The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort: The Art of Living With Your Feet in the Sand

Between Turquoise Sea And Cultural Gems

Ideally located on the exclusive Saadiyat Island, The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort enjoys a prime setting between unspoiled nature and urban dynamism. Bordered by a pristine beach with turquoise waters and overlooking the prestigious Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, the property is just a few minutes' drive from downtown Abu Dhabi and major cultural institutions such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the upcoming Guggenheim Museum. This peaceful enclave, currently transforming into the cultural heart of the United Arab Emirates, offers direct access to one of the region's most beautiful beaches while being ideally connected to the international airport and Yas Island attractions.

An Elegant Resort Facing The Sea

The design of The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort embodies timeless elegance, blending Mediterranean charm with contemporary sophistication. The cream-toned architecture evokes southern European villas, enhanced by subtle oriental touches. Inside, the bright and airy spaces are adorned with noble materials such as polished marble and Murano glass, creating a refined and calming atmosphere. The landscaped gardens unfold with lush vegetation, shaded walkways, and serene pools. Below, the private beach stretches in a wide band of white sand bordered by the turquoise waters of the Persian Gulf, offering a stunning natural setting and a true sense of escape.

An Exceptional Stay In The St. Regis Suite

The rooms and suites at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort pay refined homage to Mediterranean elegance, combining noble materials, absolute comfort, and contemporary design. All are bathed in natural light thanks to their private balconies, which offer spectacular views of the landscaped gardens or the turquoise waters. The noble materials are expressed in a palette of sand, coral, and ivory tones to create a soothing and warm atmosphere. Each space, meticulously designed, includes modern amenities and benefits from the renowned St. Regis Butler Service, offering personalized hospitality available at all times.

During our stay, we had the pleasure of discovering the St. Regis Suite, a spacious 80 m² haven combining elegance and intimacy. Comprising a large bedroom with a king-size bed, a separate living room, and a furnished balcony, this suite provides a sumptuous setting for a relaxing escape. The contemporary furniture with soft lines harmoniously integrates into a decor of smooth marble, natural wood, and high-end fabrics. The bathroom features a deep bathtub, a rain shower, and luxurious amenities. It's a true invitation to slow down time, soothed by the tranquility of the place and the excellence of the service.

Manhattan Lounge: A Journey Between New York And Saadiyat

The Manhattan Lounge embodies the elegance and conviviality that define the brand. This refined bar, extended by a discreetly charming terrace, offers an ideal setting to enjoy early evenings in a cozy ambiance. The must-try: the Arabian Snapper, a local reinterpretation of the famous Bloody Mary created at The St. Regis New York in 1934. Enhanced with za'atar and cumin, this signature cocktail reveals bold flavors with Middle Eastern accents. We had the pleasure of watching it being prepared, guided by the bartender's fascinating explanations, before tasting it—a perfect introduction to our evening.

Culinary And Musical Immersion At Buddha-Bar Beach

With its refined array of bars and restaurants, The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort places culinary excellence at the heart of the guest experience. Among its most iconic venues, Buddha-Bar Beach Abu Dhabi stands out for its cosmopolitan spirit and inventive cuisine with Pacific influences. Nestled on the beach, this iconic spot brilliantly blends gastronomy and a vibrant atmosphere. From sunlit lunches to evenings filled with live performances and captivating DJ sets, every moment becomes a sensory celebration.

Before settling in for dinner, we had the privilege of witnessing one of St. Regis's signature rituals: the champagne sabering. Comfortably seated by the sea, we enjoyed a glass of champagne in this enchanting setting as the sun dipped below the horizon. An elegant and festive moment, perfect for starting the evening.

Our dinner at the Buddha-Bar restaurant was a true symphony of flavors. We started with delicious fried lobster dumplings, delicately coated in a creamy tom yum sauce, served with a crunchy and tangy papaya salad, bringing freshness and balance to this generous appetizer. The following course transported us to Japan and Peru with the Nikkei Nigiri Moriawase selection. Highlights included the O-Toro Anticuchero, notable for its tenderness and the subtle blend of yuzu, crispy quinoa, and tericucho sauce, and the Shake Toryufu with salmon and truffle, which revealed rich and delicate aromas. The seabass nigiri, topped with raspberry and cashew, added an unexpected and enticing fruity touch.

We then savored a Wagyu Roll as tender as it was flavorful, where the richness of lightly seared beef met the freshness of avocado and the delicacy of shiso leaf, all enhanced by a well-balanced yakiniku sauce. The Sake-Amamiso offered a perfectly balanced sweet and savory explosion thanks to the mild miso, tender salmon, and an exotic mango and pomelo salsa. For the main course, the Niku Anticuchero won us over with the tenderness of its beef fillet and the originality of its sides: a creamy coconut purée, surprising fennel kimchi, and a boldly flavored anticuchera sauce. Everything paired beautifully with simply yet perfectly executed fried vegetables.

To conclude, the Dezäto Sentaku Platter dessert offered a varied and indulgent selection. The lemon-yuzu mousse, airy and refreshing, pleasantly contrasted with the intense sweetness of the mango pudding and the richness of the Choco Kejutan.

