EDITION Hotels brings its signature, iconic style to the UAE with the opening of The Abu Dhabi EDITION, an exclusive waterfront oasis spearheading a new movement in the city that never stands still.
Design
The first EDITION to open in the Middle East, Abu Dhabi is a ground-breaking hotel concept brought to life by Ian Schrager, the visionary behind contemporary luxury as we know it, in collaboration with Marriott International. This powerful partnership brings with it the area’s finest hotel concept, offering the ultimate elevated experience in design, food, amenities and entertainment. In a city that embraces the bold, the new and the revolutionary, The Abu Dhabi EDITION will be a new kind of gathering place, unlike anything that has come before it.
With 198 guest rooms and suites as well as 57 exclusive residences, this new jewel of Abu Dhabi will deliver the best of both worlds: polished with personality, perfectionism with individualism and comfort with charisma and charm. This balancing act encompasses not only exceptional design and innovation but also personal, friendly, modern five-star service as well as outstanding, one-of-a-kind food, beverage and entertainment offerings ‘all under one roof.’ EDITION’s collaborative aesthetic is in its approach to the modern lifestyle, seeking out the most talented individuals, from artists and designers to world-class chefs and musicians to create a new, experience-led destination for Abu Dhabi.
A single, iconic gem located on a prime site on the Al Bateen peninsula, 20 minutes from The Louvre Abu Dhabi and the beaches of Saadiyat, and just 35 minutes from Yas Island, the property enjoys breath-taking views of the azure waters of the Arabian Gulf and the activity of the buzzing adjacent marina. The Abu Dhabi EDITION is not merely a hotel, but an elegantly designed, intricately interlinked complex of structures, spaces, and settings that together offer a new kind of resort environment, where every aspect of the traditional hotel has been re-imagined for the needs and desires of a new generation, every thought given to enhancing a guest’s stay: for leisure and for work.
Anticipating the changing needs and desires of the modern traveller, The Abu Dhabi EDITION offers a distinctive, upscale environment, encompassing innovative design whilst respecting and celebrating the lifestyle and traditions of the Emirati culture. As with all EDITION hotels, each one is a cultural epicentre and a microcosm of the best each city has to offer; a portal into the essence of the city, recognising the history whilst at the same time defining a new moment in its future. Embracing the local architectural heritage of the Eastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, The Abu Dhabi EDITION blends the form and details of traditional architecture as well as natural local patterns that are the inspiration for the materials, colour palettes and details that feature throughout the hotel.
Lobby
Strategically situated along the marina, the view on arrival is the distinctive and memorable exterior, reminiscent of the lateen sails of the traditional Dhow boats that the region was once famed for the building. Designed throughout by Ian Schrager Company and Wimberly Interiors, the cavernous five-storey lobby contains a dramatic, curved atrium with a sinuously shaped balustrade, echoing the movement of the water and mirroring the marine narrative of the development. The exceptional lounge area, ubiquitous with all EDITION hotels, features a large-scale kinetic art installation “In 20 Steps” designed by the world-renowned art collective Studio Drift, produced by Czech glass company, Lasvit. The installation pays tribute to evolution and humanity’s desire to fly, spanning across the whole length of the space above the lounge and is made from a number of glass cylinders, each connected by metal joints and suspended from the ceiling by a series of strings that enable the artwork to move. Below, the vast lobby contains two signature armchairs by local designer, Latifa Saeed inspired by the distinctive way Emirati children braid their hair. The guest reception is flanked by a feature, brass-clad desk and the surrounding walls are ensconced with gold leaf, gently washed with a delicate light to create a sense of superior warmth and welcome to guests.
Creating a social buzz and ever-lively atmosphere, the lobby is a place for guests and visitors alike to relax and unwind – an embodiment of EDITION’s next-generation spirit, where the lines between work and play, socialising and networking begin to blur: here, there are both group meeting tables and a signature golden EDITION pool table, a world-class bar and an expert barista station. With distinct seating areas separated by bronze screens, inspired by traditional Arabian architecture techniques, guests can lounge in the serene space whilst enjoying an invigorating, signature punch, or an indulgent afternoon tea treat inspired by artworks at the nearby Louvre Abu Dhabi. This is a new gathering place in Abu Dhabi, a place to meet, eat, drink, relax, play and be inspired.
