Rosewood Abu Dhabi

Review of Rosewood Abu Dhabi

BusinessClass.com review by Varun Sharma

Sleek, stylish and sophisticated, the Rosewood hotel towers over the Abu Dhabi waterfront with dramatic views out over the Arabian Gulf and the glittering skyline of the UAE’s capital. The 34-story hotel offers 148 spacious, contemporary rooms, 41 suites and 131 serviced residences and the Manor Club Executive Lounge for premium room categories.

Guests can enjoy a wide array of dining options with seven restaurants, bars and lounges, including Hidden Bar, Dai Pai Dong for award-winning Cantonese cuisine and Dragon’s Tooth, a 1920’s Shanghai Jazz inspired speakeasy bar that serves some of the best cocktails in town.

For pampering and relaxation, the Sense Rosewood Spa offers an extensive range of therapies, treatments and services with nine full service treatment rooms, two signature rooms dedicated to traditional hammam cleansing rituals, one couples suite and both women’s and men’s separate relaxation areas featuring cold mist showers, a large whirlpool with glittering silver and platinum tile interiors, a sauna with fibre optic lighting and an infrared stone feature wall and a steam room with chromotherapy features.  

There is also a 25-metre swimming pool, a Health & Fitness Club with state-of-the-art equipment, both ladies’ and gentlemen’s beauty salons and valet parking. For children aged from three to 12 years of age, the Rosewood Explorers Kids Club is on offer. Nearby, guests have access to a golf and beach club.

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Location

8/10

Located on Al Maryah Island in the heart of Abu Dhabi’s new Central Business District, Rosewood Abu Dhabi occupies a unique location at a midpoint between Abu Dhabi’s existing downtown district, the upcoming developments at Al Reem Island and Mina Zayed and the new cultural district on Saadiyat Island.

The hotel is directly connected to The Galleria on Al Maryah Island, a luxury shopping and dining destination and to the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi with state-of-the-art facilities and world class service. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is 16 kilometres (ten miles) drive away, the Louvre Museum seven kilometres; Ferrari World at Yas Island 30 kilometres and The Corniche is a ten minutes’ drive.

Abu Dhabi International airport is just 30 kilometres (19 miles away) and Dubai International is around 160 kilometres (100 miles) from the hotel.

Accommodation

9/10

The 34-story hotel offers 148 spacious, contemporary rooms, 41 suites and 131 serviced residences plus the Manor Club Executive Lounge for premium room categories. All feature restrained contemporary furnishings, enlivened by layers of texture and complemented by modern regional artwork with traditional accessories and pottery. Whilst the public areas create a distinct luxury personality, the rooms too echo the stylish touch of the lobby with even richer fabrics and finishes. Artfully decorated with subtle tones of dark woods and natural materials, offset by contrasting fabrics.

All rooms are fully equipped with high-tech systems and ergonomically designed workspaces. Other features include iPad room navigation systems controlling temperature, lighting and curtains whilst also available for in room dining at the touch of a finger. There are media centres with 55 inch flat screen TVs, Nespresso coffee makers, marble bathrooms with oversized Villeroy & Boch bathtubs with overhead rain showers whilst the main space features floor to ceiling windows to make the most of that fabulous waterside view.

With a similar feel across all room types, there are four room types defined really by size and the view with the premium category, the Manor Club rooms, enjoying exclusive access to the Manor Club Executive Lounge. Here, guests enjoy artisan breakfasts, refreshments and snacks throughout the day and afternoon tea, evening tapas and cocktails.

The Manor Club Executive Lounge is situated on the second floor and enjoys a relaxed, residential feel with comfortable seating, wooden shelving and book displays reminiscent of a private dwelling. Manor Club guests are also offered a Boardroom for one-hour, early check in and out, a 20% discount at Sense, A Rosewood Spa and complimentary pressing of up to two garments per stay.

There are seven suite types ranging from the entry level Classic Suite, the Deluxe one- and two-bedroom suites and the Executive one- and two-bedroom suite right up to the Rosewood two-bedroom suite and the Royal two bedroom suite. All have access to the Manor Club and enjoy an urban, residential feel with space and fabulous views lending a very comfortable ambiance.

Service & Facilities

10/10

Sense, A Rosewood Spa offers an extensive range of indulgent therapies, treatments and services with nine full service treatment rooms, two signature rooms dedicated to traditional hammam cleansing rituals, one couples’ suite, Gharieni treatment beds, separate women’s and one men’s relaxation areas featuring cold mist showers, a large whirlpool with glittering silver and platinum tile interiors, a sauna with fibre optic lighting and an infrared stone feature wall and a steam room with chromotherapy features. Other facilities include Ladies and gentlemen’s beauty salons, a Health & Fitness Club contains state-of-the-art equipment dedicated to a range of cardiovascular and strength training workouts and a heated in the winter / cooled in the summer outdoor 25-metre swimming pool with a spacious pool deck.

