IHG Hotels & Resorts adds to Abu Dhabi portfolio, introducing Aldhafra Resort, Vignette Collection
Aldhafra Resort, Vignette Collection offers a majestic retreat of Arabian charm and adventure, embraced by the unspoiled beauty of rolling sand dunes. Middle eastern embellishments and examples of local craftmanship feature in the design of its 92 deluxe rooms, 13 executive suites and five private plunge pool villas, each with outlooks across the enchanting desert landscape.
A central courtyard frames the resort's outdoor infinity pool, whilst away from the sun's rays, the hotel spa* creates a space of calm. Here guests can experience eastern-inspired massages, revitalizing scrubs, facials, and aromatic steam sessions. A fully equipped fitness centre* will be available for energetic and endorphin seeking guests.
An array of additional activities take full advantage of Aldhafra Resort's location in the largest sand desert in the world, Rub Al Khali, from camel trekking through the dunes by day to spectating the sun setting beyond the sands by night. More relaxed recreations are also available such as billiards, foosball, table tennis, and chess.
Aldhafra Resort's trio of distinct dining venues take guests on a gastronomic journey through authentic Arabian cuisine. Eateries include signature restaurant, Al Badiya and the sumptuous speak-easy style Layali Bar, evoking the warmth and mystery of a bygone here. Here, creative cocktails combine with a comprehensive cigar collection as traditional Arabic spices, herbs, and botanicals merge with the charm of the Prohibition. Immersive desert-facing dinners featuring live performances are set to prove popular amongst guests.
Haitham Khalil, General Manager, Aldhafra Resort, Vignette Collection said: 'We are delighted to have opened the Aldhafra Resort, Vignette Collection as IHG expands its collection presence into the thriving UAE capital of Abu Dhabi. This is a city that boasts a rich heritage with the Rub Al Khali desert. Our destination is infused throughout every touchpoint of the guest experience – from the scenery that surrounds us, to the design details within our places and spaces, through to the menus we serve and the experiences we foster. Every moment here is designed to create unforgettable memories. Our warm and dedicated team is at hand for every detail to allow guests to focus on the moments that truly matter.'
Demonstrating diversity and discovery, Vignette Collection is a family of distinct luxury hotels connected by a shared vision to offer a more authentic travel experience. Aldhafra Resort joins the brand's fast-growing family of one-of-a-kind hotels found in destinations to remember. Just three years after the brand's introduction, Vignette Collection has surpassed the halfway point in its initial aim to reach 100 open and pipeline hotels in 10 years. The collection – now encompassing 20 hotels with a further 35 in the pipeline – combines each property's individual identity with the brand's promise of 'A Means For Good' and Memorable Rituals.
Memorable Rituals – bespoke to each Vignette Collection property – connect guests with the hotel's unique identity, locality, and cultural landscape. A symbolic act of generosity, the preparation and serving of Arabic coffee (pronounced 'gahwa' in the Emirati Arabic dialect) to guests has been an intrinsic part of Arabian hospitality for centuries. Aldhafra Resort, Vignette Collection continues this symbolic social act by welcoming guests with a complimentary serving of Arabic coffee, served upon serene majlis-style seating, plush cushions, and traditional woven rugs. Coffee is paired with sweet, locally harvested Liwa dates, also a deep-rooted symbol of hospitality, generosity, life, resilience, and prosperity within Arabic culture.
A Means For Good initiatives weaved throughout all Vignette Collection properties represent each hotel's commitment to responsibility, community engagement, and local culture. With a commitment to tailoring initiatives to suit the unique character of each hotel, they partner with non-profit organizations to contribute positively to the local ecosystem.
Aldhafra Resort, Vignette Collection marks this commitment through its partnership with the Liwa Date Festival, an event that showcases the latest agricultural practices to foster expertise exchange between growers, suppliers, and buyers. Its main event is the competition for the 'Best Date Fruit' where local farms compete for the title of 'Best Date Grower'.
Aldhafra Resort is the second Vignette Collection hotel in the UAE after Th8 Palm Dubai Beach Resort Vignette Collection and the third in the Middle East following the opening of Arabella Beach Hotel Kuwait, Vignette Collection last year.
As a special opening offer, guests of Aldhafra Resort can book a stay with breakfast and enjoy a complimentary lunch or dinner at the resort's restaurants. This exclusive offer is available for stays from 10th March 2025 to 30th September 2025. To make a reservation or for more information, guests can contact reservation@aldhafraresort.com or call +971 2 65 62 512.
