Exploring Abu Dhabi: top luxury holiday ideas for every traveller

What to do: There’s nothing quite like browsing luxury boutiques on holiday and Abu Dhabi is well known for its excellent shopping destinations. Bring a spare suitcase (or the contact details of your international courier) and stop off at Marina Mall for food, spectacular views and shopping at designer outlets such as Hugo Boss and Gucci. 

Avenue at Etihad Towers is absolute heaven for exclusive designer outlets such as Tom Ford, Hermes and Chloe. In fact, it’s the only place you can go in Abu Dhabi for some top labels. After spending a pretty penny, take the lift up to the Observation Deck at 300. High up on the 74th floor, it has 360-degree views and a café. 

Where to stay: Located on the Corniche in the heart of Abu Dhabi, Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental is an opulent hotel fit for royalty. It provides impeccable service, has eight onsite dining options, its own private beach and a luxury spa. 

Stay here for easy access to some of Abu Dhabi’s top luxury shopping destinations and cultural heritage sites. 

What to do: In 2007, France and the UAE formed a partnership combining the UAE’s bold vision for cultural progression and France’s expertise of art and museums. Because of this, Louvre Abu Dhabi was created – and it’s on Saadiyat Island. 

Although described as ‘France’s cultural project abroad,’ the museum is unlike its Parisian sister. It’s about 24,000 square metres with 8,000 square metres of galleries, making it the largest museum in the Arabian Peninsula. It’s an absolute must-visit for striking architecture (and great photo spots) as well as exhibitions which showcase Abu Dhabi’s fascinating cultural heritage. 

Once you’re all 'museumed' out, you don’t need to go far to relax with a dose of sand and sea. Saadiyat Island is rated as a top beach destination in the Middle East so remember to pack your swimwear. For sunbathing in the lap pf luxury, head to Saadiyat Beach Club where swimming pools, restaurants and white sand await. 

Where to stay: If you’re keen to soak up the delights of the island life in Abu Dhabi then Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort should be your base. The perfect place to ‘ease into the island rhythm,’ couples and families have beaches galore with sublime sea views, a Kids and Teens Club and seven restaurants. 

What to do: If you have a need for speed then you must visit Ferrari World. Home to the world’s fastest rollercoaster, highest loop ride, tallest space frame structure and over 40 other record-breaking attractions. The mostly indoor theme park on Yas Island offers plenty of fun for kids and big kids alike so the whole family is catered for here as long as fun is on the cards. 

Add a little luxury to your Ferrari World day out by booking the VIP experience. This exclusive package includes a premium admission ticket, one Ferrari driving experience, one Karting Academy session, a reserved table for lunch at Mamma Rossella among other benefits. 

Action, adventure and family fun can be had by the bucket load at Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, the world's biggest indoor theme park. Get ready for 29 rides and child-friendly attractions, six unique lands and plenty of live entertainment.

Where to stay: The absolute perfect hotel to compliment your theme park extravaganza is The WB Abu Dhabi, Curio Collection by Hilton. The world’s first Warner Bros. themed hotel gives you daily access to Yas Island theme parks plus it has a spa and fitness centre. Kids will adore the themed rooms and suites featuring top Warner Bros. characters. 

What to do: Abu Dhabi is also a place to slow down and take a moment for some introspection whether that’s among its striking religious monuments or on the grass of the Abu Dhabi Golf Club. 

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the world’s largest mosques and Abu Dhabi’s masterpiece. The mosque is decorated in detail including 1,096 amethyst and jasper crusted columns and a courtyard boasting a great marble mosaic. You’ll be transfixed by the hypnotic beauty of its architecture and Islamic art collection. 

Skill, sportsmanship and rolling green lawns can be enjoyed at Abu Dhabi Golf Club. Its 27-hole championship course is suitable for all skill levels set within beautiful grounds. If you’re keen to escape the heat of the day, head there in the evening and take part in a few rounds with a fully floodlit Garden Course.  

Where to stay: The pristine gardens, ornate water features and private beach at The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal offers a relaxed setting for you to unwind in. 

Laze by the pool with a cocktail while your children play at the kids’ club having adult-free fun. You’re treated to views of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque illuminated at sunset too. Pure bliss. 

What to do: Want to swap the city for the outdoors? Abu Dhabi is more than its urban jungle, beaches and island escapes. In fact, 70% of the emirate is covered by a desert known as the Empty Quarter and it’s the largest uninterrupted sand mass in the world!

Don’t be fooled by the endless vistas of rolling sand dunes. Plenty of diverse adventures can be had here. Adrenaline junkies will enjoy dune bashing, sandboarding and quad biking. Foodies and culture lovers can sample the Bedouin lifestyle with Arabic food, desert camps and live entertainment. 

The desert is also home to glamping experiences and beautiful resorts so you can enjoy the sun-burnished sands and lush oases in five-star luxury. 

Where to stay: Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara is a desert escape just 90-minutes from Abu Dhabi. Expect luxurious rooms including private pool suite, brilliant dining with an even better backdrop, a spa and endless opportunities for action-packed desert adventures. 

Located near the Liwa Oasis, activities include mountain biking, quad biking camel trekking, horse riding and stargazing.