Abu Dhabi certainly isn’t short of beautiful hotels with dreamy rooms, great facilities and excellent dining options. But we’ve got to admit that we have a special place in our heart for beach hotels.
There’s something really special about waking up to a picturesque ocean view and having a soft sandy beach as your back garden when visiting a hotel. Luckily, the capital has plenty of the sort.
So whether you’re visiting the city for a weekend away or planning a staycation, we’ve listed the best beach hotels in Abu Dhabi to book for a truly relaxed experience.
Al Raha Beach Hotel
Set apart from the cluster of hotels in the city centre by a 15-minute drive, this is a stylish beach hotel with five-star facilities and family villas. As well as boasting a private beach for guests to enjoy, you’ll also find a lovely infinity pool with views of the Gulf.
Al Raha Beach, Channel Street, Near Al Raha Mall – Al Raha Creek – Abu Dhabi (02 508 0555).
Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi
Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi is one of the best spots for luxury relaxation in the city. Those who visit get access to not only the hotel’s private beach but the swimming pool, fitness centre, tennis and squash courts, steam room, sauna and hot tub. What’s not to love?
Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi, Al Zahiyah (02 697 9302).
Emirates Palace
If there’s one thing you can expect at the Emirates Palace, its luxury. Just like the facilities at the rest of the hotel, the beach is premium and simply stunning. As well as the 1.3km private sandy beach, get access to two fitness centres and two pools and plenty of water sports option including kayaks, windsurfing, wakeboarding and water skiing. You can also hire bikes and make the most of the hotel’s cycling tracks.
Emirates Palace, www.mandarinoriental.com (02 690 8888).
Fairmont Bab Al Bahr
Set on the banks of Abu Dhabi’s Grand Canal, the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr is an ultra-modern hotel situated at one of the most historic parts of the city. Overlooking Khor Al Maqta, with the incredible Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque standing on the other side, the hotel has 369 rooms and ten restaurants and bars, as well as beautiful beaches, a health club with excellent gym facilities, and a stunning Olympic-length pool.
Bain Al Jessrain, Khor Al Maqta, Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates (02 654 3333).
InterContinental Abu Dhabi
If you’re keen on exploring the depths of the Arabian sea, then Bayshore Beach Club at the InterContinental Abu Dhabi is where you need to be. The beach is home to a comprehensive dive training school but also offers other boating experiences. You can also rent kayaks, pedalos and paddleboards. If you prefer to just relax, then make yourself comfy on one of the luxury cabanas and hammocks available or soak up the heat on a sun lounger.
InterContinental Abu Dhabi, King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud Street (02 666 6888).
Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort
This beautiful hotel boasts a 400m private beach and not one, not two, but three outdoor swimming pools. Indulge in the ultimate day of sun, sea and sand by lounging on the beach or having fun in the swim-up bars and soaking up the laid-back atmosphere. If you fancy being active then you can also take advantage of the water sports facilities that include kayaks, paddleboards and surfing. You might even spot a dolphin while out in the sea.
Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort, www.jumeirah.com (02 811 4444).
Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana
Five-star resort Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana not only has one of the biggest pools in the capital but a charming private beach. You’ll also find incredible dining options and anything else you need for the perfect getaway.
Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana, West Corniche (02 657 0000).
Le Meridien Abu Dhabi
The luxury beachfront hotel situated in the heart of Abu Dhabi in between high-rises of the city and the stunning waters of the Arabian Gulf. Its outdoor faculties include a private beach, impressive pool and its popular Oasis Bar. It’s definitely worth a visit.
Le Meridien Abu Dhabi, Al Zahiya (02 644 6666).
Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort, Abu Dhabi Corniche
This hotel’s beach is a lively spot with fun and games taking place everywhere. Instead of a quiet day of sun bathing, it’s best for thrill seekers with roaring jet skis flying around the sea and all the activities on offer at the beach club’s dedicated water sports centre. Here, you can get stuck in to everything from paddle boarding, kayaking and sailing to yoga and other exercise classes.
Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort Abu Dhabi Corniche, Corniche West, www.radissonhotels.com (02 692 4324).
Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi
Not only does the beautiful hotel have one of the best views of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque but it boasts a luxury private beach for guests to enjoy as well as an inifity pool and endless other facilities to enjoy an ultimate staycation in the city.
Bain Al Jessrain, Khor Al Maqta,Qaryat al Beri, Abu Dhabi (02 509 8888).
The St. Regis Abu Dhabi
Placed along the Corniche, Nation Riviera Beach is a picturesque family-friendly beach at the St. Regis Abu Dhabi. Facilities include a 33m temperature-controlled lap pool, complete with a swim-up bar and cabanas dotted around it. You’ll also find a play area for kids, a Jacuzzi and fitness scheduled fitness classes and activities to join in with.
St. Regis Abu Dhabi, Nation Towers, Corniche West, www.nationrivierabeachclub.com (02 694 4444).
