EDITION Hotels has celebrated its newest opening in Abu Dhabi, marking its entry into the Middle East for the first time. The Abu Dhabi EDITION debuts at the threshold of the Al Bateen peninsula with designs from Ian Schrager Company in collaboration with New York-based design firm Wimberly Interiors.
Beyond the hotel marina, guests are welcomed by the dramatic five-story lobby, which is home to a dramatically curved atrium outfitted with a sinuous balustrade evocative of the water. A large, aerodynamic-inspired art installation from Studio Drift also punctuates the space, along with gold leaf walls and a brass-clad reception desk. The lobby serves as a social hub, appointed with communal tables as well as a golden pool table, bar, and barista station. Arabian-inspired bronze screens partition the space as well.
The all-day lifestyle eatery, Market at EDITION, arrives as one of three signature onsite restaurants, equipped with a fecund terrace and floor-to-ceiling shelves decorated with fragrant pots and kitchen accessories. The traditional English oak-paneled Oak Room is crafted with a frosted, glass-fronted butchery and an intimate 10-seat private room. Installed opposite Oak Room is the Library Bar, a gin-led cocktail bar accented with artwork that echoes the themes of language and the written word. Meanwhile, the marina side of the hotel is home to restaurant Alba Terrace. The Mediterranean-style eatery is anchored by a large, brass-clad aperitif bar as well as a light palette expressed through terrazzo surfaces, lime oak wall panels, sheer curtains, and vibrant flora. Slated to open later this year, Annex will span three floors—including a rooftop garden bar—of buzzing social settings.
Framing sweeping water views, 198 guestrooms, suites, and 57 exclusive residences are designed with a neutral palette accented with artwork from photographer Brett Weston. Gray herringbone floors reflect local basket-weaving techniques, while timber panels line the walls. Bathrooms contrast white marble with antique bronze. Both the Marina and Royal penthouses frame panoramic views and feature a large private balcony. Each of the luxe accommodations features a large bedroom with a six-fixture bath and soaking tub, while living and dining rooms round out the lounge spaces.
Equipped to host up to 450 guests, the 7,000-square-foot ballroom is the largest of the hotel’s onsite meeting and event spaces alongside a pre-function area, two bridal suites, a Majlis, executive boardroom, meeting rooms, and a business center. The Spa at the Abu Dhabi EDITION will arrive later this year with separate facilities for men and women. Clad with light oak floors and timber walls, the organic venue will accommodate seven treatment rooms including two Hammams, a facial room, and a couple’s suite. In addition to two swimming pools, a salon will be outfitted in the women’s facilities, while a barbershop will open to host male visitors.
