The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort

Why book?

For a palatial stay on the white shores of Saadiyat Island, with the UAE’s most beautiful beach and Abu Dhabi’s top cultural attractions all just a stone’s throw away.

Set the scene

A winding palm-lined driveway leads to the reception of The St Regis Saadiyat Island, where staff dressed in smart navy uniforms wait to greet us. Inside, the heady scent of jasmine hangs in the air and towering vases filled with elaborate floral arrangements take centre stage in the light-filled reception, where guests can help themselves to Arabic coffee poured from golden pots and local dates displayed in glass jars.

Even in the sleepy depths of an Abu Dhabi summer, the hotel buzzes with guests – groups of glamorous friends in embellished abayas gathered to enjoy ornate afternoon teas in Italian cafe Ginori just off the reception, or families with beach bags slung over their shoulders making their way down the grand spiral staircases towards the gleaming blue Arabian Gulf beyond. Luckily, the check-in process is swift, and we are not far behind them.

The backstory

The St Regis Saadiyat Island opened its doors in December 2011, becoming the first Middle East property for the New York-born brand, which is part of the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio.

The neighbourhood

The resort sits directly on the UAE’s most pristine stretch of natural beach, where white sands melt into jewel-blue waters, and dolphins play in the surf year-round. It’s part of a line-up of sprawling luxury hotels here that also includes a Park Hyatt, Rixos and Jumeirah, although The St Regis is the closest to Saadiyat Island’s Cultural District and golf course. Just a few minutes from the hotel, you’ll find the Jean Nouvel-designed Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Abrahamic Family House and the newly opened immersive art space teamLabs Phenomenon. Looming large on the horizon is the impressive outline of the Zayed National Museum, which will open its doors in December 2025. In 2026, this district will also be home to a Guggenheim and Natural History Museum. There’s also nearby Mamsha Al Saadiyat, a vibrant beachfront promenade of bars and restaurants home to some of Abu Dhabi's best homegrown casual spots.

The heart of Abu Dhabi city, with its 8km Corniche and high-rise skyscrapers, is a 20-minute taxi ride away. In the opposite direction, you’ll find Yas Island, with its theme parks and megamall.

The rooms

This is a big resort, with 376 guest rooms, as well as private residences on its grounds. And yet it manages not to feel overwhelming, with its many quiet corners, private stretch of beach and five swimming pools. There are four room categories, ranging from superior to two-bedroom executive suites, as well as four unique luxury suites. All come with balconies and king beds, as well as good-sized bathrooms with separate baths and showers. My one-bedroom, corner ocean-view comes with a private bar, separate lounge and washroom, and a balcony with a sunlounger that runs the full length of the bedroom and living space, where you can enjoy your morning coffee overlooking the golf course, where gazelles leisurely graze. The space is classic and comfortable, albeit a little dated compared to some of the UAE’s glitzy five-star resorts, but it has everything you could need for a indulgent stay – a private butler on hand 24/7, Aqua di Parma toiletries, fresh jewel-toned macarons left for us at turndown, and, most importantly, one of the most comfortable beds I’ve slept in yet.

Food and drink

There are six bars and restaurants on site, with a seventh concept, Sophia, due to open in the coming months. At all-day dining space Oleá, elaborate breakfast spreads – some of the best I have ever encountered – are served until 1 pm, allowing guests to enjoy leisurely mornings and take their time sampling several plates (trust us, you’ll want to). At slick Thai restaurant Sontaya, outdoor tables sit on terraces surrounded by serene pools, making it one of the capital’s most mesmerising dinner settings. Buddha-Bar Beach, meanwhile, is the place to go for post-beach sundowners or sultry pan-Asian dinners that turn into drinks and dancing at the adjoining bar. Or, for a more low-key nightcap, head to the Manhattan Lounge, where you’ll find unique twists on a bloody mary (first invented by The St Regis New York in 1934), here known as the Arabian Snapper and infused with cumin and za’atar, as well as nightly Champagne sabering – another St Regis tradition, and a truly interesting cocktail and zero-proof menu with drinks named after dream states.

The service

Runs like a well-oiled machine. Staff are efficient and friendly, always stopping by at breakfast to ask how our stay is and to top up coffees and juices. At the pool, we’re offered refreshing ice lollies, fresh fruit and coconut water. Here, you’ll want for nothing.

The spa

With its own private entrance, the Iridium Spa pays homage to the original Iridium Room at The St Regis New York, with impressive water features, mosaic-lined wet spaces, and beautiful relaxation spaces. Treatments can be taken in beachside cabanas or in tranquil, pebble-lined rooms, some of which come with an in-room plunge pool.

For families

I imagine most parents will have a hard time dragging their children away from here. From kids-only pools and splash parks, to play areas and garden chess, there’s endless entertainment on offer – and that’s before you even make it down to the beach, where waves and watersports await.