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Looking to sweep your partner off their feet while on a holiday? Abu Dhabi is the perfect playground for romance for couples in search of such an intimate escape. Whether you are celebrating a honeymoon, anniversary, or simply your love story, this is how to plan a dream escape here.

Stay at an Adults-only Beach Resort
Start your getaway by booking a luxury adults-only beach resort in Ghantoot, halfway between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. An ideal option to consider is Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat where Greek-island vibes meet Arabian elegance. Unwind in luxurious sea-view rooms, dine in style, enjoy a VIP cinema experience and have a butler service on hand 24/7. It’s no wonder couples return to such resorts to host their beach wedding!

Experience Holistic Wellness
When looking for the best hotels in Abu Dhabi for couples, ensure it has a luxury spa. Some wellness rituals will be tailor-made for couples and can feature a ‘golden’ touch for extra indulgence; this can include a gold sugar scrub that leaves your skin glowing, a massage with gold particle-infused oil and a facial using colloidal gold to leave your skin radiant. It’s pure pampering perfection!

Enjoy Private Dining
For a truly intimate experience, opt for private dining in Abu Dhabi by the shoreline with the soothing sound of waves in the background. Some resorts will set up a candlelit table for two on the beach with a personal butler catering to your every whim. Choose from Mediterranean or Middle Eastern cuisine or customise your dishes for a bespoke culinary journey. Romance is definitely on the menu here!

Private dinning
Image by Ciousmagz via Wikimedia Commons

Engage in Enriching Activities
Add some creativity to your trip with activities like an Arabic perfume workshop, where you can create a signature fragrance to take home as a cherished keepsake. Certain resorts will also let you join a mixology class which will be fun to try. For some adventure, couples can head out to the Arabian Gulf on a double glass kayak, try stand-up paddleboarding or enjoy some snorkelling to spot marine wonders.

There’s something undeniably magical about a candlelit dinner under Abu Dhabi’s starry desert skies. This desert paradise takes romance to a whole new level, where intimate settings, soft ambient lighting, and sprawling landscapes set the scene for unforgettable memories. Let’s dive into some enchanting ways to elevate your candlelight dinner experience in Abu Dhabi.

Desert Oasis Dining

Imagine a cosy dinner amidst a sea of dunes, where only soft candlelight and moonlight illuminate the night. Private desert dinners create an atmosphere of pure intimacy, with a custom-crafted menu served by a personal chef. Embrace the charm of the desert oasis as you savour authentic Emirati dishes under the stars.

Luxury Villa Escapes

Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island offers the ultimate escape with its luxurious Al Sahel Villas, perfect for a secluded candlelight dinner in Abu Dhabi. Nestled in the heart of nature, this resort promises privacy, elegance, and sweeping views of the desert and wildlife.

Image via Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villa Resort

Beachside Romance

For a different vibe, try a candlelit dinner on Abu Dhabi’s beaches. Imagine the gentle waves, the cool breeze, and a table set just for two along the sandy shore. It’s the perfect fusion of natural beauty and romance.

Dinner atop the Dunes

A unique candlelight dining experience awaits atop the dunes. Elevated for panoramic desert views, these setups let you dine in the open air, enjoying the beauty of the golden sands bathed in the twilight glow.

Abu Dhabi offers a blend of luxury, romance, and adventure perfect for a honeymoon. From private beach resorts to exotic desert escapes, these experiences will make your romantic getaway truly special.

Relax in Luxury 

For an indulgent stay, book a villa at a property such as Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Yamm Villa Resort. These kinds of resorts offers private beach access, stunning views, and world-class amenities. It’s an ideal setting for couples looking to unwind in style.

Image via Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Yamm Villa Resort

Dine Under the Stars in the Desert

Experience a magical evening with a desert dinner under the stars. Enjoy a gourmet meal with traditional dishes while surrounded by the serene beauty of the dunes. This unique experience offers a romantic and intimate setting, perfect for celebrating your new life together.

Explore Cultural Wonders

Visit iconic landmarks such as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Louvre Abu Dhabi. These architectural marvels provide a blend of culture and elegance, making for a memorable day of exploration. The grandeur of these sites adds a touch of sophistication to your honeymoon.

Enjoy a Romantic Cruise

Set sail on a private yacht cruise around Abu Dhabi’s coastline. Revel in the breathtaking views of the skyline and turquoise waters while enjoying a tailored onboard experience. This romantic cruise offers an exclusive way to celebrate your honeymoon.

The UAE offers a stunning backdrop for couples looking to tie the knot in style. From pristine beaches to elegant desert settings, crafting your dream destination wedding here requires thoughtful planning.

Choosing the Perfect Venue

Whether you want a beachside ceremony or a glamorous hotel setting, the UAE has options for every style. For a serene and luxurious wedding in Abu Dhabi, the likes of Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Yamm Villa Resort offers the perfect romantic escape, complete with stunning ocean views and elegant settings.

