Al Maryah Island | P.O. Box 41184 Abu Dhabi, | UAE
Tel: +971 2 813 5550 | E-MAIL | WEBSITE

The more we travel, the broader our horizons become. And the more our senses are enriched by the world's extraordinary places, the more refined our expectations inevitably grow.
Such is the natural consequence of discovering remarkable destinations while choosing to experience them through the finest hotels and resorts each has to offer. Yet this is hardly something we would ever complain about. Quite the contrary. We proudly belong to those who find inspiration in the art of travel and whose appreciation for exceptional luxury hospitality continues to deepen with every new journey.
One truth, however, remains unchanged. It reaches far beyond travel itself and quietly shapes almost every aspect of our lives. What we genuinely enjoy becomes part of us. What truly fascinates us lingers in our memory. Together, these experiences create what we call expectations. When they remain unfulfilled, we leave disappointed. But when they are surpassed, they reward us with something infinitely more valuable: a sense of wonder, genuine joy, and memories that endure.
These are precisely the moments we cherish most at «Sampedrano».
Throughout the past twenty-four years, we have had the privilege of travelling to and portraying some of the world's most distinguished hotels and resorts. Each of them has succeeded in awakening those very emotions within us—feelings of admiration, inspiration and delight—which, in turn, have become the foundation of every story we have written for you.

Today, it is our distinct pleasure to present yet another exceptional highlight in the history of our publication, one that we wholeheartedly recommend to every discerning traveller: Rosewood Abu Dhabi, an architectural masterpiece gracefully set on the prestigious shores of Al Maryah Island.
Those wishing to complement their stay in the vibrant capital of the United Arab Emirates with the refined comfort of a hotel that effortlessly combines the intimate soul of a boutique property with majestic elegance and striking contemporary architecture will discover a destination unlike any other.
We invite you to explore what is undoubtedly one of the Arabian Peninsula's most remarkable luxury addresses—and hope that the pages which follow will inspire your own unforgettable journey.
We wish you an inspiring stay.

Warmest regards,

Martin V. Sampedrano Gonzalez
Editor

The Rosewood Experience

We all know that moment—the first, almost imperceptible impression that can shape whether a stay away from home will truly feel comfortable.
More often than not, it is the smallest and most personal details that make the difference: a thoughtful word, a gracious gesture, the warmth of those who welcome us and, through their presence, convey a genuine sense of hospitality. These human encounters are complemented by the visual language of a place—its colours and forms, the way light moves through a room, the textures, objects and decorative details that quietly define its atmosphere.
At Rosewood Abu Dhabi, arriving guests do not step onto a stage of exaggerated spectacle. Instead, they enter a home away from home.
The exceptionally attentive team understands instinctively what true hospitality requires. At the same time, the elegant and inviting interiors of this contemporary landmark on Al Maryah Island, in the heart of the capital, create the intimate sensation of entering a private sanctuary—a place of calm, refinement and effortless belonging.

The luxurious arrival hall does not overwhelm with ostentation or monumental scale. Instead, it evokes the atmosphere of an exquisitely appointed living room.
Stretching from the main entrance towards the reception desk is a long table, artfully arranged with large-format volumes, books, an abundant floral display and a selection of decorative objects—as though the host of the house had personally composed the scene only moments before.
Beneath the copper-toned ceiling, drop-shaped crystal chandeliers cast their light across the polished marble floor, making it shimmer while creating an atmosphere that feels both warm and inviting. The walls, dressed throughout in rich shades of brown and finished with fine wood or leather panelling, lend the space an unmistakable sense of refinement.
The result is intimate, residential and almost cocooning in its comfort. It feels personal rather than performative—and this impression remains with us throughout the entire stay.
The interiors bear the signature of the internationally renowned and multiple award-winning design practice HOK. In 2013, the company expanded its portfolio through the integration of BBG-BBGM’s offices in New York and Shanghai, and Rosewood Abu Dhabi emerged as one of its first major hotel projects of this calibre.
Here, luxury is expressed through elegant restraint. The spaces are richly appointed with the finest materials, sumptuous fabrics, sophisticated furnishings and an impressive collection of artworks. Everything seems designed to encourage an immediate sense of ease: to take a seat, absorb the surroundings and simply feel at home.
For us, the overall composition achieves an almost perfect balance between European and Arabian traditions of residential design. Nowhere is this harmony more beautifully expressed than in the adjoining lobby lounge, the **Majlis**, where the concept reaches its most captivating conclusion.

