Review: The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi

Set the scene for us.
The The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, a palatial beachfront property, feels like it could be a mansion in Florida or the Caribbean. Yet it's on the pristine white-sand beaches of Saadiyat Island, skirting the Persian Gulf. Everything about the property feels thought through, from the expanses of terraced manicured grass, to the palm trees lining the walkways.

The good stuff: Tell us about your room.
Guest rooms are a blend of the Mediterranean and the Middle East. Expansive views of the Persian Gulf are framed by European-style architecture and accents. Neutral, modern furniture invite guests to linger. Some rooms have private balconies with chaise lounges—an idyllic perch from which to watch the waves gently roll in.

Is there a charge for Wi-Fi—and is the quality good?Wi-Fi is free and it's fast.

What do they have to eat here?
Six on-site restaurants make it easy to base yourself at the property for the duration of your stay. Buddha Bar serves up Southeast Asia fare and sushi paired with masterful cocktails in a boho-chic setting, with a lounge-style outdoor terrace overlooking the beach. The Drawing Room satisfies sweet cravings with a pastry case and indulgent bits, and 24-hour in-room dining is always on-hand.

Did the staff do you right?
The multilingual staff floats around the property, so it's always easy to find someone to help you out. To top it off, the head concierge has Les Clefs d’Or insignia.

What type of travelers will you find here?
The largely Western clientele can be spotted lounging by the private beach, doing laps in the pool, and flooding the hotel's mezzanine for Olea's famous brunch.

What about the neighborhood? What else will we find here?
Situated on an semi-isolated stretch of Saadiyat Island's coastline, the hotel sits near other five-star resorts and residential compounds.

And anything we missed?
The outdoor pools are a must: lined with deep-blue tile and shaded by swaying palm trees, they're the perfect place to cool off on hot Abu Dhabi days.

Bottom line: Why are we staying here?Come for the beach, the food, and the views.