Image via Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Yamm Villa Resort

Understand Local Customs and Regulations

It’s crucial to understand the cultural and legal requirements of getting married in the UAE. Ensure you have the right documentation and are familiar with the local customs, especially if you’re planning a multicultural wedding. Respect for traditions will add an authentic touch to your big day.

Hire an Experienced Wedding Planner

Working with a local wedding planner can be a game-changer. They will help you navigate the rules, recommend the best vendors, and ensure everything runs smoothly on the day. Their knowledge of the local scene can make all the difference in bringing your dream wedding to life.

Timing is Everything

The UAE’s desert climate can be extreme, so plan your wedding during the cooler months, between October and April. This will make the experience more comfortable for both you and your guests, and ensure you can enjoy an outdoor celebration without the heat taking away from the magic.

Providing the ideal blend of romance, rejuvenation and recreation, Abu Dhabi is perfect for a honeymoon; these are some reasons why couples around the world come here to celebrate their new chapter of love!

 Romantic Desert Escapes

For the ultimate in seclusion and privacy on your honeymoon, nothing beats a getaway to the Empty Quarter, the largest sand desert on the planet! You can opt for a luxury resort such as Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara and stay at a plush villa with a private plunge pool, plenty of contemporary comforts and a personal butler service too. Such properties also offer the experiences below which will make your holiday more special.

 Holistic Spa Rituals

After all the planning and maybe even some last-minute stress on your wedding day, the honeymoon is a time couples should indulge in some much-needed rest and relaxation! On your honeymoon at 5-star hotels in Abu Dhabi, you can look forward to revitalising spa rituals on a wellness journey together. An ideal option would be a spa with private treatment rooms and packages for couples; it can include a floral foot ritual, a body massage using Arabian rose oil, a rose desert sand scrub and a candlelit milk bath.

Image via Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara

 Private Destination Dining

For added romance, newlyweds can look forward to intimate and private dining experiences at their chosen resort amidst enchanting backdrops. For example, at a luxury desert resort, you can enjoy a candlelit dinner or private BBQ on the dunes and under the stars with a personal chef preparing your favourite dishes. Some properties will offer such meals on a remote beach or amidst a savannah-like setting on an island. For something different, you can even sign-up for a hands-on cooking class together!

 Fun Things to Do

There are diverse things to do in Abu Dhabi on your honeymoon too which make for great adventures to share with that special someone. You can embark on sunrise or sunset camel trekking in the desert or go horse riding on the dunes. Those staying in the city can look forward to some kayaking at the Mangrove National Park and cycling along the Corniche. Additionally, a wildlife safari or nature walk at Sir Bani Yas Island and a sunset dhow cruise are amongst the other experiences you can enjoy.

Are you a trendsetter? Is hosting an exotic destination wedding in the books for you? The capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi, can be considered as one of your top picks to host that enchanting eve when dreams come true, and here’s why.

The Location

The city boasts a landscape so varied that a destination wedding of your choice can become a reality with the many options of wedding venues in Abu Dhabi. You will be at the advantage of residing at a luxury hotel like Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara which will guide you through the wedding ceremony preparations that can take place in the secluded desert dunes, pristine beaches or even at the hotel premises.

Wedding Planning

As destination weddings call for lands unknown, requesting assistance from a local wedding planner will surely make your day as magical as you imagined it would be. The growing popularity of Abu Dhabi as a prime wedding destination has made space for expert wedding planners that even offer initial consultations to hear you out. These professionals have built vast networks within the country that allow them to plan the perfect wedding from a splendid acrylic backdrop to the most fragrant floral arrangements.

Image via Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara

Accommodation

Accommodation for a destination wedding is never a pressing concern in the UAE. Abu Dhabi provides the perfect setting for luxury and comfort filled hotels and resorts where your guests will be at an advantage to reside. The city offers a range of lodging options to fit your wallet. Therefore, do not fret as most of your guests are highly likely to make it to your special day as they discover a recreational haven in Abu Dhabi.

Cuisine

The UAE is known for serving authentic global cuisine in its most original form. Therefore, selecting a menu that fits your preference will not be a hassle. Additionally, Abu Dhabi hotels are known to serve freshly crafted dishes that leave guests in awe. You can also consult your wedding planner for a caterer recommendation to suit your needs.

With a charming coastline flanked by beaches, Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, is a vibrant city brimming with attractions. Mangroves, mosques, white sand beaches, and adventure sum up the romantic allure of the city.

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

The Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque is just 20 minutes from hotels like Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Yamm Villa Resort. Built with white marble, the mosque is a combination of Ottoman, Mameluke, and Fatimid architectural styles – the mammoth structure demonstrates the UAE’s commitment to preserving Islamic architecture.

The Louvre Abu Dhabi

One of the UAE’s most extraordinary creations, the Louvre Abu Dhabi has a collection of exhibits that goes back to the Neolithic era. Included in the collection are Picasso paintings and Egyptian sculptures. The modern architecture of the building is part of the allure as well.

https://www.voyageway.com/louvre-abu-dhabi, Reserver-billet-louvre-abu-dhabi, CC BY-SA 4.0

The Eastern Mangroves

If there’s anything more romantic than a wedding in Abu Dhabi, it’s kayaking through the city’s eastern mangroves; the mangroves represent the unspoilt side of the city. The tours on offer range from one hour to three hours of exploring – the Eco Tour is ideal for understanding the ecology, but night tours are more romantic.

