RARELY has a can of Diet Coca-Cola arrived with such athletic flair.
Settling into the shade after a refreshing swim and one of the poolside F&B team members arrives atop in-line skates to offer a chilled drink.
Settling into the shade after a refreshing swim and one of the poolside F&B team members arrives atop in-line skates to offer a chilled drink.
These skater waiters, as we’ll call them, are one of a few quirky aspects that has Rixos Saadiyat Island standing out among so many other resorts, including competitors on this prime stretch of Abu Dhabi coastline.
Arguably the main unique selling point is not handing over cash or a card for that can of drink - because this is the capital’s first all-inclusive resort.
And that’s got to spell good news for families travelling with kids who are often thirsty and usually peckish.
Having introduced the concept successfully in Ras Al Khaimah, the Turkish chain brought it to Saadiyat Island with the opening of this impressive property last October.
A model more associated with European resorts, it works well here where bills can often mount up beyond the room rate, enabling guests to better budget their staycation or longer holiday.
And that’s got to spell good news for families travelling with kids who are often thirsty and usually peckish.
Having introduced the concept successfully in Ras Al Khaimah, the Turkish chain brought it to Saadiyat Island with the opening of this impressive property last October.
A model more associated with European resorts, it works well here where bills can often mount up beyond the room rate, enabling guests to better budget their staycation or longer holiday.
GRAND DESIGNS: Even the back of the Rixos Saadiyat Island yields and elegant vibe that blends cultures
That’s not to say the all-inclusive vibe detracts from the stature of the resort, where almost regal displays of architecture blends Arabic tradition with modern amenities to Insta-loving effect.
Your car keys handed over, you enter a bright and detailed lobby that is as elegant as it is epic.
Where most modern five star entrances tend to favour neutral shades, the Rixos presents you with a blue stained glass arch, intricate flooring and boldly shaped and coloured furniture that channels an art deco vibe.
It's an impressive entry point to a large resort.
Once checked in, one of the reception ushers shows you to your room; in our case a garden-facing double with a deep and furnished balcony.
Your car keys handed over, you enter a bright and detailed lobby that is as elegant as it is epic.
Where most modern five star entrances tend to favour neutral shades, the Rixos presents you with a blue stained glass arch, intricate flooring and boldly shaped and coloured furniture that channels an art deco vibe.
It's an impressive entry point to a large resort.
Once checked in, one of the reception ushers shows you to your room; in our case a garden-facing double with a deep and furnished balcony.
COMFY WITH COLOUR: This Deluxe Room delivers a luxury feel with a bright twist and a flavour of Turkey
The cheery design details of the downstairs feed into the bedrooms with curious ornaments complimenting warmly coloured furnishings.
Brass fittings continue into the bathroom where a standalone tub is flanked by a generous sink and separate loo and shower cubicles, the latter with decent pressure and various settings.
All-inclusive embraces the minibar fridge; although with no spirits or premium beers featuring, the most exciting contents were arguably the canned soft drinks and tubes of Smarties.
That said, you’re rarely likely to go hungry of thirsty while on the grounds of this property, which opened on Saadiyat’s white sandy shoreline in October.
Several restaurants beckon and while your package includes all of them, you are advised to reserve your table at the a la carte options to avoid disappointment.
Brass fittings continue into the bathroom where a standalone tub is flanked by a generous sink and separate loo and shower cubicles, the latter with decent pressure and various settings.
All-inclusive embraces the minibar fridge; although with no spirits or premium beers featuring, the most exciting contents were arguably the canned soft drinks and tubes of Smarties.
That said, you’re rarely likely to go hungry of thirsty while on the grounds of this property, which opened on Saadiyat’s white sandy shoreline in October.
Several restaurants beckon and while your package includes all of them, you are advised to reserve your table at the a la carte options to avoid disappointment.
CLEAR SKIES: Given the cooler months diners at Mermaid can enjoy great seafood inside or out
These include the Japanese outlet Aja Asian & Teppanyaki, which offers a short but solid menu with the latter aspect serving up your food with fun and theatre, albeit seemingly a tad brief compared with some teppanyaki experiences.
Also well worth a try, we found generous and well presented food at Mermaid, close to the resort pool with outdoor seating overlooking the wide beachfront for cooler evenings.
Inside features fresh decor and a nicely cooked range of Mediterranean seafood dishes, including stunning octopus, meats and salads.
The elegance of the lobby permeates L’Olivio, which serves pasta and pizza in a European ambience. Orient, meanwhile, traces a path through Oriental Turkish cuisine with stylish surroundings.
By contrast People’s is a bright and thoroughly modern casual dining concept with beach views with an a la carte menu.
Also well worth a try, we found generous and well presented food at Mermaid, close to the resort pool with outdoor seating overlooking the wide beachfront for cooler evenings.
Inside features fresh decor and a nicely cooked range of Mediterranean seafood dishes, including stunning octopus, meats and salads.
The elegance of the lobby permeates L’Olivio, which serves pasta and pizza in a European ambience. Orient, meanwhile, traces a path through Oriental Turkish cuisine with stylish surroundings.
By contrast People’s is a bright and thoroughly modern casual dining concept with beach views with an a la carte menu.
ELEGANT GRUB: The interior at Turquoise ranks this one of the smartest all-day dining restaurants around
But beating them all for sheer scale and instant choice is Turquoise. This is the resort’s all-day dining restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner via a huge array of dishes, criss-crossing territories from Arabic to Indian. Breakfast includes all the usual favourites alongside Turkish staples such as menemen - posh scrambled eggs - and spicy sausage.
That’ll provide enough energy to swim up to the Aqua Bar, set into the main pool area, or grab more nutrition at the Vitamin Bar.