The property is directly linked to The Galleria featuring designer and luxury boutiques and to the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi with state-of-the-art facilities and world class service.

Saadiyat Island is home to two of Abu Dhabi’s most illustrious leisure clubs – Saadiyat Beach Club and Saadiyat Beach Golf Club - where guests can unwind and relax, play a round of golf or just hang out, all against the glistening backdrop of the Arabian Gulf.

Saadiyat Beach Club makes use of a nine-kilometre stretch of natural coastline and is home to Le Deck, the club’s highly acclaimed signature restaurant, Sea Lounge – an award-winning al fresco nightspot, Bubbles Bar, the Library Lounge as well as a gym, spa treatment rooms, Jacussi, plunge pools and steam rooms.

The Saadiyat Beach Golf Club is the region’s first ocean course which offers an expertly crafted combination of majestic hazards and picturesque challenges including three saltwater lakes, restored beach and sand dunes as well as 60 bunkers. Designed by Gary Player, this eco-conscious course is suitable for both amateurs and professionals. It is a 15-minute drive from Rosewood Abu Dhabi.

The Abu Dhabi Golf Club, home to the annual Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, a European PGA Tour, is presided over by one of the Middle East’s most iconic clubhouses: a vast winged falcon perched atop a golf ball. There are two playing experiences: the par 72 National course which covers 7,334 yards of lush fairways, undulating greens and more than 90 challenging bunkers and the more accessible par 36 Garden Course which totals 3,299 yards. The full floodlit, nine-hole Garden Course also offers the perfect opportunity for night golf, played on a championship-standard green. The Abu Dhabi Golf Club is a 20 minutes’ drive from the hotel. 

Rosewood Abu Dhabi also offers a range of Signature Experiences for guests to enjoy during their stay. The “Beverage Series” offers a range of tasting masterclasses exploring the world of grapes, malts and infusions including the “Wine Appreciation” class in La Cava, the “Art of Mixology” in Dragon’s Tooth and the “Gin Infusion” in Hidden Bar. For fitness fiends, take a run or a walk around Al Maryah Island from a personalised route devised by the Rosewood team and once completed, pick up a reward – a freshly squeezed power juice or smoothie, a complimentary consultancy at the Fitness Centre or a 30% Spa discount on an upcoming 60-minute treatment. For gastronomes, engage the senses with the “Culinary Series” in tailored and meticulously planned tasting masterclasses exploring the “Hook and Cook” adventure, the “Regional Dish Class”, the “Sip & Paint” experience and the “License to Grill” at Wood & Fire.

Junior guests are welcomed to the Rosewood Explorers Kids Club for children aged from three to 12 years of age. The resort’s kids programme is designed to provide children with a unique playtime experience, introducing them to the many wonders of the world and how to preserve its beauty and their very important contribution to the environment – through gardening, art, motions, wildlife, culinary experiences and environmental awareness.

Style

9/10

Rosewood Abu Dhabi enjoys a dramatic and commanding presence on Al Maryah Island. As one might expect from a Rosewood property, the design and “sense of place” is all important. 

The inspiration for the Handel Architects-designed tower is derived from the glistening Arabian Gulf and the vast desert that surrounds Abu Dhabi city. A 34-story modern structure covered with reflective glass, chosen for its daytime shimmer and its nighttime luminescence, the curvilinear architecture of the 470-foot-tall building is designed to suggest the movement in this vibrant city.   

The inspiration for the refined and discreet interiors of the hotel comes from the meeting of land and sea, desert and sky and are designed by Hok. Throughout the hotel traditional Middle Eastern textiles and details are complemented with modern lines and sleek architectural elements to lend understated opulence and elegance with natural materials including stone, wood and glass. The grand lobby, with a backdrop of neighbouring waterways and the sea beyond, is bordered on one side by a flowing water feature and on the other by a dramatic wall of art. 

It is perhaps this commissioned art collection that anchors this property to its surroundings. Going beyond the intent of mere decoration, the art collection at Rosewood Abu Dhabi plays a fundamental role in shaping the identity of the hotel. Created by local, regional and international artists, the 280 pieces explore similar themes. Their commonalities include veils of pigments and layers of pure shimmering colour with designs emerging like waves of crystalline fabrics hovering across the canvas.

Restaurants & Bars

9/10

Rosewood Abu Dhabi features seven restaurants, bars and lounges on site with something for everyone’s palate. From a modern Cantonese interpretation to a speakeasy and a hidden bar to a wine cellar with a walk-in cigar room.

Celebrating authentic Cantonese cuisine, Dai Pai Dong offers Chinese specialities such as homemade noodles, dim sum and barbecued meats within an Asian-inspired interior. Chef Dong specialises in Cantonese, Sichuan and Jiangsu cuisine, cleverly adapting traditional Chinese cuisine to suit the locals’ taste and expectations. The All you can eat Dim Sum lunch available Sunday to Thursday is very popular as is the Friday Evening “Hot Pot” brunch and the Saturday “Yum Cha” brunch.

