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by This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it on Wednesday, 31 December 2008
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With the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority almost 12 months into its five-year tourism development plan, the emirate has already started to roll out some of its major projects, discovers Gemma Greenwood.
The Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) has been talking up its tourism development plans for some time, but aside from the odd hotel opening, nothing substantial had been added to the emirate's mix until recently.
But that all changed on October 1 when the former royal nature reserve of Sir Bani Yas Island opened to the public, offering a number of nature- and conservation-based experiences and also featuring Desert Islands Resort & Spa - a five-star hotel operated by luxury hotel company Anantara.
The F1 is so important to us because when a destination attracts interest with a global event, it means we have made it.
But Sir Bani Yas Island is just one of eight natural islands off the Abu Dhabi coast near Jabal Dhanna that comprise ‘Desert Islands', each of which is being developed according to sustainable models by the Tourism Development and Investment Company (TDIC), the privately operated development arm of the ADTA.
The other islands include the historical Dalma Island and the previously unexplored Discovery Islands, where private resorts and community projects will be developed.
The estimated total investment in the Desert Islands project is US $3 billion.
Meanwhile, the TDIC is working with Anantara once again to create a desert retreat amid the towering dunes of the Liwa district of Abu Dhabi. The Anantara Qasr Al Sarab will be just 90 minutes drive from Abu Dhabi International Airport, fashioned in the style of a desert fortress featuring a spa, conference centre and an adjoining tented village.
Like its Sir Bani Yas counterpart, the resort, set to open at the end of 2009, is being pitched at a luxury getaway for the top-end traveller.
"We are looking at a boutique audience - locals, families and the discerning overseas visitor," explains ADTA marketing division director Julie Bishop. "This fits in with Abu Dhabi's overall aim to attract visitors that want to experience the emirate and participate in what it has to offer."
One to One now open for business
One of the latest hotels to open its doors in Abu Dhabi is One to One Hotel - the Village.
The 128-room property is not your run-of-the-mill hotel and is certainly not high rise - instead, this ‘village' is divided into clusters, each housing either a block of apartment-style rooms and suites or some of the many leisure facilities it boasts, including a gym, two exercise studios, a spa, salon and even a florist.
Each cluster of rooms has its own rooftop pool and while the accommodation is classed as four-star, the F&B offering is of a very high standard.
The cuisine on offer comprises international, Lebanese, Asian and a meaty steakhouse, while there are many healthy options on the menu including fresh fruit and vegetable juices that provide a week's worth of vitamins and minerals in one tasty shot. There's also the ‘Cubes' cocktail lounge.
One to One Hotel - the Village is located on the edge of the city of Abu Dhabi and is not the easiest place to find but once you arrive you realise it's close to ADNEC, the airport and many key leisure attractions and commercial districts.
The property caters to leisure and business travellers and is ideally suited to groups.
For meetings there are several fully equipped natural daylight rooms, while private dining and cocktail functions can be arranged. Wifi is complimentary.
For more information visit www.onetoonehotels.com.
One of the latest hotels to open its doors in Abu Dhabi is One to One Hotel - the Village.
The 128-room property is not your run-of-the-mill hotel and is certainly not high rise - instead, this ‘village' is divided into clusters, each housing either a block of apartment-style rooms and suites or some of the many leisure facilities it boasts, including a gym, two exercise studios, a spa, salon and even a florist.
Each cluster of rooms has its own rooftop pool and while the accommodation is classed as four-star, the F&B offering is of a very high standard.
The cuisine on offer comprises international, Lebanese, Asian and a meaty steakhouse, while there are many healthy options on the menu including fresh fruit and vegetable juices that provide a week's worth of vitamins and minerals in one tasty shot. There's also the ‘Cubes' cocktail lounge.
One to One Hotel - the Village is located on the edge of the city of Abu Dhabi and is not the easiest place to find but once you arrive you realise it's close to ADNEC, the airport and many key leisure attractions and commercial districts.
The property caters to leisure and business travellers and is ideally suited to groups.
For meetings there are several fully equipped natural daylight rooms, while private dining and cocktail functions can be arranged. Wifi is complimentary.
For more information visit www.onetoonehotels.com.
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