Background
Opened in October 2022, this five-star beachside beauty has views of the sea, a wide range of amenities, and all the food you could possibly eat. No wonder it’s proven a big hit with holidaymakers, attracting more than 215,000 guests in its first year of operations alone.
Where is it?
Located just off the Marina Mall Ring Road, the hotel is a hop, skip, and a jump from, unsurprisingly, Marina Mall. To the north-east is Lulu Island, while the corniche is approximately 1km to the south, and Qasr Al Hosn is 4km to the east.
What’s it like?
There are vast open spaces aplenty at the Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi. If big isn’t your bag, you’ll feel slightly overwhelmed. If you like grandeur, contemporary luxury, and an emphasis on opulence, knock yourself out. The prevailing colours are blue and beige, and everything is all very sleek and crisp. When you arrive it’s via an impressive tree-lined driveway, which is followed by a welcome drink, refreshing cold towels, and sweet treats upon check-in.
Rooms
We stayed in a Premium Room Corniche, which meant no sea view, but plenty of space, a sizeable balcony, a comfortable bed, and a good-sized bathroom. The tones are warm and there are panoramic views of the corniche, which you can enjoy to your heart’s content when not soaking up everything else the hotel has to offer.
Food and drink
Eating can be a frantic affair. Such is the hotel’s popularity – especially its all-inclusive offering – that, depending on which restaurant you opt for, you could find yourself amid a throng of hungry diners. The primary spot is Turquoise Restaurant where breakfast is served, and both lunch and dinner are open buffet affairs. Highlights include a mouthwatering array of manakeesh and pizza, a wide selection of sushi and sashimi, and desserts galore. If you want a more relaxed atmosphere, however, head outside to People’s, an all-day dining venue overlooking one of the hotel’s pools. There is also a Lobby Lounge and The Bakery Club. Two more restaurants – an Italian and a steakhouse – are set to open soon.
Meetings
The business community is well catered for. Its grand ballroom can hold between 420 and 1,100 people, depending on the usage, and there are a sizeable number of events and meeting rooms that can be used for anything from classrooms to theatres. There is also an expansive outdoor area called Safana Garden, which can hold up to 1,000 people, and the hotel has a dedicated team of event planners.
Leisure
There are three pools to choose from, as well as the hotel’s private beach, which gently curves for 200m along the shoreline. For those who want to relax and unwind, there’s the Turkish-inspired Naturelife Spa, which provides the perfect sanctuary for relaxation, reinvigoration, health, and well-being. There’s also live entertainment in the evenings, a sports club, and a Rixy Kids Club.
Verdict
A fine offering of traditional Turkish hospitality, with a hint of Arabia thrown in for good measure.
FACT BOX
- Best for Its all-you-can-eat buffets
- Don’t miss The cove-like beach
- Price Internet rates for a midweek stay start from Dhs980 for a Premium Room Corniche View with Balcony
- Contact Marina Mall Ring Road, Abu Dhabi; +971 2 4980000; rixos.com
