Overview Abu Dhabi is a city that, despite its superior cohesion when compared to Dubai, still boasts several undiscovered pockets of intrigue. The Collection, located at the St. Regis Hotel on Saadiyat Island, is one of the city’s best kept secrets, despite being only 10 minutes from the Corniche.
Featuring Mediterranean design and laid out around an archetypical Mediterranean plaza, this miniature town square is the perfect place for a spot of light shopping and grabbing a bite to eat.
The Collection is near Saadiyat public beach, which could help when planning your stay...
Where it is The Collection is to be found on Saadiyat Island, nestled at the centre of the St. Regis residences across from the hotel. As it is technically part of the hotel, the facilities, such as the pool, are close to hand.
Good for Escaping the city for a few hours, while not having to go very far. The geographical location means that there aren’t passing crowds, and the nearest road is well away so traffic noise is non-existent. If you’re after a peaceful get away for a few hours then here is a good place to start.
Bad for Ramps. It may sound like an odd issue, but if you ride the lift from the car park up to the plaza itself, you must traverse a stair well at some point – there is no avoiding it. Stairs and baby prams are never an easy combination. It also raises an issue of disabled access.
Transport Abu Dhabi doesn’t have much in the way of public transport beyond taxis and buses. The latter do not run to The Collection, so you must either drive or get a cab. From the Corniche the drive is about 10 minutes, and parking is generally excellent – and free! A taxi fare from the Corniche will cost around Dh25.
Hotels
The Collection is part of the St. Regis Saadiyat Island complex, so by default it is connected. This makes it an attractive idea for a day out as the hotel pool and private beach can be accessed. The next nearest hotel is the Park Hyatt, which is literally just two minutes further down the road.
The 18-hole golf course is a must-visit for those into the sport.
5 restaurants to try
Caramel
An up-market restaurant overlooking the villa residences and sculpted golf course, Caramel offers diners a superb experience. Read our restaurant review here. Cost for two Dh400 Timings 5pm to 2am daily Phone 02 678 3344
Koi
If you’re in the mood for seafood then you can’t go wrong with Koi. Widely regarded as one of the best seafood restaurants in the city, you can get to enjoy a selection of sushi – or even ask about their sushi master class and make some yourself! Read our review here. Cost for two Dh400 Timings 6.30pm to 1am (to 2am on Thursday and Friday) Phone 02 678 3334
Shakespeare & Co.
If you’re looking for something a bit lighter to keep you going, or indeed a decent breakfast café, then there’s always room at Shakespeare & Co. With ample seating – a lot of it is outside – the Parisian chain is the perfect place to just kick back and watch the people go by. Learn more about breakfast in the capital here. Cost for two Dh120 Timings 7am to 12am daily Phone 02 644 5515
Abd El Wahab
You can’t be a tourist in the UAE without trying some proper Arabic food. Abd El Wahab is one of the city’s most prominent Lebanese restaurants, mixing up some classic dishes with unconventional ingredients. The plush décor makes it feel somewhat more upmarket. Cost for two Dh350 Timings 12pm to 11.30pm daily Phone 02 677 2238
Avasa Indian Kitchen
If you’re looking to stretch your taste buds then you won’t want to miss out on Avasa. Taste Indian food like you never have done before. It’s sophisticated and exploratory, and well worth a visit. Cost for two Dh350 Timings 12pm to 11pm daily Phone 02 674 2221
Shopping
There is an agreeable shopping promenade at The Collection, which includes high-street names like Beyond the Beach and Spinney’s, but we’d recommend you try something a little more off the beaten path.
Ripe market
The Ripe Market is a fresh foods market that operates at the weekends. Shop for locally grown and reared produce in a Mediterranean environment. The market moves inside for the summer months.
Heritage for Henna
New for 2015 is Heritage for Henna, an Arabic chain that specializes in Arabic trinkets as well, as the name suggests, Henna tattoos.
Up Market
Eager fashionistas can explore a number of vendors including 2birds, Pine and Apple Boutique, Mia and Me, and Tipsy Gypsy. Parents will be sure to enjoy the wide range of kids’ shops at the boutique too, including Pip Squeak Chick and Journey Toys. It runs on Wednesdays between 10am and 5pm.
Bars
People by Crystal
Looking for a classy lounge to round off your weekend? Of course you are, and it doesn’t get more classy than People by Crystal. Sit down with your friends with a glass of your favourite drink and enjoy the latest music. Timings 11pm to 4am Thursday and Fridays only Phone 050 826 9698
Culture
Salwa Zeidan Gallery
If you have any cultural inclinations then perhaps you should pop your head into the Salwa Zeidan Gallery. The gallery prides itself on nurturing local artist’s talents and is a worthy stop for anyone remotely interested in art. Learn what you can see here.