Vignette Collection appeals to owners of world-class independent luxury and lifestyle hotels seeking to quickly benefit from IHG's powerful technology and revenue systems, operational expertise, and loyalty offer, without the need for high upfront costs or compromise on a property's unique character, style, or name. For Luxury & Lifestyle travelers, it meets an increasing appetite for one-of-a-kind stays, backed by the reassurance of IHG's trusted reputation and leading loyalty offer.
Guests of Aldhafra Resort and the wider Vignette Collection and IHG portfolio benefit from best-in-class loyalty program, IHG One Rewards, offering more ways to earn than ever before, including richer benefits tailored to their needs, all powered by leading technology on its mobile app.
For more information and to book visit www.ihg.com/vignettecollection
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
What's On
a day ago
- What's On
Afternoon teas in Abu Dhabi fit for 'royaltea'
Afternoon teas in Abu Dhabi is more than a tradition, it's a special experience. The city has made this classic British ritual its own with Arabic sweets, Champagne, attentive service, stunning views, and beautiful desserts. Whether you're celebrating or just enjoying your day, these places offer more than tea, they give you a moment fit for royalty. Swipe through the gallery 3 of 12 Majlis by Pierre Hermé A pastry masterpiece by the 'Picasso of Pastry'. Afternoon tea at Majlis by Pierre Hermé is more than just a meal, it is a journey through the creativity of one of the world's top pastry chefs. Start with a small appetizer, enjoy tasty savoury bites, and try the famous Ispahan before finishing with signature pastries and warm scones. Served with rare teas and Geisha coffee, each course tells a part of Pierre Hermé's delicious story, delicate, rich, and unforgettable. Location: Majlis by Pierre Hermé, The Galleria, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi Times: Daily, 2pm to 6pm (advance booking required) Contact: 02 813 5550 @rosewoodabudhabi Crystal Lounge An elegant tea tale with international flair. Afternoon tea at The St. Regis Abu Dhabi is a stylish experience that mixes global tea traditions with classic treats. A tea sommelier helps guests create a custom blend before enjoying a generous selection of savoury and sweet bites. You can choose between a classic English menu or a Middle Eastern-inspired one with treats like baklava and mafroukeh. For kids, the Tiny Tea menu offers fun options like popsicles, mini pizzas, and sweets. Location: Crystal Lounge, The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, Nation Towers, Corniche Times: Daily, 2pm to 6pm Cost: Dhs195 per person, Dhs295 with Champagne, Tiny Tea (for children) Dhs95 Contact: (02) 694 4553 @stregisabudhabi Level 45 A once-exclusive space now serving sky-high indulgence. Level 45 was once only for members but now welcomes guests looking for a special afternoon tea. With stunning views of the Abu Dhabi skyline, this elegant spot offers white-glove service and a menu created by Chef Sumeda. You can enjoy tasty savoury dishes like honey-glazed duck and rich desserts such as bourbon vanilla flan in a classy setting. Location: Level 45, Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, Corniche W St, Al Bateen Times: Daily, 2pm and 4pm (24 hour advance booking required) Cost: Dhs280 per person, Dhs350 with a glass of sparkling Contact: 02 811 5666 @conradetihadtowers Brew and Bloom A serene summer escape with tea, treats, and live melodies. This season, the Lobby Lounge at Shangri-La becomes a peaceful spot for Brew and Bloom, a summer afternoon tea created by the hotel's top chefs. Guests can enjoy a selection of artisan sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream, and fresh fruity desserts. All of this is served with signature teas and gentle live music. Whether you choose mocktails, cocktails, or Champagne, this elegant experience offers a refreshing break from the summer heat. Location: Lobby Lounge, Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi Times: Daily, 2pm to 6pm Cost: Dhs150 (with tea, coffee, or mocktails), Dhs235 (with cocktails), Dhs255 (with champagne) (Shangri-La Circle Members enjoy 25% savings) Contact: 02 509 8555 @shangrilaabudhabi Majlis An elevated celebration of Arabic flavours. Afternoon tea at Majlis offers a rich cultural experience where Arabian hospitality meets elegant treats. Set in a calm beachfront location, guests can choose between two carefully prepared options: the Arabic Savoury & Sweet High Tea or the Arabic Sweet High Tea, both for two people. Enjoy traditional delicacies, quality teas, and beautiful presentation full of local flavour and charm. Location: Majlis, Jumeirah Saadiyat Island Resort Times: Daily, 2pm to 6pm Cost: Dhs338 (Arabic Savoury & Sweet High Tea for two), Dhs318 (Arabic Sweet High Tea for two) Contact: (02) 811 4342, jsirestaurants@ @jumeirahsaadiyatisland