Inspired by the 1920s Shanghai Jazz revolution, Dragon’s Tooth is as hidden bar found though the “Tea Room” of the hotel’s restaurant, Dai Pai Dong. With banquette and bar chair seating, Dragon’s Tooth features an extensive Asian-inspired bar menu within a secretive ambiance.

The poolside lounge, Glo, has a relaxed vibe and an al fresco setting where laid back beats are the backdrop to a range of innovative cocktails, light bites and vintages looking out over the glittering cityscape of Abu Dhabi.

If you are looking for a private moment, then head to the Hidden Bar where the Gin Library features a collection of over 200 gins and 10+ varied tonics or homemade gin infusions. An intimate lounge setting with a stunning outdoor terrace overlooking the water, the Hidden Bar is the perfect place to relax and simply enjoy the night.

Walking downstairs, explore the Underground Cellar of La Cava – an exclusive wine cellar featuring private dining with wall-to-wall cabinets housing 1,000 premium labels and a walk-in cigar room with a prized whiskey collection. There are daily wine and cheese nights.

The light-filled and airy Majlis Lobby Lounge offers stunning floor to ceiling windows overlooking the water – the perfect venue to relax or to meet friends and acquaintances. Serving all day dining, it is also the venue for a glamorous afternoon tea with vegetarian and vegan versions available.

“Wood and Fire” at Aqua offers daily dining experiences created around the chefs working the firewood preparing succulent meats, seafood and more. There are weekend brunch specials served on rustic picnic tables in a space reflecting the theme of fire, wood and grilling.

In addition to the on-site dining options, Rosewood Abu Dhabi invites guests to enjoy an epicurean adventure in the Arabian Desert. “The Desert Safari Excursion at the Abu Dhabi Desert” starts with a drive through the city, a spot of dune bashing, and a camelback ride to across the sand dunes to a private Arabic camp set in the heart of the desert. As the sun vanishes, a private chef will serve an authentic Arabic dinner crafted with unique spices. Alternatively, for those who prefer the water, experience “Beyond the Pearl” where guests join local divers aboard a traditional dhow to dive for pearls in the mangroves. After learning about the region’s ancient pearling industry, guests enjoy a sumptuous picnic of Arabic delicacies prepared by Chef Emad.

Sustainability

Rosewood Hotels & Resorts has pledged to value the earth’s resources and to demonstrate environmental sensitivity. With each hotel, they respect the unique setting, history, environmental sensibilities and cultural mores for each community in which they are located. They prioritise conservation and sustainability in each location and adopt proactive policies to address them. They also establish relationships with environmental advocates to create educational and stewardship opportunities unique to each locale.

Providing the ultimate hospitality: Rosewood offer ultra-luxurious accommodation consistent with guest expectations of Rosewood hospitality and provide impeccable service that exceeds them without compromising or disrespecting the environment. They manage conscientiously and with integrity the natural resources and environments which play host to Rosewood properties. They embrace their tradition of refined elegance and residential aesthetic while showing consideration for the environmental setting.

Nurturing nature: Each hotel helps preserve clean air and water by implementing sustainable and environmental policies and standards for housekeeping, facility maintenance, landscaping and transportation. They manage and reduce waste by implementing sustainable and environmental policies and standards that address the “five Rs” of waste management: Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Remove. Properties also conserve and reduce energy by implementing sustainable and environmental policies, standards and systems including the use of energy efficient equipment.

Education and dedication: Rosewood includes environmental sensitivity in policy and planning for all areas of the company including purchasing, budgeting, development and marketing. They incorporate sustainability training into associate job training and offer guests the option of choosing eco-friendly housekeeping, natural and organic food and beverage choices and energy efficient appliances. Ongoing, they are creating auditing and monitoring metrics, implementing enhancements to ensure continual improvement.

Rosewood also operates a Partners in Provenance initiative borne out of respect for local farmers and indigenous agriculture. Rosewood chefs are committed to locally grown produce, the freshest meals and the finest cuisine. From forest, field, river and sea, straight to the kitchens at Rosewood Abu Dhabi, local ingredients are seasonally sourced by the dedicated chefs in Aqua to craft fresh, tasty, wholesome and innovative dishes.

What We Love

  • Architecture. The Rosewood Abu Dhabi is housed in an incredible building. The design is derived from a falcon – a bird of prey that has a long and distinguished history and importance in Middle Eastern culture and heritage. The tower has the forms, lines and texture of a falcon’s body and feathers. Just beautiful.
  • Rooms & Suites. They are contemporary in look and feel. The property looks out over harbour and the guestrooms enjoy the view. This is the best hotel on Al Maryah Island and the sunsets are to die for …

  • China. There is a very much Oriental theme in this hotel Yes, the glitz and glamour of 1920s Shanghai … mixed with the modernism of Pudong. Dai Pong lavishes its diners with incredible and authentic Cantonese cuisine – while the Dragon’s Tooth “hidden” bar is an intimate but lively space.

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