Waterfront experience a stay at the urban Eastern Mangroves Hotel set in the heart of Abu Dhabi
The Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara, where a natural haven meets urban life forms part of an integrated hotel, marina, retail and residential destination, its unique location offers an exceptional Abu Dhabi experience. Indulge the freshest and finest cuisine at Paychaylen or enjoy a drink at Impressions. Relax and rejuven
ate at the Anantara Spa, energise at the state-of-the-art gym or take a dip in the infinity pool.
Abu Dhabi now one of the main gateways for long haul travel, we’ve never actually stayed here and on this trip we decided we wanted to experience this majestic place before our next leg of the trip. After much thought we’ve chosen to stay at the Eastern Mangroves Hotel just 15-20 minutes from the airport and we’re collected by the resorts luxury limo service, a jaguar. We’re offered cool towels and chilled water as we make our short trip to the resort – what a perfect start.
When we arrive we’re swiftly checked in and shown to our Deluxe Balcony Room. The majestic halls and corridors showcase breathtaking Arabian design, with grand central passageways and arched ceilings. The picturesque hotel offers over 200 rooms, all decorated in a comfortable, chic style. Our Deluxe Balcony Room overlooks the pool and the mangroves with Abu Dhabi city on the horizon. Classic earthy tones are embellished by turquoise cushions, enhanced by rich fabrics and ambient lighting. Modern interpretations of the mangroves are reflected in th
e print of the carpets, embedded into the bed headboards. Our room features king sized beds, rain shower and bathtub, mini bar, entertainment system and flat screen television, Wi-Fi, in-room safe, air conditioning and all of the amenities you’d expect including bath robes, slippers and Anantara bathroom products. Other accommodation options feature the Kasara Executive Mangroves Balcony Room, Kasara Mangroves Suite, Anantara Mangroves Pool Suite and the Royal Mangroves Residence.
As for dining the Mangrove offers an array of choice. On our first night we’re extremely tired after our flight and decide to order room service and even my burger was dressed to impress and feeling satisfyingly filled we hit the hay and our comfortable bed does not disappoint. The morning after we’re feeling ravishingly refreshed and we head down for the breakfast buffet at Ingredients, catering for all nationalities. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, it has five different kitchens, a live sushi bar and an expansive organic selection. Menu highlights include Nasi Goren; Indonesian fried rice with eggs and chicken satay and a favourite, Oreo Cheesecake. With an elegant atmosphere, there are also two spacious al fresco terraces.
Our choice of dining this evening Pachaylen, an intimate setting, serving the authentic tastes of Thailand. With its Michelin star cuisine and Thai Chef, we’re told it’s got a reputation as the best Thai restaurant around with rich gold and purple tones decorate the interior, while lavish curtains and gilded bronze screens provide private family dining spaces with a royal touch. Our choices of Thai green chicken curry with Jasmin rice and for Phil just superb spices and tender chick
en, spring rolls and steamed veg. The chef is on hand to offer gastro advice and if spice isn’t your favourite there’s a variety of milder dishes to choose from. A favourite with diners, the Gaeng Massaman lamb; slow cooked lamb shank in massaman curry sauce, sweet potato and shallots.
After dinner it’s time for drinks at The Pool Deck. We soak up the tranquillity of the mangroves at this poolside setting. Arabic seating and cushions ensures each guest can relax in their own space. Refreshing frozen cocktails feature on the menu, along with a selection of Mediterranean-inspired dishes served on the unique Anantara salt brick. We end our evening comfortably relaxed.
Impressions allow you to experience Abu Dhabi’s sophisticated nightlife in the sky located on the hotel’s rooftop. Offering a selection of wines, cigars and cheese get comfortable on the plush sofas and appreciate the modern-luxe décor. Or if you’re in the mood for afternoon tea then the Mangroves Lounge is ideal, located in the heart of the hotel this cosy duplex lounge seamlessly blends Western and Emirati influences.
The Eastern Mangrove houses prayer rooms, business centre, ballroom and six break out rooms, retail shop, Majlis, fully equipped gym and outside of the hotel there’s plenty to do and see from museums – Al Ain National Museum and Heritage Village and sightseeing – Dhow Harbour and Desert Safaris to glorious beaches and golfing, horse riding, water hopping and stand up paddle boarding.
It’s our last day and we’re booked in for a traditional Hamam (Turkish bath) at the Anantara Spa. We‘re taken to our changing rooms and immediately the warm heat and soothing aromas of Eastern oils fill the air. With our therapists Lea and Daniel, it begins, with its oval shape ceilings and marble stone slabs the steam rooms and sauna awaits for us to prepare our skin, 15 minutes each to warm and soften the skin ready for the Hamam, this treatment will cleanse and massage your skin, we’re scrubbed and polished with mist and bubbles then warm water was poured over us with traditional copper jugs. For the finale we’re brought back to our normal body temperature with the last jug of cold water, the Hamam is definitely a must leaving your skin silky smooth. The Spa treatment menu also offers an array of options from the Anantara Signature Massage and Elemis Modern Day Skin Facial to Indian Head and Scalp Massage and Anantara Milk Bath.
For a hotel which offers excellent accommodation, cuisine and facilities the Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara will most certainly impress and the beautiful city will definitely leave you wanting to return.
Stay a little longer in the luxury Eastern Mangro ves Hotel & Spa, enjoying a special seasonal deal that treats you to incredible rates. With such an amazing offer you might be tempted to extend your dream getaway, or put your savings to good use by indulging in our resort’s great choice of enriching experiences.
Package includes:
Stay three nights and receive a 25% discount on accommodation
Stay four nights or mo re and receive a 30% discount on accommodation
Now – August 31, 2015 and for more fantastic offers visit abu-dhabi.anantara.com/special-packages.aspx
Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara
P.O. Box 128555,
Sheikh Zayed Street,
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Tel: +971 2 656 1000
Email: easternmangroves@anantara.com
