Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi

Travellers have long considered this graceful hotel a jewel in the heart of the Middle East. The capital of the largest emirate in the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi is making a name for itself as a rival in style to its northern neighbor, Dubai. Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi sits at the heart of this fine city. It offers luxurious guest rooms and suites with stunning views of the shimmering Arabian Gulf and the lush public gardens of the Corniche. The hotel also features a private lounge, a state-of-the-art health club, and a pool set amidst the soothing greenery of terraced gardens.

Situated within walking distance of the commercial and business districts of the city, Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi is only a short drive from Abu Dhabi International Airport. Entertainment is a mere stroll away, with shopping malls, the Corniche, and the best water-sport facilities, tennis courts, and golf courses in the city. Abu Dhabi is also home to a myriad of museums, as well as the National Theater and the Abu Dhabi Classical Music Society. A Guggenheim Museum complex, designed by the legendary Frank Gehry, is under construction on the island of Saadiyat. Ten restaurants and bars offer an array of choices, including Italian cuisine, exotic Asian fare, elegant French gastronomy and fresh seafood.

Rooms and Suites
275 guest rooms – including 79 luxurious suites – offer unsurpassed comfort. The imposing Royal Tower boasts 77 guest rooms furnished in exquisite and cutting-edge style. Accented with soothing earth tones and warm beiges, guest rooms offer business and leisure travelers the ultimate convenience of connectivity, with data ports and voicemail. Spacious bathrooms are appointed in gleaming black and white veined marble and sleek glass – end a hard day in the blissful sanctuary of your powerful shower. In the Royal Tower, stand-alone claw-foot bathtubs provide the perfect place for an indulgent bath.  Other facilities for guests include satellite channels, mini bar, in-room safe, hairdryer, high speed internet access in all guest rooms, air-conditioning, and 24-hour in-room dining.

Amalfi
With a name signifying the far off dream of Italy, Amalfi Italian Restaurant certainly fills the criteria of the passion for a rich and hearty meal. They keep things traditional with a range of pizzas from the classic margherita to frutti di mare, minestrone soup, Amalfi-style scialatelli pasta with ragu sauce and saffron risotto. They also have a number of meat and fish dishes which infuse the flavours of the Mediterranean. Dessert is a must with all your favourite Italian classics such as tiramisu and panna cotta. Be whisked away by your senses whilst remaining on the Arabian Gulf.

LUXOS RECOMMENDS: Seafood saffron risotto followed by ‘Indulgenza’ chocolate mousse

A.M. 8.9.11

Soba
With its cutting-edge, minimalist interior designed by hip architecture studio Hirsh Bedner, and relaxed ambiance, the emphasis at Le Royal Meridien’s award-winning Soba restaurant is all about the food. The menu is vast, and it showcases the best of Japanese contemporary cuisine, from the perfectly fresh and beautifully presented sushi, nigiri and maki, to feather-light tempura, and of course soba, the hearty noodles in broth from which the venue derives its name. And if you weren’t spoilt for choice by the Japanese fare on the menu, there is also a selection of Indonesian, Thai and Malay food to tempt your tastebuds. After your meal, head to the half-moon shaped bar, which sells a selection of Japanese specialities such as Asahi.

Luxos Recommended Menu:
Steamed hammour and baby pak choi

Shuja Yacht
Embark on a romantic starlit cruise along the tranquil waters of the Corniche aboard the luxurious Shuja Yacht. Organised by Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi the yacht offers daily sunset and gastronomic cruises – the perfect opportunity to get away from busy life in the capital for just a few idyllic hours. Below deck, guests take their pick from the lavish buffet of freshly caught seafood, which features a vast selection of aquatic delicacies such as sushi and smoked salmon, and platters laden with lobster claws, mussels and prawns. After your meal, go up on deck to take in the views of the capital’s skyline illuminated against the night sky as the yacht explores the picturesque Abu Dhabi coastline.

Luxos Recommended Menu:
Arabic speciality buffet

Fall 2010

Ocean
Ocean, a restaurant that is true to its name, serves fresh, high-quality seafood and shellfish. What sets it apart from other seafood restaurants, however, is the additional emphasis on multi-ethnic cuisine, using international inspirations and flavors in every dish. Thus diners can find King Prawn Thai Curry alongside offerings of Cajun-spiced Fresh Hammour. The charming venue conjures seaside feelings as well, with dark wood accents and thatching providing an elegant aquatic decor.

Luxos Recommended Menu:
Dutch black mussels