Dining areas
Heightened dining experiences are fundamental to EDITION hotels and The Abu Dhabi EDITION is no exception, with three signature restaurants created by world-renowned chef Tom Aikens, famed for being the youngest chef to ever have been awarded two Michelin stars. Just off the lobby, guests will find Market at EDITION, an imaginative, healthy lifestyle restaurant open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Its relaxed and interactive style and light, airy interior blurs the boundaries of traditional and al-fresco dining. As with the theatre of a street-food market, the magic of an open kitchen restaurant lets guests dine solo or interact with chefs as they create dishes live in the dining room. With a focus on healthy, no waste, farm to table cooking, each kitchen will make use of each ingredient to its entirety, alluded to in the design with floor-to-ceiling shelves dressed with fragrant pots of herbs and traditional copper kitchen accessories. Organic coffee, raw juices and biodynamic wines will be served alongside the food using the best ingredients that Mother Nature has to offer. The planted terrace encourage guests to linger outdoors and enjoy the Market atmosphere and a private dining room with its own private entrance is available for hire for larger groups, also with direct elevator access to the penthouses and a secure basement garage.
Embracing the needs and desires of a new kind of world-traveller that scours the globe for culinary excellence, The Abu Dhabi EDITION is also home to Oak Room, a traditional English oak-panelled restaurant, celebrating world-class ingredients with British rock ‘n’ roll flair. Quintessential, considered and modern, the generous menu at this new-age steak house encourages guests to indulge in the very best produce, free from formality and pretence but always thoughtful and precise. Uncomplicated in approach, the menu will consistently showcase signature British dishes, paired with a robust wine selection. Here, theatre is not saved for the kitchen – it is constantly on show, with a frosted glass-fronted butchery to enhance the diner’s senses and assert the importance of the restaurant’s quality produce. Private dining is also available at Oak Room, with a warm and intimate 10-person room available for group bookings.
Opposite the entrance to Oak Room, the secluded sophistication of Library Bar awaits. A craft gin-led cocktail bar blended with EDITION classics, Library Bar is the ideal place for guests looking for a quieter more intimate place to socialise. Taking design cues from its own name, the space features a collection of artworks that draw upon themes of language and the written word, in all of its marvellous literary forms. With a bespoke-made gin trolley for tableside cocktail creation, world-class bar snacks and weekly live music happenings, guests can unwind in this sophisticated and intimate setting with a dash of the unexpected, perfect for post-work drinks, entertaining or socialising pre-dinner.
Over on the Marina side of the hotel, Aikens has created a serene, coastal Mediterranean-style restaurant, Alba Terrace, that transcends day-to-night, offering the finest locally sourced coffee, light lunches and sharing plates to linger over whilst bathing in the natural sunlight that streams into the space through the folding floor-to-ceiling glass doors. Upon arrival at Alba Terrace, guests are greeted by a large brass clad aperitif bar. In the morning the scent of freshly squeezed citrus fills the air and as the day unfolds, small plates, light aperitif and Mediterranean inspired cocktails encourage guests to relax and unwind. Host to vibrant, Provencal rosé brunches and wine tasting evenings, the bright ambience of Alba Terrace is a true reflection of the Mediterranean. A crisp, light colour palette and smooth terrazzo surfaces lead to bright lime oak wall panelling, sheer curtains and vibrant plants, bringing the outdoors, in. On the lush outdoor terrace, a series of intimate seating areas under pavilions or next to the pool provide guests with the opportunity to dine al-fresco, reminiscent of elegant Italian summers. A sunken group dining area provides a semi-private space for outdoor gatherings.
When the sun sets, the hotel’s distinct, stand-alone social space comes to life. ANNEX, opening in late 2018, offers a unique, three-floor space to socialise. This societal gathering space allows guests to choose between a sophisticated al-fresco experience at the rooftop garden bar and a more refined social gathering space in the Den on the floor below, a space that encourages friends to unwind with their favourite beverage and a game of pool or pinball. Meanwhile, the ground floor will offer an energetic ambience with live DJs and an experimental cocktail bar. When it comes to food across Annex’s three floors, guests can expect small plates created with the intent to encourage socializing and sharing. Expect delectable Peruvian-inspired dishes along with curated cocktails and an altogether refreshing outlook on beverages.
