If you need to escape Dubai for a short stay in the capital or if you live in Abu Dhabi and simply need a break, head over to the sleekest spot in the capital, The Abu Dhabi EDITION.
A relative newcomer to the scene (it opened in November 2018), the boutique hotel is worth a visit not only for the fantastic hotel design, and its great location, but also for its top notch dining offerings.
LOCATION
Situated on the Al Bateen peninsula, this quiet enclave is only a five-minute drive to Emirates Palace and Qsar Al Watan (for more details click here), making it a convenient base from which to visit some of Abu Dhabi landmarks. Although there is no access to a beach, the Abu Dhabi Corniche is only a short drive from the hotel, while Saadiyat Island and the cultural district are just 20 minutes away.
DESIGN
The Abu Dhabi EDITION is not stuffy nor fussy like some traditional five-star hotels, but neat and modern. The emphasis is on minimalist luxury but it still manages to pull off a cosy, welcoming feel. Rooms are slick with wood panelling and northern European furniture.
Built around a marina, The Abu Dhabi EDITION sports fantastic water and city views.
The interior of the hotel is quite striking: a five-floor lobby with a curved atrium with a sinuously shaped balustrade that reminds the movement of water.
Curved lobby at The Abu Dhabi Edition
On the leisure-side, there are two outdoors pools to chill out by within the hotel, one of which is on the roof top overlooking the marina (photo below).
Roof top swimming pool at The Abu Dhabi Edition
Swimming pool with poolside bar
DINING
The hotel has three signature restaurants created by chef Tom Aikens, famous for being the youngest chef to ever have been awarded two Michelin stars. Each is unique and worth a visit in their own right. The Market is an all-day dining option (review here), Oak Room is one of the best steakhouses in the UAE (click here for our review), and Alba Terrace is a breezy coastal Mediterranean-style restaurant.
For dinner we opted for Alba Terrace in order to make the most of the temperate climes with al fresco dining on its lush outdoor terrace overlooking the pool.
Starting our meal with a delicate octopus carpaccio and a paprika marinated monkfish – both equally delicious – we then moved on to one of Alba signature dishes: the 30-hour milk fed lamb shoulder served with chickpeas. A true delicacy, the meat is sweeter and more succulent than any lamb dish we’ve ever savoured. The Grilled Veal Cutlet with truffle and shaved- parmesan polenta was a generous and delicious choice.
In the morning, breakfast was served at The Market, which has a light, bright and airy décor. Don’t expect a tired buffet: this is an a la carte affair with plenty of healthy yet delicious options.
Poached Egg, Crushed Avocado, Grilled Rye Bread, Flax, Sesame, Cashew Nuts
We tucked into home-baked pastries and perfectly seasoned mashed avocado on rye with poached eggs, topped with lime zest for added punch.
Acai Super Fruit Bowl with Banana, Coconut Shavings, Goji Berries
We rounded off our breakfast feast with the acai bowl – packed with fresh fruit, coconut shavings and goji berries.
OUR VERDICT!
Absolutely faultless from start to finish, we had an amazing mini-break in a superb environment. The Abu Dhabi EDITION is a real a gem that deserves to be visited both for a stay and for its incredible dining outlets.
Rates start from AED750 a night including breakfast.
To make a reservation, call: +971 2 208 0000
Email: reservations.auh@editionhotels.com or visit: editionhotels.com/abu-dhabi/
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