The Best Luxury Hotels in Abu Dhabi

At the Jumeirah, you’ll find three infinity pools, an impressive spa and a tennis court. However, it’s nature lovers who will be in their element, with hawksbill turtles seen at the hotel during breeding season. Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island is one of the first resorts in the region to ban single-use plastics (every guest is given a refillable water bottle) and sustainability shines through the minimalist design and use of natural fabrics. This hotel stands alone on east Saadiyat beach and a trip into the city centre takes just 10 minutes by car — nobody walks in this city.

Secure a front-row seat to Abu Dhabi’s F1 racing at the five-star W Abu Dhabi Yas Island. Suites have floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of the race track or marina — popular with petrol-heads and all-night party crew during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Each room comes with a pillow menu, mood-light and luxurious rain showers. Relax in the two-storey spa after the high-octane fun — which includes a hammam, steam room, colour therapy booth and indulgent treatments.

In a city full of hotels striving to stand out from the crowd, this is one of the most recognisable, thanks to its sheer blue glass exterior and LED lights. Water lovers will appreciate the hotel’s Olympic-sized swimming pool and private beach, not to mention its views of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Dining options here peak at Marco Pierre White’s signature steak restaurant. There’s also a health club and beauty studio, fully equipped gym and kids’ club.

This mesmerising resort in Rub Al Khali – the world’s largest sand desert – was designed to reflect traditional Bedouin forts of yesteryear. A two-hour drive from Abu Dhabi city centre, the 12-year-old property has 140 rooms, 14 suites and 52 pool villas, full of Arabesque luxury, from Egyptian cotton linens to the marble decor and bespoke art. Each room provides you with desert views alongside a deep soaking bath, rain shower and a pillow menu. After soaking up the rays by the pool, head to the Bedouin camp-style restaurant, Al Falaj, for Arabian mezze and slow-cooked lamb.

This beachfront property from Turkish brand Rixos Hotels is in good company on Saadiyat Island, an exclusive coastal strip located 20 minutes from the central business district and just down the road from the Louvre Abu Dhabi. Built to resemble an Ottoman Palace, this 378-room resort – the only all-inclusive hotel in the UAE – exudes opulence. Dazzling suede interiors in emerald greens and the glittering chandeliers elevate the palatial style of this rich space. There are seven international restaurants onsite, as well as a dedicated shisha lounge, an expansive private beach, a luxurious Turkish-inspired day spa with traditional hammam and ice cave, plus a kids’ Aqua Park with a wave pool.

Begin your Bond-style experience here by boarding a 20-seater speed boat from the resort’s welcome centre on Saadiyat Island and zip across to this private island resort. There are 34 villas set within a secluded, sandy landscape – even the smallest comes with a private garden, pool and king-sized bed. In the bathroom, deep-soaking tubs, walk-in rain showers and Molton Brown products come as standard. Six wonderful restaurants include Middle Eastern cuisine (Frangipani), seafood (Hooked) and Mexican (Dusk). Lap up the blingy, barefoot luxury vibes.

The Four Seasons Abu Dhabi is industrious in its efforts to send eyebrows skywards and jaws to the floor. Its waterfront spot on Al Maryah Island offers incredible views of ‘old’ Abu Dhabi and the dome-shaped Louvre museum. For ultimate opulence, book the Royal Suite. It is 267sqm (2,900sqm) of pure luxury, decorated with crystal chandeliers, hand-painted silks, Arabian motifs and towering marble fireplaces. The floor-to-ceiling windows give it the ‘wow’ factor.

When it comes to luxurious hotels, St Regis Abu Dhabi really knows what it’s doing. Book the show-stopper Abu Dhabi Suite, positioned on a sky bridge high above the city, that is also the setting for the indulgent monthly Brunch in the Clouds. Enjoy a pre-dinner glass of champagne in the Crystal Lounge. Dining highlights include the fancy-froth of Italian restaurant Villa Toscana, and seafood with an NYC edge at Catch. Don’t forget to ask your butler about the Helipad Sunset Supper hosted 255m (800ft) in the air.

Gloriously stylish, this Ian Schrager-designed hotel brings a unique boutique style to Abu Dhabi. The Edition is one of just two hotels in the twinkling Al Bateen marina district of the city – within walking distance of the Sheikh Zayed Heritage Centre and a range of cafes and restaurants. A red carpet leads you into a lobby that’s more akin to a luxurious living room than an entryway. The three-storey standalone Annex complex is a unique entertainment space, and the trio of restaurants – Market at Edition, Oak Room and Alba Terrace – come under the direction of British celebrity chef Tom Aikens, his first culinary foray in the UAE.

The extravagant glassy architecture of the 34-storey Rosewood Abu Dhabi was inspired by the Arabian Gulf and undulating desert, naturally. You can expect sophisticated interiors, friendly staff and restaurants such as Dai Pai Dong (Cantonese), Sambusek (Lebanese) and the all-day dining restaurant Aqua. The Hidden Bar replicates an indulgent gin den, while La Cava is an underground wine cellar. All four categories of accommodation offer impressive views and are flooded with natural light.

One of the Shangri-La’s most impressive assets is the view of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Its location on the banks of the historic Al Maqta waterway that separates Abu Dhabi from the mainland – amid a cluster of other five-star hotels and a traditional souk – is a luxury in itself. This is paired with the fact that no other hotel in the capital has its own abra (traditional wooden boats) and meandering waterway to ride through. Among the 213 rooms, there are also six four-bedroom villas with their own private pools. All come with butler service as standard. The hotel is just 10 minutes’ drive from the airport and 15 minutes by car from the Corniche.

The Park Hyatt gets five stars for luxury, but also location. It’s just 10 minutes from the CBD, across the road from the 18-hole Saadiyat Beach Golf Club and has its own white sandy beach. Standard ocean-view rooms are ample in size with private balconies. All villas, beach view suites and garden suites have private plunge pools. Start your day with laps of the 25m outdoor pool and end it with lobster tempura and steak at The Park Bar and Grill.

This Venetian-style grande dame boasts huge landscaped gardens, a private beach and a large Bedouin-inspired spa. Positioned on one of the city’s oldest waterways, it has expansive views across the canal and towards Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Inside, you’ll find glistening statement chandeliers, plush lounges and marble flooring, alongside a resident pianist. All 447 rooms offer stunning views and contemporary interiors, not to mention 400-thread-count linens and Asprey toiletries. A destination in its own right, the main building is a short walk from Venetian Village, a waterfront leisure centre offering additional dining options, and a great jumping-off point for exploring some of the other great restaurants in Abu Dhabi.