This Hotel Is 4 Hours Away From Kolkata & Definitely Worth A Visit Once

The city appears to slow down in the early days of August, when the sky over Kolkata feels as gloomy and heavy as the terrible conclusions of your beloved books. It is still, drowsy, and nearly sighing. The same roads and routines, no plans, no change of scenery. If Jane Austen taught us anything, it's that a small change of scenery can have a profoundly positive impact on the psyche. You've always wanted to live like the protagonist, waking up on clean white sheets, enjoying breakfast while taking in the scenery, and allowing time to pass leisurely. To be honest, though, there are moments when organising a large trip seems overwhelming. The answer? It's closer than you might think to a staycation overseas. Abu Dhabi, a city of serene luxury and contemporary elegance, is only 4 hours away from Kolkata, India. The Four Seasons Abu Dhabi seamlessly blends comfort and charm. This is your chapter, best lived over four days or more if you've ever desired to feel like the protagonist in your own novel.

Part of the famous Sowwah Island Development, the magnificent Four Seasons Hotel in Abu Dhabi is a five-star hotel next to Sowwah Square. Situated in the centre of the city's new central business district, the hotel marks the latest construction milestone on the 54-hectare property. The building's 34-storey tower comprises 10 levels of hotel guest rooms and an additional 19 levels of serviced and private apartment units. Banqueting and exhibition spaces, a health spa, a shopping arcade, restaurants, and a swimming pool are all located at the base of the tower and podium. The Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi, which is located on the beachfront of Al Maryah Island, offers breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf and a picture-worthy cityscape.

The hotel's interiors use transitional design elements inspired by regional motifs depicted in the carpets, walls, and furniture to create a warm and inviting atmosphere, while choosing and creating custom-made furniture and lighting to create a refined and sophisticated space. Modern accessories with hints of white and gold are used in public spaces and guestrooms, bringing light to the spaces. Furthermore, the organic, leaf-like motifs of the accessories collections included the iconic Four Seasons motif. The property's waterfront position served as inspiration for the interiors, which featured a variety of colour schemes depicted in guestrooms with jewel tones in emerald and light sapphire hues.

The Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi, the newest hotel in the area, coexists peacefully with seventy-one private residences, including two penthouses. Residents may take advantage of individualised and user-friendly service from the world leader in luxury hospitality at any time of the day during the staycation trip. With a cosy sitting space, a private refreshment area, a spa-like shower, and a completely adjustable Four Seasons bed, the 200 guestrooms and suites are a haven of stylish urban living. The 267-square-metre Royal Suite is exquisitely furnished with rich polished flooring, exotic marble, hand-painted silks, and crystal chandeliers. Choose one of the deluxe suites to take a bath in a soaking tub and enjoy floor-to-ceiling windows, even though the majority of the luxury hotel's rooms feature views of the water. Every living space has art deco features and milky hues that make it feel like an elegant retreat. However, features like opulent silk wallpaper make the speciality suites eye-catching.

Enjoy the in-room private bar, which has a stocked mini-fridge, espresso and tea makers and a carefully chosen assortment of savoury and sweet nibbles. Marble bathrooms include a solitary oval tub, a glass-enclosed rain shower, Frederick Malle bath products, and a TV-embedded mirror. The hotel accommodates guests travelling for business, leisure, or vacation, as evidenced by features such as Frederic Malle products, a free-standing workstation, and Fellow kettles. We suggest getting a higher-category room or suite for longer stays or for those travelling with a lot of luggage. Dyson hair dryers are typically in the suites. Yes, another reason to book a stay at FS Abu Dhabi is the Dyson for sure! The cleanliness standards at Four Seasons are flawless, as usual; everything was spotless.

FS Abu Dhabi offers attentive, yet never intrusive, service. A stocked ice bucket and even a microfibre cloth for wiping glasses are thoughtful details included in the turndown service. Savour the culinary experience outside of restaurants. I really liked the wide variety of options available on FS Abu Dhabi's in-room dining menu. They have classic tastes, timeless worldwide favourites, or locally inspired delicacies, all thoughtfully chosen to deliver a distinctive gastronomic experience right to your room. For breakfast, you can try an Emirati breakfast featuring fresh-squeezed juices from orange, grapefruit, watermelon, pineapple, and carrot. You should try the Baid tamat Chabab or egg balalet with date syrup, Dango, boiled chickpeas with spices and red chillies, Green olives, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, mint, green onion, labneh, hummus, and halloumi with a basket of freshly made Arabic bread. Of course, tea and coffee are always there.