Beaches

Beach lovers should visit Abu Dhabi beaches for sunbathing and swimming. The beaches are also kitted out with onsite restaurants that serve a delicious combination of local and international dishes; there are plenty of loungers and cabanas as well.

The desert

Dune riding, horse riding and wildlife safaris are a few features of an Abu Dhabi desert excursion. The most romantic thing to do, however, is to spend a night in the desert while sampling delicious food and drinking Arabic coffee.

Planning on setting off on a romantic getaway in Abu Dhabi, with your significant other? Then read on to find out about the top 4 things to do that will set the hearts racing!

Dine by Design among Sand Dunes

Get set to tease your senses with decadent Arabian dishes amidst the rolling sand dunes under a midnight blue sky while being attended by your very private butler. Many an Abu Dhabi luxury hotel including the likes of Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villas provide guests with the chance to dine by design.

Image of resort
Image Credit: Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villas

Horseback Riding by Sunset

Enjoy a romantic horseback riding session and take in the stunning arid beauty of the coast and the shimmering Arabian Sea by sunset. It is guaranteed to be a truly unforgettable experience unlike any other.

Seaside, Beach, Sundown, Silhouette, Horses, Riding

A Hot Air Balloon Ride

Sign up for an epic hour-long sunrise hot air balloon ride over the endless expanse of the desert and have dinner at a Bedouin-inspired camp afterwards. High-end tour companies such as Platinum Heritage are some recommended places to book a trip with.

Hot Air Balloon, Floating, Fun, Colorful, Air, Vehicle

Dive for Pearls

Try your hand at learning the ancient pearl diving technique of the region by booking yourself and your significant other on a pearl-focused mangrove tour. The trip would include an accompanying guide and an oyster opening demonstration upon a traditional Arabic pearling dhow.

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

The United Arab Emirates of the Middle East is composed of seven Emirates of which Abu Dhabi is one. This Emirate is enthusiastically visited by many tourists and travellers whilst its economy and business opportunities attract a number of businessmen to its borders annually. Literally meaning the ‘Father of the Gazelle’, Abu Dhabi was a wildlife haven until recently when the discovery of oil propelled its development. Abu Dhabi also enjoys the distinction of being the capital of the United Arab Emirates and has diverse attractions designed to thrill tourists with diverse interests.

Those who are travelling to the Emirate for their honeymoon or even with their families, might appreciate the rare opportunity to leave their familial responsibilities and enjoy a night on the town. For such couples, Abu Dhabi is truly a wonderful place for the capital is filled with restaurants that pride themselves on designing and maintaining an ambience conducive for romance and intimacy.

One such restaurant that comes highly recommended is Bord Eau that excels in French cuisine. This restaurant offers customers the option of tasting menus or a la carte and the variety is phenomenal! From seafood to vegetarian dishes and of course, meaty delights, Bord Eau triumphs and many customers leave delightfully pleased. Another restaurant, Finz sets the mood via its spectacular views and low lighting. Specialising in memorable seafood dishes, this is one restaurant that is worth a visit for a lover of fish. La Mamma on the other hand is well known for its delectable Italian cuisine. Very spacious, this restaurant facilities cosy and comfortable seating and ensures that you have privacy during fine dining. When searching for a dazzling yet classy location to enjoy a truly romantic dinner, one cannot do much better than Pearls and Caviar.

However, for those residing in luxury hotels Abu Dhabi, the options that are available in terms of romantic dining are endless. if you wish to enjoy a romantic dinner without stepping out of your Abu Dhabi hotels, most such hotels and resorts, such as the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara will be delighted to arrange a romantic setting for the perfect dinner.

Looking for ideas for your wedding? Or maybe it’s the best bridal attire, the most appropriate accessories or photographers. Then the place for you to be is the Al Ain Wedding Show, held for the 10th consecutive time between  05-10 May 2014. In order to enrich this experience, look for Abu Dhabi beach hotels that would compliment your purpose. Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara is an Abu Dhabi resort that you can consider not only for your accommodation during this trip but also for your honeymoon after the big day. A much sought after wedding show that is considered to be one of the leading events in the Abu Dhabi event calendar, Weddex 2014 will feature everything from ladies and men’s wear, perfumes, lingerie, wedding planners, henna art designers to rent a car and photographers. Turkey, Singapore, India, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia Hong Kong, Sri Lanka and Lebanon are some of the countries which contribute with exhibitors here and therefore, soon-to0-be weds are guaranteed to be spoilt for choice when it comes to planning their dream wedding.  Al Bader Exhibition Organizers are the people responsible for this event and quite a lot of media coverage is given to the event thus creating the hype that it so deserves.

Jayani Senanayake is a writer who dabbles in travel and all things exotic. Under the pseudonym of Calliope Sage, she writes of the allures that must simply be discovered. Google+