You and significant other have a stopover in Abu Dhabi. You want the 24-hours of so to be meaningful, memorable but most importantly… romantic.
But you don’t quite know where to start.
Have no fear, Rihlat Travel News is here. We’ve got you covered with seven of the most romantic stopover ideas for the ultimate Mo met Fatima moment in the UAE.
1. Soak up the salty sea air
You’ll be falling in love, not just with your plus one but with Abu Dhabi’s seaside on a romantic walk around the Corniche.
A quick 35-minute taxi ride from Zayed International Airport, the 8km long waterside road sweeps across the western side of Abu Dhabi and comes with romantic sites (and photo opportunities) from fountains to panoramic views of the city skyline and more.
For something more active, hire bikes and got for a ride. Mountain bikes and bikes designed for women in abayas are available from a number of rental stations along the Corniche boardwalk. This is also a great way to get the blood flowing before your next flight!
2. Sip on grapes at an underground cellar
You have one night in Abu Dhabi and want it to match the passion of an Arabic movie. Book La Cava.
Located 30 minutes from Zayed International Airport on Al Maryah Island, La Cava is an underground cellar that seats up to 12 people at a time.
The secluded “wine sanctuary” sets a romantic mood upon entry with its intimate spacing, deep, earthy interior design and dimmed lighting. Couple that with a collection of 1,000 labels (some extremely rare) and artisanal cheese, and you’ve got an evening worthy of Egyptian cinema.
3. Horse ride into the sunset
Gallop along the shores of Abu Dhabi’s beach as the dusty orange of the setting sun fills the sky.
If romance is what you’re looking for on your Abu Dhabi stopover, then mix it with adventure and one-of-a-kind experience by booking a magical horse ride at sunset.
There are several operators offering the experience but the #1 on TripAdvisor is Sanam Stable, and we bet his ranking is so high because he also has Full Moon Desert Rides, taking riders under the shimmering full moon and amongst the enchanting desert landscape.
4. Put a golden ring on it… again
American singer Beyonce says, “if you like it, then you should’ve put a ring on it”. We say put multiple rings on it and make them all piece of Abu Dhabi bling. Treat your other half to some of the finest gold, diamonds, pearls and more on a special visit to the Madinat Zayed Gold Centre.
Located next to Abu Dhabi’s main mall (with over 400 shops where you can couple ring shopping with a full day shopping spree), the centre has over 60 jewellery stores, selling everything from yellow and rose gold to European cuts, topaz and more.
5. Camp under the stars
You could stay in a 5-star luxurious hotel, and we do highly recommend that, but you could also spend a romantic night camping out under the stars in the desert, like the UNESCO Jebel Hafit Desert Park.
The sweeping sands make for a tranquil and majestic backdrop for a magical and romantic evening filled with authentic Emirati activities from cultural performances to traditional cuisine and more.
6. Book a couple’s spa day and/or a day under the sun
Who says romance needs to be overly creative and complicated? Sometimes the best couple activity is a good old, incredibly relaxing spa day and/or a day under the sun.
Abu Dhabi has no shortage of world class spa experiences, with almost every 5-star property catering to those with a desire for treatment rooms and restoration.
Once you and your plus one are feeling relaxed and restored, take a 10-minute boat ride to Zaya Nurai Island for a day under the sun. The island’s turquoise waters will lure you in for a dip between sunbaking on the white sand and appreciating the surrounding sights.
7. Bond under the sea
From a day in the sun to under the sea. Couples looking for a romantic adventure might consider snorkelling.
Operators like Al Mahara Diving Centre will take you out to sea and give you the tool and guidance you need to for a romantic dip down in the sea. Snorkelling tours can take place during the day or post-sunset, for those who prefer a swim under stars.
