Arrival/Check-In: After spending several business and pleasure days in Dubai, we drove to Abu Dhabi to the lovely Rosewood Hotel, located just across from the famed Cleveland Clinic on Al Maryah Island on Abu Dhabi Global Market Square, directly connected to The Galleria shopping center.

We were immediately checked in and taken to our suite, room 905, which offers breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf. We appreciated the view, as we had booked a Seawings Abu Dhabi Snapshot tour from Yas Marina on a seaplane to get the lay of the land before indulging in all the sights.

Guest Quarters: The suite was large and opulent, with a hallway leading from the front door to a convenient powder room on the right and the entrance to the bedroom on the left. At the end of the hall stood the entrance to a large living area with curved windows looking out over the Gulf. On the far right, I immediately set up shop at a well-equipped desk and work area with lots of outlets for charging.

Just opposite the desk area, a small table and several chairs offered a place to enjoy a private dinner or morning breakfast. The balance of the room was taken up by a large circular sofa with a stylish coffee table, which acted to segment the room. On the far wall, a large, flat-screen TV offered all the entertainment options one could desire. The dark and luxurious zebrawood on the walls and bookcase contrasted with light fabric on the upholstery, carpeting and drapes.

The bedroom consisted of a king-sized bed and a large, flat-screen TV on the opposite wall. The large bathroom held double sinks and a large soaking tub, all in light-colored marble contrasted with dark wood accents.

Services/Amenities: The restaurant venues are superb; the shining star is the Sambusek Lebanese restaurant, which specializes in grilled meats and seafood. Its outside terrace overlooking the water adds a lovely touch. Another gem is the Dai Pai Dong Chinese Restaurant off the Galleria, serving Cantonese cuisine and dim sum. We snuggled up to the bar one evening after a long day of touring and enjoyed its dim sum dishes, both fried and steamed, with a Japanese scotch.

Make sure you stop by for a drink in the hidden bar just off the lobby, where you can sit inside or out and enjoy the Abu Dhabi skyline. La Cava is also worth a visit, with its circular wood steps leading to a deep wine cellar/bar holding more than 1,000 labels. Around the back of La Cava, enjoy a cigar humidor and lounge with a generous selection of single malt scotches and whiskeys.

TOP TAKEAWAYS

◆ Sambusek is the best Lebanese restaurant in Abu Dhabi.

◆ Our super-comfortable suite offered magnificent views.

◆ We found the hotel staff and management friendly and helpful.

◆ The property boasts nine restaurants, shopping and wonderful views of the water, many from dining venues.

Rosewood Abu Dhabi
Al Maryah Island
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
tel 971 2 813 5550
rosewoodhotels.com