The corniche is Abu Dhabi’s most famous boulevard and passes through the capital city’s sky scrapers along the azure coast of the Arabian Sea. At the end of it, rising high above all others, are the Etihad Towers. The futuristic towers are made of glass and mirror, and reach into the clouds to create an unmistakable landmark in the sky. Four of the developments are residential and office buildings with the fifth and tallest being the Jumeirah hotel.
As guests approach the entrance they will see the oculus, a dazzling crystal piece of art with colored glass and lighting. This stunning sculpture sets the tone for the five-star experience ahead. In the lobby, the atrium features sitting areas bathed in natural light from the floor-to-ceiling windows. On the second floor, guests will be met by a handcrafted chandelier made with 250,000 Czech crystals and hand blown glass components. Around the property, you’ll encounter plenty of other works of art including original Matisse and Picasso pieces.
The 382 rooms have elegant and tasteful décor with earth tones, white surfaces and modern amenities. The views are as stunning as the spaces themselves, all overlooking the city skyline or the Arabian coastline. The bathrooms are also contemporary with stand-alone soaking bath tubs, separate showers, and specialty amenities.
The plethora of dining options ranges from Middle Eastern to Italian with its standouts being the Brasserie Anglique which serves fine French cuisine and Tori No Su, specializing in modern Japanese dishes. Down the pier and overlooking the water is Scotts (a part of the hotel), where the region’s yachties join locals and hotel guests for a selection of fresh seafood. Breakfast is a lavish affair as well, with live cooking stations and al fresco dining overlooking the pool. A great spot to see and be seen is Ray’s Bar, a swanky and sexy venue where the city's beautiful people gather to sip Cosmopolitans on the 62nd floor.
When you’re in need of a day of relaxing, the Talise Spa has 13 private treatment rooms to check out. To enjoy a more local therapy, the Rasoul Suite offers a traditional Middle Eastern method of cleansing and detoxifying, using mud, herb-scented steam and an oil infused warm shower. There’s also a Hammam Suite with a traditional heated marble bed and private steam and sauna rooms.
For a little retail therapy, guests can head right outside to The Avenues at Etihad Towers, said to be the most expensive mall in the world. Labels include Manolo Blahnik, Roger, Dubuis, Givenchy, Ermenegildo Zegna, Cartier, Versace, Salvatore Ferragamo, Piaget, Bulgari, and Rolex.
The Jumeirah chain of hotels has established itself as one of the top luxury hotel chains in the world. The UAE’s homegrown brand is also the creator of the region’s most iconic six-star hotel, the Burj al Arab. Before checking out, be sure to head up to the 74th floor Observation Deck at 300. This jaw dropping venue gives a panoramic bird’s eye view of the city skyline from 984 feet high. You won’t regret it.