What's On
2 days ago
- What's On
A to Z food guide: Iconic foods in UAE you have to try
From aromatic spices to sizzling street eats, the UAE is a culinary crossroads where tradition meets innovation with every dish. In this A to Z food guide, we're serving up a mouthwatering journey through some of the most iconic dishes you absolutely have to try here in the UAE. Do note, while not all dishes mentioned below are traditional Emirati cuisine, they originate from the Middle Eastern region and are popular here in the UAE. Arayes Arayes Arayes is a Lebanese crisp pan-fried pita packed with spicy, aromatic meat filling. Arayes actually means 'bride and groom' in English, and certain tribes served this dish to honour the newlyweds. Where to try: Al Mallah Dhiyafah Balaleet Balaleet A staple breakfast dish of Emirati cuisine, Balaleet traditionally consists of vermicelli sweetened with sugar, cardamom, rose water, and saffron and served with an omelette. Where to try: The Arabian Tea House Chabab Chabab Chabab (also spelled jabab or chebab) is an Emirati version of a pancake that is fermented with yeast and flavoured with cardamom and saffron. You can enjoy it with honey and cheese, too. Where to try: Al Ustad Special Kabab Dawood Basha Dawood Basha The Middle-Eastern version of meatballs, Dawood Basha is a meatball stew paired with tender potatoes and peas, simmered in a flavourful tomato sauce. It is named after its greatest fan, King Daoud Basha who was the governor of Baghdad during the Ottoman Empire. He loved the dish so much, he had it every day. Where to try: Lebanese Home Kitchen Emirati Machboos Emirati Machboos If you've been to any Emirati family gathering or celebration, you're sure to see Emirati Machboos on the table. It's a dish prepped with basmati rice, meat (lamb or chicken) and mild spices. Essentially, it's biryani but with an Emirati twist. Where to try: The Arabian Tea House Falafel Falafel This is a popular Middle Eastern dish, and can be found at numerous spots around the UAE from small hole-in-the-wall cafes to fancy restaurants. It is made up of mashed chickpeas, herbs, onion, garlic, and spices and can be either fried or baked. You can either eat it as is paired with tahina sauce, or get it in a wrap with fresh salad. Where to try: Al Mallah Dhiyafah Ghuzi Ghuzi Also spelt Khuzi, Ghuzi is considered the national dish of the UAE. A whole lamb is slow-roasted until the meat falls off the bone. It is paired with nuts, vegetables, raisins, and a blend of spices on top of a bed of rice. Where to try: Siraj Restaurant Harees Harees Harees is a traditional Arabic dish with a porridge-like consistency but is prepared with wheat grain, meat, and ghee. If you prefer your dishes with more heat, try Haleem, essentially a spiced-up version of Harees. Where to try: Khalid Huriah Traditional Kitchen and Restaurant Ijjeh Ijjeh Love eggs? Try Ijjeh, a flavourful Middle Eastern egg dish that is a blend of eggs, herbs, and spices. If you want to jazz it up a little bit, add in vegetables like courgettes or peppers. It can also be pan-fried until crispy and be consumed as a fritter. Jasheed Jasheed | Al Fanar Fans of seafood here in the UAE must try Jasheed – an Emirati dish primarily consumed in coastal cities like Ras Al Khaimah. The curry is prepared with small pieces of shark (or other local fish), onions, garlic, and spices and served with rice. Where to try: Al Fanar Seafood Restaurant, Bahar Restaurant Knafeh You can't consider yourself a fan of sweet treats if you've lived in the UAE and haven't tried Knafeh. The traditional Palestinian dessert is made with kadayif (spun pastry dough) and layered with cheese and soaked in a sweet, sugar-based syrup. It is crunchy on the outside and gooey on the inside. The dessert has deep roots in Palestine. Where to try: Palestine pavilion at Global Village UAE, Feras Al Diyafa Sweets and Mama'esh Luqaimat Luqaimat Luqaimat translates to 'small bites' here in the UAE. It is a popular Middle Eastern dessert consisting of deep-fried, sweet dumplings, drizzled with date syrup or honey. It's crunch on the outside, and soft and airy on the inside, and it's best when devoured piping hot. While it is usually associated and consumed during Ramadan, if you head to Global Village UAE, you can enjoy it throughout the season. Where to try: Global Village UAE, Al Fanar Mehalabiya Mehalabiya Mehalabiya, or Muhalabia is a traditional (and delicious) Middle Eastern milk pudding, made