With the imminent openings of branches of the Guggenheim, the Louvre and the Zayed National Museum, the St. Regis on Saadiyat Island is hardly the place for a true desert wilderness experience. But if you want to see the new face of the Gulf at its most dynamic, this is a seriously thrilling place, which hasn’t forgotten it’s natural roots. The island may be manmade but turtles and dolphins are regular sights in the surrounding ocean. Rooms here are in the classic, overblown but undoubtedly luxurious and opulent style typical of the St. Regis chain. Those with little ones however will delight at the extra thoughtful touches which include mini slippers and dressing gowns, cups of warm milk left before bed and water slides and splash pools galore at the cave themed kids club.

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