Abu Dhabi's Shangri-La: Unbelievable Luxury Awaits!
Shangri-La Abu Dhabi: More Than Just Luxury, It's a Feeling (and Maybe a Little Bit of Sand in Your Shoes)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from a stay at the Shangri-La in Abu Dhabi, and lemme tell you, "unbelievable luxury" doesn't even begin to cover it. This place is a sensory overload in the best possible way, a shimmering oasis of opulence in the desert. But before you picture me lounging in a gold-plated bathtub (though, honestly, that could happen…) let's get real. It's not perfect. And that imperfection, that little bit of grit, is what makes it genuinely unforgettable.
First Impressions & Accessibility (or: Where’s the Ramp, Honey?)
Okay, so right off the bat: Accessibility. This is a big deal, people. And the Shangri-La, bless their hearts, tries. They've got facilities for disabled guests clearly marked, and for a place this size, that's a win. Elevators whizz you up and down, and I saw plenty of ramps (thank GOD for that!). However, I didn't personally use any of these facilities, so I can't give you a firsthand user report. But, the fact that it's considered is a huge step in the right direction.
The Rooms: A Sanctuary of Softness (and Maybe a Tiny Mosquito)
The rooms themselves are, well, they're just… lush. We're talking air conditioning that works like a dream, blackout curtains that swallow the sunlight whole, and a bed so comfy, you might actually weep with joy. (I almost did. Seriously.) The bathroom? Marble. Everything. They even have a bathtub and a separate shower/bathtub. Luxury! Bathrobes, slippers, and complimentary tea and coffee are the norm. And the free Wi-Fi? Solid as a rock (crucial for Instagramming your every move, obviously).
But (and there's always a but, isn't there?) on one particular night, a tiny, persistent mosquito found its way in. It was a nuisance, buzzing around my ear, making me wish I had brought my own mosquito spray. Minor inconvenience, but a reminder that even paradise has its tiny, blood-sucking downsides.
Eating & Drinking: Prepare to Undo That Top Button!
Okay, let's talk about food. Because, honestly, this is where the Shangri-La really shines. There are restaurants galore! Restaurants with Asian cuisine, international cuisine, and vegetarian options galore, including restaurants with a la carte service, buffets, and the mandatory coffee shop for your morning caffeination.
I gorged. I mean, seriously gorged. The breakfast buffet was legendary. We’re talking an Asian breakfast station with steaming dim sum, a Western breakfast section with perfectly cooked eggs benedict, and everything in between: fresh fruit, pastries, juices, and more. There's a separate poolside bar for a quick snack or drink. I really liked the poolside bar, where you can order a bottle of water and some salads. One of my favorites? The desserts in the restaurant are a must-try: their sweet treats are decadent so eat them last, or you might not have room for anything else.
And let's not forget room service [24-hour]. Which, let's be honest, is a game-changer when you're suffering from jet lag and a serious craving for a midnight burger.
The Spa: Heaven on Earth (Until You Realize You Have a Tiny Sand Grain…)
Now, the spa. This is where things get really dreamy. We're talking saunas, steamrooms, massages, body wraps, body scrubs, foot baths, and a pool with a view. It truly is a sanctuary. I indulged in their spa/sauna which was a lovely experience.
My anecdote? Picture this: I'm blissed out, utterly relaxed after an amazing massage, and I'm strolling back to my room, feeling like a freshly-baked cloud. Then, bam! A tiny, rogue grain of sand decides to hitch a ride on my perfectly-pedicured foot. It's barely noticeable, but it's there. A tiny, gritty reminder that even in paradise, the desert is never truly far away. But, honestly? It just added to the experience. It made it real, authentic.
Things to Do (Besides Being Pampered Like a Royal)
Besides the endless relaxing, the Shangri-La actually offers some cool stuff. The fitness center offers a full gym. There's a swimming pool [outdoor] where you can pretend you're a mermaid (or at least, that I did). The hotel can also help you arrange for some nearby local adventures! It's possible though to be content spending your time inside.
The hotel, and sometimes the staff, can help you arrange for any and all things to do.
Cleanliness & Safety: They're Taking it Seriously (and That's Comforting)
In today's world, we need to be concerned, which is why safety at the Shangri-La will make you feel better. Daily disinfection in common areas, individually-wrapped food options, hand sanitizer everywhere, and they use anti-viral cleaning products. Staff are meticulously trained in safety protocol, so you can relax knowing you're in good hands. There are even room sanitization opt-out options.
