From the wavy articulated lobby wall hat-tipping Abu Dhabi's pearling heritage to the oblong banquettes layering the facade, which look like desert-evoking copper from a distance, there are milestone-level nods to local culture everywhere you look in this art-inspired hotel (2000 pieces dot the property, 90% sourced locally). Rooms themselves are classically styled with outstanding water and city views.
It's in the public areas where this hotel really shines though, with knockout bar and dining options including the wonderful Butcher & Still, Washington, DC politico haunt Cafe Milano, a European-style cigar bar, and Eclipse, a poolside open-air club-lounge.