The Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental leaves guests in a state of awe.
From the very first moment the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental comes into view, the luxury hotel radiates a majestic aura. The iconic Abu Dhabi landmark, situated on a pristine private beach stretching over a kilometre, is quite the emissary for the captivating charm and Arabian hospitality that the UAE’s capital is known for. The immensity of the palace also highlights the country’s longstanding commitment to excellence and its fundamental ability to both dream big and achieve big.
Everything about the hotel is outstanding and outsized. A marvel of architectural brilliance, its golden domes, intricate mosaics, and lush gardens create a serene and regal atmosphere. And those patterned marble floors and walls expand out in every direction and on multiple levels.
Parents will be hard-pressed to keep their children in check because the desire to run down the endless corridors in a game of tag could prove almost uncontrollable. Adults too will feel a bit giddy when discovering the palace, which is so massive that staff strongly suggest using a buggy to get from one section of the hotel to another.
Smartly, the hotel is laid out so that those visiting with young children have a wing more adapted to their needs and desires, while another focuses more on the adult swim set. But no matter where your room is, each corner of the palace tells a story of luxury and heritage.
Guests can appreciate its opulence at every turn, from the grand marble staircases to the lavishly decorated rooms that offer panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf and the city skyline. This is a hotel that has no intention of fading into memory after a stay is over. Its grandeur is undeniable.
As is its hospitality. Something that can be felt both by the charming pool staff serving meals at the water’s edge as guests lounge in hammocks that float in its centre, the concierge team that seems to magically fulfil even the most complicated request, and the housekeeping staff that are attentive to every personal quirk or special request.
When it comes to the suites, the phrase ‘living in the lap of luxury’ comes to mind. The soft yet firm king-size bed, the marble soaker bathtub and the sophisticated blue and cream colour palette of the rooms create an inviting zen atmosphere. The calming effects of the sea view from the balcony only add to the restful energy of the suite. Everything about it has been designed towards creating a refined yet relaxing environment where guests feel instantly at home.
The hotel’s culinary offerings are also designed to make guests feel as though they are being invited to a meal at a friend’s house. For those looking for more European fare, Broadway is the place to go. The meals, created by chef George Lyon, who worked for almost a decade with Gordon Ramsay, are designed to spark fond memories of comfort meals like macaroni and cheese but also refined dishes such as Dover sole. A great way to discover an assortment of items on the menu is to check on Broadway’s Saturday brunch. Pro tip – bring friends to enjoy the live music.
Also worth a visit is the hotel’s Lebanese Terrace restaurant, where copious amounts of food have been prepared with the love and attention given to a home-cooked meal. They are thoughtfully served with a side order of serenading guitar players. These are just two of the twelve distinctive dining venues the hotel proposes to its guests.
The Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental also offers a number of beachfront activities, from paddle boarding to jet skiing. But it’s hard not to resist just relaxing in one of its massive and meandering pools. In fact, its easy to imagine that plans to visit the nearby Louvre or Ferrari World fading away in the wake of its cool blue waters.
Whether the plan is to lounge by the pool, indulge in a world-class spa treatment, or explore luxurious shopping options, Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental provides endless opportunities for relaxation and recreation, set against a backdrop of unparalleled luxury.
For more information, visit mandarinoriental.com