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First look: St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi

Originally published on www.businesstravellerme.com 12/01/2012 - Filed under: News »

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St Regis Saadiyat Island opened its doors on December 26, after experiencing some delays, and it becomes the second five-star resort in the vicinity to come on stream after Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas (click here for this month's competition). In time, Shangri-La is due to open a resort next door, although for now, just the hoardings are up and construction hasn't started.

The 377-room property, owned by TDIC, is the first St Regis in the Gulf, although it won't be long - nor far - until the next one comes along, with the 279-room St Regis Abu Dhabi scheduled for a second quarter launch in the city, which will be around the same time that the third one regionally, St Regis Doha, will launch.

St Regis Saadiyat is happy to adopt a low-key arrival in the next month or so as it beds in its products and services. That said, its MICE component has hit the ground running, as it hosted the Volvo Ocean Race dinner for 600 guests last night – with entertainment from Dire Straits, no less – and next week it will host the second session of the Assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), which will be attended by a surfeit of high-ranking ministers, on January 14-15.

The resort enjoys easy access off the highway and is well signposted, although the first surprise, after turning left at a roundabout and through a floral entrance, is that the hotel isn't directly visible as you enter the resort.

You must meander first through a path to the right – the ballroom has its own entrance to the left – past some large villas on the right (there 32 villas in all, and 259 apartments), and then the St Regis name comes boldly into view, fronted by some rather audacious pillars. Across the road is an equally imposing building, The Collection, that will sell a range of upmarket brands and is due to open in the third quarter.

Despite the grand arrival, once inside, and beyond, the overriding feeling is of a resort that is impressive without being flashy, with warm, simple colour schemes, designed to complement the beach and sea, and décor that is striking without being too distracting – the one possible exception being the abundant chandeliers. But that's not to say Starwood hasn't put a fine toothcomb through just about every aspect of the resort; a man raked the sand constantly in a three-wheeler while we had lunch.

The lobby is uncluttered, with check-in desks discreetly around the corner to the right. The large glass panels beyond let in plenty of natural light and look out to the Gulf – they reminded me a bit of the JW Marriott Mumbai – which drop down to the international all-day dining Olea restaurant underneath, which you access to the right down a sweeping staircase (with three chandeliers above).

To the left of the lobby is the Drawing Room, a discreet area for teas and coffees, with a Sucre cakes and pastries counter opposite. Continuing left is Manhattan Lounge, which has a handful of tables and bar stools and large painting as its backdrop.

Beyond on the left is the entrance to the ballroom, which is accessed down an escalator. From the confines of the hotel corridor, you don't quite anticipate the size; the pre-function area is vast and the 3,000sqm Regal Ballroom can be divided to meet particular requirements. This area also has 'The Office' – St Regis-speak for business centre.

I was shown an ocean-facing suite, one of 62 in the resort, which was picturesque, overlooking the sixth hole of Saadiyat Beach Golf Course, with the beach and water beyond (click here for 'stay and play' packages). The wooden fans gave a nod to the Indian Ocean, and you could almost be in the Caribbean with the view of the pristine white sands (clearly distinct from Dubai). The bathroom was large with separate showers (wall and rainshower), toilet, stand-alone oval bath and two sinks. All rooms feature private terraces.

Dolphins are a frequent sight off St Regis Saadiyat's shores

By blending MICE and leisure, the resort is geared up for work and play. Executives will like the fact that high-speed wifi is free in all rooms and public areas. To match the serious-yet-playful mood, the butlers wear gold and black uniforms at the front, while the staff at the back are kitted out in blue-and-white shirts and white shorts.

Much like the ballroom, the four pools are not immediately visible, even from above. Novel touches included submerged loungers, in one u-shaped pool, which I can see being popular in the warmer months.

I was treated to a sample set lunch at the Asian Sontaya (open for lunch and dinner). The entrance felt a bit like a spa; turning left, there was some inside seating and around half-a-dozen tables outside on a terrace, where we sat, directly looking out onto the Gulf. There's an impressive, Asian-themed cocktail list which puts ingredients in glasses which you've probably only ever had on a plate. The presentation was excellent, the crackers came with freshly made chilli and sweet chilli sauces and the food (chicken satay, Thai chicken, fried kingfish) fresh.

A larger, more swim-friendly, family pool is available to the right, while the more energetic minded can also make use of a 25m indoor lap pool and athletic club.

Back inside, the signature restaurant, 55th and 5th Grill (inspired by the address of the original St Regis in New York) makes a bold statement, with its lofty main restaurant, three discreet alcoves – each with their own chandelier – and winding staircase leading to a bottle-flanked private dining area, which can seat 16. Louise Anton will perform "sultry Jazz vocals" with the piano at the Manhattan Lounge and 55th and 5th. Note the seafood venue, Turquoiz, isn't open until the spring.

To access the Iridium Spa, you turn left outside the main entrance (at least for men, women can enter directly inside) and back into the resort a short walk away. A soothing water wall feature is straight ahead, with reception to the right, and there are 12 treatment rooms.

It's hard to read too much into any property in a few hours. It's still early days. There weren't many guests around and I couldn't really assess the service – particularly the much-vaunted 24-hour butler service – although the staff were friendly and greeted me. I didn't see a number of rooms on the higher floors, and would love to have had a peek at the duplex Royal Suite, which is among the largest globally.

Given its beach location, the resort feels it can charge a premium over many of its five-star competitors (AED2,100-4,800 a night), although with some now dropping their rates as the city's new hotels open, it remains to be seen whether corporates will opt for luxury or affordability in these precarious economic times.

But from what I did see inside and out, and given Starwood's global commitment to service with the St Regis brand, there's every chance that this smart-looking resort will establish itself among the best in the region. 

Dominic Ellis

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