Review: W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island

Upon stepping into the lobby of W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island, you are immediately swept away by its artistic interiors and bold colours spread across the space. With striking art pieces all around and an open-plan layout that draws your eye to the buzzing coffee bar, the lobby is a fitting introduction to what’s in store—a stay filled with style and comfort.

The hotel’s location is hard to beat, situated right on the Yas Marina Circuit where the annual Formula One race takes place. From the minute you drive over the track to reach the hotel, you can feel the thrill of the races, even if they’re not in season. Yachts and boats also line the marina, further enhancing the property’s spectacular views.

Accommodation

The Fantastic Suite more than lives up to its name, offering both elegance and practicality. The living room features a curved sofa right in the middle—ideal for lounging after a long day of exploring Yas Island. Whether you’re catching up on your favourite shows on the flat-screen TV or using the suite’s sound system to play your favourite tunes, you’ll feel right at home (and let’s not forget the views stretching along the sprawling balcony for that extra wow factor).

The suite’s standalone kitchen, equipped with everything from a kettle to a microwave and cutlery, allows for a laid-back in-room dining experience. The suite features two bathrooms: a guest washroom and a larger one connected to the bedroom. The main bathroom offers a spacious layout with a large rain shower and a bathtub perfectly positioned to provide stunning views of the racetrack and marina.

Culinary highlights

Garage steals the show with its five live kitchens serving up an international feast. Meanwhile, the casual W Lounge and rooftop WET Deck add some laid-back vibes to the mix. If you’re staying at the hotel on the weekend, book a spot at the award-winning B.I.G Brunch in Garage. Expect a party-like energy from the outset, starting with a welcome drink and a lively setting.

The brunch showcases a global spread with five cooking stations – think Asian dumplings, Mexican tacos, and seafood galore, including oysters, lobster, and crab legs. Customise your own laksa, or dive into the British classics like Beef Wellington. Dessert lovers, brace yourselves – there’s everything from cakes and éclairs to a chocolate fountain, plus a cheese table that might just tempt you to go savoury with brie and manchego.

And if you’re a sushi fan, the extensive selection will have you making repeat trips for fried rainbow maki, sashimi, and more. There are also plenty of Chinese and meaty treats such as dumplings, duck pancakes, chicken wontons, and more.

Returning for dinner at Garage? You’re in for a treat. The à la carte menu is divided into four distinct sections: the Steam Table for steamed dishes, the Mezze Bar offering small plates, the Meat Vault specialising in grilled meats, and the Tart Van featuring indulgent desserts. We started our dinner with Beef dumplings, filled with tender Wagyu, Chinese cabbage, and crunchy water chestnuts. The trio of dumplings, encased in a striking red wrapper, was served with a light soy dipping sauce that added a perfect umami punch.

The Roasted chicken ramen was a comforting bowl of rich, slow-cooked broth, tender chicken, and noodles, all topped with fresh vegetables and a soft-boiled egg. The Hainan chicken rice is a true standout, with aromatic steamed chicken served alongside fragrant garlic-ginger rice, accompanied by an array of sauces and condiments.

For dessert, the Sticky date cake is a decadent end to the meal. Warm and moist, the cake is soaked in a luscious toffee sauce, perfectly complementing the sweet richness of the dates. A scoop of smooth vanilla ice cream melts over the top, adding a creamy contrast and is every bit as satisfying as it sounds.

Facilities

Whether you’re here to experience the thrill of Yas Marina Circuit or simply to relax by the pool with a refreshing mocktail, this hotel offers something for everyone. If shopping is on your agenda, Yas Mall is just around the corner, offering plenty of luxury boutiques to browse. If you’re after something more relaxing, you can explore the nearby mangroves by kayak or enjoy a round of golf at the neighbouring course. Plus, if you’re eager to explore the island without the fuss, the hotel’s complimentary shuttle makes getting around a breeze.

After a day packed with excitement or leisure, winding down is made easy. The outdoor pool is always a great option, and the fitness centre boasts impressive views over Yas Marina, but for the ultimate relaxation, the hotel’s spa is hard to beat. Overlooking the marina and spread across two levels, the spa combines modern design with a touch of Middle Eastern tradition, offering nine treatment rooms, a couple’s suite, and a hammam.

The 60-minute Abu Dhabi Soul treatment is a rejuvenating journey that begins with a soothing foot scrub, which helps to ground you before the main treatment. The therapist then transitions into a customised body massage, focusing on the areas of tension and discomfort you’ve highlighted. Using a blend of aromatic oils inspired by the Middle East’s rich spice heritage, the massage targets deep muscle layers, releasing stress and easing tension. The rhythmic strokes and gentle pressure melt away fatigue, leaving you entirely relaxed and revitalised.

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