It’s safe to say Abu Dhabi has its fair share of swanky hotels.
The number of swish properties has just swelled, however, with the launch of the Abu Dhabi EDITION.
The waterfront hotel, in Al Bateen, has a striking deisgn and stands proud in the marina area.
It has almost 200 rooms and more than 50 residences and was designed by Ian Schraher who says: “It’s about an attitude, about a feeling rather than a look.
There’s an art installation In 20 Steps at the heart of it, designed by the Studio Drift collective and produced by Czech glass company, Lasvit. A number of glass cylinders are connected by metal joints and suspended from the ceiling by a series of strings that enable the artwork to move.
In the lobby below are armchairs by local designer Latifa Saeed, inspired by the way Emirati children braid their hair.
British chef Tom Aikens will be behind three restaurants at the hotel – the healthy all-day venue Market at EDITION, Oak Room, a traditional English-style oak-panelled restaurant, which promises “rock ‘n’ roll flair” and Alba Terrace, a Mediterranean-themed venue.
The Library Bar is a classy place to socialise, specialising in juniper-based beverages.
Later in the year ANNEX will open, offering a three-storey space to socialise, eat and drink. Expect bar games, DJs and expertly mixed drinks alongside Peruvian dishes.
There’s also an incredible-sounding spa, with Chaps&Co barber, two hammams and loads more.
Rooms are available during the soft launch phase now for Dhs750 a night including breakfast, with a proper launch due to take place on November 21.
The whole place sounds like a real showstopper – we can’t wait to experience it ourselves.
The Abu Dhabi EDITION, Al Bateen Marina (02 304 7002).