Translated from Arabic, the word «Majlis» refers to the place of gathering within a home. At Rosewood Abu Dhabi, it may therefore be understood as the hotel’s living room—a space created for connection, conversation and quiet repose.
This central meeting point takes the form of a modern, elegant and oval-shaped salon, opening towards the reception area. Between the imposing columns, the skyline of Abu Dhabi unfolds in a striking panorama.
Here, guests settle into exceptionally comfortable seating arrangements for afternoon tea, enjoy a drink before dinner, or retreat with a book or the latest edition of the daily newspaper.
Above, an expansive light installation immediately draws the eye. It is particularly captivating after nightfall, when its illumination evokes the image of a jellyfish rising through the waters of the Arabian Sea. Elegant and refined, sparkling and majestic—such is the character of Rosewood Abu Dhabi.

The sense of comfort established in the arrival hall and the Majlis continues seamlessly into the guestrooms. Floor-to-ceiling windows, which can be darkened at the touch of an iPad, reveal sweeping views across Al Maryah Island, surrounded by sea and contemporary architecture.
In the stylish marble bathrooms, freestanding bathtubs and rainfall showers create intimate spa moments of their own. For more indulgent rituals, the hotel’s «SENSE, A Rosewood Spa» awaits in an exceptionally tasteful setting, offering an appealing selection of treatments, massages and restorative ceremonies.
Whether travelling for business or leisure, the accommodation is equally well suited to both. Ranging from a generous 42 square metres to an impressive 370 square metres, the rooms and suites rank among the most spacious hotel residences in the emirate.
A substantial desk with a leather armchair, reliable high-speed Wi-Fi and international direct-dial telephones provide everything required for working in comfort. The only possible distraction is the extraordinary view—one that few guests can resist for long.
The in-room iPads allow guests to control the lighting, curtains and air conditioning with ease, as well as order food and beverages from room service. They also provide a wealth of up-to-date information about Abu Dhabi and the surrounding region. 

Guests seeking an even greater sense of space may choose from the hotel’s generously proportioned suites. The most expansive of these is the Royal Two Bedroom Suite, located on the fourteenth floor. As its name suggests, it features two bedrooms and, across approximately 370 square metres, brings together every element of luxury for which Rosewood Abu Dhabi is renowned.
A stay here is defined by the gracious attentiveness of highly motivated hosts who understand the subtle art of service: always present, yet never intrusive. It is a quality particularly appreciated by discerning and experienced travellers.

For those wishing to enjoy an added level of comfort, privacy and exclusivity during their time in Abu Dhabi, the «Manor Club» offers a distinguished private lounge experience.
Guests booking a room or suite with Manor Club access can look forward to an especially refined setting, complemented by exceptional and highly personalised service. The atmosphere is one of understated elegance, reminiscent of a private salon in a grand residence, reimagined with a distinctly contemporary sensibility.

A private counterpart to the Majlis, the Manor Club is a sanctuary where discretion, personalised service and a profound sense of privacy define every moment.
Whether relaxing in deep-blue velvet armchairs, sinking into sumptuous English leather sofas or enjoying a seat at one of the elegant burgundy bar stools, guests are rewarded at every turn with magnificent views across Abu Dhabi's glittering skyline.
Adjacent to the lounge, where a beautifully crafted billiard table serves as a sophisticated focal point, guests will find an open buffet and an intimate bar. 
Manor Club guests may choose to enjoy breakfast in the quiet elegance of the lounge or alternatively at Aqua, the hotel's all-day dining restaurant. Should a favourite breakfast dish not be found on the buffet, it is prepared à la minute and served with genuine pleasure.
Throughout the day, light refreshments are available, while the afternoon is celebrated with a traditional English Afternoon Tea.

