You’d be hard pressed to find a more picturesque setting in Abu Dhabi than Saadiyat Island. In fact, it’s got to be up there with the most scenic places in the world.
We’re talking white sands, turquoise waters and a chilled atmosphre, as well as some incredible luxury hotels, each with stunning bars and restaurants that dazzle on the service, food and drinks front.
There are five fantastic properties lining the beachfront on the island, each with their own distinct personalities and things to admire.
One of the first huge resorts to take pride of place on the island is The St Regis. Saadiyat Island Resort and to this day it is still a stunning venue for a stay, bite to eat or a drink. Perhaps with the most beautiful location on the resort, Buddha-Bar Beach is one of the highlights. Winner of a bunch of Time Out awards, it is right on the coast.
Inside the venue you’ll find modern, sleek fittings, with Asian design and influence running throughout. There’s also an inviting lounge bar area and comfy seating aplenty.
The outdoor terrace, however, makes the most of the beachside setting. It’s open plan, so the blues and the greens of the panoramic ocean view can’t be missed. There are plenty of different seating options outside, too, with more formal dining tables alongside relaxing booths and sofas pretty much on the sand.
The venue has built a solid reputation for delivering great Asian food, expertly crafted mixed drinks and themed nights with DJs from around the world jetting in to perform.
At the Friday afternoon brunch there’s a great EDM soundtrack on the speakers accompanied by a live saxophonist. It makes for a vibrant afternoon, and the energy rises as the hours tick by (we’re here for the afternoon brunch but there’s also an evening option if you prefer).
The brunch is filled with dishes served sharing-style, which we love, because the plates keep on coming and you get the chance to try loads of great food.
Not long after we take our seats, the first plates start to arrive at the table. We’re treated to a selection of sushi and sashimi, as well as tuna carpaccio, chicken salad, mushroom salad and more. It’s all brilliant, the fresh sashimi needs just a little soy to make it sing, the sushi is fresh and colourful, packed with fresh seafood and the chicken and mushroom salads are a great addition. The oysters are delicious, too, topped with fresh pomegranate seeds, vinegar and fresh herbs. Another round of bites find their way to the table including brilliant spicy duck spring rolls, skewers of freshly grilled seafood, crunchy gyoza dumplings, crisp calamari and crab cakes. All of it is exceptional.
Before main courses arrive a drinks trolley does the rounds, helmed by one of the venue’s expert mixologists.
When it comes to the mains, the beef tenderloin is delicious and wonderfully seasoned and the Chilean sea bass is expertly glazed and cooked, melting in the mouth. There isn’t a morsel left on the plate.
The ambience here is top notch, the food exceptional and drinks free-flowing. Add the sunset into the mix and you have about a perfect an afternoon as you could hope for.
Everything here is to the highest standard, we can’t really fault it.
Dhs325 (soft drinks), Dhs450 (house beverages), Dhs525 (premium beverages). Fri 1pm-4pm and 7pm-10pm. The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort (02 498 8888).
