As the foray of the illustrious Rosewood brand in the UAE, Rosewood Abu Dhabi promises extravagance experience with impeccable service and incredible facilities. Perfectly located on Al Maryah Island, right in the midst of the international financial center and directly linked to the renowned shopping haven, The Galleria, the hotel serves opulence on all fronts. Misbaah Mansuri recently visited this exquisite property – continue reading for an in-depth review of her stay.

Set the scene

Stepping into the property, I’m greeted by the dynamic water elements and walls with a myriad of textures that create a captivating visual experience which lends the space a refined and swish ambience. The design prowess of New York’s Handel Architects and the acclaimed firm HOK is in full display here. There is a sense of refined elegance thanks to its sleek aesthetics. My check-in is smooth and effortless. Sohan from the team surprised us with a delectable welcome dessert platter and stayed in touch with us throughout the stay.

My first stop even before my room was the spa where I was captivated by the artwork from local artists. The entrance showcased an iridescent, coral-inspired piece that was layered and shimmering, instantly drawing my attention. This piece, in particular, was a beautiful representation of the local art scene and added a unique touch to the space.

The room

The hotel features 189 rooms and suites along with 131 serviced residences. Among the four room categories – Classic, Deluxe (the standard offering), Executive, and Manor Club, I stayed in the King Executive room which offers stunning views of the shimmering waterway. The interiors are on the understated side with dark-wood panelling, sleek leather accents, and floor-to-ceiling windows that offer an abundance of natural light. There is a touch of modern tech embedded with an iPad provided to control various features, including the blackout blinds, which were perfect for blocking out the bright morning sun, and the impressive flat-screen TV.

I also love how the bathrooms are so generously sized. They feature separate stand-alone soaking tubs and rain showers, his-and-hers sinks, and indulgent Roberto Cavalli products, all set against the backdrop of exquisite gray marble.

Dining

La Cava, the hotel’s mesmerising underground wine cellar, was an absolute delight for a wine enthusiast like myself. Boasting a remarkable selection of over 1,000 labels, each glass offered an exquisite journey across the globe’s most renowned vineyards. The experience was further enhanced by an array of meticulously crafted light bites. The crispy zucchini fries, served with a luscious mascarpone dip, were a perfect balance of crunch and creaminess. Toasted bread, crowned with fresh tomatoes and velvety whipped goat cheese, provided a delightful contrast. The pièce de résistance was the slow-braised beef cheek, simmered in red wine with mirepoix and a rich natural jus, which paired beautifully with the wines, alongside an ambience bathed in the soft glow of candlelight that added a layer of enchantment to the experience. 

Another culinary highlight was Dai Pai Dong, the Cantonese gem of the hotel. The chilli chicken was a flavour bomb of sorts – spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet, with a delightful heat that lingered just long enough to entice the palate without overwhelming it.

The wok-fried wagyu with asparagus and black pepper sauce was another tipping point of the table. The wagyu was tender and rich, perfectly complemented by the crispness of the asparagus and the bold, aromatic black pepper sauce that added a certain depth to the dish.

The beef fried rice with wagyu striploin was a masterful blend of textures and flavours. The wagyu striploin was succulent and flavorful, pairing beautifully with the light, fluffy rice. The addition of crisp lettuce added a fresh contrast that made another standout from the meal.

Breakfast at Aqua is a sumptuous affair with the spread featuring a tempting waffle station, a variety of egg dishes, an assortment of cold meats and cheeses, and a refreshing selection of fresh juices. The waffles, crisp and golden when drizzled with syrup and berries were a total delight to nosh on. The coffee, rich and robust, was the perfect end to a top-notch breakfast experience.

Amenities and facilities

The pool area feels exceptionally chic, with its artificial palm tree islands and striking, tree-shaped metal structures. These structures, adorned with Arabian mashrabiya-like designs, provide both shade and an artistic touch to the lounge area. The poolside bar, Glo, is particularly enchanting in the evenings. As it lights up, it transforms the terrace into a captivating scene, bathing the area in a luminous glow that creates a mesmerising, almost magical atmosphere.

The Sense Spa is a standout attraction, especially for its wet area, featuring colour therapy shower booths, a spacious whirlpool, and two luxurious hammams. The fitness centre impresses with its vast space and state-of-the-art equipment. The property’s cutting-edge facilities are definitely a highlight. 

On one of the days when I was feeling under the weather, Rosewood Abu Dhabi’s Sohan Prasad, a thoughtful member of the hotel team, frequently checked in on me. To my delight, he surprised me with a selection of chocolates and sweets that was sent to my room, accompanied by a heartfelt, personalised ‘get well soon’ note. This kind gesture not only lifted my spirits but also said a thing or two about the attention to detail and the impeccable hospitality that the hotel staff offers.

Final thoughts 

As the premier five-star destination on Al Maryah Island, this 34-storey waterfront hotel is a haven for those who appreciate the finer things in life, offering breathtaking sunset views that complement its enthralling setting. I love aspects like the imaginative water displays and sparkling chandeliers and the whimsical underground wine cellar. But more than anything I love the personalised hospitality that gleams brighter than everything else, making it shine even in Abu Dhabi’s highly competitive hospitality landscape.

This property is featured in our guide to the best hotels in Abu Dhabi

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