WITH Eid almost here we check out a classic resort in the UAE capital for both iftar and a post-Ramadan staycation during the summer months.
THERE are few places more serene in Abu Dhabi than the “grand canal” at sunset as the maghrib prayer call issues from Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
And even less locations as ideally placed to enjoy both of these aspects than The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal.
And even less locations as ideally placed to enjoy both of these aspects than The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal.
Yet, in stark contrast, this large resort evokes the architecture of Renaissance Italy along its waterside exterior as it supplies sanctuary and luxury to a distinctive area of the capital.
That also makes it a memorable address at which to enjoy an Eid staycation – lending a European feel to UAE opulence.
That also makes it a memorable address at which to enjoy an Eid staycation – lending a European feel to UAE opulence.
CLASSIC ARCHITECTURE: Italian styling lends this luxury resort a European feel in the UAE
While the mercury may be rising, you can relax beside a large pool that is family friendly and generous enough for those seeking to get their laps in.
Alternatively, the surrounding rear garden extends down to the waters edge where a strip of private beach is serviced by loungers and hotel staff.
There are worse ways of idling away some time or unwinding than dipping your feet and watching the crabs contest for seclusion amid the mudflats.
You cannot help but notice the size of this Ritz-Carlton resort on approach; the hotel itself is huge and comprises several pastel facades which, at the back, tower above a large manicured courtyard.
Individual villas and ‘garden houses’, suitable for families seeking more discretion, flank the driveway up and sides of the main property.
Alternatively, the surrounding rear garden extends down to the waters edge where a strip of private beach is serviced by loungers and hotel staff.
There are worse ways of idling away some time or unwinding than dipping your feet and watching the crabs contest for seclusion amid the mudflats.
You cannot help but notice the size of this Ritz-Carlton resort on approach; the hotel itself is huge and comprises several pastel facades which, at the back, tower above a large manicured courtyard.
Individual villas and ‘garden houses’, suitable for families seeking more discretion, flank the driveway up and sides of the main property.
BREW WITH A VIEW: The sweeping Abu Dhabi outlook make the Club Lounge a memorable experience
Beyond the pool, The Venetian Village offers bar and dining options close to the calm setting of the ESPA complex of 16 treatment rooms and a hammer, with male and female guest options.
Food and beverage opportunities in the main hotel are varied and plentiful, not least in Giornotte, the hotel’s Mediterranean all-day dining restaurant, offering an expansive choice, crossing several menu genres.
Regional and Lebanese recipes are showcased at Mijana, alongside shisha; steak rules at The Forge and Li Jiang is a south-east Asian food haven.
Elegant lounge, Alba, serves the Ritz-Carlton signature afternoon tea alongside salads, sandwiches and speciality cocktails while, for a bit of vibrant fun, Dolce is an Italian-style café focused on sweet indulgences such as crafted ice-cream.
Food and beverage opportunities in the main hotel are varied and plentiful, not least in Giornotte, the hotel’s Mediterranean all-day dining restaurant, offering an expansive choice, crossing several menu genres.
Regional and Lebanese recipes are showcased at Mijana, alongside shisha; steak rules at The Forge and Li Jiang is a south-east Asian food haven.
Elegant lounge, Alba, serves the Ritz-Carlton signature afternoon tea alongside salads, sandwiches and speciality cocktails while, for a bit of vibrant fun, Dolce is an Italian-style café focused on sweet indulgences such as crafted ice-cream.
QUALITY COMFORTS: A deluxe room offers timeless design for a trouble-free stay in the UAE capital
Al Fresco serves food and refreshments to those wanting to not move far from the pool and Sorso evokes the feel of a private London club with its high-end take on a sports bar.
And if you have access to the Club Lounge, there are prime views to be had of the river - aka grand canal - and the thoughtfully illuminated resort and pool.
Room styling is a mix of timeless materials, thick sumptuous rugs and dark woodwork, alongside modern and luxurious flourishes. Suites contain a lounge as well as a bedroom, both opening out to a long balcony.
The architectural star of the show is an epic main arrivals lobby enhanced by striking chandeliers, classic furniture and polished marble.
And if you have access to the Club Lounge, there are prime views to be had of the river - aka grand canal - and the thoughtfully illuminated resort and pool.
Room styling is a mix of timeless materials, thick sumptuous rugs and dark woodwork, alongside modern and luxurious flourishes. Suites contain a lounge as well as a bedroom, both opening out to a long balcony.
The architectural star of the show is an epic main arrivals lobby enhanced by striking chandeliers, classic furniture and polished marble.
GRAND VIEWS: Few resorts can lay claim to seeing the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque quite like this
Delivering a memorable touch to the ambience at sundown outside of the holy month, this cavernous space provides great acoustics for a resident opera singer, accompanied by piano as she ushers in the evening with her dulcet tones.
And then there is that view out of the large glass frontage of the hotel to the glorious Grand Mosque and, in the near distance, Wahat Al Karama (meaning oasis of dignity) imaginative and poignant memorial to the UAE’s fallen soldiers.
For the remainder of Ramadan, the food and beverage situation is effectively business as usual, although discretion and respect is called for.
And Giornotte makes good use of its space and the wide corridor beyond to offer the kind of expansive iftar you would expect of the Ritz-Carlton.
And then there is that view out of the large glass frontage of the hotel to the glorious Grand Mosque and, in the near distance, Wahat Al Karama (meaning oasis of dignity) imaginative and poignant memorial to the UAE’s fallen soldiers.
For the remainder of Ramadan, the food and beverage situation is effectively business as usual, although discretion and respect is called for.
And Giornotte makes good use of its space and the wide corridor beyond to offer the kind of expansive iftar you would expect of the Ritz-Carlton.
DINE FINE: Giornotte offers all-day dining beside many refreshment options at this expansive resort
The regular food stations occupy the main restaurant – including a row of desserts, gorgeous salads and a pasta corner.
These are supplemented with huge tureens filled with slow cooked lamb and baby camel.
The corridor is decorated and very much part of the spread with corners set up for Moroccan food, including a full-flavoured fish masharmal, Indian dishes, pasta, Chinese tempters, Arabic-style cooked meats and Emirati favourites including rice-based chicken freekeh and yoghurt stewed lamb shakreyeh.
DETAILS:
THE Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal is in Al Maqta area.
UNTIL December 30, bed and breakfast costs AED 1045++ per room, per night.
OVERNIGHT accommodation in a garden house for two adults and two children, with dinner and breakfast in Giornotte and supervised activities in the Ritz Kids Club, starts at AED 1,500++ per night.
CALL 0281-888-88 or visit www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/uae/abu-dhabi to book.
These are supplemented with huge tureens filled with slow cooked lamb and baby camel.
The corridor is decorated and very much part of the spread with corners set up for Moroccan food, including a full-flavoured fish masharmal, Indian dishes, pasta, Chinese tempters, Arabic-style cooked meats and Emirati favourites including rice-based chicken freekeh and yoghurt stewed lamb shakreyeh.
DETAILS:
THE Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal is in Al Maqta area.
UNTIL December 30, bed and breakfast costs AED 1045++ per room, per night.
OVERNIGHT accommodation in a garden house for two adults and two children, with dinner and breakfast in Giornotte and supervised activities in the Ritz Kids Club, starts at AED 1,500++ per night.
CALL 0281-888-88 or visit www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/uae/abu-dhabi to book.
