Sitting pretty on its own private estate on a pristine natural island, but with touching distance of the capital, The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort celebrates the best of both worlds: island escapism with urban attachment. All eco-protected beach, crystal-clear cerulean waters combined with grand designs and the incomparable heritage of the St. Regis Butler Service, the property is a destination in its own right. Whether you venture to Louvre Abu Dhabi, or drive an iron around Saadiyat Beach Golf Club’s beautiful course, the hotel will be waiting to relax and refuel you. With six restaurants at its fingertips, its two shining stars are Sontaya and Buddha-Bar Beach Abu Dhabi, each promising to exceed your expectation with every bite. Here’s why…
SONTAYA
Set amongst a series of floating pavilions and shimmering pools, with seductive views stretching out across the beach, Sontaya has really lucked out with its location. Meaning ‘sunset’ in Thai, the beautiful Asian restaurant is sophisticated and chic in design, with its soft mood lighting spilling out onto its terraces to exude romance both indoors and under the stars.
Its menu serves a culinary mosaic of Southeast Asian fare, dipping between pan-fried crab cakes and vermicelli prawns to caramelized chili and lemongrass salmon, Singaporean wok-fried XO lobster and Massaman short-rib curry. With the compliments of the mixologists, Sontaya’s specially-curated signature cocktails and mocktails will help ease you into the holiday mindset, as you sip, sit back and watch the sunset.
The restaurant also has two intimate private dining rooms, for up to 55 guests, which are perfect for break-out celebrations. With both indoor and outdoor options, Sontaya’s team will craft an exclusive and highly personalized experience just for you.
BUDDHA-BAR BEACH ABU DHABI
World-renowned for its casual Asian-Fusion relaxed fine-dining concept, Buddha-Bar’s home at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort brings together the East and the West through taste, hospitality, wellness, music and mixology. A true day-to-night destination, with just the right dash of luxury, Buddha-Bar Beach Abu Dhabi is all beach-chic vibes while the sun is up, and heady evening-glam when the sun goes down. With soft, undulating lines sweeping across the cosy restaurant and bar in muted tones and hints of gold, the lower terrace embraces more of the beach, with dark woods and sand-coloured soft seating for chic beachfront gatherings.
Whether you visit for lunch, brunch or dinner, the menu serves up a selection of Pacific Rim Nouvelle Cuisine, creating a masterful blend of flavours from plate to palate. Ingredients and spices find their way from China, Japan and Thailand to combine with the zest of the west in a riotous explosion of taste and colour.
Pick between Buddha-Bar Beach tacos and truffle chicken gyoza to start and salmon tiradito, robata Thai king prawns and beef anticucho for mains. The Mathamisu desert with mascarpone cream, Matcha biscuit and candied kumquat will keep you coming back for more.
