The Westin Abu Dhabi
Al Ain Golf
in Abu Dhabi we were presented with tons of options,
there is something for every age and taste from an
immersion at the Louvre Abu Dhabi* complete with
famous master masterpieces by Rembrandt, Van Gogh
(self-portrait), Whistler (Whistler’s Mother), Picasso
and many others on loan from the Musee du Louvre
and other renowned collections, to Ferrari World’s
astounding theme park featuring the world’s fastest
roller coaster, to Yas Island Water World, to Warner
Brothers indoor theme park, to a desert Safari complete
with dune bashing, Sunset Dinner, belly dancing, henna
painting and camels. There is rocking beach club
and water sports, with more creative entertainment
surprises on the way like the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi
under construction, to keep things fresh. There is also a
fast-growing club scene on the highest level. And sand
surfing. with tar balls, way wrong on that one) With 5 Star hotels
directly adjacent, it is truly a paradise after a day of golf
or activities or a day at the beach for its own sake.
As Howie generously explained in American terms so I
could understand, “If Dubai is Las Vegas, Abu Dhabi is
Naples” *the ceiling of the museum alone is worth the visit Kevin Zweidik, a tour operator we met on the trip
says that the bookings to Abu Dhabi increased up
significantly since his visit. Word of mouth, along
with an increasing media interest in Europe about this
growing holiday hotspot is driving it.
Not knowing a thing about the Persian Gulf aside from
the controversies in the news, the white sand beaches
and azure waters are as pretty as any I have seen, and
I have seen my share. (I was expecting war torn muddy If you have been to Dubai, you may appreciate the
fact that you can choose between a relaxed family
friendly atmosphere combined with an air of modern
sophistication and elegance found anywhere in the
In truth, it is my understanding from tour operators,
while Dubai is currently the #1 destination for
traveling golfers in the region, but I suspect that is
large part because Dubai is famous for “over the top”
everything. However, golfers and nongolfers alike are
fast discovering the allure of Abu Dhabi. With the
government/private sector partnership’s commitment
to cultural heritage as well as their embracing new
ideas from every direction, it would be no surprise to
me if the place becomes “the” destination hotspot as
golfers these days seem to be flocking to experiential
destinations with great golf, plenty of options for down
time and comparatively attractive prices.
Volume 4 • Issue 47
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