Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island

Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island: A Comprehensive Review of the Michelin One Key All-Inclusive Luxury

Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island, a recipient of the prestigious Michelin One Key, stands out as a luxurious all-inclusive resort on the pristine shores of Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi. This "All-Inclusive, All-Exclusive" concept hotel offers a palatial experience with a strong focus on family-friendly amenities and exceptional service.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing their stays as "exceptional," "magnificent," and "superb." Many consider it one of the best all-inclusive resorts in the UAE, especially for families. The hotel has an average rating of 9.1 out of 10 based on numerous reviews, scoring particularly high for location, cleanliness, comfort, and staff. While a few criticisms exist, the prevailing sentiment highlights a truly memorable and luxurious experience.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently praise several aspects of Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island:

• Exceptional Service: The staff across all departments, from reception to restaurants, spa, and pool, are frequently commended for being excellent, helpful, friendly, and always with a smile. Many guests highlight the personalized and caring nature of the service.
• Stunning Location & Beach: The resort boasts a pristine private beach with clear blue waters and fine white sands, often described as "fantastic" and "beautiful." It's an idyllic setting where Hawksbill turtles nest, and dolphins can sometimes be spotted.
• Luxurious Design & Atmosphere: The hotel's palatial and modern design, both inside and out, leaves guests "blown away." The decor is beautiful and feels luxurious yet cozy.
• Abundant Amenities: The resort offers an impressive array of facilities, including multiple outdoor pools (some with swim-up bars), a free water park with waterslides, a wave pool, and a well-equipped gym. The Anjana Spa is also a significant highlight, described as "gorgeous" and "incredible."
• Family-Friendly Focus: Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island takes family-friendliness to another level, featuring a dedicated Rixy Kids Club with a range of activities, an aqua park, and a wave pool.

3. Room Quality

The rooms at Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island are generally described as spacious, comfortable, and elegantly decorated. Guests have a variety of choices, including Deluxe King Rooms (garden or sea view), Premium King Rooms with pool access, and various family suites and villas. Entry-level Deluxe King Rooms are well-designed, even for a family of three, with king-size beds and pull-out chair beds. Villas offer additional luxury, with some featuring private pools. Rooms come equipped with modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs, air conditioning, free WiFi, private bathrooms with baths and separate showers, and tea/coffee makers. Housekeeping is reportedly excellent, with turndown service provided. Some guests have noted issues with damp or chemical smells in certain rooms, though this appears to be an infrequent complaint.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island is a major highlight, consistently praised for its quality and variety within the all-inclusive concept.

• Buffet (Turquoise Restaurant): The main all-day dining buffet, Turquoise, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and even a midnight buffet. It offers an impressive and vast selection of international and regional cuisines, from Middle Eastern classics to fresh curries, salads, and seafood, all freshly prepared. The quality and choice often exceed expectations for a 5-star all-inclusive.
• A La Carte Restaurants: The resort features several à la carte restaurants, including Italian (L'Olivo), Asian (Aja), Turkish (Orient), and Mediterranean (Mermaid) cuisines, along with a poolside lunch spot (People's Restaurant). Guests find the food in these specialty restaurants delicious and the menus generous. For stays of five nights or more, guests typically receive four à la carte dinners.
• Bars & Drinks: There are multiple bars offering an amazing range of branded alcohol, cocktails, mocktails, and hot drinks. Poolside service, including roller-skating bartenders, is a unique and impressive touch. Fresh coconuts are available but usually incur an extra charge.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island receive widespread acclaim, often described as outstanding, friendly, helpful, caring, and welcoming. Guests consistently highlight the staff's attentiveness and "faultless service." From quick drink orders by the pool to the readiness of beds for children upon arrival, the attention to detail is frequently noted. Even small requests, like an avocado at breakfast, are handled with a smile and efficiency.

6. Location & Accessibility

Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island is ideally situated on Saadiyat Island, a prestigious natural island in Abu Dhabi known for its stunning white sand beaches and clear blue waters.

• Beach Access: The hotel offers direct private beach access, allowing guests to enjoy the serene coastal environment.
• Nearby Attractions: The resort is conveniently located for exploring Abu Dhabi's cultural and entertainment highlights. The Louvre Abu Dhabi is only 3.7 km away, and other attractions like Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque are within a 20-minute drive.
• Transport: Abu Dhabi International Airport is approximately a 20-25 minute taxi ride away, and taxis are readily available and affordable. Complimentary scheduled shuttle services to the city's main attractions are also offered.

7. Value & Pricing

As a luxury all-inclusive Michelin One Key property, Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island is considered to be in the higher price range for hotels in Abu Dhabi. However, many guests feel it offers excellent value, particularly for the comprehensive "All-Inclusive, All-Exclusive" experience that covers meals, drinks, and entertainment. Prices for rooms can start from around $396. Deals can be found, especially during off-peak seasons or by booking through holiday packages. Given the extensive facilities, high-quality food and drink, and exceptional service, many reviewers state they would return again and again.

8. Common Complaints

While the overall experience is highly positive, some recurring issues and criticisms have been noted:

• Room Odors: A few guests have reported unpleasant chemical, solvent, damp, or musty smells in their rooms, which on occasion led to room changes or premature departures.
• A La Carte Restaurant Booking/Availability: Some guests experienced difficulties with the à la carte restaurant booking system or found limited availability, especially on arrival.
• Pool Towel Quality: A minor complaint mentioned old and thin pool towels in need of renewal.
• Security Incident Handling: One serious complaint detailed a security breach where an intoxicated guest entered a room through the balcony, and the hotel's management response was deemed disappointing due to a lack of decisive action, communication, and formal incident reporting.
• "Samey" Lunch Options (minor): While food is generally excellent, some long-staying guests felt lunch options could become a bit repetitive if always dining within the hotel.

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