On the snow-white sandy shores of Saadiyat Island, embraced by the crystal-clear waters of the Arabian Gulf, lies one of Abu Dhabi’s most unique hotels, the Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island. The palatial resort, built in an arabesque style with Mediterranean influences, takes the concept of luxury holidays to a new level with its „All Inclusive, All Exclusive” concept – whether it’s a family vacation, a romantic getaway or a cultural discovery trip.
Upon arriving at the Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island, you are immediately captivated by the atmosphere of the lobby: it is as if you are walking through the gates of a traditional yet modern Arab palace. Huge crystal chandeliers shine down from the high ceilings, the intricate patterns of blue and green mosaics evoke the waves of the Persian Gulf and the mirror-smooth marble floor reflects the play of water in the fountains. Our gaze glides through the huge arched windows, over the ruffled arches reminiscent of Arab palaces, straight to the endless sea, while the dazzling white sand and shades of azure water take on a new look every hour of the day. The inner courtyards are decorated with shady palm trees, flowering plants, and fragrant gardens, among which babbling streams and comfortable relaxation areas invite guests to linger.
Wellness enthusiasts can take part in outdoor Pilates, aerial yoga, and TRX training sessions. And while the Anjana Spa pampers all the senses with its discreet pool, Turkish hammam, and snow cave, the real attraction awaits guests in the beautiful beach area.
At the heart of Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island is a huge, lagoon-like open pool, its waters sparkling in the sunlight. Palm trees and comfortable sun loungers line the pool, and the waterfront bar treats guests to refreshing cocktails and ice-cold fruit. From here, it’s just a few steps to the hotel’s own white sandy beach, where gentle waves and the turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf offer refreshment. Relaxing on the sun loungers along the shore guarantees a comfortable rest, while more athletic guests can try their hand at surfing, kayaking or even diving.
A gastronomic journey around the world
One of the greatest features of Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island is its ultra all-inclusive service, the heart and soul of which is the Turquoise restaurant. This huge, elegant restaurant offers an inexhaustible array of Arabic and international cuisine at all hours of the day – with such abundance and variety that even a week is not enough to try everything. From breakfast to late-night snacks, guests are treated to a constantly replenished buffet.
The breakfast menu tempts guests with the aroma of freshly baked pastries, crispy croissants, and fragrant breads, while an incredible variety of breakfast dishes, salads, Arabic delicacies, Mediterranean cheeses, fresh fruits, and sweets are lined up side by side. At lunchtime, the aroma of Indian curries and spicy tandoori meats mingles with the aroma of freshly prepared Italian pasta dishes and pizzas, while the rich meat specialties, hummus, and spicy kebabs of Arabic cuisine add color to the selection.
Seafood lovers will also feel like they are in paradise: in addition to fresh grilled fish, shrimp, and shellfish, a huge selection of sushi is added to the buffet in the evenings, complemented by crisp vegetables and exotic fruits. The dessert table is heaven itself: baklava, mille-feuille, chocolate cakes, mousses, fruit pies and ice creams await gourmets.
The special atmosphere of the evening dinner is completed by the outdoor terrace, where the starry sky, soft live music, and gentle breeze from the sea make the meal unforgettable. And if all this were not enough, the hotel’s five à la carte restaurants invite you on further gastronomic adventures – with Greek, Italian and international cuisine, accompanied by premium drinks. All this with the added bonus that, as part of the ultra all-inclusive package, you can choose from the best-known brands of all types of alcohol.
Where luxury becomes home
The rooms and suites at Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island exude elegance and comfort. The harmony of walls decorated with arabesque motifs, light marble surfaces and carefully selected textiles promises a feeling of homeliness from the moment you arrive. Comfort is ensured by king-size beds that promise a peaceful night’s sleep, as well as private balconies from which guests in the lower-level rooms can step directly into their private pool or enjoy views of the garden and the endless sea.
For couples, this environment is pure romance: quiet, adults-only pool areas, intimate dinners at sunset on the beach, and the exclusive services of the spa guarantee perfect relaxation.
Meanwhile, the hotel is also a real paradise for families, as they can choose from spacious family suites or rooms with private pools, where everyone is guaranteed to feel at home. Not least because the little ones are welcomed by the colorful Rixy Kids Club, full of games and creative activities, while teenagers are entertained from morning to night with separate programs led by trained animators and daily changing activities. In addition, the mini water park and wave pool provide carefree fun for the little ones, allowing parents to relax and enjoy their vacation.
Experiences waiting to be discovered
If you want more than just a beach experience, it’s worth exploring Abu Dhabi’s cultural and entertainment attractions. In the nearby Saadiyat Cultural District, art lovers can enjoy the impressive exhibitions at the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Zayed National Museum, and the soon-to-open Guggenheim Museum. For families and adrenaline-seeking travelers, Yas Island’s theme parks—including Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, Yas Waterworld, and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, the first outside the United States—offer unforgettable adventures.
The snow-white marble Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, which is free to visit, is the eighth largest mosque in the world. It is impressive not only for its size but also for its stunning appearance, reminiscent of the tales of One Thousand and One Nights. Those who admire it in person will surely remember the majestic sight of the Grand Mosque and the refined coastal elegance of Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island for a long time to come.
Zoltán M. Érsek
