In the present day’s evaluate is by common contributor Gus because the final in his sequence on his journey to Abu Dhabi with Etihad. Should you’d like to put in writing a reader evaluate for TLFL please e mail [email protected] turningleftforless.com.
Selecting in a sea of selections
Abu Dhabi remains to be typically ignored by winter sun-seekers in favour of its extra glamorous and noisy neighbour, Dubai, however if you happen to don’t thoughts rather less cityscape in your doorstep and slightly extra sand between your toes, it may be properly well worth the journey to this emirate. Sure Abu Dhabi is seen as slightly extra conservative, however if you happen to’re largely seeking to lap up the solar, cocktails, and even ‘brunches’, then you might do worse than hit up one of many many epic lodges on Saadiyat Island.
It was this mindset that led me to spend just a few nights within the Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Resort and Villas, which just a few weeks in the past got here in at approx. £150 (although costs do go additional south much more off-peak). I travelled with Etihad (see evaluate right here), and whereas the climate was truly slightly on the cooler aspect than I’d hoped for, it was an excellent place to recharge and indulge slightly.
Location and lodge
The Park Hyatt is the final in a run of 5 star lodges on a north-facing fringe of Saadiyat, sharing an extended and sandy seashore with the St Regis, the Rotana and the Rixos. Whereas all of them appear architecturally fairly related, they did have their very own vibes, and strolling from bar to bar and restaurant to restaurant alongside the water was a great way to spend a while.
The Hyatt itself a powerful lodge, with a relaxed and orderly reception and check-in that was appreciated after too little sleep on an in a single day flight from London. The central atrium was ethereal and properly adorned, and the room itself – a king mattress with sea view class – was inviting and cozy. The lodge additionally has a spread of solid-looking suites, and villas too, however you’d higher actually bust open your pockets for these.
Room and facilities
In my room, the generously sized standalone bathtub (with loofahs and bathtub salts among the many facilities) was a spotlight.
The balcony and loungers have been additionally properly appreciated within the night solar.
The room was properly geared up with all the standard 5* facilities equivalent to espresso machine, bathrobes and so on.
The lavatory boasted high-end Axor and Hansgrohe fittings (and Toto for the ceramics), alongside Le Labo Bergamote toiletries.
Helpfully there was an ample quantity of complimentary water – though solely accessible in small plastic bottles, which isn’t that useful from a sustainability perspective – and loads of extras equivalent to razors and (bamboo) toothbrushes.
There was no night turndown service, nevertheless, which I all the time admire.
No scarcity of meals and ingesting choices
The lodge had an affordable variety of totally different bars and eating places, together with the Park Grill, the Shala Seashore Lounge, the Café and the Seashore Home.
Sadly the bar on the seashore itself was closed as a consequence of windy circumstances (and maybe being slightly low season), however the remaining have been operational, and customarily, the meals was fairly good.
For instance, a wagyu burger with herb-infused chips was cracking, though it was a disgrace that it took an excellent 25 minutes to be served (by the poolside).
The Seashore Home was much more spectacular, with a scrumptious seafood linguini for lunch making its mark in my reminiscence. The lodge has one thing of a status for its meals, and it may very well be for that motive that it was noticeably busier on the weekend.
Breakfast was additionally very spectacular, with a lot of the apparent choices accessible, and tasting nice. Every station was cordoned off and served by a member of workers, although absolutely that will probably be one of many first issues to go as covid (hopefully) continues to maneuver off centre-stage in how we reside our lives.
Service and standing out from the group
Service typically was as you’d anticipate at a Center Japanese 5 star lodge, with water and towels laid out in all places pool-side, plus on a few events ice lollies have been additionally handed out, and a shisha pipe supplied, which have been enjoyable particulars.
There was additionally an attractive falcon doing the rounds along with his coach occasionally, to frighten off a few of the extra scroungy birds that knew precisely when and the place to loiter…
Because of eager to discover slightly extra broadly than the confines of the resort, I didn’t dine on the lodge within the night, as a substitute selecting to go to a few the neighbouring lodges, and in addition in Abu Dhabi metropolis itself – the place we noticed some non-F1 racing on the Yas Marina and race circuit. We additionally went right down to Dubai itself, which is a merely sufficient 50 minute or so drive, though there was a little bit of drama when looking for a taxi driver in Dubai who had the required Inexperienced Cross to get again throughout the border. We additionally visited the Dubai Expo, and a few of Dubai’s spectacular bars, such because the 62nd ground bar on the prime of the comparatively new Conrad lodge.
All in all, this can be a nice lodge, and whether or not you’re there explicitly for the meals, or just for some R&R, it was time properly spent, and made for one joyful traveller.
Reserving
Should you needed to guide on factors it’s a class 6 and prices between 21,000-29,000 factors per night time. When costs are as little as £150 an evening, it’s in all probability higher worth to pay money. In the intervening time it’s exhibiting from £205 per night time, which I’d in all probability nonetheless be tempted to pay money for.
Should you guide by way of a specialist Hyatt Prive agent equivalent to GTC, you’ll get the next advantages on the lodge’s commonplace versatile fee:
- Early check-in precedence, primarily based on availability
- Room improve precedence on availability (excludes non-suites to suites)
- Day by day full breakfast credit score for 2
- Connecting room precedence, primarily based on availability
- Welcome amenity – $50 – $100 property credit score (legitimate for sure incidentals)
- Late check-out precedence, topic to availability