As evening falls, the Manor Club bar becomes a convivial gathering place for hotel guests, including many residents of the adjoining Rosewood Residences. Over expertly crafted cocktails and refined tapas, conversations unfold effortlessly and international acquaintances become lasting connections. Those seeking a quieter moment will discover numerous secluded seating areas, each offering an inviting retreat.
During the day, the lounge is equally suited for informal meetings, a leisurely read through the international newspapers or quiet moments spent browsing the carefully curated collection of books dedicated to fashion, architecture and the culture of the region.
The Manor Club experience is complemented by a collection of thoughtful privileges. Guests staying in a Manor Suite or above enjoy the services of a dedicated personal butler. Additional benefits include a twenty per cent saving on treatments at SENSE, A Rosewood Spa, complimentary pressing of up to two garments during the stay, and a private fitness training session.
Naturally, Manor Club guests are also welcome to invite friends, family members or business associates to experience the lounge for an additional charge. Children aged twelve and above may accompany an adult and enjoy access until 6.00 p.m.
Exceptional service, paired with an interior of remarkable elegance, transforms the Manor Club into an exclusive sanctuary unlike any other. For us, it stands as one of the defining highlights of the Rosewood Abu Dhabi experience—and one we recommend without reservation.

Among the hotel’s diverse culinary venues is Aqua, where international cuisine is served throughout the day, from breakfast and lunch to dinner. Particularly popular with lovers of seafood is Sambusek, a restaurant that takes its guests on a flavourful journey shaped by the culinary traditions of Lebanon.
At Dai Pai Dong, Cantonese haute cuisine is celebrated in a setting of remarkable theatricality and atmosphere.
Perhaps the most spectacular venue of all is La Cava, reached by descending a sculptural wooden spiral staircase. Surrounded by thousands of fine wines and champagnes, artfully displayed in softly illuminated shelves and glass cabinets, guests spend the evening in the intimate surroundings of a private wine cellar. The sommelier’s recommendations are accompanied by delicious tapas, while cigar aficionados may choose from a dedicated selection featuring distinguished names such as Hoyo de Monterrey, Montecristo, Partagás, Romeo y Julieta and Cohiba.

When it comes to the art of the bar, Rosewood Abu Dhabi likewise ranks among the country’s most compelling addresses.
Adjoining the Dai Pai Dong restaurant, Dragon’s Tooth Bar invites guests to discover Asian-inspired cocktail creations within an atmosphere evoking Shanghai’s jazz revolution of the 1920s. The décor is striking and, at times, recalls the exotic cinematic world of the 1984 Hollywood classic Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. Particular attention should be paid to the historic lamps, whose warm glow contributes greatly to the bar’s mysterious allure.

The Hidden Bar is, quite literally, a discreet little hideaway. Tucked away at the rear of the lobby lounge, it is best known for its collection of more than seventy varieties of gin, complemented by over ten different tonics.
For a quieter and more relaxed experience, the Majlis Lobby Lounge offers an inviting alternative. Throughout the day, the attentive hosts serve a tempting selection of light delicacies. 
Our recommendation: order an Italian coffee and accompany it with a selection of small sweet creations from the hotel’s pâtisserie. It is well worth the indulgence.

Located directly on the hotel’s beautiful pool deck, the GLO Lounge becomes one of Abu Dhabi’s most fashionable evening destinations as the surrounding metropolis begins to shimmer with light.
Special themed evenings are held here on a regular basis. Yet even without a particular occasion, the lounge provides an elegant setting in which to bring a day in Abu Dhabi to a close, accompanied by relaxed background music and the captivating glow of the city after dark.

