TRAVEL/PHOTOGRAPHY/CULTURE
Indulge in Luxury: A Tour of Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental in Abu Dhabi, UAE
Merely strolling around the hotel lobby is a a feast for your eyes
“Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.” — Unknown
In September 2022, during our family trip to the Middle East, we dedicated a full day to exploring the captivating city of Abu Dhabi. Opting for guided tours starting from Dubai, we enjoyed the convenience of pickup and drop-off services.
Abu Dhabi, a city exuding magnificence with its rich culture, history, and attractions, became the focal point of our adventure. With the guidance of our knowledgeable tour guide, we explored the city’s renowned landmarks, including the impressive Qasr al Watan, the majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, and the lavish Emirates Palace.
Located in the heart of Abu Dhabi, this hotel is renowned for its luxurious amenities, stunning architecture, and cultural significance. We opted to tour this hotel on the advice of our tour guide.
Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental
Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental is a one-of-a-kind waterfront destination in the heart of the capital’s hustle and bustle.
It is famous for everything gold, including 24-carat edible gold flakes on coffees, a gold vending machine in the lobby, and 114 of the world’s most detailed gold domes.
Per The National News:
“Emirates Palace has 394 rooms including 92 suites and 22 residential suites for heads of state. It boasts 7,000 doors, 128 kitchens, a marina, four helipads and the interior is decorated with 26,247 metres of 22-carat gold leaf (it even has its own in-house gold leaf specialist). Outside are verdant gardens with 8,000 trees that have attracted more than 150 species of birds, while staff harvest 20 tonnes of dates from its palms every year. Emirates Palace was built on 1,000,000 square metres of reclaimed land — equalling half the area of Monaco, the hotel says.”
Celebrities and UAE royalty stay at the five-star hotel. The palace opened its doors to the public in 2005.
In 2020, Mandarin Oriental assumed operational control, marking the commencement of a new era.
Our Visit
The grandeur of the Emirates Palace is a poignant ode to a bygone era, standing in stark contrast to the sleek, contemporary glass and steel structures that dominate the city center.
Reflecting traditional Emirati architecture, this magnificent edifice, with its expansive grounds, opulent design, and lavish use of gold leafing, is a testament to meticulous craftsmanship.
Every facet of the palace, from its luxurious architectural features to the exquisite decorations, captivates with a nostalgic charm. The sheer magnitude of the structure and the attention to detail in every element made an indelible mark on our experience.
Wandering through the palace, the abundance of gold and marble unique to the United Arab Emirates was a visual feast. High ceilings adorned with colossal domes, white and gold ornamentation, stained glass alcoves, and sculptures contributed to an atmosphere of unparalleled grandeur.
One of the most intriguing aspects was the presence of palm trees within the palace, a sight unfamiliar to us and a testament to the extraordinary efforts in design. Every inch of the palace showcased intricate, flawless, and beautiful designs, leaving us in awe.
A fortunate aspect of our visit was the relative serenity, as the corridors and restaurants were blissfully devoid of large crowds. This allowed us to leisurely stroll through the opulence, absorbing the grandeur without distraction.
Our time at the Emirates Palace was a valuable experience that offered a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle enjoyed by the affluent in the Middle East.
Here are some photos of this magnificent hotel for your viewing pleasure.
Ten Interesting Facts
Here are ten interesting facts about the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental hotel that you might not have been aware of before.
- The Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, covering an area of one million square meters, required over 20,000 workers and took three years to complete.
- The construction of the hotel cost approximately 3 billion dollars, making it a costly project.
- To ensure privacy and security, there are almost 7000 doors throughout the hotel.
- Despite being located in the arid desert of Abu Dhabi, the hotel boasts an oasis-like landscape, complete with approximately 800 trees.
- The private beach for hotel guests spans almost 1.3 kilometers, providing ample opportunity for exploration and relaxation.
- To cater to the large area spread across different floors, the hotel has 102 lifts to transport guests to their desired destinations.
- The hotel offers a luxurious spa package with a 24-carat radiance facial to leave you feeling pampered and rejuvenated.
- Sports enthusiasts can enjoy practicing their kicking skills on the FIFA-certified football pitch located on the hotel grounds.
- The hotel’s decoration features marble imported from thirteen different countries and the prominent use of gold.
- The hotel is famous for using almost five kilograms of edible gold to create decadent desserts, including the famous cappuccino mixed with 24-carat gold.
Closing Thoughts
Overall, the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental is a true luxury destination, offering guests unparalleled comfort and sophistication.
It is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the best that Abu Dhabi offers.
Emirates Palace Address:
West Corniche Road — Al Ras Al Akhdar, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
What is the most luxurious hotel you have ever visited? Please share your thoughts in the comments.
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