Services & Conveniences: Because Let's Be Honest, You're Probably Lazy on Vacation
They've thought of everything. Daily housekeeping is, well, daily. The concierge is your best friend. Dry cleaning, laundry service, ironing service, all available. Cash withdrawal, currency exchange, luggage storage, you name it, they've got it. Even a convenience store for those midnight snack attacks that all hotels have!
Getting Around: Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy
Airport transfer is smooth as silk. They've got car parks [free of charge] and valet parking. You can also get taxi service. I didn't venture too far, because, you know, luxurious cocoon of the Shangri-La.
The Bottom Line (My Slightly Biased Opinion)
Look, the Shangri-La in Abu Dhabi isn't cheap. But is it worth it? Absolutely. It’s a splurge, yes. but it's a memorable splurge. It's a place to disconnect, recharge, and indulge. It's a place where they've nailed the details that make a hotel experience feel truly special, from the comfy beds to the staff who are genuinely warm and helpful.
So, are you ready to experience the ultimate escape?
The Offer: Your Arabian Dream Awaits!
Tired of the same old vacation routine? Craving a truly unforgettable experience? Then escape to the Shangri-La Abu Dhabi!
Book your stay now and receive:
- A complimentary upgrade to a room with a stunning sea view (subject to availability)
- Daily breakfast for two, featuring our legendary buffet spread
- A complimentary massage at CHI, The Spa, to melt away your stress
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the resort, so you can share your amazing experience (and brag a little!)
- Enjoy a bottle of bubbly on arrival
But that's not all! As a special bonus, the first 20 bookings will receive a complimentary dinner for two at one of the Shangri-La's acclaimed restaurants (excluding beverages).
Don't miss out on this opportunity to experience unparalleled luxury and create memories that will last a lifetime. Click here to book and start your adventure!
(Link to booking page)
Shangri-La Abu Dhabi: Where luxury meets the desert breeze. Book your escape today!
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Escape to Paradise: Hotel am Tiergarten's Unforgettable German Getaway
Alright, buckle up buttercups! This ain't your sanitized, airbrushed travel itinerary. This is real. This is Abu Dhabi, through the warped lens of a slightly jet-lagged, emotionally-charged human being, just trying to survive the glorious chaos. And it all begins… in a luxury apartment, naturally. Shangri-La, here we come!
Shangri-La Hotel Apartments Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi – My Existential Hotel Adventure: A Messy Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and the Agony of the Balcony
10:00 AM (ish) – Arrival & That First Breath of Humid Air: Dubai to Abu Dhabi… the drive felt like an eternity, mostly because I was battling a post-flight existential crisis. “Why am I here? What is the meaning of life? Did I pack enough sunscreen?” You know, the usual. Finally, we arrive, and the Shangri-La's front entrance is a glorious assault on the senses. Marble, gold, and enough chandelier bling to make Liberace blush. The check-in lady was impeccable, like a real-life Disney princess, but with a stricter grasp on the rules of the Abu Dhabi real estate.
11:00 AM - The Apartment Reveal & Initial Panic: Okay, the apartment is gorgeous. Seriously, like, magazine-worthy. But the sheer scale of it is daunting. Three bedrooms! A kitchen I could get lost in! And the balcony… oh, the balcony.
11:30 AM - Balcony Breakdown: The balcony promised views of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, a promised land to which I'd be going the next day. The heat of the day, the roar of motors on the water, the distant, echoing call to prayer. All of these were fine! The problem was the wrought-iron railing. Because a mild fear of heights suddenly decided to set up shop in my brain. My pulse rate went supernova, and I felt the familiar urge to turn around and head back to my parents, a feeling that still bubbles up whenever I feel stressed. My husband, bless his heart, just said, "It's a safety rail." He probably thought I was being dramatic.
1:00 PM - Lunch, Finally! Ordered room service. Because leaving the safety of my palatial apartment felt like too much effort. Labneh and pita. Delish. Ate it while staring at the daunting balcony. The fear hadn't subsided.
2:00 PM - Naptime (Jet Lag and Existential Dread Combo): Exhaustion kicked in (blame the flight, the balcony, or the general state of humanity). Sank into the fluffy hotel bed and achieved about 45 glorious minutes of blissful, dreamless sleep. Needed it.