Those seeking an oasis amid Abu Dhabi’s desert landscape—a place in which to restore body, mind and soul after demanding days of business or ambitious excursions through the capital’s many shopping malls—will find far more than tranquillity at SENSE, A Rosewood Spa. 
Here, relaxation becomes an experience of genuine indulgence. From the moment guests enter the reception area, the senses are gently drawn into another world. Fragrant essences fill the air, inviting the body to slow down and the mind to let go. In the luxurious lounge, the highly trained spa therapists begin with a personal consultation, taking the time to understand each guest’s individual wishes and needs.
A brief tour introduces the spa’s elegant wellness spaces before the chosen treatment or visit to the sauna area begins. 
Oriental motifs, rich brown woods and natural stone define the interior, while discreet indirect lighting creates a deeply calming atmosphere, far removed from the pace and intensity of the city outside.
Within the nine spa suites, each designed in soothing natural tones, guests may choose from a variety of massages and treatments tailored to their personal preferences. Two traditional hammam rooms also offer the opportunity to experience the time-honoured Oriental cleansing ritual.
In keeping with local tradition, the spa facilities and wellness areas are separated by gender. Both sections, however, share the same refined design language and include a sauna, steam room, experience showers and serene relaxation areas in which to unwind before or after a treatment.

Alongside the striking façade of the 34-storey building, the hotel’s elaborately designed pool landscape is another visual highlight.
The 25-metre swimming pool is surrounded by palm trees, generously padded loungers and oversized cylindrical metal parasols of remarkable artistry. Delicate ornaments have been cut into these sculptural shade structures, allowing the sunlight to project intricate Oriental patterns onto the ground below.
In addition to freestanding loungers and parasols, spacious daybeds offer ample room for unhurried relaxation. Throughout the day, the attentive pool team ensures that guests remain comfortably refreshed, providing chilled bottles of water in ice buckets as well as cooling Evian facial sprays—a thoughtful pleasure in Abu Dhabi’s often intense heat.
Snow-white, exceptionally soft towels are replaced regularly, while a selection of daily newspapers and magazines is available on a complimentary basis.
For culinary refreshments, the adjoining GLO Lounge completes the experience, serving guests their preferred drinks directly at the sun lounger upon request.

No matter the time of day, the fitness centre on the hotel’s second floor offers the ideal setting for an effective workout. Equipped with high-quality training machines, it combines state-of-the-art facilities with inspiring views through floor-to-ceiling windows across the city and the Arabian Gulf—a backdrop that lends every training session a distinctive sense of place.
Guests of the Manor Club may enjoy a complimentary session with a personal trainer, who provides expert guidance and support throughout the workout. The entire fitness team is available to assist guests at any time and may also be booked for individual training sessions or the creation of a personalised exercise programme.
Alongside an extensive selection of cardiovascular equipment, the centre features a dedicated free-weights area as well as studios for a variety of classes and exercises. Towels, bathrobes, bottled water, toiletries, headphones and fresh fruit are provided on a complimentary basis. Use of the fitness facilities is free of charge for hotel guests aged sixteen and above.


A Lasting Impression

Rosewood Abu Dhabi ranks among the capital’s most elegant addresses, bringing together the sophistication of international luxury hospitality and the warmth of Middle Eastern welcome in a truly impressive way.
Set directly on the waterfront of Al Maryah Island, the hotel unites contemporary design, outstanding cuisine and a standard of service that is both highly attentive and pleasantly discreet.
Whether chosen as a base from which to discover Abu Dhabi, as a refined retreat during a business trip, or for a relaxed weekend devoted to culture, shopping and gastronomy, Rosewood Abu Dhabi meets a wide variety of expectations with effortless ease. Its spacious rooms and suites offer the highest degree of comfort, while the restaurants and bars promise a diverse collection of memorable culinary experiences.
Particularly impressive is the atmosphere that defines the property as a whole. Despite its urban location, the hotel radiates a remarkable sense of calm. Elegant architecture, exquisite materials and the harmonious interplay of light, water and design create an ambience of enduring, timeless sophistication.
The most lasting impression, however, is left by the hotel’s hosts. With genuine warmth, assured professionalism and an intuitive understanding of their guests’ needs, they transform a luxurious stay into something far more personal—an experience shaped by beautiful and lasting memories.
For those wishing to discover Abu Dhabi from one of its most stylish perspectives, Rosewood Abu Dhabi is an address that combines international distinction with authentic hospitality.
We would be delighted to return.

Photography:  Rosewood Abu Dhabi