The St. Regis Abu Dhabi

The St. Regis Abu Dhabi is composed of two soaring glass towers, dramatically linked near the top by a multi-story bridge (which also houses the hotel's most over-the-top suite). Outdoor terraces and manicured lawns sprawl out far below, though the property is separated from the beach and outdoor pool by the main road that runs along the Corniche. To get to those areas, guests must take the underground tunnel, which is lined with glossy marble. There's plenty of space at the beach and pool area for kids to run around, but a relaxed, adult atmosphere suitable for couples is more prevalent. One only need walk into the classic lobby, with its two-story columns, grand piano, and sweeping open staircases to get a sense of the sophisticated guests that frequent the St. Regis.

At the western end of the Corniche, the hotel is tucked between the beachfront and a network of roads surrounding gleaming complexes of high-rise apartments and office buildings. Behind the hotel are smaller service roads with lots of construction underway, but there are interesting places for walkers to explore, despite the busy traffic. Across the water on nearby Al Marina island, guests can reach the popular Marina Mall, along with Heritage Village, and the Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club within a six-minute drive. Major tourist sites are farther afield; the famed Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a 23-minute drive, and attractions on Yas Island are 30-minutes away by car. Expect a 30-minute drive to Abu Dhabi International Airport. Free valet parking is available. 

The hotel's 283 rooms are decorated in a classical style, with crystal chandeliers, moulded ceilings, and dark-wood furnishings set against a white-and-gold palette. Rooms start at an airy 484 square feet (45 square meters), equipped with work desks and living areas that have loveseats alongside floor-to-ceiling windows. Quality amenities include free Wi-Fi, iPod docks, flat-screen TVs, and minibars, though the most impressive is butler service. Upgraded rooms add sea views and decorative touches such as Bedouin fabrics. Bathrooms are big, elegantly covered in marble, and have double vanities along with bidets, rainfall showers, and separate soaking tubs. The highest floors are occupied by tiers of increasingly opulent suites with living rooms and offices (some add kitchens too) wrapped in luxurious materials. The most extravagant is the two-story Abu Dhabi Suite, which has 360-degree views from its perch within the bridge that links the hotel's two towers. 

Unsurprisingly, The St. Regis offers a plethora of features for older and younger guests. The beach and pool area are accessible from the hotel through an air-conditioned tunnel underneath the Corniche; guests can either walk or hitch a ride on a golf cart. At the beach, loungers and umbrellas await, along with a beach bar and grill with covered tables on a sandy terrace. Nearby, the big outdoor pool has a swim-up bar, a hot tub, and a deck with loungers and a dozen private cabanas. Children get their own splash pool with a waterslide in the backyard of a supervised kids' club. Back at the main buildings, the fitness center has its own saunas and is equipped with modern cardio and weight-training machines. The spa has 11 treatment rooms and an outdoor terrace for refreshments, along with multiple hot tubs and relaxation rooms with sea views. Indoor and outdoor event facilities for up to 1080 guests include a vast garden lawn, several meeting rooms, and a ballroom.For dining, Terrace On The Corniche serves all-day international cuisine and Villa Toscana specializes in regional Italian dishes for lunch and dinner. Azura Panoramic Lounge serves drinks and snacks on an outdoor terrace, while the lobby's Crystal Lounge pairs champagne with glittering Arabesque chandeliers. The upscale St. Regis Bar recreates a gilded-age vibe with an attached library and cigar lounge. There are also a tea lounge and a monthly dinner event on the hotel's helipad.