Jumeirah At Saadiyat Island

We visit the newly-opened Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island – where culinary excellence, understated luxury and nature combine.

- Sophie Voelzing

Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island is the newest property to open on Abu Dhabi’s most sought-after beachfront. Since opening its doors in November 2018, the resort has become a firm favourite with residents and tourists alike – and during our two-night visit, we quickly discover why.

Upon arrival, the first thing that strikes me are the hotel’s white and blue clean, fresh, ocean-inspired interiors, which we’re told are inline with the property’s sustainable mindset. Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island is Jumeirah’s first-ever fully eco-friendly resort, operating without any single-use plastics.

While checking in, we’re given our very own re-usable water bottles to keep, which can be filled up with either chilled still or sparkling water at any time from dedicated water stations around the resort. Once in the room, to my delight there’s no sign of any plastic and even the inroom water sits in Jumeirah-branded glass bottles.

We stayed in an Ocean Deluxe King Room during our visit; just one of the resort’s 292 room options, all of which offer floor-to-ceiling windows, private balconies overlooking the Arabian Gulf, and are beautifully decorated with earthy, natural tones.

On-site there’s also eight private high-class villas, offering two, three and four-bedroom duplex villas with private pools five of which have their own spa treatment room.

Out on our spacious balcony, the sight’s more than desirable. The azure waterfront property overlooks 400 meters of protected sand dunes and un-touched beach, with turtles, dolphins and oryx being just a few of the animals that call Saadiyat their natural home. If nature’s your thing, don’t miss the complimentary educational talks by the resort’s Marina and Environmental team on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at the Pool Bar.