3:00 PM - Poolside Reconnaissance (Attempt): Tried to conquer the balcony anxiety by taking a leisurely stroll to the pool, but it was SO hot. Everything felt like a sauna. Took one look at the shimmering water and retreated back to the apartment. Failure.
6:00 PM - Sunset contemplation (from the indoor sofa): Watched the sun paint the sky in hues of orange and purple. From the safety of the living room. Another near-miss at the balcony, but I am building up to it!
8:00 PM - Dinner at Shang Palace: A Chinese restaurant on-site. Food was amazing. The service was impeccable. The bill…less amazing. Let's just say, I'm very aware of how much this trip is costing, and it’s giving me a case of the jitters I didn’t need. Ate enough dumplings to almost forget about the balcony.
Day 2: Mosque Me! And the Balcony…Maybe?
9:00 AM - The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – A Religious Experience (and a Headscarf Disaster): Okay, this was incredible. Seriously, drop-dead gorgeous. The sheer scale of the place is breathtaking. I felt a genuine sense of awe. The prayer room felt really serene. The dress code was strict (you can't get away with wearing the wrong thing!). I also struggled immensely with keeping the provided headscarf on. It kept sliding off! Managed to get away with it… mostly.
11:00 AM - Mosque Post-Trauma (and Coffee): Needed a coffee. A strong coffee. Sat at a cafe and processed the beauty and the sheer immensity of the Mosque. My mind was blown.
1:00 PM - Lunch & Souk Hunt (and Air Conditioning Panic): Ventured into the souk (market). So much to look at. The colors, the smells, the chatter! I got overwhelmed, so I found the nearest mall just to cool down for a while.
3:00 PM - BALCONY CHALLENGE (Attempt #2): Back at the apartment. Deep breaths. Stared at the balcony. Walked on the balcony. Looked past the railing. Did not die. Victory! It's actually… gorgeous. Maybe I can do this.
4:00 PM - Pool (Again!): Still hot, but the balcony victory gave me confidence. Actually enjoyed the pool. And took some pictures, which I'll probably be ashamed of later.
**7:00 PM - Dinner at a local place: ** My husband, who is braver in all ways, made us drive to a local spot. I would have been more wary, but I followed along.
9:00 PM - Post-Dinner Relaxation: Stretched out with a book, feeling pretty darn good.
Day 3: Desert Dreams and Farewell Bites
9:00 AM - Breakfast in the Apartment (Phew!): Avoiding the buffet. The thought of social interaction at that hour is a bridge too far.
10:00 AM - Desert Safari – Dune Bashing and Staring at Sand: Fun! Scary! More fun! The dune bashing was wild, and I yelped a lot (embarrassing, but true). The desert itself was so serene, so vast. Felt a weird, primal connection to the land.
1:00 PM - Camel Ride Regret (and Sand in Everything): So, I thought a camel ride would be cool. It was… a bit uncomfortable, and I looked ridiculous. Found out sand gets everywhere.
**3:00 PM - Back at the Apartment: ** Sand in my hair, sand in my toes, sand… EVERYWHERE.
4:00 PM - Final Balcony Revelation and Final Photos: I did it! Looked over the water. Took a bunch of pictures. Almost loved the balcony.
6:00 PM - Final Dinner At a restaurant downtown, I think. I'm not sure.
8:00 PM- Goodbye! Going home! I'm exhausted, I'm sunburnt, and I'm probably going to sleep on the plane. Abu Dhabi. You weird, wonderful, anxiety-inducing place. I think I'll miss you. (Maybe).
Shangri-La Abu Dhabi: Let's Be Real (and Luxurious)
Okay, spill the tea! Is Shangri-La Abu Dhabi *actually* as ridiculously fancy as it looks in the photos?
Ugh, listen, those photos? They’re not lying. But here’s the thing… it’s *more* than just fancy. It's like, you walk in, and you're immediately hit with this… *glow*. Like someone’s personally installed little halos all over the place. The lobby smells amazing, like a really expensive spa mixed with… well, success. And the staff? Let me tell you about the staff. They’re so attentive, it's almost intimidating. You think you need a fresh orange peel for your mocktail? BAM! They're already there, practically reading your mind with a smile. I swear, one time I dropped a tiny crumb on the floor, and before I could even *think* about picking it up, it was gone. Poof! Pure ninja-level housekeeping. It's legit. It *is* ridiculously fancy. But in a good way. Kind of. I mean, sometimes I felt like I should be wearing a tiara just to fit in. Or maybe I'm just a slob.
