The Abu Dhabi EDITION — Photo by Marriott

EDITION Hotels brings its signature, iconic style to the UAE with the opening of The Abu Dhabi EDITION, an exclusive waterfront oasis spearheading a new movement in the city that never stands still. The first EDITION to open in the Middle East, Abu Dhabi is a ground-breaking hotel concept brought to life by Ian Schrager, the visionary behind contemporary luxury as we know it, in collaboration with Marriott International. This powerful partnership brings with it the area's finest hotel concept, offering the ultimate elevated experience in design, food, amenities and entertainment. In a city that embraces the bold, the new and the revolutionary, The Abu Dhabi EDITION will be a new kind of gathering place, unlike anything that has come before it.

The Abu Dhabi EDITION Oak Room Dining

With 198 guest rooms and suites as well as 57 exclusive residences, this new jewel of Abu Dhabiwill deliver the best of both worlds: polished with personality, perfectionism with individualism and comfort with charisma and charm. This balancing act encompasses not only exceptional design and innovation, but also personal, friendly, modern five-star service as well as outstanding, one-of-a-kind food, beverage and entertainment offerings 'all under one roof.' EDITION's collaborative aesthetic is in its approach to the modern lifestyle, seeking out the most talented individuals, from artists and designers to world-class chefs and musicians to create a new, experience-led destination for Abu Dhabi. 

A single, iconic gem located on a prime site on the Al Bateen peninsula, 20 minutes from The Louvre Abu Dhabi and the beaches of Saadiyat, and just 35 minutes from Yas Island, the property enjoys breath-taking views of the azure waters of the Arabian Gulf and the activity of the buzzing adjacent marina. The Abu Dhabi EDITION is not merely a hotel, but an elegantly designed, intricately interlinked complex of structures, spaces, and settings that together offer a new kind of resort environment, where every aspect of the traditional hotel has been re-imagined for the needs and desires of a new generation, every thought given to enhancing a guest's stay: for leisure and for work.

Anticipating the changing needs and desires of the modern traveller, The Abu Dhabi EDITION offers a distinctive, upscale environment, encompassing innovative design whilst respecting and celebrating the lifestyle and traditions of the Emirati culture. As with all EDITION hotels, each one is a cultural epicentre and a microcosm of the best each city has to offer; a portal into the essence of the city, recognizing the history whilst at the same time defining a new moment in its future. Embracing the local architectural heritage of the Eastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, The Abu Dhabi EDITION blends the form and details of traditional architecture as well as natural local patterns that are the inspiration for the materials, color palettes and details that feature throughout the hotel.

Strategically situated along the marina, the view on arrival is the distinctive and memorable exterior, reminiscent of the lateen sails of the traditional Dhow boats that the region was once famed for building. Designed throughout by Ian Schrager Company and Wimberly Interiors, the cavernous five-storey lobby contains a dramatic, curved atrium with a sinuously shaped balustrade, echoing the movement of the water and mirroring the marine narrative of the development. The exceptional lounge area, ubiquitous with all EDITION hotels, features a large-scale kinetic art installation In 20 Steps designed by the world-renowned art collective Studio Drift , produced by Czech glass company, Lasvit. The installation pays tribute to evolution and humanity's desire to fly, spanning across the whole length of the space above the lounge and is made from a number of glass cylinders, each connected by metal joints and suspended from the ceiling by a series of strings that enable the artwork to move. Below, the vast lobby contains two signature armchairs by local designer, Latifa Saeed inspired by the distinctive way Emirati children braid their hair. The guest reception is flanked by a feature, brass-clad desk and the surrounding walls are ensconced with gold leaf, gently washed with a delicate light to create a sense of superior warmth and welcome to guests.

The interpretation of local heritage and native, natural materials continues throughout the hotel, including the 198 guest rooms, suites and 57 exclusive residences, ideal for longer stays. Featuring a neutral palette and boasting sweeping views over the surrounding water, each room features photography by the twentieth-century photographer Brett Weston. The photographic selection displays Weston's masterful skill at manipulating photos of sand dunes to create sinuous lines and sensuous forms which references Abu Dhabi's surrounding environment while remaining true to EDITION's sophisticated aesthetic. Grey oak herringbone timber flooring draws inspiration from local basket weaving techniques, whilst beautiful timber panelling adorn the walls, enhancing a feeling of calm and tranquillity. Signature imported linens are used throughout the guest rooms, whilst the bathrooms are finished in white marble, detailed in contrasting antique bronze, for a modern bathing experience with custom-scented Le Labo amenities as standard. Guestroom balconies take in the beauty and serenity of the Marina views and feature sleek, sophisticated outdoor furniture by Gandia Blasco.

The "prow," or point, of the hotel, reminiscent of the prow of a boat protruding out over the water is the location of the property's penthouses - the Marina Penthouse and the Royal Penthouse. Both penthouses feature panoramic views over the water on two sides as well as a large, private balcony. Each penthouse contains a large bedroom with six-fixture bath and soaking tub, whilst the lounge area contains a living room and dining area where meetings are conducted and guests are entertained. There is also an option to connect a single guest room to the public side of Marina or Royal Penthouse through an internal door, providing flexibility of accommodation for additional family members or personal assistants. For enhanced security and privacy, the penthouse suites also offer allocated parking spaces and a dedicated elevator to take guests discreetly to their penthouse without having to walk through the lobby. Penthouse guests can also access Market at EDITION's Private dining room and the secure basement garage by private elevator.

To provide privacy and a unique identity, the private Residences are located in a structure adjacent to the hotel with its own dedicated entry and lobby. Connecting to the main hotel via the sky bridge, this six-storey building will enjoy its own views of the water and Marina from each of the rooms. The private residences boast a living space of up to 92 square meters with separate bedrooms, lounge area and kitchen with their own service entries. The top two floors of the private Residences are reserved for larger two and three-bedroom apartments, each with a large private outdoor balcony and the best views overlooking the Marina.

For any event planner, The Abu Dhabi EDITION's year-round sunshine, crystalline marina and lush landscape provide the ideal stage to set any meeting, conference, or wedding. The hotel's forum, a grand, elegant ballroom which measures an expansive 654 square meters with seating for 450 guests, can be accessed directly from both the hotel and the street. This private event space also houses a pre-function area with two bridal suites and a Majlis as well as an executive boardroom, meeting rooms and business centre.

EDITION Spa at The Abu Dhabi EDITION, opening in late 2018, will be the one of the most unique and special elements of the hotel, embodying vibrant living by bringing together local, authentic healing practices and high impact treatments and wellness programs from around the world. EDITION Spa embraces the generous spirit of Abu Dhabi, where hospitality lies at the heart of its culture. Light oak flooring and timber walls provide a soft, organic atmosphere where guests are invited to relax and enjoy a hand blended tonic or warm cup of tea. Each guests' experience will be tailored to their specific needs, blending timeless philosophies and innovative techniques to custom build treatments with bespoke scent, sound, touch and premium products.

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