An iconic gem located on a prime site on the Al Bateen peninsula, The Abu Dhabi EDITION is not merely a hotel, but an elegantly designed interlinked complex of structures that offer a new kind of resort environment. Every aspect of how you experience a hotel has been re-imagined for the needs and desires of a new generation that is seeking a balance between leisure and work.
The guest experience begins in the lobby, where the lines between work and play start to blur: here, there are both group meeting tables and a signature golden pool table. With distinct seating areas separated by bronze screens, inspired by traditional Arabian architecture techniques, guests can lounge in the serene space while enjoying an indulgent afternoon tea treat inspired by artworks at the nearby Louvre Abu Dhabi.
The open atrium lounge area also features a large-scale kinetic art installation in 20 Steps designed by the world-renowned art collective Studio Drift. Suspended from the ceiling by a series of strings that enable the artwork to move on the hour, the installation pays tribute to humanity’s desire to fly.
As the first EDITION to open in the Middle East, the Abu Dhabi version is a ground-breaking hotel concept brought to life by Ian Schrager, the visionary behind contemporary luxury as we know it. As with all EDITION hotels, each one is a cultural epicentre and a microcosm of the best each city has to offer.
“It’s about an attitude, about a feeling rather than a look,” Schrager said, “Sophisticated public spaces, finishes, design and details serve the experience, not drive it.”
Guests can enjoy touches of Emirati culture and design throughout the property including the calming wood and desert tones as well as the two signature armchairs in the lobby by UAE designer Latifa Saeed – inspired by the distinctive way Emirati children braid their hair.
The hotel’s rooms feature grey oak herringbone timber flooring which draws inspiration from local basket weaving techniques, while beautiful timber panelling adorn the walls, enhancing a feeling of calm and tranquility. Signature imported linens are used throughout the guest rooms, while the bathrooms are finished in white marble, detailed in contrasting antique bronze.
The hotel features three signature restaurants created by world-renowned chef Tom Aikens, famed for being the youngest chef ever to have been awarded two Michelin stars. The most popular is the Oak Room, a traditional English oak-panelled restaurant, celebrating world-class ingredients with a British rock ‘n’ roll flair. The atmosphere is very masculine and super cool, with framed images of famous British artists displayed on the walls. The service is exceptional in addition to a generous and well-planned menu that encourages guests to indulge in the very best produce and gastronomy, not to mention a unique British cheese selection. Meat lovers will be delighted by the options available – including the USDA Prime rib eye which was cooked to perfection.
Other exciting creations include the Wagyu fat chips, the butternut squash curry for vegetarians and of course the deserts: Sticky toffee date pudding with toffee sauce and the Crème Brulee which are both worth the wait.
For those looking to relax and unwind, the spa features separate zones for men and women, including two Hammams and a couple’s treatment suite. The facial room is the most popular, with a high demand for the Deep Cleansing Facial – the spas most popular treatment. Incorporating luxury cult brand Omorovicza from Hungary, the products used during the facial feature mineral-rich thermal water extracted from a 2,000-year-old hot spring in Budapest, long prized for its skin-healing properties. The 1-hour facial offers immediate results: Smooth, clear and glowing skin.
Whether you are looking to take a short break or find a new place where you can effortlessly balance your work and leisure arrangements, you may want to consider the Abu Dhabi EDITION – a hotel that understands the value of personal, approachable and genuine luxury service.
Hermoine Macura-Noble
The first Australian English speaking News Anchor in the Middle East. She is also the Author of Faces of the Middle East and Founder of US-based 501c3 charity – The House of Rest which helps to ease the suffering of victims of war. For more from our Contributing Editor, you can follow her on Instagram, here.
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