What about the rooms? Is it worth splurging on a suite, or are the regular rooms decent? And what are the views like? because, I'm a view person.
Alright, the rooms. Listen, regular rooms are *fine*. Perfectly lovely. Clean, comfortable, all that jazzy stuff. But I'll be honest, if you can swing a suite…DO IT. Just sell a kidney. Kidding! (Mostly.) But seriously, the suites are on another level. Think massive living spaces, private balconies overlooking the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (seriously, the mosque at night... *chef's kiss*), and bathrooms bigger than my entire apartment. I'm not even kidding. I got a glimpse of a suite once, and I swear I almost choked on my own saliva. The views are *stunning*. The Sheikh Zayed Mosque is right there! Unbelievable. And the sea view? Breathe in the luxury, people. Just...breathe it in. It's worth every penny, every lost hour of sleep fantasizing about how to pay for it...
The food! Tell me about the food! Is it all Michelin star stuff, or are there more relaxed options? And, most importantly, is it *good*?
Okay, food. This is where Shangri-La truly shines. It's not *all* stuffy, starched-linen Michelin star BS, thankfully. While they do have some incredibly high-end restaurants, there are also more casual options. You can get a delicious burger by the pool (which, by the way, feels *wrong* in a good way), and there's a great Italian place. The *real* star? Hoi An. Vietnamese food, people! And it is OUT OF THIS WORLD. Like, seriously. I ate there three times. Three! The pho? Forget about it. Best I’ve ever had, and I'm a pho *connoisseur*. (I’m not, but I felt fancy saying it.) The spring rolls? Crispy, light, perfect. The service? Impeccable, of course. The whole experience just transports you. The way they presented the food. The flavors exploding in your mouth. I’m getting hungry just thinking about it. Okay, maybe the biggest downside is the price. But worth it. Absolutely.
Let's talk about the pool situation. Crowded? Relaxing? Good for Instagram? (Be honest!)
The pool? Beautiful. Seriously. Think turquoise water, comfy sunbeds, umbrellas strategically placed for optimal shade...and yes, totally Instagrammable. But! And this is a big but...it can get crowded. Especially during peak season. Now, I'm all for a good people-watching session, but when you're trying to achieve peak relaxation, a herd of influencers vying for the perfect selfie can be a buzzkill. So, my advice? Go early. Like, dawn patrol early. You'll have the place practically to yourself, that golden hour light is *divine*, and you can snag the best sunbeds. Plus, you can justify that extra mimosa because, hey, you earned it. The pool itself is good though, a decent size, and the service is prompt. You feel like a celebrity being waited on hand and foot.
The spa! Do I need to book a treatment, or can I get away with just chilling in the facilities? And is it actually relaxing?
The spa situation... It's legit. And yes, you should absolutely book a treatment. Okay, okay, you might be able to get away with just chilling. They have amazing facilities - saunas, steam rooms, all that glorious stuff. But the treatments? They're the real deal. I had a massage, and I’m not kidding when I say I almost fell asleep on the table. Which, by the way, is always my goal in life. Just pure bliss. The therapists are incredibly skilled, the atmosphere is serene, the whole experience is designed to melt away your stress. It's expensive, sure, but think of it as an investment in your sanity. And hey, you're at Shangri-La! Splurge a little! You deserve it. Just...try not to snore too loudly during the massage. (I may or may not have done that... shhh!)
What's the vibe like overall? Is it stuffy and pretentious, or is there some actual fun to be had?
Okay, the vibe. Here's the thing. Overall, Shangri-La is *pretty* fancy. There’s no denying it. Lots of well-dressed people, sophisticated chatter, and the occasional whiff of expensive perfume. But! It’s not *stuffy*. It's luxurious, sure, but it's not the kind of place where you're afraid to laugh or be yourself. I mean, I saw people having a *blast* – families playing in the pool, couples enjoying romantic dinners, friends clinking glasses at the bar. Yes, there's a certain level of formality, but the staff is genuinely friendly and welcoming, and everyone seems to be there to have a good time. Just don't, y'know, show up in your pajamas. Unless you *really* want to be the talk of the lobby. I'd stick to nice swimwear and sandals by the pool.
Is it good for families? Or is it more geared towards couples and honeymooners?
That’s a good question! Shangri-La is definitely geared towards couples, but families are also very welcome. They have a kids’ club, which is a major win. They’ve got a kids’ pool areaLuxury Stay Blog
