Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island

Saadiyat Island sits apart from Abu Dhabi's downtown bustle, a quieter strip of coastline that has become home to some of the city's most thoughtful cultural institutions. Rixos Premium sits right on the beach here, 35 kilometres from the airport, with a stretch of private sand that genuinely earns the label. The setting is more relaxed than the city hotels, and the atmosphere reflects it.

The hotel has 288 rooms spread across five floors, and the facilities lean generous. Six restaurants and seven bars give guests plenty of options without needing to leave, and the sky bar in particular is worth an evening. A free shuttle runs to Galleria Mall for anyone who wants a change of scene. The private beach is well set up, with complimentary loungers and umbrellas and the kind of easy water access that makes a real difference in a hot-weather destination.

The hotel draws a lot of honeymooners, which tells you something about the mood. It is not a party resort, but it is not purely sedate either. The mix of beach access, dining options and cultural proximity (the Louvre Abu Dhabi is just five kilometres away) makes it a strong choice for couples who want a bit of everything.

For those looking to combine a beach stay with some genuine cultural exploration, the Saadiyat Island location is a real advantage. Rixos Premium won't be the flashiest property in Abu Dhabi, but it delivers solid beach-hotel comfort in one of the city's most interesting locations.