The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi

"Only 10 minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi—but a world away in spirit from the city rush—St. Regis Saaydiyat Island looks like a Mediterranean palace but feels like pure Abu Dhabi. The impressive architecture blends luxe finishes like calacatta marble, chisel-edge stone, and petrified wood with a golden color palette that’s offset with views of the turquoise waves of the Arabian Gulf (look close enough and you might even catch a dolphin swimming in the distance). Indulge in a pampering session at the Iridium Spa, go for retail therapy in the property’s shops, or hit the greens at the Saadiyat Island Golf Club. If that sounds like too much exertion, you might prefer to simply lounge in a cabana near one of four pools while sipping an Arabian Snapper, a classic Bloody Mary made with zaatar spice."

"Set the scene for us. The The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, a palatial beachfront property, feels like it could be a mansion in Florida or the Caribbean. Yet it's on the pristine white-sand beaches of Saadiyat Island, skirting the Persian Gulf. Everything about the property feels thought through, from the expanses of terraced manicured grass, to the palm trees lining the walkways. The good stuff: Tell us about your room. Guest rooms are a blend of the Mediterranean and the Middle East. Expansive views of the Persian Gulf are framed by European-style architecture and accents. Neutral, modern furniture invite guests to linger. Some rooms have private balconies with chaise lounges—an idyllic perch from which to watch the waves gently roll in. Is there a charge for Wi-Fi—and is the quality good? Wi-Fi is free and it's fast. What do they have to eat here? Six on-site restaurants make it easy to base yourself at the property for the duration of your stay. Buddha Bar serves up Southeast Asia fare and sushi paired with masterful cocktails in a boho-chic setting, with a lounge-style outdoor terrace overlooking the beach. The Drawing Room satisfies sweet cravings with a pastry case and indulgent bits, and 24-hour in-room dining is always on-hand. Did the staff do you right? The multilingual staff floats around the property, so it's always easy to find someone to help you out. To top it off, the head concierge has Les Clefs d’Or insignia. What type of travelers will you find here? The largely Western clientele can be spotted lounging by the private beach, doing laps in the pool, and flooding the hotel's mezzanine for Olea's famous brunch. What about the neighborhood? What else will we find here? Situated on an semi-isolated stretch of Saadiyat Island's coastline, the hotel sits near other five-star resorts and residential compounds. And anything we missed? The outdoor pools are a must: lined with deep-blue tile and shaded by swaying palm trees, they're the perfect place to cool off on hot Abu Dhabi days. Bottom line: Why are we staying here? Come for the beach, the food, and the views." - Jenna Scatena

"This St. Regis Resort, a palatial beachfront property, looks like it belongs in Florida or the Caribbean. Yet it's on the pristine white-sand beaches of Saadiyat Island, skirting the Persian Gulf. Everything about the property feels thought-through, from the expanses of terraced manicured grass, to the palm trees lining the walkways. Guest rooms are a blend of the Mediterranean and the Middle East. If you're lucky enough to get one with a balcony, you'll find it's an idyllic perch from which to watch the waves roll in." - Melinda Healy

"Friday brunch is huge here, and the Terrace on the Corniche, at the The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi, does one of the best, with Champagne, a shwarma station, and a cheese cart."