Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island

BACKGROUND The third Four Seasons in the UAE opened last May. The hotel was developed by Mubadala Real Estate & Infrastructure, the developer of Al Maryah Island, while PLP Architecture designed the 34-storey building to Estidama Pearl 2 standards for sustainable urban planning.

WHAT’S IT LIKE? A contemporary city resort with plenty of Arabian touches (seven pillars for seven Emirates in the lobby, topped with distinct icons) and broad F&B flavours, located in a rapidly growing and desirable district of Abu Dhabi (Al Maryah/Al Reem Islands).

At check in, guests are ushered to a welcome area on the left. World clocks are discreetly embedded into the reception counter’s folder.

The exterior is dominated by aluminium-coloured poles and glass panels which draw on souk heritage (reducing sunlight and environmental footprint), although the downside is some room views are obscured. Alongside the 200 rooms (includes 38 suites) are 124 Four Seasons Serviced Residences for sale or long-term lease.

WHERE IS IT? Close to the Saadiyat highway, which is convenient for Dubai drivers, and near the Abu Dhabi Global Market, Galleria Mall and Rosewood Abu Dhabi. From our 11th floor suite, I could see the Louvre Abu Dhabi which is due to open this year. ROOM FACILITIES Our end-of-corridor, corner Premier Four Seasons Executive Suite (#1117, pictured) was pinch-yourself luxurious with large bathroom and en-suite bathroom (TV in mirror), living room and separate dining room – and if that wasn’t indulgent enough, we had access to the connecting twin. Both rooms had bedside Launchports (iPads) which contained hotel and dining info, concierge services, spa, housekeeping and even ‘sleep experience’ sections.

RESTAURANTS AND BARS We arrived in time for the busy Feast brunch at Crust, where a series of trolley-filled delights came directly to our table. It’s a novel take on brunch.

In the evening we tried out both main restaurants, Café Milano, which you access down an escalator, and Al Capone-themed Butcher & Still at the end of the the lobby level. The Italian venue (second globally after Washington DC) is a fabulous space, and especially enjoyable as our seat was effectively al fresco overlooking the water, and the menu was faultless too; the pizzas had that made-in-Italy taste and texture, wines were impressive and staff alert.

We popped up to ‘Butchers’ for dessert and shared a delicious deep-crust cherry pie with ice cream, while around the corner the compact restaurant was full with diners enjoying the Kansas-sourced steaks, although fish is also on the menu (AED250 for signature Dover Sole). The bar features an old rotating cocktail maker, one of only nine globally.

The prohibition-themed restaurant becomes more apparent when you venture out the back, past the bullet-ridden toilet and down to the basement Hideaway (available for private events).

The Eclipse poolside lounge serves Asian bites and drinks. We had breakfast at Crust prior to departure which had plenty of stations where you can help yourself.

The lobby level also has Zsa Zsa cocktail bar, which recently added a humidor, and Al Meylas lounge, whose refreshments include camel ice cream.

MEETING FACILITIES There are two floor-toceiling ballrooms, Al Maryah (350 sit down) and smaller Liwa (150) as well as five smaller function rooms. The terracing outside both ballrooms is an attribute.

LEISURE FACILITIES My partner visited the Dahlia Spa where she had a one-hour massage and 80-minute facial (Swedish-Thai combo, and she chose ‘water’ for the music), which has a men’s barbershop and women’s salon. The gym a short walk away features a colourful mural of Muhammad Ali.

The pool beyond, with its triangular design, is larger than first appears, and table football/pool balls augment the city resort feel. Dominic Ellis

The main reason you should stay here is the staff – one of the best Four Seasons teams I’ve seen