Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas

We recommend the Park Hyatt to families seeking a beachfront resort without the hustle of Dubai, and to couples in their forties in search of calm between two cultural stops (Louvre, Sheikh Zayed Mosque 15 minutes away). The villas suit groups of friends or extended families who want their own pool and discreet service. The clientele is international, many Europeans in winter, Emiratis at weekends, hushed atmosphere far from the bling-bling of Jumeirah.

The Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi opened in 2011 on a horizontal plan inspired by Mediterranean coastal villages: no tower, low buildings in light stone and driftwood, linked by shaded alleys and patios planted with palms. The interiors signed MKV Design blend beige marble, contemporary moucharabiehs, linen and cotton fabrics, custom light-wood furniture. The 306 rooms and suites spread over two floors maximum, all with terrace or balcony. The 49 villas have their own pool, enclosed garden, equipped kitchen, up to 400 m² for the largest.

Three tables at the Park Hyatt: The Park Bar & Grill for grills on the terrace facing the sea, Café Viennois for the buffet breakfast (hot and cold, egg station to order), Beach House for lunches with feet in the sand (salads, grilled fish, mezze). The Aqua offers a contemporary Italian menu, fresh pasta and risottos, view over the infinity pool. 24-hour room service, simplified menu after midnight. No starred table, but honest cooking and fresh produce, which suffices for a beach resort.

The Park Hyatt occupies the western tip of Saadiyat Island, an artificial island dedicated to culture and upscale tourism, twenty minutes by car from central Abu Dhabi. The Louvre Abu Dhabi lies ten minutes on foot along the corniche, free shuttle every hour. Sheikh Zayed Mosque is fifteen minutes by car, the international airport twenty-five minutes. The neighbourhood is calm, almost empty midweek, with a few residential villas and the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club course (eighteen holes, designed by Gary Player). No restaurants or shops nearby, everything happens in the hotel or at the Louvre.