Abu Dhabi Educational Trip
On arriving just after midnight we taken by mini bus to the Shangri La Qaryat Al Beri Hotel, a short drive from the airport. It is a beautiful Arabic style hotel and my room had a balcony overlooking the Gulf and new mosque. The breakfasts were delicious with a good choice of hot and cold food, including freshly made omelettes and pancakes. There is a lovely pool and beach area with sunbeds. There is also an open air nightclub, Pearl, which has stunning views of the mosque.
We visited Abu Dhabi Golf Club, a 27 hole championship course with hosts the European PGA in January. This is a lovely course and we were given a lesson on the driving range followed by a delicious lunch in the club house. Facilities include an outdoor pool and gym.
We then visited the Intercontinental by the marina. This is a stunning contemporary hotel with 390 beautifully appointed rooms and large bathrooms. There are large, opulent function rooms for weddings and conferences. The Yacht Club bar at the hotel is worth a visit, a very trendy bar with an outside seating area serving a large selection of vodkas and cocktails.
In the evening we went to the 6* Emirates Palace Hotel for dinner and toured the magnificent suites and rooms, all of which have butler service. This is a very traditional, opulent hotel with lots of marble, gold leaf and huge chandeliers. We had an excellent dinner at Le Vendome Brasserie. This was self-service but the standard of food was first class with a choice for every taste. Before leaving we had a drink in Etoile nightclub.
Before leaving Abu Dhabi for Bani Yas Island, we visited the stunning mosque, one of the largest in the world, constructed of white marble with beautiful carvings and chandeliers. Ladies have to wear abayas to enter. It is well worth a visit.
It was a 2.5 hour journey to Bani Yas Island by road but it can be done by sea plane. We then took a 15 min boat ride followed by a 15 minibus ride to the Desert Sands Hotel, an Anantara hotel. Activities here include a safari, mountain biking, game walks and scuba diving. A relaxed destination for couples, honeymooners or families.
Abu Dhabi is a wonderful destination for a city/beach resort and a stopover destination. It is a very green, tranquil city. The people are friendly and it is very safe. More luxury hotels are being built. Formula 1 will take to Blazon Yas Island this year and Louvre, Guggenheim and Maritime museums are being built on Saniyat Island. Other future projects will truly put Abu Dhabi on the map.