The orange-hues of the evening Abu Dhabi sky are giving way to the all-encompassing darkness of night as I place myself on the balcony of my Fantastic Suite at W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island. The changing of the ether’s shades is the cue for the Gridshell – a 85,000 square-metre roof structure composed of 5,000 LED panels – to come to life. Dominating the landscape of Yas Island, it can sometimes be difficult to comprehend how this kaleidoscopic beacon isn’t the hotel’s major talking point, as it dazzles, switching from green-to-blue-to-pink. After a quick trance-like stare, I come to my full senses to train my focus on Yas Marina Circuit, better known as the home of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Straddling the famed racetrack, W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island is the only hotel in the world to hold such a prestige location, and from my balcony, I am graced with a pole position. It may be quiet this evening, but one can only imagine the roar of engines as Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, and Lando Norris thunder by, and that’s not to mention the vibrations, as Bhaven, my hotel guide, highlighted when he escorted me on a tour of the property earlier in the day. But Abu Dhabi’s biggest party of the year is still a matter of months away and my stomach is advising me to explore the property’s selection of culinary establishments, so I retreat to the chic interiors of my suite, to ready myself for the night ahead.

Inside, the 102 square-metre suite’s cream interiors combine with a black-tiled floor for a striking yet beautiful contrast. Situated in the Marina Building of the enormous property, the suite is divided into a living room and bedroom, alongside a sizable bathroom. Upon arrival in the suite, guests are greeted with an assortment of welcome amenities. Think ice-cold juices, fruits, a plethora of white and dark chocolates, and an edible race car levitating above an edible racetrack. Featuring a sofa, a large HD television and a mini-dining table, you will also find the W Mix Bar where you can whip up your favourite cocktails, as well as a Bluetooth-activated BOSE sound system, whose beats flow through the entire suite, no matter your location. 

The bedroom is minimalistic with soft, crisp linens bestowed on a huge bed, another mega HD television and a control panel where you can change the suite’s lighting. In the bathroom, there’s an oversized bathtub for those who wish to luxuriate in bubbles, a huge rain shower, and double vanity sinks, meaning there are no disagreements over who gets to beautify themselves first, before a night on the town. 

All set, I cross the indoor bridge that floats above the track to the main building where brunch revellers are continuing the party at W Lounge, a vivacious venue whose interiors are inspired by wildflowers in bloom. I make note to pass by later but for now, my course is set for Garage, where I have an opportunity to indulge in the specially curated Taste the Race menu. Celebrating the best dishes of five locations on the race schedule, we delve into tuna, Japanese tataki and tori gyoza from Japan, Singaporean beef rendang, cold mezze platters representing Abu Dhabi, a feast of meats named The Tex Mex Platter for the USA, and an Italian chocolate cannoli at the finish line. 

We will return to the venue the next morning for breakfast, but an insider tip is to secure your place for the B.I.G Brunch on Saturdays where you can savour elite cuts, Asian street food, Peruvian spices, Lebanese plates, and dream desserts alongside lively beats from the DJ. And for those who like to plan ahead, the restaurant’s veranda offers arguably the best seat in Abu Dhabi for whenever the Grand Prix rolls into town. If you wish to continue the culinary adventure, there’s Angar @ Rush serving innovative tastes and twists on Indian classics, and Roastery, tempting coffee lovers with a brew. Two new restaurants will join the hotel’s gastronomic line-up in the form of Japanese and Mediterranean venues in December. 

If you need a little down time to regroup, catch the rays and tunes at trendy rooftop pool, WET Deck, or work up a sweat at FIT, a fitness centre packed with a sauna room, steam room, Jacuzzi, and state-of-the-art equipment, positioned perfectly for views of Yas Marina. My choice of relaxation is the two-storey SPA by W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island, replete with nine treatment rooms, an Insta-worthy light therapy room, and shimmering therapy shower. I opt for the snooze-inducing Abu Dhabi Soul treatment where the vegan-friendly Comfort Zone scrub is massaged into my body, full of Middle Eastern aromas. 

Unfortunately, the chequered flag is about to be waved on my time at the W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island as check-out time approaches. But I get ready with the comfort of knowing I’ll be back on the second Sunday of December for those roars and vibrations of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Will you? 

Marriott.com