Five-star hotels and high-end experiences are something of a regularity in Abu Dhabi, so location and proximity to your guests preferred and metaphoric playground can play a big part.
The Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island is an all-inclusive resort that ticks all the boxes for those who want to visit the Louvre Abu Dhabi and enjoy some family time by the pool.
First impression: 8/10
This hotel is inspired by traditional Middle Eastern architecture with lavish Arabian style.
The first thing you notice is all the huge elaborate archway windows with massive chandeliers and mosaics of marble tiles influenced by Arabic design.
Blue glass and pink sofas with pops of gold stand out against terracotta roofs and natural tonnes. Guests will find lots of places to relax in the hotel and there are endless adventures, from the nearby aqua park to restoring your body and mind at the hotel’s Turkish-inspired spa.
Location: 9/10
The hotel is located on Saadiyat Island, which is 25 minutes from the airport by taxi.
The property is set in amongst a variety of other exclusive properties on the purpose-built island along with the Louvre Abu Dhabi, which is just five minutes away. The hotel even has its own private beach.
Rooms and suites: 8/10
The Rixos Premium Saadiyat has 378 guest rooms, from deluxe garden rooms and sea view rooms to family suites with pool access, and even up to four-bedroom villas replete with butler service.
Because the property is all-inclusive, the free minibar is restocked daily with soft drinks, but wine and champagne fall outside this luxury.
The rooms are spacious with marble floors and sumptuous bathrooms fit for a sultan.
Drinking and dining 8/10
Rollerblading waiters! I’ll say it again, there are waiters on freakin’ roller blades delivering cocktails, snacks and pretty much anything else you desire from your poolside lounger.
In all, there are six main restaurants and a seventh reserved for high-end guests only.
Turquoise is the primary all-day restaurant with an open buffet concept that serves a wide selection of cuisines with endless flavours. The remaining five restaurants offer a variety of experiences from Japanese, Turkish, fine dining, and even family-friendly pizzas.
Meanwhile, nearby is the multi-award winning Hakkasan restaurant located in the Emirates Palace hotel. It serves modern Chinese cuisine that makes for a great excuse to explore just a little more of Abu Dhabi.
Service: 7/10
While there were some teething issues upon opening that can be read about in other online reviews, none of these were present during my stay.
Occasionally, orders were momentarily forgotten, but find me a busy resort that doesn’t have the odd service hiccup. The staff are well-trained and well-mannered.
Verdict: 8/10
The Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island is an excellent option in Abu Dhabi, especially for those who enjoy the all-inclusive experience. The hotel is in an ideal location and is a great choice for families.
