No we do high-end luxury like in the United Arab Emirates. Its capital, Abu Dhabi, attracts those who appreciate the finer things in life and want to make the most of their travel experiences. Book your vacation with British Airways Holidays opens up the opportunity to discover a world of five-star hotels, Michelin-starred restaurants, world-class golf and sports facilities, high-end shopping and tailor-made itineraries.
Reside in luxury
Among the many high-end accommodations, we find the Fairmont Bab Al Bahran upscale city hotel featuring a private beach, two swimming pools, and a variety of upscale dining options. THE Emirates Palace, Mandarin Oriental Abu Dhabi worth a detour on any luxury itinerary, even if you're not staying there, to admire the hotel's 114 domes, covered in glass mosaics. You can also enjoy the Moroccan hammam, the ice cave at the award-winning spa or dine at one of the Palace's many restaurants, including Michelin-starred Hakkasan and Antonio Guida's Talea.
For those who want to disconnect on a private beach, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas is located on a stunning 9 km beach, where all your needs will be met. Or if you want somewhere more central, the St Regis Abu Dhabilocated on Abu Dhabi's thriving Corniche promenade, has its own white sand beach and beach club and offers views of the Arabian Gulf.
Play a trick
Golf enthusiasts can take advantage of British Airways' generous baggage allowances to bring their clubs with them. Or travel light and rent a set at one of the many courses located among the desert dunes or along the coast, like Saadiyat Beach Golf Clubdesigned by Gary Player as the Gulf's first oceanfront course.
On the shores of Yas Island, Yas Links Abu Dhabidesigned by one of the world's leading golf architects, Kyle Phillips, is Arabia's only true links course. Abu Dhabi Golf Club was designed by Peter Harradine and opened the doors to its clubhouse, built in the shape of an eagle, in 2000. The 27-hole championship course is the site of the HSBC Abu Dhabi Championship.
Get away from it all
As befits a seaside city, luxury extends beyond the cosmopolitan and extends across the sparkling waters to the surrounding desert. Charter a private luxury yacht or traditional Arabian dhow, or swim in the gentle waters of the Gulf before sipping mocktails on deck.
If the idea of getting lost in the desert and sleeping under the stars sounds exciting, but not luxurious enough, think again. With a number of glamping options available, you'll sleep in five-star conditions under a blanket of stars. A desert safari is a must to appreciate Abu Dhabi's Rubh Al Khali or Empty Quarter, the largest sand desert in the world. Spend the night in options ranging from luxury tents to AirStream campers to glamping “bubbles” for an unforgettable experience that combines unprecedented luxury with unlimited desert views and unparalleled serenity.
Eat like kings
When it comes to food, Abu Dhabi is hard to beat, with a myriad of dining options across the city. But for the highest level of dining, turn to one of the four Michelin-starred restaurants: 99 Sushia chic Japanese restaurant whose Spanish owners import much of the seafood from their home country; Erthwhich serves contemporary cuisine based on Emirati traditions; Talea by Antonio Guidaa masterclass in understated Italian sophistication; And Hakkasanan international brand that never goes wrong, with long-standing Cantonese cuisine like Peking duck, Chilean honey sea bass and dim sum on Saturday lunchtimes.
Buy the best
Another reason to rejoice in British Airways Holidays' generous baggage allowances is that you're bound to return from Abu Dhabi with more than you took there. The city is a retail paradise, taking the luxury shopping experience to a new level.
Shopping centers such as Yas Shopping Center, The Al Maryah Island Galleria And Marina Shopping Center home to not only luxury boutiques, but also major international designer brands such as Gucci, Prada, Alexander McQueen and Balenciaga. Catering to the unique tastes and unrivaled spending power of Abu Dhabi and the region, global brands often offer products that are not available anywhere else, making a trip to the city a truly exclusive affair.
Book your holiday to Abu Dhabi with British Airways Holidays