Club House, meanwhile, is an exclusive F&B outpost that backs up the privacy requirements of guests staying in one of the resort’s short avenue of villas closer to the beach.
Among other accommodation options are garden level rooms with terraces that open onto a long shared swimming pool. And a handful of rooms offer larger balconies that look out over the pool and beach beyond.
That’ll provide enough energy to swim up to the Aqua Bar, set into the main pool area, or grab more nutrition at the Vitamin Bar.
Club House, meanwhile, is an exclusive F&B outpost that backs up the privacy requirements of guests staying in one of the resort’s short avenue of villas closer to the beach.
Among other accommodation options are garden level rooms with terraces that open onto a long shared swimming pool. And a handful of rooms offer larger balconies that look out over the pool and beach beyond.
POOL ABLE: The main pool at this Rixos island resort is large enough for swimming, refreshments and lively aqua sports
The latter is accessed via a wooden boardwalk that crosses over dune-like areas favoured by nesting turtles earlier in the year.
Plenty of loungers with umbrellas face the waves and a wooden booth has cold drinks available to guests.
Back towards the hotel, the large main pool is serviced by a swim-up bar, plenty of loungers and - importantly if you have kids or simply a sweet tooth -a Baskin Robbins ice cream cart, as well as one issuing fresh juices and pretzels. And then there are those in-line skating waiters to ensure guests don’t get dehydrated.
Come sunset, measured illumination bathes the resort in warm lighting, with the large courtyard beyond the lobby and Lounge Bar a particular highlight.
At night, it is brought to life with live music and DJs rinsing guests with mellow sounds as groups share shisha (which you pay extra for) and conversation in a handful of sunken seating areas.
Plenty of loungers with umbrellas face the waves and a wooden booth has cold drinks available to guests.
Back towards the hotel, the large main pool is serviced by a swim-up bar, plenty of loungers and - importantly if you have kids or simply a sweet tooth -a Baskin Robbins ice cream cart, as well as one issuing fresh juices and pretzels. And then there are those in-line skating waiters to ensure guests don’t get dehydrated.
Come sunset, measured illumination bathes the resort in warm lighting, with the large courtyard beyond the lobby and Lounge Bar a particular highlight.
At night, it is brought to life with live music and DJs rinsing guests with mellow sounds as groups share shisha (which you pay extra for) and conversation in a handful of sunken seating areas.
SPA TIME: The Turks know how to serve up some pampering so don't miss a chance to check out these facilities
The man at the helm of this impressive resort is General Manager Burcak Orak, who is happy to be pioneering a new type of hospitality format for the capital.
The all-inclusive concept was started at Rixos Antalya, in Turkey, in the early 2000s by Rixos Hotels founder and chairman Fettah Tamince.
“Rixos Saadiyat Island was the first to introduce the ultra all-inclusive model to Abu Dhabi and still remains the only one," Burcak tells MustDoDubai.
"Rixos has pioneered the luxury all-inclusive concept and has since positioned itself as the UAE’s first luxury multi-concept resort, with resounding success.
“Other establishments have started to jump on that trend but what they offer is a full-board eating plan, which is different from our concept. The value for money with our package makes it a very compelling offer, especially for families.
The all-inclusive concept was started at Rixos Antalya, in Turkey, in the early 2000s by Rixos Hotels founder and chairman Fettah Tamince.
“Rixos Saadiyat Island was the first to introduce the ultra all-inclusive model to Abu Dhabi and still remains the only one," Burcak tells MustDoDubai.
"Rixos has pioneered the luxury all-inclusive concept and has since positioned itself as the UAE’s first luxury multi-concept resort, with resounding success.
“Other establishments have started to jump on that trend but what they offer is a full-board eating plan, which is different from our concept. The value for money with our package makes it a very compelling offer, especially for families.
GRILL THRILLS: Aja Asian & Teppanyaki combines show and great food, including outdoors when the wether cools
“Once you have checked in the hotel, what we offer is peace of mind, knowing that there won’t be any hidden costs or extra bills to settle at the end of your stay.
“What you set to pay upon booking with us is what you will pay at the end of your stay, while having had no restrictions with food and beverages during that time in the resort.”
And what about those speedy poolside waiters? They can’t be easy personnel to come by?
“We train them in-house, with our Head Roller Skater Waiter,” reveals Burcak.
“What you set to pay upon booking with us is what you will pay at the end of your stay, while having had no restrictions with food and beverages during that time in the resort.”
And what about those speedy poolside waiters? They can’t be easy personnel to come by?
“We train them in-house, with our Head Roller Skater Waiter,” reveals Burcak.
BRIGHT IDEA: Peoples restaurant is included in your wide range of food choices as an all-inclusive guest
“This is new for Abu Dhabi but not for Rixos - this skater waiter/waitress programme started almost 10 years before in Rixos, Turkey.”
Now all you need to do is go check all this out for yourself. Flip-flops or skates, the choice is yours.
DETAILS:
A DELUXE Room Garden View costs from AED1034.55 (inclusive of taxes and including a GCC residents discount based on two people sharing, checking in next Thursday evening.
FOR four-12-year-olds (younger if accompanied by a parent), Rixy Kids Club offers a range of activities, from treasure hunts and magic shows to cooking classes.
TO book or learn more details, click on http://saadiyatisland.rixos.com
Now all you need to do is go check all this out for yourself. Flip-flops or skates, the choice is yours.
DETAILS:
A DELUXE Room Garden View costs from AED1034.55 (inclusive of taxes and including a GCC residents discount based on two people sharing, checking in next Thursday evening.
FOR four-12-year-olds (younger if accompanied by a parent), Rixy Kids Club offers a range of activities, from treasure hunts and magic shows to cooking classes.
TO book or learn more details, click on http://saadiyatisland.rixos.com
