Abu Dhabi Beach Resorts: What to Expect

For a luxury beach holiday, Abu Dhabi is hard to beat. Whichever of the spectacular beach resorts you choose, you’ll enjoy soft white sand and crystal-clear waters. 

Abu Dhabi rests on the edges of the Arabian Gulf, a tranquil sea with warm, lapping waters to entice you. You can expect blue skies and plenty of sunshine, too, as it only rains in the UAE capital about 20 days a year. 

Arabian hospitality is considered to be amongst the best in the world. The luxury beach resorts are elegant and luxurious but also friendly and comfortable, ensuring you have the most relaxing stay. 

Many Abu Dhabi beach hotels and resorts are on Saadiyat Island, a peaceful sanctuary that is just a short drive from the city center. Saadiyat Island has consistently won the World Travel Award for the best beach destination in the Middle East for more than a decade. 

Abu Dhabi also has a myriad of attractions if you feel like venturing away from your resort, including exquisite palaces, world-class museums, record-breaking theme parks, and some of the best luxury shopping in the world.

1. Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort

For a romantic retreat, Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort is ideal. The resort ambience is in perfect harmony with the beautiful, natural surroundings. From the beach, it is not unusual to see dolphins and turtles or spectacular sunsets, 

Expect minimalist decor, floor to ceiling glass walls, and natural earthy tones in all the rooms. The resort maintains an exclusive feel with a swim up bar, three infinity pools, and international restaurants and lounges 

What Makes This Resort Special 

• A premium location neighboring the popular Saadiyat Beach Club
• 5 star amenities, including a deluxe spa, outdoor pools, fitness suites with sea views, and a private beach
• The option to stay in an exclusive and intimate pool villa.

2. Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island

Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island is a luxury all-inclusive resort, ideal for families and adults looking for plenty to do. This waterside venue can provide a fun, fulfilling and easy getaway, with every detail taken care of. Rooms and suites offer stunning sea or garden views with family accommodation available, too.  

Rixos Premium is perfect for sports enthusiasts. Experts are on hand to deliver personal training sessions, tennis and swimming coaching. There’s a gym with private sessions available, watersports activities, and a large pool. 

What Makes This Resort Special 

• A year-round calendar of entertainment with bands, DJs and more
• A VIP kids club, offering a safe educational environment for 4-12 year olds
• The Turkish-inspired spa with the only snow room in Abu Dhabi.

3. Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort, Abu Dhabi Corniche

As the most centrally located resort featured here, Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort’s position on the popular Abu Dhabi Corniche gives it a lively feel and makes it well-suited to potential city explorers. You can opt for a sea or city view from your room that will wow either way. 

There’s never a dull moment onsite, too. Guests can choose to spend time at any one of three pools, the gym, on the lazy river, or at the nail salon, for example. 

What Makes This Resort Special 

• The Corniche’s first beach bar, West Bay Abu Dhabi, is here.
• Adventure seekers and water activity lovers will enjoy the surf and wave pools, as well as the zipline. 
• It’s family friendly, with a great adventure park for kids.

4. Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas

Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas is another great Saadiyat beach hotel and resort. The resort has a relaxed vibe with cozy spaces, like its Library Cafe and Shala Beach Lounge. The Beach House is a fun ocean-side space where you can enjoy great food and drink, day and night.  

The resort prides itself on its bespoke service. You can expect incredible attention to detail. For a truly exceptional experience, why not book one of the resort’s private villas with a beach view and plunge pool, reserved exclusively for you? 

What Makes This Resort Special 

• Atarmia Spa, an expansive space with nine treatment rooms, outdoor terraces, pool, fitness suite and studio.
• Private balconies and terraces in every room, with views of the ocean, pool or landscaped gardens.
• The fun=packed Camp Hyatt Kids Club for adventurous little ones.

5. Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas

Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas offers a restful stay close to nature. Besides the Saadiyat Island turtles and dolphins, you may spot some gazelles grazing nearby. 

This 5-star resort has a casually elegant vibe that will make you feel right at home. A nature-inspired color palette reflects the beauty of Saadiyat’s pristine coastline. All the opulent finishing touches are here, too, with fine dining restaurants, a decadent spa, and a magnificent Royal Suite offering the finest sea views.  

What Makes This Resort Special 

• Sea-facing beach villas with a private plunge pool.
• An idyllic location just 15 minutes from the city.
• The Aladdin’s Cave clubhouse for kids, mini golf, tennis courts and a pool will keep the whole family happy.

6. Anantara Al Yamm

This resort on Sir Bani Yas Island is off the beaten track and further away from the city than other Abu Dhabi beach resorts  featured here. Its picturesque location between mangroves and the Arabian Gulf offers exceptional peace and quiet. 

The resort is also ideal for the adventurous looking to escape into nature. Horse riding, snorkeling and kayaking are all available. 

What Makes This Resort Special 

• Charming accommodation in barasti-style beachside villas that together resemble an Emirati fishing village.
• Access to the facilities of two nearby sister resorts.

7. St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort

St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort is one of the best beach hotels in Abu Dhabi and with panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf, it can offer you an experience you’ll never forget. Situated on a large private estate just 10 minutes from the city, you’ll find miles of beach to explore. 

Guests come here to relax, and the resort ensures you have everything you need to unwind. Comfortable sun loungers, the Iridium Spa, an expansive private accommodation will mean you go home feeling rejuvenated. 

What Makes This Resort Special 

• The St. Regis butler service.
• Easy access to the Saadiyat Beach Golf Course.
• The Athletic Club, with squash and tennis courts, lap pool, and an avocado-based snack bar.

Abu Dhabi Has It All

With these seven breathtaking resorts, you’re spoilt for choice. 

The secluded natural beauty, blues seas and skies, and every possible luxury amenity available in these beach resorts ensure you’re about to have the seaside holiday of your dreams. 

Start planning your trip to Abu Dhabi and Saadiyat Island now.