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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+

Abu Dhabi offers many exciting options to tie the knot. The city boasts a range of professionals to help prospective brides and grooms and their families to plan and execute outstanding weddings. All the elements necessary for a traditional wedding with a huge guest list or a quiet elegant affair for a few people is conveniently at hand. Brides to be in the Emirate can select the items they need for their wedding from the latest wedding wear to jewellery, specially designed fragrances, stylists and spas to give the bride and her friends a complete makeover, from wedding fairs that are popular events here.

In addition specialty shops will help brides to make their wedding day unique. Abu Dhabi city hotels and resorts offer excellent bespoke wedding packages to make a special day memorable. These include outdoor or indoor venues, catering, pre-wedding spa treatments, bridal suites and romantic honeymoon packages. However for non Muslim resident expatriates getting married in the Emirate is a notoriously convoluted affair. It is advisable that resident expatriates seriously contemplating getting married in Abu Dhabi be thoroughly acquainted with the regulations governing marriage. The best way to circumvent red tape and to have the wedding of your dreams is to plan everything carefully before hand and allow time for procedures and documentation.

Once a couple decides to ‘plight their troth’ many consult wedding planners who give advice on venues, help select a theme, decide on a budget, design invitations, place cards, thank you notes, assist to set up a wedding website, assist with dressing the bride and her friends and ensure that everything goes according to schedule. All marriages in Abu Dhabi are solemnized in a religious place or a venue with a wedding license. There are no civil ceremonies. Nationals and Muslims tie the knot in the Sharia court. Christians and Catholics can get married in church but one or both partners must show evidence of having being baptized. The marriageable age in Abu Dhabi is over 18 years for both bride and groom. Witnesses have to be nationals or hold Abu Dhabi resident permits. Some nationalities may be required to translate personal documents into English and Arabic. Once married the marriage certificate is submitted to the Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Foreign Affairs for attestation and in the case of expats submitted to the respective embassy for legalization in the home country. Undergoing medical examinations for genetic disorders and communicable diseases is part of the pre wedding requirements for everyone.

Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, a magnificent oasis in the middle of the Liwa Desert, the largest sand mass in the world, is amongst the popular luxury hotels Abu Dhabi where many go to have the quintessential desert experience. Guests at one of fabulous Abu Dhabi hotels can choose to view wildlife, participate in a range of outdoor activities, enjoy relaxing spa treatments and onsite leisure facilities and taste the gourmet cuisine presented at its restaurants.

 

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.

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Imagine dining out under the stars amidst an enchanting desert landscape, enjoying a leisurely stroll along rugged beaches or indulging in the very best of spa therapies. These are just some the things that await couples on a honeymooning in Abu Dhabi! A good option would be to stay at Abu Dhabi beach hotels that provide that idyllic getaway by the sea. Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara is such an Abu Dhabi resort and is uniquely located on Sir Bani Yas Island which offers an island sanctuary in which to begin your new life together.

Honeymooning in Abu Dhabi can be as relaxing or as exciting as you want it to be. Spend your days enjoying spa treatments for couples or lazing on the beach, soaking up the sun and watching the world go slowly by. Those looking for a bit more adventure can try such activities as mountain biking and kayaking which let you witness the stunning natural beauty that the region is known for. For an unforgettable experience one can take a scenic hot-air balloon ride, while evenings can be spent having a romantic meal at a fine dining restaurant, as you sample delectable local dishes. Discover an oasis in the desert as you celebrate your love.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.

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A visit to Abu Dhabi is never complete without its traditional Dhow Cruise, renowned all over the world as the best way to experience the ways of the exotic Middle East. Prior to engaging in this enchanting tour, make sure you reserve your accommodation in an Abu Dhabi city hotel such as the Millennium Hotel Abu Dhabi renowned to be an Abu Dhabi city hotel that is bound to make your trip here, all the more special. Let the windy waters of the Abu Dhabi corniche take you away on a magical tour serenaded by the quaint charm that these traditional wooden vessels typical carry along with them. Also enjoy a scrumptious dinner of your choice aboard these magnificent vessels while they glide along the waters ever so gracefully. Share this exotic cruise with your loved ones to make this experience an extra special one.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+

If romance in the desert is your preferred idea of a honeymoon, Sir Bani Yas Island is your ideal option. Choose appropriate villas in Abu Dhabi that would complement your intimate getaway. A much prefreed choice among many is Anantara Al Yamm known to be an exclusive spa resort Abu Dhabi is proud of. Days are sunny here and quite cheerful as the tropical atmosphere surrounds clothed in the typical Arabian mystery. Go out for a sunset desert safari with your sweetie and witness the glorious animals loitering lazily in the sun. Feeling lazy? Just lounge about around the pool soaking up all the sun while sipping a delicious Arabian cocktail prepared specially for you. For the more adventurous couples, activities such as archery, kayaking or mountain biking are available. Sir Bani Yas Island is indeed the perfect intimate getaway for newlyweds seeking a quiet getaway with a difference. Perfectly cut away from the rest of the world, enjoy a secluded honeymoon with your loved one in the privacy of an isolated island in the sun. 

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+