Abu Dhabi Week checks into the Eastern Mangroves Suites by Jannah serviced apartments
Looking for a relaxing weekend away, but not quite ready to pack our bags and book a flight, we head out to the Eastern Mangroves Suites by Jannah to unwind from our busy work week.
Part of the charm of these serviced apartments is the convenient location. Situated on the mangroves of Abu Dhabi, the facility is far enough from the city to feel like a true weekend escape. However the hotel is just a stone’s throw away from Salam Street, so you’ll be ideally located to pop into downtown Abu Dhabi at a moment’s notice if you’re so inclined.
After a quick check-in process we head up to our room. Our one-bedroom apartment is spacious. Clean lines, cool and comforting neutral colours and great views are in store for guests staying at the facility. Designed with Arabian influences, from arched entryways to Arabesque woodwork, the hotel apartment is sophisticated and subdued.
Our favourite selling point however, is that every apartment boasts views of the turquoise waters and lush mangroves – so you’ll never find yourself gazing out at a parking lot. The unique layout and large windows make sure guests can surround themselves in the stunning natural environment for a truly tranquil feeling.
For guests looking to enjoy a meal or coffee al fresco, the balcony provides the ideal spot for a quick afternoon pick me up. Another plus point is the apartment’s two bathrooms, with one dedicated specifically for guests and the other boasting a rain shower.
Our suite comes with a fully equipped kitchen, complete with fridge, dishwasher and stove, so we were able to pop into Waitrose, just a two-minute walk away, to stock up on a few treats for the evening. But if you’d rather leave the cooking to professional chefs, then check out the variety of restaurants and cafés available downstairs on the Promenade. Looking for a splash of adventure? Then take a kayaking trip through the mangroves with Sea Hawk Water Sports. Three-hour tours cost AED 110 in a single kayak or AED 160 in a double. For more information contact: 02 673 6688.
With everything available at our fingertips – water sports, dining and pampering spa treatments – we tuck our car keys away and only dig them out (reluctantly, we may add) when we check out the next day.
Dining delights
No visit to the Eastern Mangroves Promenade is complete without a meal in one of its restaurants. After spending a relaxing day in our room, our stomachs guide us to the Lebanese-Mediterranean inspired seafood restaurant Flooka that evening.
We are seated on a table along the calm waters outside and can’t help but take in the views of the mangroves as the sun slowly sinks from the sky. The beautiful setting is the perfect accompaniment to a delicious meal.
We start with a selection of Arabic starters served with a seafood twist. Some of the standouts include a lemony fish shawarma we can’t stop eating, crispy prawn and crab croquettes and tangy fish sausage decked out in a sweet molasses sauce. Each dish is expertly flavoured.
With barely any room for more, we somehow managed to sample a trio of homemade ice cream – our favourite being Funky Monkey. The restaurant exceeded all of our expectations and more – great service, amazing food and unbeatable views made this evening one we’ll remember.
Starters at Flooka are from AED 24, mains from AED 67. For reservations or to find out more call: 02 441 8244.
An evening stroll outside is in order after ingesting all that food. With Abu Dhabi’s skyline winking at us in the distance, we feel like we are hundreds of kilometres away from home – even though our apartment is a mere 20 minutes away. It is a perfect end to a lovely stay.
Jannah offers one-, two- and three-bedroom suites from 56sqm to 217sqm from AED 750. For more information contact: 02 412 3333, [email protected] or visit www.jannah.ae
We love…
- Dining al fresco on the balcony – talk about food with a view!
- Strolling along the waterfront in the evening
- Getting a blow-dry from its hair salon Marquee, before a romantic
- meal outdoors
- Working out in the ladies-only gym and pool with female-only times
