Elite Traveler January-February 2017

EXPLORE ABU DHABI

STAY

View of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque from The Ritz-Carlton

Emirates Palace Marina berths yachts up to 140 meters long in a stunning location. Once moored, take advantage of the hotel’s facilities as well as the “on-yacht” massage by Anantara spa, kitchen-to-deck food delivery and Rolls-Royce rental should you wish to venture ashore.

TOP SUITES

▲ PALACE SUITE Emirates Palace

ROYAL SUITE

▲ PRESIDENTIAL SUITE Four Seasons

The Ritz-Carlton As the view through the calming oval windows of this suite takes in the full arc of the newly named Grand Canal, the Venetian keynote is inevitable. Six people can be accommodated in this two- bedroom suite over 2,691 sq ft, with its one king and two queen beds. Crisp Egyptian cotton bedlinen, a pillow menu and Asprey toiletries set the tone, assisted by a personalized butler service. It is plush throughout but lavish takes over in the golden-mosaic bathroom with its marble bath, rain shower and oversized Jacuzzi. The flower motifs are inspired by the carpets and columns of the nearby Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which was built at the same time. From $16,320 per night Khaled Al Jamal, general manager, +971 2 818 8888, ritzcarlton.com/abudhabi

This hotel is the fairy-tale place to stay. The three-bedroom Palace Suite is decorated with 24K gold leaf, luminous silk walls and Swarovski crystal chandeliers. It evokes a calm opulence (see above). A favorite spot for pop royalty, Sir Elton John, Bon Jovi, Shakira and Michael Jackson have all checked in. There is a majlis living area and private dining for 12 within the suite’s 7,319 sq ft, as well as an extensive private terrace with Gulf views. A private butler will fill your tub and attend to dietary and other requirements: “There is no wish that cannot be granted at Emirates Palace.” Arrive by helicopter, yacht, seaplane or limousine. From $18,000 per night Mohammed Alaoui, public relations manager, +971 2 690 7928, mohammed.alaoui@emiratespalace.ae, emiratespalace.ae

This urban-chic suite with its tall ceilings, ivory furnishings and huge images of pale wading birds in the bedroom is 1,884 sq ft of pure calm on the 12th floor (see above). The Four Seasons is one of the newest hotels in town and perches in a superb location on Al Maryah Island, an area that is billed as the future city center. The hotel offers a private concierge shopping service at a nearby luxury shopping mall. The suite’s full-length windows reveal both exciting city and soothing water views. Natural light streams into the spa-like marble bathroom where there are Ferragamo amenities, and you can customize the famous Four Seasons king-size bed. There are lavish living and dining spaces in which to entertain. The suite sleeps two, but there are two adjoining rooms that can be added to create a three-bedroom suite if your guests don’t want to leave. From $10,000 per night Morgane Eiden, reservations supervisor, morgane.eiden@ fourseasons.com, +971 55 841 0531, fourseasons.com/abudhabi