Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is a city where futuristic architecture intertwines with a rich cultural heritage, creating a unique metropolitan landscape. Here, history and modernity walk hand in hand, and luxury has long ceased to be extraordinar-it has become a part of everyday life.
The city’s name translates to "Father of the Gazelle." Legend has it that a gazelle led hunters to a source of fresh water, which became the reason for the settlement’s founding. Today, Abu Dhabi is a symbol of harmony between nature and technological progress, where ancient legends come alive against the backdrop of modern landscapes.
But the true magic of Abu Dhabi lies beyond its bustling streets and glittering skyscrapers. It hides in the luxurious resort hotels that offer not just comfortable stays but unique experiences filled with emotions and unforgettable moments.
Why choose a resort hotel? Because it’s an opportunity to completely disconnect from the daily grind and immerse yourself in an atmosphere of tranquility and pleasure. Imagine waking up to the gentle chirping of birds in a nature reserve, enjoying breakfast with a view of the majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, and in the evening, embarking on a camel ride across golden dunes as the sun paints the sky in crimson and orange hues. Or perhaps you’d prefer relaxing spa treatments outdoors, accompanied by the sound of ocean waves and the scent of Eastern incense? In Abu Dhabi, anything is possible. Each hotel here is its own universe, capable of surprising even the most seasoned traveler.
We’ve curated a list of the 10 best resort hotels in Abu Dhabi for you. These are not just places to stay-they are masterpieces of architecture and design, crafted with a love for detail. From elegant villas in the heart of the desert to secluded islands with pristine white beaches, everyone will find a special corner that feels tailor-made for them.
10. Intercontinental Abu Dhabi
Location: King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud St, Abu Dhabi
Price: From 361 AED per night
The Intercontinental Abu Dhabi is a hotel with character and history. Since 1981, it has hosted kings, celebrities, and anyone who appreciates true comfort. Here, Arabian luxury seamlessly blends with refined Art Deco, and the rooms offer views of the Persian Gulf and a private beach.
Stop by the Choices bar and try the "Golden Sunset" cocktail with saffron-its warm, spicy flavor mirrors the local sunsets. If you’re in the mood for some culture, the Louvre Abu Dhabi is just a 10-minute walk away. In the evening, enjoy the warm breeze, the pool, and the feeling that you’re exactly where you’re meant to be. Every moment here feels crafted for pure enjoyment.
Phone: +971 2 666 6888
9. Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa
Location: Al Wathba South 56620, Abu Dhabi
Price: From 930 AED per night
Picture this: endless sands, silence broken only by the whisper of the wind, and an oasis where luxury merges with nature. Al Wathba is not just a hotel-it’s the embodiment of a dream. Villas with private pools, terraces for stargazing, and a spa complex where the hammam meets a "snow cave." Here, you can go on a dune buggy safari, try archery, or enjoy a dinner under the stars. End your day with a date latte, the sweet finale to your desert adventure.
Phone: +971 2 204 4444
8. Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villa Resort
Location: Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
Price: From 944 AED per night
Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of an African safari without leaving the UAE. Villas with thatched roofs are nestled among acacia trees, and from your terrace, you can watch gazelles and Arabian oryx stroll by. It feels like you’re in the African savannah, even though the city is just a couple of hours away.
The hotel is located within the Arabian Wildlife Park, and the only way to get here is by 4x4-adding an adventurous spirit to your journey. At the Savannah Grill, try camel steak with truffle sauce-unusual but incredibly delicious. In the evening, enjoy a falconry show under the stars, and in the morning, go on a safari to spot giraffes, cheetahs, and other island inhabitants. This is the perfect place to feel at one with nature without sacrificing comfort.
Phone: + 66 (0) 2 365 9110
7. Fairmont Bab Al Bahr
Location: Khor Al Maqta, Abu Dhabi
Price: From 495 AED per night
This hotel strikes the perfect balance between the rhythm of the city and a relaxed resort vibe. Open your window, and you’ll be greeted by the breathtaking view of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, especially stunning in the soft evening light when its domes seem to float in the air.
Panoramic suites with spacious windows, a private beach, and a warm pool create an atmosphere where you’ll want to forget about time and simply savor the moment. Everything here adapts to your mood-whether it’s a lazy morning overlooking the bay or an evening stroll along the water.
For something special, visit Marco Pierre White Steakhouse. The Wagyu beef here is so tender it practically melts in your mouth-a true feast for foodies. After dinner, take a leisurely walk by the bay, feeling the gentle breeze and admiring the lights of Abu Dhabi at night. Fairmont Bab Al Bahr is a place where you can feel the city’s pulse outside your window while enjoying your own little oasis of peace.
Phone: + 971 2 654 3333
6. Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi
Location: Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
Price: From 731 AED per night
This hotel is like a breath of fresh air. A pristine white beach, the gentle whisper of waves, and stylish minimalism in every corner create a sense of lightness and complete tranquility. Everything here is so harmonious that you’ll want to pause and soak in the silence.
Kids will love the club with animators, where every day is a new adventure. Adults can unwind at the spa, where treatments offer not just relaxation but a true sense of rejuvenation. At The Café, dining is a culinary show, turning dinner into an event.
And then there’s Saadiyat Beach-a special place. Imagine walking barefoot on warm sand in the morning and spotting a sea turtle slowly making its way back to the ocean. Moments like these stay with you forever. Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi is all about elegance, simplicity, and those perfect moments when everything feels just right.
