Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi
On the western end of Corniche Road, not far from the working presidential palace of Qasr Al Watan, Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi stands like a magnificent crown jewel in Abu Dhabi's architecture ever since it first opened in November 2005. Its sumptuous domes and illuminated rosy facades rise beyond impeccably landscaped gardens, stately arches and serene fountains.
The scale and unparalleled grandeur of the design and architecture convey a sense of Abu Dhabi’s modern-day accomplishments and future aspirations with nods to both its heritage and location. Take, for example, the high ceilings decorated with gold inlays (notably maintained by the hotel’s in-house gold-leaf specialist), the 238-foot-tall central dome decked out with gold, mother-of-pearl and crystals; and a total of 114 domes and 1,002 crystal chandeliers throughout the property.
Spread over an astounding area of more than 10,700,000 square feet, this palace hotel is among the capital’s most iconic landmarks. With almost a mile of private beach, a marina, a four-mile running path, four helipads, a luxurious spa and a bevy of outstanding restaurants, it’s no surprise that it’s the luxury hotel of choice for visiting world leaders, royals and Hollywood celebrities.
- Its 302 rooms and 88 suites, renovated in 2023, blend traditional influences such as geometric patterns and ornate designs with a soft, contemporary palette of cream, beige, gray and gold accentuated with blues and greens, and marble and carved wood finishes. Natural light generously fills the accommodations, each of which comes with balconies overlooking the Arabian Sea or the manicured gardens. Fresh fruit platters and flower arrangements add a warm touch of hospitality. Comfortable king-sized beds, quality linens and a pillow menu guarantee restful sleep, while cozy armchairs and chaise lounges invite you to relax. In-room iPads let you conveniently browse and book leisure services. Marble bathrooms come with separate bathtubs, rain showers and Diptyque toiletries.
- Guests following a vegan lifestyle might be interested in booking the hotel’s Vegan Rooms, which feature furniture, fixtures, bedding, bathrobes and bath amenities and skincare (by Votary and Tata Harper) that are free of animal-based products or derivatives. The exclusively vegan offering extends to the spa treatments, room service and restaurant dining menus, and minibar in the rooms.
- At Talea by renowned chef Antonio Guida, feast on family-style Italian dishes such as ravioli with slow-cooked duck and carrot purée, herb-salt-crusted sea bass and Milanese veal cutlet. For Cantonese cuisine, delicious cocktails, brilliant city views and a buzzing ambiance courtesy of reputed DJs, head to the terrace at the posh Hakkasan Abu Dhabi.
- Fine-dining Indian restaurant Martabaan by highly acclaimed chef Hemant Oberoi, whose guests have included the likes of Barack Obama, Bill Clinton and Margaret Thatcher, offers contemporary and bold takes on classic Indian flavors through dishes like Varqui crab, and chicken tikka and mozzarella-topped stuffed naan.
- The Moroccan-inspired Spa at Mandarin Oriental Emirates Palace invites you to relax with a menu of treatments that combine Arabian and Eastern wellness heritage with modern techniques. Recover from a long flight with the two-hour Oriental Harmony treatment, which involves a warm scrub and a relaxing full-body massage using essential oils. Restore your balance during a 60-minute session harnessing the sounds and vibrations from Himalayan singing bowls. For the ultimate indulgence, choose from a variety of Moroccan- and Turkish-inspired rituals offered in the regal hammam suite.
- Take advantage of the dedicated butler service, available for all rooms and suites, to have your luggage unpacked, in-room fresh fruit platter replenished and spa and restaurant reservations booked.
- With two temperature-controlled pools, a beach volleyball court, a cricket pitch, a padel court and a fitness center equipped with Technogym strength and cardio equipment, there’s no lack of ways to stay active on a holiday here. Another option: hop on a complimentary bicycle to explore the grounds.
- Enjoy the Abu Dhabi coastline with a bit of adventure. Complimentary kayaks and paddleboards are available at the beach club, and catamarans, windsurfing boards and wakeboards (at an extra cost) at the hotel’s watersports center.
- At the Kids Play Zone, kids from four to 12 years can participate in educational activities, interactive games and sports. Adults will find their inner child letting loose at AquaFun Park, just 230 feet from the beach.
24-hour room service 
Babysitting services
Bar
Beach
Fitness classes
Gym
House car
Indoor pool
Meeting rooms
Outdoor pool
Restaurants
Spa
Tennis
