Thinking of the UAE as your next vacation spot?
While most tourists rush to glitzy and glamorous Dubai, it’s humble neighbour Abu Dhabi is just as amazing!
Located about an hour and a half away from Dubai, Abu Dhabi has some breathtaking sights like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Yas Waterworld, Ferrari World, Emirates Palace, and more.
From nature to fun to delicious food and culture, Abu Dhabi is where all the action is at.
However, it can get quite hot during the year so it’s best to find a luxury hotel where you can cool down in a swimming pool.
So, we did some research and uncovered the best 5-star hotels in Abu Dhabi with private pools.
1. Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri
While the beach may not be the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of a holiday in the desert, Abu Dhabi will surprise you.
Located on the shore of a kilometer-long private beach and surrounded by opulent gardens, the Shangri-La Hotel at Qaryat Al Beri will transport you to a magical oasis.
Each room combines traditional Arabian architectural elements with modern facilities and many have stunning views of the Grand Mosque as well as Khor Al Maqta creek.
While there are a couple of options with rooms, the four-bedroom villas with private pools and personalized butler service will truly make you feel like you’re Arabian royalty.
For a traditional experience, the hotel offers abra boats which take you through the waterways of Qaryat Al Beri.
You can also stop at the souk or visit the Traders Hotel.
After a long day of exploring the city and shopping to your heart’s content, you can get a well-deserved massage at their in-house spa, Chi.
Choose from a variety of Asian healing techniques and let the experts work their magic on you.
- Guest Rating: 9.0
- Address: Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
2. The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi
What’s a holiday without stunning views?
The Royal Suite at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island will give you an opportunity to witness the beautiful Arabian Gulf from your own private swimming pool.
This duplex with three bedrooms is designed tastefully whilst keeping oceanic elements and earthy tones in mind.
It is opulent not just in looks but in experience as well, as you get your very own evening turndown and butler service.
The resort itself feels like it’s a world away even though it’s just a ten-minute drive from downtown Abu Dhabi and the Saadiyat Cultural District.
You can dine at one of six restaurants, the most iconic of which is Buddha-Bar Beach which combines food, music, and the beach for an amazing experience of a lifetime.
Complete your luxury getaway by indulging in one of the many special treatments offered at Iridium Spa.
- Guest Rating: 9.0
- Address: Saadiyat Island, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Check Rooms Official site
3. Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas
Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi is known for its pristine waters and relaxing atmosphere.
Stay at the Park Hyatt to experience luxury at its very best.
With 306 luxurious rooms, there’s no dearth of choices but we definitely recommend one of the four villas where you can enjoy your very own pool with a beach view.
The spacious villas also have a large terrace and deluxe amenities that will take your stay to the next level.
If you get bored of your private pool, you can also enjoy the hotel pool, which is one of the largest in Abu Dhabi and spectacularly landscaped with palm trees and lush gardens.
There are five on-site dining options ranging from a steak house to Middle Eastern cuisine as well as a casual beach club which serves Mediterranean specialities.
Of course, if you don’t feel like leaving the villa, there’s always room service.
Children can enjoy ‘Camp Hyatt’ which includes tons of indoor and outdoor recreational activities.
It’s a one-of-a-kind resort that will make your stay memorable.
- Guest Rating: 8.9
- Address: Saadiyat Island, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
4. Saadiyat Rotana Resort and Villas
This five-star property boasts a stellar location along 9 km of white beach and uninterrupted views of the Arabian Gulf.
Each of their 327 rooms features modern Arabic architecture but what really stands out are their 13 beach villas with private pools.
Depending on how many people are in your group, you can choose between a one-bedroom or two-bedroom beach villa.
Both offer unhindered sea views and come with fully-furnished terraces where you can relax at the end of the day.
The hotel has seven dining options that promise authentic flavors, fresh ingredients, and extraordinary culinary experiences.
Try everything from Italian classics to gastropub favorites and delicious brews.
Exploring the city can be quite exhausting, so why not get reenergized at the Zen spa where you can experience Turkish and Moroccan Hammam.
There’s nowhere better to soak up the beauty of Saadiyat Island than at Rotana.
- Guest Rating: 8.8
- Address: E12 Saadiyat Island, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
5. Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island
Staying at the Rixos Premium at Saadiyat Island will make you feel like you’re in an Arabian dream.
The palatial resort is an amalgamation of Meditteranean designs, traditional Arab culture, and oriental court gardens with beautiful water features.
There are different rooms to choose from but the one and two-bedroom family suites and four-bedroom superior villa come with their own private pool, offering maximum privacy and relaxation.
Some other rooms also have direct access to shared pools and are just as stunning.
Rixos has seven restaurants to choose from, including an exclusive one that is reserved for villa guests.
Choose between Turkish, Asian, Greek, and Italian cuisines.
The hotel staff can also organise a romantic sea-facing dinner if you’re travelling with a partner.
The resort has various live entertainment programs, a kids club, and the largest spa on Saadiyat island called Anjana complete with Turkish Hammam treatments.
Your stay at Rixos Premium will captivate and transform your senses.
