Luxury Travel by thirdpassport

There’s a certain calm that sweeps over you the moment you step into Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island, especially on a hot day. The lobby is cool but also very light, with white marble reflecting natural light coming in from the windows along two sides of the building.

Known affectionately as “the living room of Abu Dhabi”, the lobby is a favourite meeting place for locals and visitors alike. It’s a space that feels both grand and personal—buzzing with quiet conversation, softened by light, and framed by striking contemporary art that reflects the story of the UAE.

Design & Atmosphere – A Subtle Celebration of Place

Opened ten years ago, the hotel remains beautifully maintained, thanks to ongoing upgrades that ensure it feels as refined today as it did at its debut. Behind reception, an elegant art piece draws the eye with its shades of black and blue—a nod to Abu Dhabi’s twin sources of wealth, oil and pearls. Along the lobby corridor, seven sculptures stand in quiet symmetry, each one representing one of the Emirates.

Outside, the building’s terracotta vertical fins—one of my favourite architectural details—take inspiration from the colourful textiles of traditional souks. They not only lend the hotel its distinctive look but also help regulate the temperature under the Middle Eastern sun.

At the time of my visit, there was construction work taking place along the seafront as part of Mubadala’s new promenade project (set for completion in 2028). Though I occasionally spotted boats and cranes, I barely noticed any noise from my room and only twice by the pool (YMMV though!).

Rooms – Thoughtful Comfort with Classic Touches

I was booked into a Deluxe Room but was upgraded to a Deluxe Waterfront Room, which offered calm views and a layout that worked perfectly for a short stay. The rooms aren’t overly large—smaller than those at Four Seasons Seoul—but they’re smartly designed, and for a couple of nights, they’re more than comfortable.

The décor feels timeless and quietly luxurious, with some furnishings reminding me of the former Park Hyatt Hamburg (which recently reopened as a Conrad Hamburg). Details such as Frederic Malle toiletries, a free-standing desk, and Fellow kettles (perfect for tea lovers like me) show how the hotel caters to both business and leisure guests.

For longer stays or those travelling with lots of luggage, I’d suggest booking a higher category room or suite (I love the hotel’s Executive Suites). Dyson hair dryers are standard in suites but can easily be requested for rooms. As always with Four Seasons, housekeeping standards are impeccable—everything was pristine.

Location – Seamlessly Connected to the City

The hotel’s location on Al Maryah Island is one of its biggest advantages. It’s directly connected to The Galleria, home to luxury boutiques, a food court, and relaxed lifestyle stores. The Rosewood Hotel, also attached to the mall, is worth visiting for its diverse dining options.

The Louvre Abu Dhabi, TeamLab Phenomena, and other cultural landmarks are just a short drive away, while taxis are easy to find—only once did I wait more than five minutes. My trip to the airport cost 67 AED; from the airport, expect around 20 AED more due to the flag drop.

Pool & Fitness – Wellness with a View

The pool deck is an elegant retreat, dotted with sunbeds and cabanas. I appreciated the small details—Sun Bum SPF30 and after-sun lotion, and the filtered water delivered in thermos cases to keep it cool (additional bottles are chargeable).

In the fitness area, separate gyms for men and women are equipped with Technogym machines (the current standard of luxury hospitality), and both include steam rooms. The steam room here is extraordinary—large enough to stretch out comfortably, with a central platform and seating along the edges. There’s also a sauna set at 82°C, a hydrotherapy pool, and heated lounge beds—ideal for unwinding after a workout or spa treatment.

Dining – Refined Flavours & Local Favourites

Breakfast at Crust

Breakfast is a delight, thanks to the warm and attentive F&B Manager and their team. There’s an à la carte menu with plenty of healthy options, complemented by a buffet of beautifully presented pastries, cereals, breads, gluten-free treats, dates, cinnamon rolls, and energy balls. My personal favourite dishes include: Overnight Chia Seed Pudding, Tofu Scrambled “Eggs”, and the Green Eggs.

Service was exceptional, especially with some members of staff that made mornings feel genuinely cheerful.

Café Milano

One of only two Café Milano locations in the world (the other in Washington, DC), this elegant spot serves dishes inspired by Italian designers. The set menu offers two courses for 235 AED or three for 275 AED. The Tiramisu was especially memorable—light, fluffy, and the perfect finish to the meal.

Butcher & Still

If you’re a steak lover, Butcher & Still is a must. Helmed by Chef Marshall Röth, the restaurant channels a 1920s Chicago steakhouse, serving Kansas beef and Idaho potatoes. It’s a favourite among Abu Dhabi’s elite—Sheikhs, CEOs, and visiting dignitaries—and reservations are highly recommended. The energy here contrasts beautifully with the calm of the rest of the hotel.

Service – Discreet, Polished, and Personal

Service at the Four Seasons Abu Dhabi is everything you’d expect: attentive but never overbearing. Turndown service includes thoughtful touches like a filled ice bucket and even a microfibre cloth for cleaning glasses.

The Four Seasons App continues to impress. I used it to request a yoga mat before arrival—it was already waiting in my room—and later, to arrange shoe polishing. The responsiveness and attention to detail were seamless throughout my stay.

Four Seasons Preferred Partner Benefits

When you book through me as a Four Seasons Preferred Partner, you’ll receive:

These benefits are confirmed in a personalised letter at check-in and add meaningful value to an already exceptional stay.

Final Thoughts

The Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island embodies what I love about quiet luxury—refined design, warm service, and an effortless sense of place. It’s ideal for business travellers seeking comfort and discretion or couples looking for a serene city escape.

If you’d like to experience this elegant waterfront retreat—with all the added perks and personal touches that come from booking through a trusted advisor—get in touch. I’ll ensure your stay is perfectly tailored, from room selection to special requests, so you can simply arrive and unwind.