The UAE is renowned for its swanky and elegant flagship hotels, but amid the plethora of luxury properties that grace its hospitality scene, only a handful truly stand out. Among these exceptional hotels is the magnificent Emirates Palace, located along the Abu Dhabi coastline.
Recently, this iconic property underwent a rebranding to become the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi, thereby joining the prestigious portfolio of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. With 36 hotels and nine residences in 24 countries worldwide, the group is renowned for owning and operating some of the world’s most opulent properties.
According to the executives at Mandarin Oriental, this new partnership with Emirates Palace will only serve to augment the hotel’s already noteworthy reputation, by seamlessly combining the best of Arabian hospitality with the exquisite eastern touch that the Mandarin Oriental is renowned for.
What’s New
All of the resort’s 390 rooms and suites, ranging from Deluxe Rooms to the most extravagant Palace Suites, have been completely renovated and upgraded to showcase the classic Mandarin Oriental style fused with touches of the Arabian Peninsula. Each room or suite boasts a stunning view and is accompanied by 24-hour butler service. In keeping with current trends, The Emirates Palace has taken on an admirable initiative, introducing the region’s first-ever vegan rooms, complete with eco-friendly design, sustainable bedding, plant-based in-room dining options, and cruelty-free bath amenities.
For guests staying in the hotel’s new signature suites, The EP Club provides priority access to the resort’s facilities, as well as exclusive access to separate and private areas reserved for members and suite guests.
Read: Meet the two co-founders behind VKD Hospitality and Honeycomb Hi-Fi
Dining
The Emirates Palace boasts a wealth of fine and casual dining options, each offering a unique atmosphere and perfectly crafted dishes. The resort has partnered with world-renowned chefs and brands, such as Talea by the acclaimed chef Antonio Guida. This Italian restaurant, awarded with one Michelin-star, offers an array of firm favorites and authentic dishes from the northern region of Italy, all based on the concept of ‘Cucina di Famiglia’.
For those craving Asian cuisine, the award-winning Hakassan serves up some of the finest dishes in town, while Martabaan by Hemant Oberoi offers an Indian fine dining experience presented in all the glamour of this rich cuisine. Vendôme, open all day, offers one of the most impressive breakfast spreads known to man. Meanwhile, BBQ Al Qasr is the go-to al fresco meatery, and The Lebanese Terrace showcases great Levantine dishes for those seeking something a little closer to home.
In addition, the resort features a range of less formal poolside restaurants, cafes, and the ever-popular Le Cafe by the fountain.
The Spa
No matter if it’s a quick staycation or an extended vacation, a luxury property must have an impressive spa. Fortunately, at the Mandarin Oriental in Abu Dhabi, guests need look no further than The Hideaway Spa – a lavish 1,500-sqm oasis. The spa exudes true palatial opulence and provides service fit for royalty. The Hideaway offers the perfect combination of purity and lightness, akin to an island escape, with its white-washed interiors and oceanic sounds. The spa suites have been thoughtfully designed with couples in mind, and the skincare products have been carefully curated by Tata Harper and Oto, ensuring that rejuvenation of the body, mind, and soul takes place with every visit.
The Facilities
Situated in one of the most prestigious areas of the Abu Dhabi corniche and just a stone’s throw away from the Rulers Court, Emirates Palace sits on 100 hectares of lush gardens and lawns and boasts a private cove with pristine sandy beaches. Guests can indulge in the impeccable Mandarin Oriental service along the 1.3km shoreline, and those who desire more privacy can reserve elegantly appointed beach cabanas complete with personal butler service, cold beverages, and a tantalizing beach menu.
The hotel boasts two resort-style pools, one of which is exclusively for adults, providing essential quiet time, while the other features a lazy river and aqua park. At the edge of the resort lies the water sports club, offering an array of activities from kayaking to jet skiing and highly recommended speed boat tours, which take guests to nearby islands reminiscent of an ocean paradise.
For more on F&B, click here.
