From a PADI-registered dive centre to views of Ferrari world and the Formula 1 Race Track, Avril-Ann Braganza tells you what to look out for at the Rotana properties in Abu Dhabi
For a city slicker from Mumbai, space is a luxury and large uncluttered spaces is what I notice, when I first land in Abu Dhabi. Not just space, everything from SUVs to Sedans and opulent glass buildings towering above us, spell luxury. Located right in the main business district of Abu Dhabi and set on its own stretch of beach, Beach Rotana, our hotel is nothing short of the grandeur that surrounds us. Arriving almost after midnight, we make our way to our room, the Club Category 66, overlooking Arabian Sea. The rooms are elegant and spacious and the king-sized, soft-but-not-too-soft bed is just right.
Apart from Essence where we had our breakfasts, Beach Rotana has 10 other world-class restaurants. You can walk to the Abu Dhabi mall linked to the hotel by an exclusive passageway and browse through outlets like Marc Jacobs, Longines, Bobbi Brown and more. If you're up for adventure, you can try water skiing, wake boarding, or learn diving at their PADI-registered dive centre.
Rotana has a lot more to explore than just Beach Rotana. If you like theme and water parks, you might want to stay at Yas Island Rotana at Yas Isalnd, just a few minutes away from the Formula 1 Race Track, the Links Golf Club, the Yas Southern Marina, Yas Waterworld and Ferrari World. There’s also the five-star Park Rotana close to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Zayed Sports City and next to the Six Continents Khalifa theme park or Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana; its modern design complements the values of the contemporary Arabian culture, in an alcohol free environment.
After two action-packed days of sightseeing and kayaking, we head to Zen, the spa, on our last day. As I'm flying back home after the therapy, my masseuse suggests I opt for the energising treatment, which will prevent or reduce jet lag. Back at the room, I fly around my room and pack my bag within 10 minutes! As I say goodbye to the city, I secretly hope the hotel would include my name in the list of celebrities who stayed here—Charles, Prince of Wales, Steven Seagal, Lawrence Fishbourne, Patrick Swayze.
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