Phone: + 971 2 407 1234
5. Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara
Location: Rub’ al Khali Desert, Abu Dhabi
Price: From 937 AED per night
This hotel brings the desert to life, filling it with warm colors and a special kind of magic. Picture this: you’re dining atop a dune as the sun slowly sinks below the horizon, painting the sky in fiery pink hues. In the evening, take a camel ride under the moon, surrounded by silence, the soft rustle of sand, and an endless starry sky.
Your villa, complete with a private pool, feels like it’s hidden among the dunes-a perfect place to relax and feel time stand still. For something truly unique, spend a night in a Bedouin tent. Lying on soft carpets under the open sky, you’ll listen to an astronomer’s tales of the stars and suddenly realize just how infinitely beautiful the world is.
Qasr Al Sarab is a place where every moment is infused with the magic of the desert, and you become part of your own Eastern fairytale.
Phone: + 971 2 886 2088
4. Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island
Location: Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
Price: From 1285 AED per night
This hotel is a dream for those who want to relax and forget about everything. Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island is Abu Dhabi’s first all-inclusive hotel, and it truly lives up to the concept. Champagne flows freely, and restaurants delight with dishes from around the world, from fresh sushi to Mediterranean delicacies.
For families, it’s a treasure trove: a waterpark with slides, fun kids’ animation, and spacious villas with private beach access-perfect for watching the sunrise by the water.
The pristine beach, warm sea, and evening shows create an atmosphere where every day feels like a celebration. Rixos Premium Saadiyat is all about luxury, ease, and a vacation you’ll want to relive again and again.
Phone: ​​​​+ 971 2 492 2222
3. Le MĂ©ridien Abu Dhabi
Location: Tourist Club Area, Abu Dhabi
Price: From 400 AED per night
This hotel is like a little oasis where European charm meets warm Arabian hospitality. Quiet green gardens, a private beach, and cozy corners create an atmosphere of complete peace, as if you’re on the Mediterranean coast rather than in the heart of Abu Dhabi.
At Meridien Village, there’s something for everyone-from fragrant Italian pasta to Eastern spices. But the hotel’s pride is the Captain’s Arms pub, serving what might be the best fish and chips in the city. For ultimate relaxation, visit the Eden Spa: aromatic oil treatments will work their magic, leaving you refreshed and rejuvenated.
Le Méridien Abu Dhabi is the perfect escape from the city’s hustle and bustle, where you can feel the fresh breeze and simply enjoy the moment.
Phone: ​​​​​​+ 971 2 644 6666
2. Telal Resort Al Ain
Location: Al Remah Desert, Abu Dhabi
Price: From 512 AED per night
This hotel is like a journey through time, where Bedouin traditions meet modern comfort. Imagine waking up in a villa surrounded by palm trees, stepping out to your private pool, and gazing at the endless desert, full of silence and tranquility.
In the morning, take a walk with a falcon on your arm, feeling part of ancient Arab culture, then return to enjoy freshly brewed cardamom coffee in a traditional dallah, just as the Bedouins have done for centuries. Everything here is steeped in the spirit of the past-from the traditional architecture to the unhurried pace of life.
But at Telal Resort, you won’t sacrifice comfort: air conditioning saves you from the desert heat, and Wi-Fi lets you share this magic with the world. It’s a place where you can experience history while enjoying all the conveniences of modernity.
Phone: ​ + 971 3 702 0000
1. The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal
Location: Grand Canal, Khor Al Maqta, Abu Dhabi
Price: From 950 AED per night
If you dream of a luxurious vacation with an Eastern flair, The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi is the place for you. The hotel looks like a true palace: arches, columns, lush gardens, and a private beach with pristine white sand. And the view of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque? Especially at night, when it sparkles with lights-it’s pure magic.
Love good food? Visit Giornotte for Italian pasta or savor a juicy steak at The Forge. For something truly local, enjoy a cup of aromatic Arabic coffee with dates at Al Fresco, right by the water.
After all these delights, it’s time to relax at the Espa spa-massages with natural oils work wonders. If you’re feeling active, there’s a huge lagoon pool or morning yoga with a view of the canal.
The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi is a place where every day feels like a fairytale, and you won’t want to leave.
Phone: ​+ 971 2 818 8888
How to choose your perfect hotel?
Abu Dhabi is a city of contrasts, and its hotels reflect this perfectly. If you’re seeking harmony with nature, consider Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island or Telal Resort. Want to feel like a character from One Thousand and One Nights? Qasr Al Sarab and Al Wathba are made for you.
For families with kids, Rixos Premium and Park Hyatt offer not just entertainment but real adventures. And if proximity to cultural landmarks is important, Intercontinental and Fairmont Bab Al Bahr are ideal choices.
Don’t be afraid to experiment: even in the desert, you can find luxury, and in the heart of the metropolis, you can discover tranquility. The key is to let yourself immerse in the atmosphere of Abu Dhabi, where every hotel tells its own unique story. And remember: whichever you choose, it will remain in your memory as a little piece of paradise on Earth.
P.S. A tip from seasoned travelers: book excursions through your hotel-the guides know secrets you won’t find in guidebooks, like where to catch the most beautiful sunset or how to spot dolphins in the bay. Happy travels!
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