Nestled on Al Maryah Island, Rosewood Abu Dhabi embodies the perfect balance of sophistication and elegance. This establishment offers a sanctuary of refinement, where rooms invite travelers to immerse themselves in spectacular views of the Arabian Gulf. With an exquisite selection of dining venues and a myriad of amenities, this modern skyscraper offers much more than just a stay. Rosewood Abu Dhabi promises an unforgettable hotel experience, making it the ideal starting point for exploring the city.
Urban Escape on Al Maryah Island
Nestled on the tranquil island of Al Maryah, Rosewood Abu Dhabi offers an unparalleled stay experience in a luxurious setting. Located directly on an elegant seaside promenade, this luxury hotel combines traditional Arabian hospitality with modern amenities for both business and leisure visitors. Its direct connection to The Galleria Mall, a luxury mall, allows guests exclusive access to upscale shopping.
Rosewood Abu Dhabi is also perfectly positioned for city exploration; the famous Corniche is just a ten-minute drive away, while the cultural district on Saadiyat Island, home to the Louvre Abu Dhabi and other attractions, is a short distance away. The iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is only a 30-minute drive away. With its strategic location and tranquil ambiance, it is an ideal choice for experiencing the cultural richness and atmosphere of Abu Dhabi.
An Icon of Luxury and Style in the Heart of Abu Dhabi
Rosewood Abu Dhabi embodies sophisticated and elegant luxury, boldly marking Rosewood's first presence in the United Arab Emirates. Its unique architecture stands out distinctly in the urban landscape with its reflective glass exterior that shines day and night. The curvilinear shape of this 34-story skyscraper creates visual harmony with neighboring rectilinear buildings, while offering a dynamic interplay of shapes and textures.
Inside, opulence abounds with glass-inlaid walls and water features that capture the eye upon arrival in the lobby. Crystal lighting, combined with refined leather and suede furnishings, adds a touch of richness. This sophisticated yet welcoming design approach reflects the characteristic style and sophistication of Rosewood properties worldwide, offering visitors a truly luxurious experience without ever veering into pretension.
Residential Elegance
Rosewood Abu Dhabi offers an elegant range of 189 rooms and suites, along with 131 serviced residences, each offering stunning views of the Arabian Gulf or Abu Dhabi's dynamic skyline. The interiors of the 148 rooms and 41 suites are finely appointed with contemporary furnishings and local artworks. These spaces are designed to reflect warm residential style, with Middle Eastern-inspired architectural elements, comfortable furnishings, and warm color palettes that evoke the region's rich heritage.
I had the pleasure of staying in an Executive King Room, which is an oasis of comfort with dark wood paneling, luxurious leather accents, and large windows that bathe the space in natural light. It is complemented by a spacious bathroom with refined Italian marble fittings and rain showers. Modern technology is discreetly integrated with iPad controls for lighting, curtains, and television.
World Flavors in the Heart of Abu Dhabi
Rosewood Abu Dhabi offers a diverse culinary journey where nine distinct dining concepts captivate the senses. From international delights at Aqua to authentic Cantonese cuisine at Dai Pai Dong, each dining experience offers its own charm, promising memorable moments in some of the capital's finest restaurants and bars. Enjoy the speakeasy ambiance of Dragon's Tooth, the seaside elegance of Em Sherif Sea Café, or the fine selection of wines and exquisite cigars at La Cava. For a sophisticated outdoor evening, Glo is the perfect spot, while gin enthusiasts will delight in over 200 varieties offered at the Hidden Bar. Whether it's an elegant afternoon tea at the Majlis Lobby Lounge or a global fusion of flavors at BB Social Dining, each culinary experience promises a palate adventure.
Cantonese Evening at Dai Pai Dong
Among these culinary gems, Dai Pai Dong stands out with its modern interpretation of Cantonese cuisine in a setting that celebrates China's cultural richness. While the Sunday Yum Cha brunch is hugely popular, we had the pleasure of experiencing it during a delightful dinner.
Opting for the tasting menu, we were delighted by a succession of delights. We started with scallop, king crab, and abalone dim sum, offering a direct immersion into Chinese flavors. Next, we savored a trio of bites, including spicy abalone, Qingyuan chicken, and roasted Wagyu beef ribs. The Cantonese chicken soup then paved the way for the famous Peking duck with caviar, an absolutely exquisite signature dish that I adored.
We also indulged in wok-fried Canadian lobster with black truffle and egg white, accompanied by Cantonese broccoli in soy sauce and wok-fried udon with shrimp, squid, and black pepper. Our culinary experience concluded on a sweet note with a red bean cake. The ambiance, steeped in Cantonese culture, added an extra dimension to our gastronomic evening, perfectly complementing this memorable experience.
The Sense Spa
The Sense Spa is a true rejuvenation oasis at the heart of Rosewood Abu Dhabi. A variety of soothing treatments are carefully designed to harmonize and revive the body and mind. Each custom treatment is meticulously crafted, integrating traditional healing practices and exceptional natural ingredients. While we have not yet had the pleasure of experiencing its benefits, the calming atmosphere and quality reputation of the Sense Spa invite to a relaxing getaway not to be missed.
State-of-the-Art Fitness and Elegant Pool
The pool at Rosewood Abu Dhabi offers an elegant outdoor space of 25 meters with stunning views of the skyline. Graceful 'Globrellas' dot the area, offering shade and refinement to swimmers. The atmosphere is exceptionally chic, adorned with artificial palm tree islands and metal structures reminiscent of Arabian mashrabiya ornaments.
For fitness enthusiasts, the fitness center offers state-of-the-art equipment dedicated to a variety of cardiovascular and strength training workouts, providing a first-class fitness experience.
My Review
As soon as I stepped into Rosewood Abu Dhabi, I was immediately captivated by the refined elegance of the establishment. This hotel admirably blends contemporary sophistication with rich Arabian traditions, creating an atmosphere of discreet luxury. My Executive Room impressed me with its practical yet luxurious double aspect, offering an ideal space for both rest and work. Dinner at Dai Pai Dong was exceptional, perfectly combining style and exquisite flavors, making every bite a culinary discovery. Its strategic location makes it the perfect starting point for anyone discovering Abu Dhabi for the first time.
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Practical Information
A big thank you to Rosewood Abu Dhabi for the invitation to discover their establishment. Of course, I remain free in my opinions in this article!
About Florence Consul
Editor of Experiences Luxe since 2015, I love discovering new exclusive and authentic experiences all over the world. I left my home country (France) 6 years ago to become a global citizen, traveling 365 days out of the year. I am a foodie person and I make a point of tasting local specialities.