ALDAR’S five-star, Yas Hotel is truly the centrepiece on the 6,000-acre Yas Island. Designed by the New York studio of Asymptote, with interior architecture by Jestico + Whiles, London, Richardson Sadeki, New York and De8 Architetti, Bergamo, Italy, the hotel consists of 499 rooms and 14 entertainment and dining options and sits over two towers – one of which sits on the land side of the track and the other one in the marina side of the track.
A key feature in its design is its extraordinary gridshell made of of 5,000 LED panels which drape the building in a vibrant shroud of lights, enabling it to act as a light show providing different shades and colours, including animations, making it the largest colour LED display in the world. It won’t cause guests to lose sleep, anyway, as the 5,000 individually shaped glass panels pivot to reflect away from the hotel. From inside the buildings, only 20 per cent of the lights are visible.
The first hotel in the world to span a race track, guests at the Yas Hotel can enjoy views of the F1 race track and the marina. Inside, speed-lines race along the floor – from the lobby to the conference rooms, business areas and guest rooms. The guest rooms are tastefully furnished with floor-to-ceiling glass panels, and white quartz and leather-embossed porcelain tiles in the bathrooms. The hotel’s two all-white designed signature presidential suites each measuring over 400 sq m, feature original contemporary artwork, a dedicated lift and enjoy full terrace access and a private lap pool. The suites also have a full chef’s kitchen with a dining room accommodating up to 16 people. For the extended family, there is the Crown Prince Court which comprises of half a floor and 12 bedrooms, while the The Ruler’s Court is spread over two floors and encompasses two Presidential Suites, 28 bedrooms and a private lift.
With 14 entertainment and dining options as well as a total of 1,625 sq m in conference and banqueting space that includes a ballroom, the hotel aims to attract business travellers and groups, especially during their off-season.
For spectacular Abu Dhabi getaways, the Skylite Lounge is the perfect venue for partygoers. This alluring roof deck transforms into a stylishly cool haunt, with outdoor seating, premium cocktails and fabulous appetisers, all with stunning views of the Yas Marina. The lounge was recently voted No. 1 Best Bar in the Middle East by US website www.askmen.com
The latest addition to the property was the opening of its state-of-the-art ESPA, which opened in September 2010. The ESPA at The Yas Hotel is a luxurious contemporary reinterpretation of a traditional Islamic hammam. In addition to the 10 treatment rooms, the ESPA features a rotunda, a cylindrical space comprising a serene sculpture garden wrapped around a central column that reveals a refrigerated inner core providing a cool sanctuary from the heat of the hammam. An illuminated nightscape ceiling and an amorphous sculpted stone lounge complete the uniquely serene yet exhilarating space.
Some of Yas Island’s attractions include the recently opened Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, the world’s first Ferrari theme park and the 18-hole Yas Links Golf Course. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi has already captured the imagination of thousands of visitors from around the globe with a range of unique and thrilling attractions including Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest roller coaster, and Speed of Magic, the region’s first four dimensional fantasy ride.
Since its opening, the Yas Links Golf Course has been named among the ‘Top 10 New International Golf Courses’ by the influential Golf magazine in the US.
The Yas Hotel is the first property to open under the Aldar Hotels and Hospitality umbrella. Aldar’s diverse property portfolio includes major developments and re-developments within Abu Dhabi including Yas Island, Al Raha Beach, Central Market, Al Falah, Motor World, Nareel Island, and Noor Al Ain.