If you fancy a luxurious vacation without flying thousands of miles to a distant corner of the world, look no further. Located only 30 minutes away from the heart of Abu Dhabi is The Rixos Saadiyat Island, which opened its doors to the public in October 2018, offering a combination of comfort, ease of access and opulence.

With architecture that combines Arabic and Mediterranean influences, the resort is reminiscent of the palaces of the Ottoman Empire. The Rixos Saadiyat Island has 378 keys, of which 366 are rooms and suites, and 12 are villas. Opt for the Superior Villa, which features four bedrooms, a kitchen, living room and luggage room, with access to a cabana, private pool and a private butler service.

Its proximity and ease of access mean that The Rixos Saadiyat Island is the ideal spot for a staycation. And its location, while granting seclusion and privacy, still has many top tourist attractions within easy reach. The Louvre Abu Dhabi and Sheikh Zayed Mosque are only a few minutes’ ride away, and Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is also in close proximity.

If the idea of stepping out sounds exhausting, there is a wide range of in-resort activities. To enjoy the natural sights Saadiyat Island is known for, you might want to go in for a spot of paddle boarding or indulge in yoga on the beach. For the athletic, the resort has a water park and wave pool, along with a smaller aqua pool for children. For the fitness-minded, the resort also has tennis courts, pool games, a gym and a fitness center.

The Rixos Saadiyat Island does not disappoint when it comes to cuisine either. Embark on a gastronomic tour of the resort’s 10 eateries, offering everything from Turkish delights at Turquoise, the hotel’s signature all-day dining restaurant, to gourmet seafood at the Mermaid, with panoramic ocean views. Visit L’Olivo for a taste of Italian cuisine, or Japanese restaurant Aja for some sushi and teppanyaki.

For authentic Oriental Turkish cuisine, step into the Orient. There is also a range of no-fuss, on-the-go food at numerous food carts that are spread across the premises. Beach bars, shisha and tea lounges are also a part of the experience, as is the Club House, which is exclusively available for villa guests.

Instagram-worthy views of swaying palm trees and the endless sea all around make this resort an ideal site for weddings and events; with a ballroom that can host up to 1,000 guests, as well as numerous smaller venues for events that the resort staff can help you plan out.

And finally, if you are in the mood for some rejuvenation, The Rixos Saadiyat Island has its iconic Anjana Spa, which takes inspiration from the ancient and renowned wellness traditions of Turkey. With a steam room, a sauna, a private outdoor pool, a snow room and a traditional Turkish Hammam, you can go in for all the pampering you want during your lazy, relaxed staycation. Saadiyatisland

Images courtesy of Rixos Saadiyat Island