Located in one of the UAE capital’s most prominent buildings, Nation Towers, is The St Regis Abu Dhabi. I stood at the window — actually the entire wall — of my 11th floor room looking out at the sea and the Marina Mall on its tiny island. And, as the deep blue of the sea shimmered in the late afternoon with the majestic towers shadowed on the water, I tried to pinpoint where exactly I would be if the lengthened shadow was the actual tower.
Right below was a cordoned stretch of sandy beach, probably the space for the Nation Riviera Beach Club with deflated jumping castles, a golf green which looked like a green bowl from the height I was at. And “toy cars” swishing up and down the busy Abu Dhabi corniche.
The hotel has 283 guestrooms, including 55 suites and the Abu Dhabi Suite on the skybridge that connects the two Nation Towers and offers 360-degree views of the city. Unfortunately, it was occupied and I couldn’t enjoy the views that day.
But, there’s also a spa with beautiful views.
Food wise, apart from the signature Rhodes 44, the hotel offers Italian cuisine at Villa Toscana, the Crystal Lounge on the mezzanine floor with its live piano music and where you can view the gorgeous chandeliers of the lobby rotunda at eye level, a spa café and bars.
After checking in, my teenaged daughter and I headed to the Crystal Lounge, where a “tea sommelier” introduced guests to the taste, pairings and health benefits of different teas.
He wheeled up his trolley to us too, but showed the least bit of disappointment when I informed him I’m a coffee drinker, moving quickly to another couple to explain his concoctions.
Apparently, the afternoon tea service at The St Regis Abu Dhabi is inspired by Lady Astor, who introduced the tradition at what is now the St Regis New York. British chef Gary Rhodes of Rhodes 44 was inspired enough to reimagine the service with 25 loose-leaf teas from around the world and a selection of cakes, finger sandwiches, hot sandwiches, hors d’oeuvres and scones, explains the hotel’s website.
Having just returned from the lounge, I started feeling a bit sleepy but remembered that the Remede Spa was waiting. I dozed off during the customised 60-minute massage session after soaking in the warmth at the Jacuzzi. Relaxed and refreshed, we returned to our room where awaited a new sight at the window. It was already dark but the lights along the corniche and the road leading to the Marina Mall twinkled.
Dinner at the Rhodes 44 was “different”; when you are used to a more international menu (at least a spaghetti Bolognese), the very British menu can be daunting. We ordered the English platters with a variety of meat, well done — which I’m sure disappointed the chef a bit. However, the Toffee Caramel Pudding with ice cream and Crème Brulee were simply outstanding, just as the sumptuous breakfast next morning.
But one night didn’t seem enough to enjoy everything. I would have liked to revisit the spa and try the Villa Toscana, which incidentally holds cooking classes on Monday and Wednesday.
Maybe soon...
