saadiyat island

Saadiyat Island: Abu Dhabi’s ultimate winter sun destination

03 Nov 2023 | Updated on: 01 Dec 2023 |By Hitanshi Kamdar

Why this Middle Eastern beach resort should be at the top of your bucket list for a sun-drenched winter break

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Kenwood Travel

London’s getting chillier by the minute, which can only mean one thing: it’s time to book a winter break to sunny shores. So, where will you be heading this year? The Caribbean? Thailand? The Maldives? Yes, they’re gorgeous – but a little obvious, no? Instead, allow us to turn you onto the luxurious amenities and natural beauty of Saadiyat Island.

Arguably the Middle East’s most beautiful beach destination, Saadiyat Island is one of Abu Dhabi’s truly unique marvels. Located just 20 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport, the island features a sprawling stretch of natural beach overlooking the sparkling turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf. Saadiyat is also home to stunning wildlife, including the native Arabian gazelle, humpback and bottlenose dolphins, and the endangered but playful hawksbill turtles that nest seasonally on the white sand beaches.

saadiyat island turtles
Nature and Wildlife on Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi The Hawksbill Turtle

With a plethora of beautiful spaces along the shore, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to picking a relaxing location to catch some rays. Relax on lounge chairs at Kai Beach in the heart of the island or immerse yourself in the vibrant beachfront community of Mamsha Al Saadiyat. For an exclusive getaway, the Saadiyat Beach Club is found on a stunning stretch of Blue Flag-certified beach and offers a serene escape with its outdoor pool, private cabanas, and spa. The club also promises delicious gastronomic delights at its Mediterranean restaurant Safina and a sophisticated cocktail menu at the gorgeous veranda bar, De La Costa.

Elsewhere, Saadiyat Island is also home to the Arabian Gulf’s first beachfront golf course. The Par 72 Saadiyat Beach Golf Club has been designed by golfing legend, Gary Player, and is perfect for honing your strokes in an unforgettable environment.

saadiyat island golf
Saadiyat Beach Golf Club

Away from the seashore, Saadiyat has earned a reputation as Abu Dhabi’s cultural hub, with some of the world’s most famous museums, including the Louvre Abu Dhabi, choosing to house their treasures here. In addition, the island will showcase modern art at the soon-to-open Guggenheim Abu Dhabi while the forthcoming Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi will display some of the rarest specimens in the world.

So how to make the most of everything Saadiyat Island has to offer? We suggest enlisting the expertise of Kenwood Travel. The luxury travel company takes the hassle out of holiday planning with over 45 years of experience, expert on-the-ground knowledge, and a commitment to personalisation that ensures every trip is perfectly crafted to suit your tastes. With a coterie of exclusive yet accessible luxury resorts, Kenwood Travel makes enjoying the idyllic beauty of Saadiyat Island easy – read on for a taste of what’s on offer.

louvre abu dhabi
Louvre Abu Dhabi

Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi

A timeless blend of luxury and regional design, the Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi is located on a stunning environmentally-protected beach on Saadiyat Island. Take in gorgeous vistas of the Arabian Gulf from your luxurious villa or indulge in gourmet fare at the elegant selection of in-house restaurants. Don’t forget to book yourself into the hotel’s open-air Atarmia Spa to guarantee you’ll go home deeply relaxed.

St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort

The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort is a palatial residence inspired by Mediterranean architecture and neighbouring the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club. The tasteful suites are grounded in natural materials and come with private balconies from which to appreciate the picturesque views. With a collection of six sea-side dining options, three outdoor pools, and a cosseted spa, St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort is the very definition of living in the lap of luxury.

Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort
Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort

Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort

Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort occupies a prime location on the island’s main stretch of beach. The resort’s contemporary interiors draw from the natural aesthetics of the island with tasteful modern rooms offering beautiful sea views and opulent suites equipped with floor-to-ceiling glass walls that open up to the sea breeze. The sprawling spa is sure to lull you into a zen trance while the indulgent restaurants will tantalise tastebuds. Bolstering the feel-good appeal, the resort is also committed to sustainability and fighting single-use plastic.

To start planning your escape to Saadiyat Island call Kenwood Travel on 020 7749 5489 or visit kenwoodtravel.co.uk.