Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, UAE

With the increasing number of big brand hotels springing up in the UAE, Abu Dhabi aims to attract 2.7m guests by 2012 – a higher target than the 1.5m visitors that descended on the emirate in 2008. It could be perceived as challenging for independent hotel chains that have genuine ROI parameters to contend with. Not so in the case of the renowned Hong Kong chain, Shangri-La. Launched in August 2007, The Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi captures the essence of premier Eastern service excellence, wowing guests in the nerve centre of Abu Dhabi’s newest and hippest district.

Now that Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi has established itself as a comprehensive destination within itself, the ten minute drive to Abu Dhabi becomes an option as opposed to a necessity.

From the attentive staff gliding around soundlessly in the beautifully decorated gold and marble lobby, to each of the 214 traditional yet contemporary-styled rooms replete with spectacular views of the sea; the CHI Spa, attached souk and private beaches are ideal for both relaxation and retail therapy, with a dash of business thrown into the mix

Situated within the Qaryat Al Beri complex, this 8.5 hectare hotel complex provides a wide range of facilities and services for the discerning ‘culture seeker’ that the emirate hopes to lure.

Nestled on a one-kilometre stretch of private beach with untrammelled views of the strait separating Abu Dhabi Island from the mainland, the hotel is a 10 minute drive from the city’s international airport, five minutes from the golf course as well as the new Convention Centre and 15 minutes from the Corniche and the city centre.

As the capital forges ahead in the fulfillment of its ambitious Plan 2030 diversification strategy, underscored by tourism growth, new hotels springing up next to the stalwart classics, the lines between the classic business hotel and holiday resort are blurring. Designed in a faux Arabiancum- Moroccan style, the property accommodates all the accoutrements necessary for today’s business traveller. Getting the job done undoubtedly becomes easier surrounded by its opulent interiors, tempting eateries and leisure facilities during down-time.

With 214 luxurious rooms and suites, furnished in an Arabic style with a minimalist twist, each room boasts a balcony or a terrace, an ideal setting for enjoying the ocean sunsets and the traditional Arabic domes and minarets of the city. Accommodation choices also include six spectacular villas with four bedrooms and a private swimming pool. Ideal for longer stays, the Shangri-La Residences have 161 spacious serviced apartments ranging from studios to four bedroom units.