with as few as four ingredients. It's typically made using a combination of milk, sugar, flour, and sugar. It can be served hot or cold, though many prefer the latter. It can also be garnished with pistachios and rose petals. Where to try: Qwaider Al Nabulsi Namoura Namoura Namoura is a type of semolina cake that goes by many other names, including namoura, basbousa, revani, and safra. It is made typically made using coarse semolina, Greek yogurt, coconut, butter or ghee, sugar, baking powder and baking soda. It is drizzled with sugar syrup, and sweet tooth fans will love it for its rich, buttery flavour, and soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Where to try: Brocar Sweets Olives (served with zaatar or labneh) Olives Heading to an Emirati restaurant or home? Most likely, marinated olives will be served paired with a dip. It often makes up part of the selection of hot and cold appetizers, with many pairing it with cheese and bread. It's simple but very delicious, so much so that you'll find the serving bowl empty before even realising. Qahwa Qahwa In Arabic, qahwa primarily means coffee. It is a traditional method of preparing coffee in the Middle East, and each country has its own unique recipe. The coffee has a distinctive depth of flavor and earthy, nutty notes which is brewed in a traditional Arabic coffee pot (called dallah). Where to try: Cafe Bateel Rigag An Emirati flatbread, which is extremely thin and crispy, with an egg and cheese filling, and sometimes honey. It is cooked on a hot griddle and is usually enjoyed at breakfast. Where to try: Al Jalboot Shawarma Bring up the topic of shawarma with your friends, and the first thing you're bound to hear is declarations of where the best shawarma in Dubai is. The popular street food in the Middle East (which origins in Turkey) and here in Dubai, and there are more than enough options to try. Essentially, it is prepared with spit-roasted layers of lamb, beef, or chicken, which is stuffed into a pita bread with salad (lettuce, tomato, and pickles) and either garlic sauce, or tahina. You can add fries to your shawarma, or enjoy them on the side. Where to try: Al Hallab, Eat & Drink restaurant, Triple FFF Thareed This traditional Arab bread soup or stew originates from Mecca, Saudi Arabia, but is a popular dish in the Gulf region. The dish is even mentioned in a collection of sayings of the Prophet Mohammed. It is a slow-cooked stew of tender meat, spiced tomato broth, and vegetables, infused with spices. Thareed is typically eaten during Ramadan as a light yet filling meal to break the fast at Iftar but can be enjoyed throughout the year as a warm comfort food. Where to try: Noor Al Mandi Warak Enab In Arabic, 'Warak Enab translates to vine leaves or grape leaves. The dishes are usually stuffed with a mixture of rice, meat (usually beef), and spices, and then boiled in water. The water can also be infused with lemon or tomato for more flavour. The ingredients can vary from region to region, but each family can also make it differently. Where to try: Ybala Wrq Ena Yalanji Image: Getty Images Yalanji is the vegetarian version of Warak Enab. Instead of meat, the stuffing is a mix of white rice, typically short grain, tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, parsley, garlic, eggplant and more. Similar to Warak Enab, it is cooked in a tangy and flavourful broth until they melt in your mouth. Yum. Where to try: Yalangi Kitchen & Cafe Zataar/Zataar Manakeeh Zataar Manakeesh Manakeesh is a popular Middle Eastern flatbread dish, and comes in various forms but usually with zaatar. Zataar is a Palestinin blend of wild herbs, popular in Middle Eastern cuisine. Usually it is enjoyed with manakeesh – a Levantine flatbread, or you can add it as an ingredient to other Middle Eastern dishes. Where to try: Kaak Al Manara Restaurant & Bakery Images: Getty Images
Web Release
2 days ago
- Web Release
Explore Your Story, Rediscover Your City
In a city built on ambition and awe, it is easy to forget how stillness feels. We rush through weeks, commute along the same roads, pass the same buildings, without noticing how much wonder is quietly waiting for us to look up, to look closer. But sometimes, wonder does not come from distance. It comes from rediscovery. Dubai Deira and the Gold District, long known for trade, tradition, and the daily rhythm of the city, may not be the first places that come to mind for a break. But that is exactly what makes them perfect for a staycation. They do not promise escape; they offer something gentler: a pause, a shift in perspective, a chance to see the city not as a resident rushing through it, but as a curious explorer. Today, the Accor properties across