The Ritz-Carlton
The palatial Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal sets new standards for luxury, even in this Emirate renowned for its opulence. Standing amidst superbly landscaped gardens, and facing the Grand Canal on one side and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque on the other, the hotel consists of 10 stately buildings arranged in a crescent formation, complemented by artfully designed water features. Enclosed by the crescent, the sensational centrepiece of the hotel is the magnificent 1,600-square-metre pool, which stretches down to the private beach and the Grand Canal -- the floor of the pool displays a stunning Italian art design, and after sunset it is illuminated with a host of changing colours.
The design of the hotel is inspired by Italian Renaissance architecture of the 15th-17th centuries, reflected externally by geometric cloister-style facades, and buildings painted in soft shades of terracotta and cream. The breathtaking entrance, through massive pillared arches, leads to a majestic three-storey lobby reminiscent of a Baroque palace, with Murano glass accents adorning the grand staircase. In a seamless fusion of styles, the mosaic tile patterns on the floor of the lobby, and throughout the public areas, are exact replicas of the designs used in the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, whose lighting is echoed in the lighting of the lobby at night.
The culinary journey at the Ritz-Carlton is about more than just food -- it starts with the elegant surroundings of the restaurants, three of which are designed by an award-winning firm of architects. The Forge, the hotel's signature steak-house, is one of the best-known restaurants in Abu Dhabi, while Li Jiang, the name of which means "beautiful river" reflecting its location right on the Grand Canal, is a contemporary South-east Asian restaurant with an open kitchen. Giornotte, an all-day dining restaurant, designed to resemble a classical Italian villa, features a lovely outdoor brick patio, with a wooden deck overlooking the garden.
Note: During holy month of Ramadan and Islamic Holidays; hotel might have certain restrictions on its operation as per UAE Laws.
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