Ten reasons why Abu Dhabi should be on every traveller's bucket list

A colourful collage of ancient traditions, modern architecture, abundant natural beauty and compelling events, this stunning emirate is fast emerging as an absolute must-visit destination.

Here, discover 10 things to see and do that will convince you to go.

1. Luxurious Spas

Unwind and pamper yourself at a myriad of luxurious spas, from the traditional Hammam at Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara, to the deliciously indulgent treatments at the Anantara Spa at
Emirates Palace.

2. Gourmet Abu Dhabi

This gastronomic festival held each February boasts a star-studded cast of Michelin-star chefs and special guests, masterclasses, industry insights from hospitality experts, as well as gourmet dinners hosted at some of Abu Dhabi city’s finest restaurants and venues.

3. Sir Bani Yas Island

A true island getaway with three stunning resorts, the Arabian Wildlife Park with up to 10,000 free roaming animals, and an array of activities from hiking, mountain biking, diving, snorkelling, horse riding, archery and the unique pearling and fishing trips.

4. Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara

A stunning oasis in the midst of the mystical Liwa Desert, Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara is far removed from the outside world while still less than 200 kilometres from Abu Dhabi city.
Guests can immerse themselves in the beauty of the legendary Rub Al Khali (Empty Quarter), the multi-award-winning facilities and magical desert experiences.

5. Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital

The world’s largest and most advanced falcon hospital, guided tours take visitors into the luxurious wards to see where these majestic birds are kept during their stay, while in the museum visitors gain an insight to this regal desert bird.

6. Abu Dhabi Pearl Journey

A true once-in-a-lifetime experience; board a traditional pearling dhow to take a leisurely cruise and hear tales of dedication to the ancient art of pearling. You will witness the traditional way of opening a living oyster and receive your very own pearl as a souvenir.

7. Al Maryah Island

Home to one of the world’s most sophisticated shopping malls – The Galleria – with the highest concentration of luxury brands in the Arabian Peninsula.

8. Kayaking Through the Mangroves

Take a guided kayaking trip through the eco-vital mangroves, discover their beauty and learn of the vital contribution they make to the emirate’s eco-system.
Tours leave from the Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara.

9. Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

The world’s only twilight race on the magnificent, grand-stand shaded Yas Marina Circuit. Race weekend is one of the most glamorous on the F1 circuit with after-race concerts and an Abu Dhabi city-wide activity program.

10. Volvo Ocean Race

Be in Abu Dhabi this December/January and join in the celebrations to welcome the round-the-world Volvo Ocean Race fleet to the UAE capital.
Get down to the Corniche Destination Village for all-day entertainment and fun for free.

Wellbeing means different things to different travellers. Here’s how to pick a hotel that gets it right for you.

The best wellness holidays aren’t necessarily spent wrapped in a spa robe. Sometimes they’re found around a dinner table in Cambodia, on a hiking trail in New Zealand or after finally beating jet lag on the other side of the world. The hotel you choose is what makes them happen.

1. Easy access to good food

meals from Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 — Taste delicious meals at Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20.

One of the quickest ways to derail healthy habits on holiday is to spend half of it working out where to eat instead of digging into the culture around you. Thankfully, Novotel has done much of the hard work already, with chefs building menus that lean into the flavours, ingredients and traditions of each destination.

In Sihanoukville, Cambodia, Korkor soup – often dubbed ‘Cambodian ratatouille’ – sits alongside raw blue crab dressed with lime and chilli, best enjoyed with views across the Gulf of Thailand.

In the lovingly chaotic city of Bangkok, the presence of food cranks up the sociability. At Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20, you can settle in with mango sticky rice and stranger-turned-friends beside the pool at Sky on 20 rooftop bar, or bring them along to tackle river prawns and stir-fried crab with holy basil at the buzzing Crab Paradise Dinner Buffet.

Then Novotel Dubai Al Barsha welcomes you with a laidback twist on the level of indulgence the Middle Eastern city is best known for up on Deck Se7en. Looking towards Burj Al Arab, the rooftop lounge has everything from Mediterranean-style dishes like seabass ceviche to Italian prosecco sundowners.

