The St. Regis Hotel brand has paved the way for its expansion into the Middle East with the debut of the first of three new resorts planned for the region this year.
Entrance to the St. Regis Saadiyat Resort
The opening of the St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort in Abu Dhabi, soon to be followed by the St. Regis Abu Dhabi and the St. Regis Doha, is just the latest step for a growing brand that is set to triple its portfolio of resorts in the space of just five years.
Paul James, global brand leader of St. Regis Hotels and Resorts, one of several international hotel brands under Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., proclaimed that the new resort was perfectly positioned to offer business and leisure travelers every possible convenience:
“We are thrilled to debut The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi as our first St. Regis hotel in the Middle East. As one of the world’s economic hubs, Abu Dhabi has become a new ‘must’ on today’s global Grand Tour, and St. Regis is inimitably positioned to cater to the needs of these global travelers, offering bespoke luxury informed by the brand’s unique legacy.”
Lobby at the St. Regis Saadiyat
Positioning itself as the first genuine luxury resort in Abu Dhabi, the St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort is located in a fabulous setting, amidst pristine white sandy beaches in the Saadiyat area of the city, just 10 minutes from Abu Dhabi’s CBD and 20 minutes from the international airport.
The resort stands out for its luxuriousness and modernity in every way, with its architectural style and interior décor incorporating a unique blend of Arabic and Mediterranean influences. Featuring a total of 377 luxurious suites and guest rooms, each with a private terrace and dramatic views of the Arabian Gulf, accommodations at the St. Regis Saadiyat range from extravagant to intimate, with guests able to choose from a number of unique and elegant suites, the jewel in the crown of these being the lavish two-storey Royal Suite.
Staircase at the Royal Suite
As one would expect from the St. Regis hotel’s brand, the resort also offers a number of world class restaurants, including 55 & 5th The Grill, a classic grill and lounge venue which will be the signature restaurant of St. Regis Saadiyat. International cuisine is also catered for with the likes of Sontaya and its Southeast Asian flavors, and the beach restaurant Turquoiz, set to open later in the year, which will serve up a delicious sea food menu.
The St. Regis Saadiyat also aims to establish itself as Abu Dhabi’s top conference venue, offering a range of superb facilities for corporate events, special events, business meetings and functions. Facilities include the largest and newest ballroom in Abu Dhabi, known as the Regal Ballroom (which can also host extravagant weddings), together with a hi-tech business center and four expansive meeting rooms.
Abu Dhabi's first Iridium Spa at the St. Regis Saadiyat
For those who want nothing more to relax and pamper themselves, St. Regis Saadiyat delivers all the essentials and then some. Presenting the first Iridium Spa in the region, guests will have the choice of not one but three different spa suites – Thai, Moroccan and Contemporary – each offering customized therapies and specialty treatments unique to the St. Regis brand.
Finally, one last mention must go to the superb sport and leisure facilities – which include the St. Regis Saadiyat Golf Course, a 3,500 sq. m Athletic Club with swimming pools, squash and tennis courts, and the dedicated children’s club, the Sandcastle Club, which offers a range of exciting activities for kids aged between 1 to 12 years old.
Just one of the enticing swimming pools at the St. Regis Saadiyat