Abu Dhabi Winter Escape - with review!

Proudly modern and cosmopolitan, Abu Dhabi is the UAE's forward-thinking cultural heart where nothing stands still – except perhaps the herons in its mangroves.

Cultural Capital

The Louvre Abu Dhabi, with its globe-trotting collection covering the breadth of humanity's artistic achievements, finally threw open its doors in 2017. It's the first of the city's planned mega-museum projects to open and a major feather in Abu Dhabi's cap as it pushes to become the region's cultural leader. This world-class museum may get all the buzz but more locally focused sights get a look-in too. Emirati heritage can be difficult to seek out but pearl journey dhow trips and the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital take you behind the curtain to get a glimpse of it.

Islamic Architecture

Opulent, dramatic and no expense spared: the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a triumph of Islamic architecture for the modern world. Architectural nods to all the great Islamic empires of past from Fatimid Egypt to South Asia's Mughal dynasty are represented among its blinding white marble facade, but this is a mosque thoroughly of and for the 21st century, with striking contemporary artistry at its heart. Non-Muslims may only be allowed to enter a single mosque in the city, but the one they can, is magnificent.

Thrills & Spills

Need some adrenaline in your life? Yas Island provides enough distractions to keep even the most dedicated thrill-seeker happy. This is the setting for the famed Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the track hallowed ground for Formula One fans. Year-round there are opportunities to hop in the driving seat yourself and make your own Yas Marina Circuit memories. Off the track, Ferrari World and its speed-freak favourite Formula Rossa roller coaster plus Warner Bros World provide full-on family entertainment with enough rides to wear out and sate the thrill tick-list of kids and adults alike.

Coastal Pleasures

There's no need to leave the city for a beach-break, Abu Dhabi offers a swath of sand for everyone. Saadiyat Island has one of the nicest slices of public beach (with a minimal fee) while Al Bateen, the Corniche and the brand-spanking-new beach on Hudayriat Island offer up completely free swags of sandy fun. On the water, Abu Dhabi's Mangrove National Park showcases a completely different face to a city more known for glinting glass-and-steel skyscrapers than nature. Keep your eyes peeled for flamingos, heron and scuttling crabs as you explore the waterways of this vast forest by kayak.

5* Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island

Nestled beside a stunning ribbon of powdery white sand beach, Rixos Saadiyat Island invites you to experience pure luxury in a stunning oriental palace setting. Set in the UAE Capital Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island is a world-class leisure, residential and cultural hub, housing the world’s single largest concentration of premier cultural assets in a variety of museums and cultural attractions. Rixos Saadiyat is now Ultra All Inclusive Resort.

The city’s first and only ultra all-inclusive resort, this luxurious escape offers a wealth of amenities, including a private beach, onsite spa, fitness centre, a water park and stunning pool, alongside 378 elegantly-designed rooms and suites, plus twelve decadent villas. Each category of accommodation is utterly spectacular, appointed with opulent marble bathrooms, plush furnishings and stunning views, whilst some also feature direct beach access, private pools and separate living and dining quarters.

In addition to seven sublime restaurants, the resort hosts a selection of ambient bars and lounges; dining is a spectacular experience here – there are several restaurants to cater to all moods, from romantic evenings to laid-back gatherings, and there’s something to please every appetite, from elegant middle-eastern platters, flavourful Mediterranean cuisine and fresh seafood dishes to vibrant Japanese Teppanyaki and classic Italian specialities. There’s an exclusive lounge for those guests staying in the resort’s villas, offering an elegant hideaway ambience and a variety of tempting fare and refreshments.

Rixos also caters very well to families with its Rixy Kids Club, featuring a range of supervised entertainment to keep younger guests satisfied, including discos, magic shows, cooking classes, treasure hunts, pool games and talent shows. There’s also a great range of non-motorised and motorised water sports available to guests at an additional cost.

Deluxe Room with Garden View

Varies - min 1, max 3

This deluxe double room can occupy up to 3 guests, and it has a private balcony, too. Essentials include a TV, free Wi-Fi, tea or coffee facilities, air-conditioning and a separate shower and bath. Plus, these rooms also come with complimentary bottled water and 24hr room service. Just so you know, interconnecting rooms can be available upon request.

Tailormade Holiday Package

Flights x2 Adults & 1 Infant Emirates Business Class

Outbound London Stansted to Dubai Departure Time: 20:15 01st December Arrival Time: 07:10 2nd December

Return Dubai to London Stansted Departure Time: 14:15 9th December Arrival Time: 17:45 9th December

Accommodation Hotel: 5* Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island Check In: 2nd December Check Out: 9th December Nights: 7 Room: Deluxe Room with Garden View Board: All Inclusive

Holiday Extras 40k Checked Luggage per adult Emirates Business Lounge in Stanstead & Dubai Emirates Private Chauffeur Home & Abroad Abta & Atol Protected

Tailormade Holidays Cost £6,395

*All prices quoted from a live system and are subject to change