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Abu Dhabi Edition: refreshing addition

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The Abu Dhabi Edition with its 198 guestrooms and 57 residences

The Abu Dhabi Edition is, without a doubt, one of Marriott International’s best gifts to the UAE. Set within the newer neighbourhood of Al Bateen Marina of the UAE capital, the property offers bright and sunny views of stylish yachts and the marina. 

In 198 guestrooms and 57 exclusively serviced residences, the iconic building overlooking the marina brings to life the vision of hotelier Ian Schrager and Marriot International. At three signature restaurants, a lobby bar and a pool bar and a newly added social area, Edition Abu Dhabi offers a plethora of experiences matching every mood and palate. Two pools, two state-of-the-art fitness centres and a peaceful spa are there for hotel guests to enjoy.

If the curation of art and architecture doesn’t tame you, it has to be the gastronomic offering and a wellness retreat that’ll put everyday complaints to rest. Add to that a three-storey social space – Annex – that buffs up the property’s offerings with a nightclub as well as an outdoor lounge and you have an unchallenged winner with residents and tourists.  

Edition hotels around the world aim to capture the essence of the local scene, in terms of design, in terms of food, and these come together brilliantly in the décor of The Abu Dhabi Edition. There are shapes and lines that infuse Emirati and Arabic aesthetic styles, creating a feel at home vibe. Yet, the  expression is truly international, standing on the balcony overlooking the marina bobbing with yachts one could imagine Antibes or Cannes. That is the enduring image of The Abu Dhabi Edition.

 

The meals are outstanding – not ostentatious but luxurious – with healthy and tempting choices, a menu where superfoods find pride of place alongside truffle oils

 

Edition Hotels is an unexpected and refreshing collection of individualized, customized, one-of-a-kind hotels which redefines the codes of traditional luxury. Although all the hotels look completely different from each other, the brand's unifying aesthetic is in its approach and attitude to the modern lifestyle rather than its appearance. Edition is about an attitude and the way it makes you feel rather than the way it looks. Sophisticated public spaces, finishes, design and details serve the experience, not drive it.

While Annex is the beating social heart of the property, the spa treatments are indeed outstanding, and one cannot think of a more relaxing experience orchestrated by expert therapists whose passion for wellness makes it a very special experience.

The rooms at Abu Dhabi edition feature grey oak timber flooring complemented by pale khaki rugs. The herringbone pattern on the wood floors draws inspiration from local basket weaving techniques. Take in impressive marina views while enjoying the comfortable outdoor furniture by Gandia Blasco.

The property does not have a kids’ club but the carefully selected kids amenities are a delight and have been on a par if not better than what we’ve seen in some very kid-friendly hotels.

Our five-year-old was gifted a popular story book by way of amenities (as opposed to the standard kits most hotels provide) and her bed was made under a delightful tepee tent. We were not expecting such hand-picked and unique treats, this being primarily a lifestyle hotel. The Al Bateen Marina neighbourhood makes for mild walks and cycling by the yachts, and opportunities for bobbing in and out of cafes and to mingle with local families as they mill about in the evenings. 

The gastronomic offering at The Abu Dhabi Edition is eclectic. Michelin-starred Chef Tom Aikens shares his flair for making delicious dishes out of local ingredients, ensuring a robust quality and no waste approach. The all-day dining hall Market brings imagination and healthy options on the table in an open kitchen setting. Oak Room celebrates the fervour of British rock ‘n’ roll while putting together the modern and quintessential steakhouse menu.

Al fresco dining overlooking the marina with Mediterranean style sharing plates at the Alba Terrace cook up a truly South of France memory. The meals are outstanding – not ostentatious but luxurious – with healthy and tempting choices, a menu where superfoods such as goji berries find pride of place next to truffle oils. The special afternoon tea served at Alba Terrace is a delight of light bites and fragrant teas, with knowledgeable curators recommending something that you will likely end up asking for more. We speak from experience, of course.   

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