Enchanting Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island’s Unforgettable Allure
Written by Dawn Wilson
Our arrival at Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island was nothing short of amazing. It was, by far, one of the most beautiful resorts I’d ever seen, with its lovely jewel tones and shimmering accents throughout, it felt more like a palace than a resort. I liken it to being a Jeannie in a bottle, simply enchanting.
Nestled along the pristine shores of Saadiyat Island, Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island offers an idyllic escape defined by luxury and exclusivity. It is an all-inclusive resort concept, the first of its kind in Abu Dhabi, which sets it apart. This resort feels like a paradise, where white sands glisten under the sun and crystal-clear blue waters stretch along the Arabian Gulf. From the moment guests arrive, they’re immersed in an atmosphere of refined elegance. Beyond the resort, the captivating beauty of Saadiyat Island awaits, along with cultural treasures such as the renowned Louvre Abu Dhabi. For those eager to explore, Abu Dhabi’s lively downtown is only a short journey away, providing even more insight into the region’s rich heritage.
Designed with a graceful Mediterranean flair, this majestic resort harmoniously weaves the timeless allure of traditional Arab architecture with tranquil oriental gardens and soothing water features. Every corner invites relaxation and indulgence, from the lavish accommodations to the world-class spa and enticing culinary offerings. Meticulously crafted details enhance the ambiance, creating a captivating atmosphere long after your stay, leaving you with dreams of Saadiyat Island’s enchanting beauty.
Rooms & Suites
Nine different room and suite categories offer a blend of sophistication and comfort, designed to create a tranquil respite for guests. These alluring spaces, decorated in warm jewel tones of green and blue hues, are inspired by the island’s serene landscape and feature large windows that offer sweeping views of the lush gardens, glistening pools, or the Arabian Gulf.
Every room provides a variety of upscale amenities, including large flat-screen TVs, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, and a minibar stocked with premium beverages. The spacious bathrooms, adorned with sleek marble details, feature deep soaking tubs, rain showers, and luxurious toiletries, allowing guests to unwind in style. Suites offer extra living space and exclusive services, making your stay meticulously curated to your desires.
Our room was breathtaking, a premium room with pool access. The stunning décor and bright colors complement each other effortlessly, creating a calm and relaxing atmosphere. My favorite feature of the premium pool access room was the sliding partition in the bathroom that allowed me to peer into the beautiful room while relaxing in my deep soaking tub. I could see that every feature of our room was thoughtfully designed for maximum comfort.
Diverse Dining
The resort offers a diverse range of dining options, from casual to formal. The main casual dining venue, Turquoise, is an all-day restaurant serving a global culinary experience with buffet-style stations that cater to every taste. The spacious venue also offers outdoor seating for a relaxed dining experience. Another favorite casual spot was the poolside restaurant, People’s, where we could enjoy a quick burger, salad, or cocktail—simple, yet satisfying. Each time we visited, we were greeted by friendly and attentive servers, making for an enjoyable and easygoing dining experience.
The evening provided the perfect excuse to dress up and visit one of the resort’s more refined dining venues, like Mermaid, a beachfront Greek restaurant. The atmosphere was lively and festive, setting the tone for a memorable night. While the menu offered authentic Greek dishes, some were creatively reimagined, a twist we embraced and thoroughly enjoyed. Every recommended dish lived up to its reputation, and the evening was further enhanced by live entertainment and the traditional Greek “plate smashing,” which added to the exuberant ambiance.
I also had the pleasure of dining at L’Olivio, the resort’s Italian restaurant, which quickly became my favorite. As an Italian cuisine lover, I can confidently say it left me craving more.
However, nothing could have prepared me for my experience at Orient, the Turkish restaurant. From the moment I arrived, I was warmly greeted by the hostess and servers. A specialty cocktail was served before a knowledgeable server helped guide me through the Turkish menu, which I was unfamiliar with. Thanks to his recommendations, I enjoyed perfectly tenderized meat and a symphony of spices that left a lasting impression. The ambiance, service, entertainment, and food were all exceptional.
While there are several other dining options I didn’t have time to explore, based on my experiences, I’m confident they would have been just as delightful.
Staying Fit
Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island offers fitness activities to suit every fitness enthusiast. For those who prefer outdoor workouts, you can enjoy Aqua Fitmat, paddleboarding, and other exciting water sports. Alternatively, refine your game with personalized tennis or fitness lessons from our expert coaches. Inside, their state-of-the-art facilities and equipment ensure the highest quality workout experience. They also offer private personal trainers and private gym sessions to give you a truly tailored fitness experience. Whatever you choose, they are committed to making their guest’s experience unforgettable.
For fans of live entertainment, the nightly performances in the captivating courtyard are not to be missed. With no bad seat in the house, the open-air setting elevates the atmosphere, offering a refreshing backdrop that perfectly complements the exceptional entertainment.
Pool & Beach
The pool area was spectacular! There was more than ample space for everyone without feeling crowded. We made our way to the separate island daybeds, which felt exclusive since they were separate from the main loungers and daybeds surrounding the pool. Although I didn’t participate in the pool activities myself, it was a joy watching others have such a great time. The poolside servers were exceptionally attentive and accommodating, always ready to fulfill any request, no matter how big or small. It was clear they were skilled at anticipating guests’ needs. The pool area was thoughtfully designed to provide unobstructed views of the resort’s immaculate grounds and the stunning Arabian Gulf. My time spent poolside was both relaxing and rejuvenating—exactly what I needed.
