"Why did this hotel catch your attention? What's the vibe? Driving up the welcome ramp to Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort almost feels though you're about to board a luxury beachfront spaceship. This Jetsons-esque hotel nods to the future, both with its sleek and imposing glass design and its eco-conscious philosophy; examples include automatic curtains that reduce the use of air conditioning, and marine life conservation efforts. Inside, the cavernous lobby looks like an aquarium, thanks to a floating sculpture with 400 pieces of suspended blue hand-blown glass. What's the backstory? Founded in Dubai, the Jumeirah brand is one of the frontrunners of Arab hospitality and modern Middle East luxury, with a handful of properties spanning Dubai to Frankfurt. This Abu Dhabi resort focuses on sustainability—a rarity in Gulf accommodations. Tell us all about the rooms. Any tips on what to book? One of the many standout features at this hotel is the design that's seamlessly carried throughout the 293 rooms: tasteful and modern, restrained, but with personality. Rooms are decked out in a classy boho-chic fashion, making them feel like they've been transported from the California coastline. Is there a charge for Wi-Fi? And how is the quality? The Wi-Fi is free and fast. Drinking and dining—what are we looking at? Mare Mare serves homestyle Italian food in an upscale beach-shack setting. Start with the sea bass ceviche with Calabrian chiles and end with the burrata pizza with yellow tomato sauce. Tean offers Levantine dining in a chic setting. White serves a gourmet and healthy-ish buffet breakfast featuring fresh-pressed juices and homemade granola. How was the service? The staff clearly goes out of their way to make sure guests are enjoying their stay. What type of travelers will you find here? Guests from Europe, the U.S., Russia and the Middle East waltz around the property in chic resort-wear, be it linen, chiffon, or silk. Unlike some other hotels in Abu Dhabi, the primary reason for coming to this resort is pleasure—not business. What about the area? What else will we find here? Placed on one of the more remote stretches of Saadiyat Island, this resort has a rare environment of quiet and leisure. The wildlife thinks so too—sea turtles and other marine and coastal wildlife inhabit this protected land. Any other hotel features worth noting? You would be remiss to skip the spa; the sprawling wellness complex features a Moroccan bath and hammam, salt room, plunge pool, and ice fountain. A holistic treatment menu offers massages, wraps, scrubs, masks, and curated wellness journeys. The beachside loungers offer front-row seats to fauna like dolphins, sea turtles, sand gazelles, and dugongs. Bottom line: Why are we staying here? This is where you want to come for a luxurious nature-oriented getaway, thanks to the indoor-outdoor design that flows throughout the property and sustainability practices." - Jenna Scatena
