✨ My Abu Dhabi Adventure: City, Beach & A Whole Lot of WOW ✨

What A Trip!

I’ve just got back from the most incredible few days in Abu Dhabi for our Designer Travel conference, and honestly, I didn’t want to leave. It was one of those trips that just stayed with you… equal parts inspiring, exciting, luxurious, and unforgettable.

This was a last-minute decision to go, but I’m so glad I did. Abu Dhabi surprised me, it’s got that perfect balance of city buzz and peaceful beach luxury, and I just know it’s going to be one of those destinations I recommend again and again.

Where We Stayed
We were lucky enough to stay at the Jumeirah Saadiyat Island Resort, and wow, what a location. Think barefoot luxury, white powdery sand, crystal-clear waters, and a tranquil vibe. It felt exclusive and relaxing, but without being over-the-top. Perfect for couples or anyone looking to switch off and soak up a bit of calm.

We also visited a couple of other hotels during the trip:
• Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi – a super sleek city-style hotel with amazing views and a more cosmopolitan feel. A great choice if you want to be in the heart of the action.
• Rixos Premium Saadiyat – a luxury all-inclusive that’s well-suited to families, but still has that five-star finish. Lots of energy and plenty of space to relax too – the best of both worlds.

Excursion Time! 🏁🕌🎬
As part of the conference, we got to choose from three amazing excursions:
• F1 track tour & Ferrari World
• Warner Bros. Studios & Ferrari World
• Grand Mosque & Abu Dhabi city tour

For me, it was a no-brainer – F1 and Ferrari World all the way! 🏎️ Standing in the royal box overlooking the Yas Marina Circuit, seeing behind the scenes in the support garage, and standing right in front of the podium, I was buzzing. You can even book driving experiences here, either as a passenger or driver. Let’s just say, not one for the faint-hearted!

Then we hit Ferrari World, home to the world’s fastest rollercoaster, Formula Rossa. I thought I was brave… turns out I do have a brain because I could feel it shaking on the ride 😂

There’s a great mix of rides here for all ages, and it’s attached to Yas Mall, so whether you’re a thrill-seeker or a shopper, you’ll be in heaven. I even found a mini Manarola (yes, the little Italian village!), and grabbed a pizza in the cutest Italian restaurant 🇮🇹

The Conference
We had a full day of networking, training, and catching up with some of our top suppliers, including Jet2Holidays, TUI, Etihad Holidays, Celebrity Cruises, Wendy Wu, Travelsphere, and many more. These days are always so valuable, not just for product updates but for building those strong relationships that ultimately benefit my clients.

And then came Emirates Palace…
We had a hosted dinner there, and honestly, I don’t even have the words. The detail, the grandeur, the level of service, it’s next-level luxury. If you’re visiting Abu Dhabi, this is a must-see (even if it’s just for a drink or dinner). Pure magic.

One Last Experience – teamLab Phenomena ✨

To end the trip, we visited teamLab Phenomena – an immersive digital art space that was like stepping into another world. Every room was a different sensory experience. These exhibitions are popping up in cities around the world, and if you get the chance to go, do it. I was mesmerised!

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A Few Tips for Visiting Abu Dhabi

If you’re thinking about adding Abu Dhabi to your travel wish list (and you should!), here are a few things to keep in mind:

🧕 Dress Code:
Abu Dhabi is a modern city, but it’s still part of the UAE, so dress modestly in public places. Shoulders and knees covered is a good rule of thumb for malls, mosques, and government buildings. Beachwear is fine at the beach or pool.

☀️ When to Go:
The best time to visit is between October and April, when temperatures are warm but comfortable. Summers can get very hot, so plan accordingly if you’re heading out then.

🚖 Getting Around:
Taxis are affordable and easy to get. Uber works, too, but the local taxis are just as reliable (and sometimes cheaper).

📍 Top Things to Do:
• Visit the stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – even if you’re not religious, it’s one of the most beautiful buildings.
• Explore Louvre Abu Dhabi – incredible architecture and world-class art.
• Enjoy thrills at Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, or Yas Waterworld.
• Relax on the beaches of Saadiyat Island or stroll the Corniche.

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Final Thoughts
Abu Dhabi completely exceeded my expectations. Whether you’re after a luxury city break, a relaxing beach holiday, a stopover en route to the Maldives or Asia, or even a multi-gen trip with something for everyone, Abu Dhabi ticks all the boxes.

If you’re curious about planning a trip, I’d love to help you experience the best of this amazing destination 💛

And tell me… would you brave the world’s fastest rollercoaster? 😅