the Dubai Gold District stand ready to welcome guests looking to reconnect with the city in a new way. With rooms starting from AED 130, curated dining experiences from AED 100, and themed nights at Novotel Dubai Gold District from just AED 79, it's the perfect invitation to slow down, settle in, and explore a different side of Dubai. It begins simply. With a check-in, not a departure. A bag packed light, or not at all. A decision to pause without leaving. To see the familiar through unfamiliar eyes. Step inside any one of Accor's thoughtfully placed hotels at Dubai Gold District, Novotel, Mercure, ibis Styles, and the shift is almost immediate. The noise of the city fades into the background. The room greets you like a deep breath. Spacious. Quiet. A world away from everything, yet right where you are. Each hotel brings its own character. At Novotel Dubai Gold District, the skyline stretches beyond the windows. There is a stillness on the rooftop, where the Aqua Pool Bar becomes a place to float, both above the city and away from its urgency. Mercure Dubai Gold District offers an experience steeped in quiet elegance. From its curated interiors to the inviting calm of Metro Café, it is a place where even a mid-morning coffee feels like a ritual. And come evening, the view from Esperia Bistro & Rooftop Lounge is worth lingering over, a spread of Mediterranean dishes paired with golden-hour conversations. ibis Styles adds a pop of playfulness. Perfect for travellers who want function without fuss yet still appreciate colour and character. At Table 3, you will find a menu that travels across borders; Asian fusion, Indian classics, Arabic comfort food, all without leaving your seat. There is no itinerary here. No pressure to do or see everything. The day unfolds on your terms. It starts with artisan coffee and a quiet journal session at Wynd Café. Or breakfast in bed, curtains still drawn, as the sun seeps softly into the room. Eventually, the city begins to call. The Gold Souk, the Spice Souk, Abra rides that glide across the Creek like echoes from another time. Boats hum against water that has witnessed centuries. The scent of spices wafts through the breeze, pulling you forward. The past and present meet in quiet corners and narrow alleys. And yet, no matter how far you wander, it is comforting to know what is waiting when you return. Dinner unfolds slowly. No rush. At The Spicery, nestled inside Novotel, the view competes with the flavour. Grilled spices, slow-cooked mains, international favourites with bold accents, the kind of dishes that feel comforting, even when they are new. A perfectly lit table, conversation flowing as softly as the music. This is not just a meal. It is a memory being made. The next day unfolds gently, inviting you to slow down and embrace some much-needed wellness. Begin with Novotel Dubai Gold District's newly launched Rooftop Yoga Activity at the rooftop Aqua Pool Bar, held every Sunday, where the sunrise bathes the skyline in soft hues. Or simply start your morning by soaking in the scenic city view and the sunlight warms your soul, brightening your day. Afterwards, head to Farmstead at Mercure Dubai Deira for an organic, garden-fresh breakfast, prepared with ingredients sourced straight from the property's own garden. Begin your day's exploration of the city with a cup of rich, locally roasted, aroma-filled coffee from the souk market, right at the property, then hop on a ride to Deira City Centre or take a spontaneous detour through the vibrant streets of Karama. Each stop offers a new perspective, and every return to the hotel feels like stepping back into serenity. By late afternoon, you find yourself back at the pool, watching the skyline change colour. The city moves beneath you. You do not have to. From this rooftop perch, everything seems to breathe a little slower. You included. And if the weekend lingers, there is more to discover, the heritage waterfront of Al Seef, the architectural poetry of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library, the artistic quiet of Jaddaf Waterfront. Places that feel far yet sit just minutes away. What makes a staycation like this special is not what you check off a list. It is what you allow yourself to feel- the calm, the curiosity, the reconnection. Not just with the city, but with yourself. Rooms start from AED 130. But the value? That is felt in moments, not receipts. In the way you exhale without thinking. In how the city begins to look different. In how you begin to feel a little more like yourself. Because sometimes, the most meaningful journeys do not take you far. They bring you home to your city, your rhythm, your story. This is the magic of a staycation.
