The 8 Top Hotels in Abu Dhabi for an Authentic Experience

As the largest of the seven emirates comprising the United Arab Emirates and the location of the nation's capital, Abu Dhabi boasts stunning landscapes. From the vast deserts of the Empty Quarter and palm-fringed oases to the beautiful beaches with turquoise waters near the city, this emirate offers a diverse selection of hotels—both new and long-standing—that invite travelers to explore further. Discover eight of the finest hotels to enjoy the charm and variety that Abu Dhabi provides.

St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort

Abu Dhabi consists of over 200 islands, and one of the nearest to the city is Saadiyat, known for its stunning waters and tranquil beaches. At the St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, guests can spot wild sand gazelles grazing on the lawns, graceful egrets wandering the 18-hole golf course, and Indian Ocean humpback dolphins swimming nearby. Despite its serene setting, the city center is just a 10-minute drive away, with the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the resort's neighboring attraction on Saadiyat Island, even closer.

Each of the 376 guest rooms and suites features expansive bathrooms, balconies, and terraces, most offering ocean views. Dining options include Buddha Bar Beach for leisurely lunches and sunset cocktails, as well as Mazi for exquisite modern Greek cuisine beneath towering palm trees. However, the true highlight is the extensive, serene beach. The calm, warm waters in shades of turquoise reminiscent of the Maldives stretch to the horizon, bordered by soft, deep sand.

Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Resort

Located 2.5 hours from the capital, Sir Bani Yas Island hosts the Arabian Wildlife Park, home to 17,000 free-roaming animals, including a herd of Arabian oryxes, a remarkable conservation success story. The island also features the ruins of a seventh-century Christian monastery and three Anantara-operated resorts, the smallest and most exclusive being Al Sahel Resort. This resort offers 30 villas designed in a sDinogoi style, nestled among native ghaf trees and date palms. Enjoy morning terrace views with visits from friendly gazelles and peacocks. The resort provides wildlife drives and hiking opportunities through the island's stunning landscapes, with a South African-style braai at night, featuring boerewors sausage and other meats grilled to perfection, accompanied by mielie pap, a maize porridge.

Emirates Palace

Nestled along the seafront corniche adjacent to the Qasr Al Watan presidential palace, Emirates Palace is a masterpiece of luxury. The hotel spans more than half a mile from wing to wing, featuring 1,002 chandeliers, 8,000 palm trees in its vast gardens, and over 30 tons of gold adorning nearly every surface. Despite its opulence, the resort maintains a playful atmosphere, complete with waterslides, a lazy river, and an expansive private beach. The 390 guest rooms and suites are tranquil retreats, featuring soothing silver and muted gray color schemes, mother of pearl accents, and delightful service touches like gold-hued bookmarks waiting on your bedside table at night.

For an ultimate royal experience, choose one of the 5,000-square-foot Three-Bedroom Palace Suites, originally crafted for heads of state. These suites come with spacious lounges and dining areas, exquisite silk embroidery, luxurious bathrooms with hot tubs, vast terraces, and abundant gold accents. The hotel also houses some of the finest dining options in the city. While the gold leaf-topped cappuccino at Le Cafe is a must-try, guests can also savor exceptional Italian cuisine at Talea by Antonio Guida and contemporary Chinese dishes at Hakkasan, both of which have earned Michelin stars in the newly launched Abu Dhabi Michelin Guide.

Abu Dhabi Edition

Overlooking the Al Bateen marina, the Abu Dhabi Edition exudes a sleek minimalist charm. This hotel marked the debut of the Marriott lifestyle brand in the Middle East when it opened in 2018. Its 198 bright and airy guest rooms are designed in a cool, contemporary style, featuring neutral tones and herringbone oak flooring that draws inspiration from the region's basket-weaving patterns.

The wooden elements extend to the Oak Room restaurant, which boasts a timber-paneled interior where British chef Tom Aikens’s meat-focused menu has gained a loyal following among the city’s meat lovers. The lobby strikes a balance between simplicity and allure, illuminated by candles in the evening and adorned with a captivating aerial kinetic sculpture crafted from wing-like glass rods by Dutch artist duo Studio Drift. Guests can unwind at the ground floor pool, where private cabanas and olive trees invite relaxation.

Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara

Qasr Al Sarab is like a dream materializing from the distant reaches of the Rub’ Al Khali Empty Quarter, resembling a mirage. The resort's setting is nothing less than spectacular, positioned amid red dunes at the end of a winding tarmac road that traverses the undulating desert landscape. During the day, it features bright sunshine, palm trees, and tranquil water features that pay homage to the ancient Arabian falaj irrigation systems found in the region's oases. At night, it transforms into a peaceful haven with cooling breezes, soothing silence, and warm lamp light.

The 205 guest rooms, adorned with palm-thatch ceilings, draw inspiration from the region's long-standing nomadic traditions, featuring cushions and carpets influenced by traditional textiles. For those seeking true privacy, the family pool villas resemble miniature fortresses. Guests can ride camels, horses, or fat bikes across the seemingly endless sands and indulge in spa treatments utilizing Arabian dates and coffee. However, the most enchanting way to soak in the surroundings is by climbing one of the nearby dunes to witness the sunset.

Nurai Island Resort

Located just 15 minutes by speedboat from Saadiyat Island, Nurai Island Resort is situated on its own private island, complete with swings over the water and floating breakfast trays in private pools. Its stunning visuals make it a favorite among influencers, but there’s more than just looks. A hidden gem for residents of Abu Dhabi and Dubai, this retreat attracts day visitors who enjoy hours of floating in the azure waters while sipping cocktails on the beach.

Those who choose to stay in one of the 32 airy villas or 23 spacious multi-bedroom homes can feel fortunate to avoid the crowds of day-trippers. This family-friendly resort offers water sports, a kids' club, and even a water park, while also providing plenty of tranquil spaces for adults. Visit the boho-chic Smokin’ Pineapple beach club for pizzas baked in a pineapple-shaped oven, bar swings, and hammocks nestled among the palm trees. Alternatively, relax on a daybed at the Ginger Mermaid, where you can savor lobster rolls and shrimp sliders.

Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa

The dunes surrounding Al Wathba may lack the grandeur of the distant Empty Quarter, but their closeness to Abu Dhabi makes this resort an excellent option for a desert getaway. The 99 guest rooms and villas draw inspiration from traditional architecture, featuring cool white walls and design elements reminiscent of classic mashrabiya window screens. For an indulgent experience, opt for a villa with a private pool to fully enjoy the beautiful surroundings. The palm-fringed pool serves as a perfect oasis to escape the heat. For added seclusion, choose one of the four cabanas or three pavilions, equipped with curtains or wooden doors for privacy.

The Saray Spa takes inspiration from ancient Silk Road caravanserai, which were roadside inns and trading posts that provided refuge for travelers and their animals. Spa treatments incorporate Middle Eastern ingredients like Dead Sea mud, oud oil, and camel milk. The resort boasts a stable of 10 ex-endurance racing horses, offering riding lessons, desert excursions, and the chance for kids to meet the two adorable resident ponies, Lucky and Rocky. For an even closer encounter with the horses, dine at the Italian restaurant Terra Secca and choose a table situated in the middle of the paddock.

Jebel Hafit Desert Park Pura Eco Retreat

Dome tents have been emerging throughout the emirates in recent years, but few can boast the stunning scenery and historical significance of the Pura Eco Retreat. Nestled at the foot of Abu Dhabi’s only mountain, the 4,000-foot Jebel Hafit, this area has long been a vital stop along trade routes. Now part of the Jebel Hafit Desert Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site in Al Ain, it is home to 122 Bronze Age tombs and Neolithic remnants dating back 8,000 years. Some tombs have been excavated and restored to their original beehive-like conical forms, while others remain untouched.

The 23 tents, each featuring a private firepit, range from cozy Skylight Domes to adults-only Sky Bubbles with transparent ceilings. Simpler Bedouin-style heritage tents offer traditional floor seating with cushions and shared bathroom facilities. An early morning hike is likely to reward you with solitude, allowing you to explore the tombs and the surrounding area all to yourself.