- Guest Rating: 8.7
- Address: Saadiyat Island, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
6. Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort
For the ultimate relaxing seaside experience, head to the Jumeirah Saadiyat Island Resort.
Located on the island’s main beach, the interiors of this upscale property will remind you of a sophisticated beach house combined with traditional Arabic hospitality.
While the resort has many rooms that offer sea views, the villas with private pools will make you feel like you’re in the lap of luxury.
With seven dining options, you can experience everything from a seaside lunch, afternoon tea, to a romantic dinner with a loved one.
Fitness buffs can enjoy workouts at their gym ‘Bodyism’ or sign up for classes held by professionals.
For maximum relaxation, head to their 2700 square meter spa where experts will rejuvenate and re-energize you.
A stay at this extravagant resort will make all your holiday dreams come true!
- Guest Rating: 8.7
- Address: Saadiyat Island East, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
7. Anantara Eastern Mangroves Abu Dhabi
Anantara Eastern Mangroves is a one-of-a-kind luxury hotel that is nestled between the skyscrapers of Abu Dhabi on one side and an expanse of mangroves on the other.
The key advantage of staying here is its proximity to major landmarks like the International Airport (15 minutes), Sheikh Zayed Mosque (8 minutes), Louvre (20 minutes), and Yas island (25 minutes).
After spending your days exploring these sights, relax in your very own heaven on earth.
Stroll on the promenade, go swimming and try kayaking among mangroves.
Head out to the desert for an adventure and then unwind at the spa with exotic treatments.
The Mangroves pool suite comes with a view and a plunge pool.
For the ultimate stay, the Royal Mangroves suite has a rooftop terrace and infinity pool for unimaginable comfort and opulence.
Gourmands can choose between five exquisite dining spots.
You can even attend cooking classes if you’re feeling bold or request for a dreamy rooftop dining experience.
- Guest Rating: 8.6
- Address: P.O. Box 128555 Sheikh Zayed Street Abu Dhabi, 128555 Abu Dhabi
8. Zaya Nurai Island Resort
A private island in the UAE?
Yes, you heard that right.
Located just a short 15-minute boat ride away from Abu Dhabi is Zaya Nurai Island resort.
Away from the hustle-bustle of the city, staying at this luxury resort will make you feel like you’re in a Hollywood movie.
If a private pool is what you’re looking for, Zaya Nurai has you covered with its splendid options.
Whether you choose the Beach Villa with a private pool, Beach House with two private infinity pools, sea view house pool, or the ultimate four-bedroom water villa, staying here is like no other experience!
With superb seclusion, delectable food, a relaxing spa, and plenty of activities and shopping to keep you busy, this resort offers you the best of all worlds!
- Guest Rating: 8.5
- Address: Nurai Island, 44235 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
9. The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal
Ritz-Carlton hotels are synonymous with luxury and the one at Grand Canal, Abu Dhabi is no exception.
Located on 57 acres of dense gardens and relaxing pools, this hotel combines modern elements with rich traditions.
Enjoy exclusive views of the Grand Mosque and the Grand Canal as well as opera performances at sunset.
Their two-bedroom villa with a plunge pool is truly extraordinary and comes with a garden area and dedicated butler services.
Enjoy Lebanese cuisine with live music, shisha and twilight views of the Grand Mosque.
Does it get any better than that?
If your taste buds are feeling more global, you could also try Asian, Mediterranean, Italian food or indulge in a good old steakhouse.
End your day with a leisurely experience at ESPA which is inspired by Bedouin designs and elements.
- Guest Rating: 8.4
- Address: Khor Al Maqta’a, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Bonus: Anantara Qasr al Sarab Desert Resort
A holiday to the UAE is incomplete without a trip to the desert.
Make it even more special by staying at the luxurious Anantara Qasr al Sarab Desert Resort.
Located 2 hours away from the city by road, this resort will make you feel like you’re in ‘Lawrence of Arabia’.
Surrounded by sand dunes and lapped in luxury, staying here is an other-worldly experience, especially if you’re staying at the One, Two, or Three Bedroom Villa with their own pools.
However, the Royal Pavillion Villas which are set half a kilometre out from the resort offer the ultimate desert experience.
Other than a private pool, you even get your own villa host!
While the location is remote, there’s no dearth of delicious gastronomic experiences, especially Al Falaj which offers Bedouin style dining and your very own private desert barbecue.
Experience the desert in all its glory with a dune bashing session or a scenic drive by experienced drivers.
Complete your oasis experience with an indulgent service at the Anantara Spa.
This is a once in a lifetime experience that should not be missed!
- Guest Rating: 9.3
- Address: Liwa Desert,Qasr Al Sarab Road 1, Jurayrah, United Arab Emirates
Map of Abu Dhabi Hotels with Private Pools
With so many options to choose from, you’re going to wish you had more days to spend at Abu Dhabi.
If you had to pick one, I would recommend the Saadiyat Rotana Resort and Villas for its breathtaking views, privacy, and excellent service.
For the ultimate desert experience, however, the winner for me is Anantara Qasr al Sarab Desert Resort.
When else in your life can you stay in the middle of an actual desert surrounded by unlimited luxury?
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