Guest rooms
The interpretation of local heritage and native, natural materials continues throughout the hotel, including the 198 guest rooms, suites and 57 exclusive residences, ideal for longer stays. Featuring a neutral palette and boasting sweeping views over the surrounding water, each room features photography by the twentieth-century photographer Brett Weston. The photographic selection displays Weston’s masterful skill at manipulating photos of sand dunes to create sinuous lines and sensuous forms which references Abu Dhabi’s surrounding environment while remaining true to EDITION’s sophisticated aesthetic. Grey oak herringbone timber flooring draws inspiration from local basket weaving techniques, whilst beautiful timber panelling adorns the walls, enhancing a feeling of calm and tranquillity. Signature imported linens are used throughout the guest rooms, whilst the bathrooms are finished in white marble, detailed in contrasting antique bronze, for a modern bathing experience with custom-scented Le Labo amenities as standard. Guestroom balconies take in the beauty and serenity of the Marina views and feature sleek, sophisticated outdoor furniture by Gandia Blasco.
The “prow” or point of the hotel, reminiscent of the prow of a boat protruding out over the water, is the location of the property’s penthouses – the Marina Penthouse and the Royal Penthouse. Both penthouses feature panoramic views over the water on two sides as well as a large, private balcony. Each penthouse contains a large bedroom with six-fixture bath and soaking tub, whilst the lounge area contains a living room and dining area where meetings are conducted and guests are entertained. There is also an option to connect a single guest room to the public side of Marina or Royal Penthouse through an internal door, providing flexibility of accommodation for additional family members or personal assistants. For enhanced security and privacy, the penthouse suites also offer allocated parking spaces and a dedicated elevator to take guests discreetly to their penthouse without having to walk through the lobby. Penthouse guests can also access Market at EDITION’s Private dining room and the secure basement garage by private elevator.
To provide privacy and a unique identity, the private Residences are located in a structure adjacent to the hotel with its own dedicated entry and lobby. Connecting to the main hotel via the sky bridge, this six-storey building will enjoy its own views of the water and Marina from each of the rooms. The private residences boast a living space of up to 92 square meters with separate bedrooms, lounge area and kitchen with their own service entries. The top two floors of the private Residences are reserved for larger two and three-bedroom apartments, each with a large private outdoor balcony and the best views overlooking the Marina.
Meeting rooms
For any event planner, The Abu Dhabi EDITION’s year-round sunshine, crystalline marina and lush landscape provide the ideal stage to set any meeting, conference, or wedding. The hotel’s forum, a grand, elegant ballroom which measures an expansive 654 square meters with seating for 450 guests, can be accessed directly from both the hotel and the street. This private event space also houses a pre-function area with two bridal suites and a Majlis as well as an executive boardroom, meeting rooms and a business centre.
Spa
EDITION Spa at The Abu Dhabi EDITION, opening in late 2018, will be one of the most unique and special elements of the hotel, embodying vibrant living by bringing together local, authentic healing practices and high impact treatments and wellness programs from around the world. EDITION Spa embraces the generous spirit of Abu Dhabi, where hospitality lies at the heart of its culture. Light oak flooring and timber walls provide a soft, organic atmosphere where guests are invited to relax and enjoy a hand blended tonic or a warm cup of tea. Each guests’ experience will be tailored to their specific needs, blending timeless philosophies and innovative techniques to custom build treatments with bespoke scent, sound, touch and premium products.
The spa features separate zones for men and women, consisting of seven treatment rooms including two Hammams, a facial room and couple’s treatment suite. The women’s area also houses a beauty salon and a relaxation lounge. The men’s area features a barbershop by Chaps & Co. For fitness enthusiasts, The Abu Dhabi EDITION offers two purpose-built gyms equipped with free-weights, yoga mats, exercise balls and premium cardio equipment by Life Fitness. The property also boasts two beautifully white-tiled swimming pools, one connecting to the main hotel and the other in the private residences.
Service
Aside from the high-profile events, dazzling entertainment and bespoke experiences, The Abu Dhabi EDITION will distinguish itself with extraordinary levels of seamless service. From the point of booking to the departure, service remains the key pillar of the EDITION stay. Ian Schrager’s sophisticated tastes, trend-spotting instincts and appreciation for innovative design have kept him ahead of the curve for decades. Beyond these innate skills, he understands the value of personal, approachable and genuine service. With The Abu Dhabi EDITION, he continues the tradition.
