Mangroves pool suite.

The United Arab Emirates is a thriving federation of seven emirates: Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah, Umm al-Quwain, and Abu Dhabi the capital. Hugging the coastline of south eastern Arabia and bridging the Arabian Gulf and the Arabian Sea, the UAE is one of the most exotic locations on the 2016 Formula 1 Grand Prix calendar. Once the domain of Arab chieftains, pearl traders, and playing host to the swashbuckling exploits of the British and pirates of the gulf, the sensualities and luxuries of Arabia’s romantic past will not be forgotten when visitors experience the hospitality and splendor of Abu Dhabi.

On November 27th, the eyes of racing fans from around the world will be on the Yas Marina Circuit. For an entire weekend the air will be electrified with the cheers of thousands as clenched steering wheels and pressed accelerators will force metal and petrol down tight lanes until the ultimate victor takes his place atop the podium. The Yas Marina Circuit on the Yas Island will be the focal point for all Grand Prix enthusiasts. Yas Island, a man-made leisure center, also possesses the Ferrari World amusement park, Yas Waterworld, an overabundance of restaurants, along with the soon-to-be completed Warner Bros. World.

The heat of the Arabian sun, the scent of the track, and the energy of the crowds can easily overwhelm the senses of any visitor. But what can Abu Dhabi offer tourists coming to the Middle East’s Formula 1 Grand Prix in a few months time? The finer things in life have never been foreign to the Emirati, a people who have traditionally scourged the coastline for pearls – one of nature’s most sought after prizes. If one needs to unwind after a day at the circuit, perhaps it is not a coincidence that the Eastern Mangroves Hotel and Spa, itself a pearl in the city and an oasis in a region of unforgiving heat and sand, would be the place best suited for visitors to the Formula 1 race. High living within the bosom of luxury, accentuated by the hotel’s modern architecture, itself inspired by Arabic design reflected in mushrabiyas, timber trellises, mosaics, and 18-carat gold inlays, can be found only a short twenty minute car ride from the endless roar of the race track.

One defining feature of the Eastern Mangroves Hotel and Spa is the Mangrove National Park which lies directly opposite the hotel across the channel, which possesses almost 19 kilometers of lush forest. Keeping the beauty of this national treasure in mind, the Tourism Development and Investment Company (TDIC) has planted an additional 60,000 mangrove seedlings along the channel section in front of the hotel complex in order to enhance the unique setting. Visitors can enjoy what nature has to offer by strolling along the Eastern Mangroves Promenade and Marina all the way to the Abu Dhabi business district.

The hotel and spa boasts 222 rooms and suites with the largest being the two-floor Royal Mangroves Residence, the largest suite in all of Abu Dhabi, which comes complete with a private infinity pool, garden, and a terrace and bar, amongst other luxuries. The most discerning leisure travelers can spoil themselves with personalized service and a private concierge by signing up to the exclusive Kasara Executive Club.

The dining options at the Eastern Mangroves Hotel and Spa are sure to please the taste buds of any patron. If you should choose to begin you day lounging on the pool deck, Mediterranean-inspired snacks or frozen treats will be at your fingertips while you work on a tan under the Arabian sun. After sunbathing well into the late afternoon, you can enjoy freshly-squeezed juice at the Mangroves Lounge. Lunch and dinner are served at Ingredients all day, and visitors wishing to savor the flavors of South East Asia will be delighted to know that Chef Sakphon Jornthaisong will be on hand at Pachaylen, an authentic Thai restaurant, to serve his signature steamed dumplings. A more intimate setting is available at Dine by Design, a candlelit pier overlooking the city’s natural mangroves. In the evening, while admiring the city skyline and setting sun, drinks can be sipped at Impressions, the rooftop lounge. Women will be delighted to know that they can enjoy an unlimited selection of red and white Italian and French wines for ladies night every Wednesday. Anyone interested in a more causal evening can enjoy one of the many Japanese Bento boxes the restaurant has to offer.

If you choose to spend the weekend cheering on the racing teams as man and machine tear down the track, the Anantara Spa and Lifestyle facilities will provide a well-deserved chance to relax and unwind. Both men and women can be treated to sauna and steam rooms, yoga and Pilates classes, spa cuisine, and a traditional Turkish Hamman, the primary treatment available at the Anantara Spa, all before cleansing themselves in a Vichy shower. If physical activity is more to your liking, the Eastern Mangroves Hotel and Spa also boasts a gym complete with the latest fitness equipment.

In a land of heat and harsh sand, the Eastern Mangroves Hotel and Spa will be the perfect place for visitors to the Formula 1 Grand Prix to unwind. With high luxury, culinary delights, a relaxing spa, and a close proximity to Yas Island, both leisure and corporate tourists are bound to return next time they visit Abu Dhabi.