purchased online or on site and will give you access to exhibitions, galleries, children’s museum and public spaces underneath the dome.
Manarat Al Saadiyat
Just ten minutes away from the resort, Manarat Al Saadiyat is the center for arts and culture in Abu Dhabi. It is a space for people to come together to experience and share creative artistic expression. With regular exhibitions, screenings, classes, special events, panel discussions, educational initiatives and workshops it is the ideal space for all kinds of cultural expression. There is also a range of delectable dining options to be enjoyed. To plan your cultural experience, visit the website.
Tean
Everything tastes better by the sea - and Tean, at the heart of Jumeirah at Saadiyat Resort, offers a variety of gastronomical experiences to suit all guests’ various palates. Whether it’s a Levantine charcoal grilled Sunset BBQ with live music and delectable Arabic mezze or the Weekend Breakfast which features Arabian breakfast favorites with touches of western influence. On Lamet Al 3aila families and friends can savor delicacies from a different region every month and create memories. Tean also offers an extensive shisha service.
Outdoor activities
For those who want to spend time in the open air, the resort provides plenty of options for outdoor activities. Guests can enjoy the sea on kayaks, stand up paddle boards and the new Mirage Eclipse experience. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Those wanting to remain on ground can head to the tennis courts or explore the 400-meter expanse of beach. The tennis court is open from 6am to 10pm and water sport activities are from 9am to sunset.
Marine and Environment education
The resort, Jumeirah’s first “ecofriendly,” is single-use plastic free and encourages a sustainable mindset. Set as it is, in a protected area, the resort takes preservation of the natural environment very seriously. Dolphins, turtles, and oryx are just a few of the amazing species who call Saadiyat their home. To this end, complimentary educational talks, by the resort’s Marine and Environmental Manager, Emily Armstrong, are given on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at the Pool Bar. The talks explain the resort’s commitment to sustainability and conservation and encourage guest to discover and participate in the amazing eco initiatives at play.