I've had the benefit of being a frequent traveller to the UAE for over 20 years and have stayed in a variety of 5 star hotels across the emirates. For the first time in 10 years worth of trips to Abu Dhabi, we chose to stay a different hotel and chose the Ritz Carlton for a 2 week trip this September.

We had previously celebrated New Year (in 2015, 2016 and 2018) at the hotel and while that had always been fantastic, there was a slight concern that the hotel may be too big for what we were looking for: the famous impeccable UAE hospitality and services. however, were we proven wrong.

The hotel and its grounds are indeed grand and incredibly beautiful but do not let this deceive you into believing that you won't get incredible service throughout this fantastic hotel.

From the moment we checked in with the lovely and welcoming Ira, it was clear that the staff would be their utmost to ensure our holiday was as restful and luxurious as possible.

I (a female, non-resident) travelled with my mother who uses a walking stick and requires a wheelchair for any distance over 50 metres and upon checking in and without me even voicing my concerns about my mother's ability to make it around the hotel, Ira ensured we were in an easily accessible room in the main building which meant that my mother would have some ease in navigating her way to the entrance and to breakfast and the pool without running herself ragged.

I informed Ira that we had been hesitant to book at the Ritz Carlton because we had previously been so wedded to our 'holiday home' for the previous 10 years across the canal and had only decided to move away due to the crowding and sheer amount of pool day pass people that would attend that hotel every Friday, Saturday and Sunday due to the cheap price of tickets and additional discounts offered to local teachers/school staff in the area. This made it impossible to relax or want to be in the hotel during the weekend.

Ira assured me that this would not be the case at the hotel and she and the staff would work to ensure once we'd experienced a stay at the Ritz Carlton, we'd likely rebook, and I can say wholeheartedly without a doubt that we will definitely be back and this time for 3 weeks of pure indulgence.

The breakfast buffet was likely the best and most varied buffet we have ever indulged in. Tanika (one of the managers) was the kindest host who would go out of her way to ensure our favourite dishes were available and even arranged for my favourite pastries to be made fresh one morning (by the in-house pastry chef, so none of those 'ordered in pastries!) and delivered to my table still warm. She also kindly arranged for us to have a table close to the buffet each morning so that my mother was able to walk with ease as the restaurant is rather big.

Our days were spent by the pool being completely pampered by the team there and we have to give incredible thanks to the star of the recreation team, Rafiq, who went above and beyond every single day to ensure we had every comfort - he saved loungers for us by the steps into the pool to assist with my mother's mobility concerns, and ensured we had enough water, cold compresses and shade every day that we truly felt spoilt. While I appreciate those who are familiar with UAE hospitality will view this as a norm for any 5 star hotel, it is the fact that all of these actions (and many more) were carried out by Rafiq without any expectation and without us having to ask for it to be done. The staff (led by Rafiq) simply want to ensure you are comfortable and happy rather than feel that they have to do things for you. Rafiq is a truly lovely person and an absolute credit to the hotel.

We are also so grateful to Kamran (F&B Supervisor) and Janak for their gracious hospitality and kindness shown to us both. Their service was simply sublime and they truly made our holiday wonderful.

If you're looking to be pampered at a stunning holiday with some of the best facilities in Abu Dhabi, then I strongly urge you to book a break at the Ritz Carlton.