Where Our Executive Chef Dines on His Day Off
“I like to go to Meylas Restaurant in Al Raha Beach for traditional Emirati cuisine. From the moment you enter, the details make you feel like you’re taking a trip back in time – like the front door, which is from the 1970s home of a police officer, and the semolina cans used as cutlery holders on the tables. I highly recommend trying Machboos Diyay, a spiced chicken and braised rice dish.”
Cultural Insights from Our Director of Rooms
“My favourite time to tour the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the largest mosque in the country, is about 30 minutes before sunset. The dusk light brings out the marble work’s beautiful colours. After your tour, stay around for the ambient lighting, which is equally impressive.”
Where Our Hotel Manager Unwinds after Work
“Being Italian, I love my country’s classic cocktail, the negroni. I like to stop at Zuma right next to the Hotel, where I get it with a twist (a touch of Zegroni and Zacapa rum) and then smoked. I recommend sitting at the bar to get a closer view of the mixologists in action.”
A Walk on the Wild Side from Our Guest Relations & Concierge Manager
“Off the coast of Abu Dhabi, Sir Bani Yas Island is a natural reserve for protected animals like giraffes, oryx, cheetahs and jackals. Half of the island is covered by the Arabian Wildlife Park, where over 13,000 animals live across 5.4 miles (1,400 hectares) of land. It’s an important research and conservation zone, with nature drives, walks, horse-trekking and biking available, and it’s the closest you can get to a real safari without leaving the country. It will take a few hours to get there by boat or seaplane, so it’s perfect for a day trip and a can’t-miss opportunity.”