For lunch, I personally loved the Ceaser Salad with baby gem leaves, sourdough croutons, and parmesan shavings, and the Arabic Lentil Soup, made with pita crisps and lemon wedges. For dessert, be sure to try the Umm Ali and the Opera Cake. If you want to know the story behind Umm Ali, the team at FS Abu Dhabi will tell you interesting anecdotes about it.

The hotel has six restaurants, each a class apart. From breakfast to dinner, the sheer planning, preparation, and presentation hit all the right taste buds. The hotel's all-day dining, Crust, is where mornings start. There, patrons can choose between indoor and semi-outdoor seats for breakfast or brunch. The spread is impressive, offering a mix of buffet dishes, live cooking stations, and à la carte options, all complemented by jet–fuel–strong coffees. The meticulous details stand out. Frozen yoghurt swirled Mr Whippy-style, UAE-sourced honeys, and hand-blended butter spiced with tomato and chilli. A must-try dish is the Four Seasons' famous French toast. The food more than makes up for the rather enclosed terrace and muted indoor atmosphere.

This sophisticated restaurant, one of just two Café Milano locations worldwide (the other is in Washington, DC), serves cuisine influenced by Italian design. Particularly noteworthy was the Tiramisu, which was light, fluffy, and the best way to end the meal, with every meal showcasing the genuine ingredients and cooking methods of its home region. While enjoying classic Hallmark treats, patrons can anticipate a carefully curated menu that changes daily, offering a fresh reason to come back time and time again. The experience promises a taste of Italy's regional essence right in the capital, presented with the elegance of fine dining but infused with the heart of traditional Italian food.

The restaurant's head chef, Delfino Chiarello, has created a cuisine that honours Italy's rich culinary history while striking a balance between tradition and modern elegance. Anticipate fresh seafood, exquisitely presented handmade pastas, and a carefully chosen assortment of local dishes that highlight premium ingredients. Guests can get a taste of Italy with flawless service and an inspiring view from both the elegant inside setting and the stunning terrace.

Butcher & Still is essential if you enjoy steak. Under the direction of Chef Marshall Röth, the eatery serves Idaho potatoes and Kansas meat in a style reminiscent of a 1920s Chicago steakhouse. Reservations are strongly advised, as it is popular among Abu Dhabi's elite, including Sheikhs, CEOs, and visiting dignitaries. The tranquillity of the rest of the hotel contrasts well with this place's liveliness. But this is where everything gets interesting. Aside from the fact that each portion of food can feed almost 4 people, the dessert menu will appeal to you the most. Now, you might think a chocolate cake on the menu would be a perfect steal, but not so much. Why? It has 34 layers and is just as huge as one's head. Yes, you read that correctly! This American restaurant serves a 34-layered chocolate cake that is the stuff of foodies' dreams. A rich layer of chocolate frosting separates each exquisitely thin layer, creating a tower of 34 layers. This dessert, with its chocolate ganache on top, looks so delicious that you would want to take a photo to share on Instagram. You should not miss this one!

High-end brands, including Sodashi, Dr Burgener, Biologique Recherche, Hydrafacial, iS Clinical, and Morocco-based marocMaroc, are used in treatments at this spa in FS Abu Dhabi. In addition to auto-adjusting mattresses and a carefully curated collection of books on yoga, nutrition, and meditation that cover mindful movement, holistic wellness, and the science of breathwork, guests are urged to spend time in the peaceful relaxation areas, where Avancha teas are provided. Enjoy your massage on the spa's heated quartz sand table—the only one in Abu Dhabi—to elevate your experience. The warmth of the stone, based on the Greek idea of psammotherapy, increases relaxation and reduces discomfort, providing a very soothing treatment. We recommend the Signature Massage because it's special and lets you choose exactly what you want à la carte. The perfect choice for spa enthusiasts, as you get to choose your favourite oil, pressure, body parts to work on, time, technique, and more.

The Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi in Al Maryah Island is the very definition of a peaceful, exclusive staycation. Modern decor, warm hospitality, and a natural feeling of place. It's perfect for couples seeking a quiet city getaway or business travellers seeking comfort and privacy. Travelling solo is another perfect plan for a staycation at FS Abu Dhabi if you want to enjoy this classy waterfront property, which is only four hours from Kolkata, with all the extra benefits and personal touches.

Check-In: 3 PM

Check-Out: 11 AM - 12 PM

Cost: INR 29,796 per night

Contact: +97123332222

Website: fourseasons.com

Instagram: @fsabudhabi

Facebook: Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi At Al Marayah Island

Google Rating: 4.7/5