Sontaya: A Romantic Interlude With Asian Flavors

Set in an enchanting setting of glass pavilions on stilts, bathed in shimmering water reflections and soft lighting, the Sontaya restaurant treated us to a romantic dinner with Southeast Asian accents. We started with a very fresh Indonesian tuna tartare, delicately enhanced by a pickled ginger vinaigrette and elevated by creamy avocado, sweet papaya, and crunchy quinoa. The duck spring rolls, generously filled with roasted meat, leeks, and vermicelli, were served with a fragrant hoisin sauce, for an appetizer that was both crispy and flavorful.

For the main course, the King Massaman Curry stood out with its balanced flavors: slowly braised, melt-in-your-mouth ribs coated in a richly spiced curry, accompanied by sweet potatoes, cashew nuts, and crispy onions. The lotus leaf roasted sea bass, delicately infused with galangal, lemongrass, and ginger, offered a harmonious contrast between the delicacy of the fish and the aromatic intensity. Served with perfectly cooked coconut rice and an Asian salad, it embodied the very essence of Sontaya's fusion cuisine. To finish, we shared two desserts: an authentically flavored mango sticky rice and a light, fruity Asian pavlova, elevated by Thai basil sorbet.

Discovering Other Flavors Of The St. Regis

Beyond its iconic venues, The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort hosts several other equally remarkable restaurants, each with its own identity and distinctive lifestyle. MAZI Abu Dhabi invites guests on a journey to the heart of the Eastern Mediterranean with modern Greek cuisine to share. In a convivial and bright atmosphere, guests enjoy colorful mezzes, grilled calamari, tender chicken skewers, and shredded lamb shoulder, all served in a chic and rustic decor, either indoors or on the sunny terrace.

For a more cosmopolitan experience, head to Oléa, the hotel's main restaurant. Open from morning to evening, it offers an impressive international buffet that turns each meal into a true feast. Breakfast here is simply exceptional: golden pastries, local and international specialties, fresh juices, hot dishes, and à la carte options follow one another in a carefully curated setting. Come evening, global flavors take over, from Indian curries to Mediterranean dishes and elegant pastries.

Lastly, The Drawing Room offers a refined setting for a sweet break or an exceptional afternoon tea. True to the tradition established by Caroline Astor, this lounge nestled in the lobby offers a selection of prestigious teas, homemade cakes, delicate treats, and barista drinks, all enhanced by a splendid view of the Gulf.

The St. Regis Spa: A Haven Of Absolute Serenity

The St. Regis Spa is a sanctuary of tranquility where the refined setting rivals the excellence of the treatments. In a hushed and elegant atmosphere, guests are welcomed into one of the twelve treatment rooms for a true sensory journey, blending ancient traditions and modern techniques. Scrubs, massages, body rituals, and facials are performed using prestigious products, while expert therapists offer a fully personalized approach to well-being. Here, every gesture, scent, and detail is designed to promote deep relaxation and rejuvenation.

Among the most memorable experiences, I had the pleasure of discovering the Tekmida ritual, a Moroccan-inspired treatment as soothing as it is revitalizing. Lasting 90 minutes, it begins with an amber body scrub, in the tradition of black soap, followed by a massage technique using warm, moist towels. With targeted pressure on tension areas, this ritual reactivates energy flow, relaxes muscles, and provides deep and lasting relaxation. Both enveloping and energizing, this exclusive treatment is a true invitation to regain balance and vitality.

Moments Of Joy For Young And Old Alike

The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort offers a wide range of activities and amenities designed to meet desires for relaxation, leisure, or fitness. Its three outdoor pools cater to every guest: adults can unwind in a serene adults-only pool surrounded by elegant cabanas, jacuzzis, and palm trees, with attentive service ensuring total comfort. Families will enjoy the dedicated children's area, complete with water games, waterfalls, and toys for hours of fun. Each space is designed to provide a pleasant and exclusive environment where serenity reigns supreme.

Sports enthusiasts will find everything they need at the St. Regis Athletic Club, a modern and comprehensive wellness center. Equipped with a 25-meter indoor lap pool, two tennis courts, two squash courts, a private studio, and a gym with the latest technology, it allows everyone to exercise at their own pace. For nature lovers, Saadiyat's stunning beach stretches at the resort's doorstep, offering a postcard-perfect setting of white sand and turquoise waters, while the prestigious Saadiyat Beach Golf Club delights golf aficionados in a truly exceptional environment.

My Opinion

My stay at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort was a refined interlude, where every detail seemed designed to elevate the experience. The discreet elegance of the architecture, the quality of service, the rich culinary offering, and the exceptional comfort of the suite all helped make this a memorable moment. I particularly enjoyed the seaside setting, with its stunningly beautiful beach that adds a touch of serenity to the whole. A destination that perfectly embodies contemporary luxury while providing a true sense of escape.

What I loved:

What I regretted:

Practical Information

Many thanks to The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort for the invitation to discover their property. Of course, I remain fully independent in my opinions expressed in this article!