At the other end of the scale, in the hills that surround the Novotel Bali Ubud Resort, calm comes from nature. At Siralada restaurant, Balinese traditions shape the menu while thunder rumbles over the surrounding jungle – proving the setting is as nourishing as the food itself.

While at Novotel Nha Trang, chef Kieu Thi My Hanh and her team showcase Vietnam’s knack for balancing freshness, texture and fragrant herbs. Pho remains a favourite, while seafood salad with pomelo and mango brings those flavours together in one bright dish.

It’s all an approach backed by partnerships with expert food creators such as Alfie Steiner, whose plant-forward recipes prove healthy food should never taste plain.

2. Better sleep options

Novotel Bali Ubud Resort room — Sleep deeply with Novotel.

There are few travel experiences more disappointing than arriving in a new country, determined to seize the day, only to fall asleep fully clothed by 3pm.

For Australian travellers, jet lag is often an unavoidable part of the journey. That’s one reason Novotel runs sleep-focused initiatives that help guests adjust quickly without compromising on health. We’re talking partnerships with Sydney-based sleep specialist Olivia Arezzolo, known for her advice on everything from better sleep habits to beating jet lag, alongside features like pillow menus, in-room yoga content and tailored sleep guidance.

The sooner you’re operating on local time, the sooner you can get back to more pressing matters – like deciding which spa treatment to book.

3. More ways to move

woman hiking around queenstown new zealand — Stay at Novotel Queenstown Lakeside and explore local hiking trails. (Credit: GettyI mages/ naruedom)

Every place in the world has its own way of getting you moving: whether that’s hiking up ice-bitten mountains before a sauna or gentle stretching by the pool before a facial. From fitness centres to spas, Novotel recognises that wellbeing rarely looks the same.

At Novotel Queenstown Lakeside, activity is inescapable. Here, hiking trails, ski fields, bungee jumps, and white-water rafting have made the region famous. The hotel’s location on the shores of Lake Wakatipu means less time spent organising yourself and more time out there experiencing them. To top it all off, you can book a private hot tub for the evening before heading back into the wilderness tomorrow.

Bali, of course, takes a softer approach. At Novotel Bali Ubud Resort or Novotel Bali Nusa Dua, movement is less about conquering a mountain and more about a dance class between the tropical gardens and lagoon pools. Afterwards, the spa takes over, with traditional treatments like a Lulur body scrub: a combination of rice, turmeric, sandalwood, ginger and jasmine that’ll soothe muscles already relaxed by the Balinese heat.

4. Better connections

Kids will love a stay at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh.

One of the best things about travel is that it gives your family stories you’ll be telling for years. Novotel helps create them with activities that bring everyone together, whether that’s trying something new, learning a local skill, or simply spending more time together.

Go for a distinctly Thai twist at Novotel Phuket Vintage Park, where many of the family activities draw on local culture. Kids can try everything from beginner Thai boxing and language lessons to umbrella painting and – a pastime beloved by children the world over – pool foam parties. Everyone is welcome to join in, whether that’s getting splashed, covered in paint, or simply watching their children discover a new side of Thailand during the dedicated Family & Kids Day.

A different adventure awaits at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh. Kids could be perfectly content with discos, drawing classes and new holiday friends, but the Red Sea has other ideas. Sitting on the edge of Naama Bay, days here might involve snorkelling colourful reefs, taking a boat trip to Ras Mohammed National Park or heading into the desert by quad bike or camel for a Bedouin-style dinner beneath the stars.

5. Location is everything

Surin Beach, Choeng Thale, Thalang District, Phuket, Thaiföld — Explore Phuket’s gorgeous beaches. (Credit: Bence Biczo)

Everyone’s idea of wellness looks a little different. With more than 600 hotels across 65 countries, Novotel gives guests the freedom to choose the destination that suits them best. Whether that’s a beachside escape in Phuket, an alpine expedition in Queenstown or a city break in Bangkok, there’s a good chance a Novotel isn’t far away.

All that’s left? Choosing your version of wellbeing.

Discover stays to inspire your everyday at novotel.accor.com.

10 reasons why Abu Dhabi should be on every bucket list