Abu Dhabi

Natalie Poat on 20 May 2013
I have been lucky enough to visit Abu Dhabi twice in the last nine years - firstly back in 2004 on an educational trip where I really only saw the hotels we were checking out and more recently on the Gold Travel Counsellors Conference where I got to experience a lot more.

Abu Dhabi is a great destination in its own right or as a stopover when flying with the award winning national airline Etihad before flying on to the Far East, Indian Ocean or Australia. More culturally appealing than little brother Dubai, the Emirate is developing into one of the must visit countries with the opening of the Louvre Abu Dhabi in July 2013 and the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi in the not too distance future.

The capital of the UAE already plays host to a number of major world events including the Formula 1 Grand Prix held on Yas Island. We were fortunate enough to have a tour of the track and even got to stand on the winner’s podium. Tim also got to have a drive on the go-cart track before we headed off to the Skybar at the Viceroy Hotel. For a great fun night out try the 80's night held every Friday. Yas Island is also home to Ferrari World the largest indoor theme park in the world and the fastest roller coaster which reaches 240km per hour in an eye watering 4.9 seconds! We certainly had fun the day we visited.

Our base for the weekend was the wonderful Fairmont Bab al Bahr on Abu Dhabi Creek with views across the creek to the Grand Mosque. The upgrade to a sea view room with floor to ceiling windows is worth every penny! As well as the great location, the hotel has a host of great facilities and dining venues including Marco Pierre White's Steakhouse & Grill and Frankie's Italian Restaurant & Bar.

Almost directly opposite the hotel, across the Creek from the Fairmont, is the new Ritz Carlton which was the venue for our gala dinner. This is a stunning hotel and they were generous hosts.

I also got to visit the more Arabic styled Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri and its sister hotel the Traders which are separated by the Souk but linked by an internal waterway serviced by traditional Abra's. The hotels offer a great range of room styles, dining and entertainment options. The Emirates Palace by Kempinski was altogether more palatial. In a beach front location on the Corniche close to the marina, Presidential Palace, Marina Mall and conference and business facilities, the hotel is ideally placed and I was greatly impressed by its subtle opulence. The ever popular Hilton Abu Dhabi was also on the list and still looking fresh despite its claim to fame as the first hotel in the city.

Saadiyat Island is the location of the new Louvre Abu Dhabi and also the new Park Hyatt. Set on a 9km stretch of environmentally protected beach and adjacent to the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club it has already received accolades from Conde Nast.

Our final venue before our flight home was the Monte Carlo Beach Club. Also on Saadiyat Island, the private beach club has a very relaxed atmosphere with a selection of bars and lounges and I certainly enjoyed our evening in the Sea Lounge with its comfortable seating and chilled out tunes - I might have to visit more beach clubs in future. This is a great destination with lots to offer.