Marriott International's Edition brand is bringing its signature, iconic style to the UAE with the opening of a new waterfront hotel in Abu Dhabi this November.

A visionary concept of hotelier Ian Schrager, The Edition offers the ultimate elevated experience in design, food, amenities and entertainment.

The Abu Dhabi Edition, located on the waterfront of the upscale new Al Bateen Marina area, is the brand's first hotel in the Middle East. Featuring 198 guest rooms and suites as well as 57 exclusive residences, the property is currently in a soft launch phase. The official opening is scheduled for November 21.

Strategically situated along the marina, the view on arrival is the distinctive and memorable exterior, reminiscent of the lateen sails of the traditional Dhow boats that the region was once famed for building. Designed throughout by Ian Schrager Company and Wimberly Interiors, the cavernous five-storey lobby contains a dramatic, curved atrium with a sinuously shaped balustrade.

The exceptional lounge area features a large-scale kinetic art installation 'In 20 Steps' designed by the world-renowned art collective Studio Drift, produced by Czech glass company, Lasvit and the vast lobby contains two signature armchairs by local designer Latifa Saeed, inspired by the distinctive way Emirati children braid their hair. The guest reception is flanked by a feature, brass-clad desk and the surrounding walls are ensconced with gold leaf, gently washed with a delicate light to create a sense of superior warmth and welcome to guests.
 
Creating a social buzz and ever-lively atmosphere, the lobby is a place for guests and visitors alike to relax and unwind. Here, there are both group meeting tables and a signature golden Edition pool table, a world-class bar and an expert barista station. With distinct seating areas separated by bronze screens, inspired by traditional Arabian architecture techniques, guests can lounge in the serene space whilst enjoying an invigorating, signature punch, or an indulgent afternoon tea treat inspired by artworks at the nearby Louvre Abu Dhabi.
 
The interpretation of local heritage and native, natural materials continues throughout the hotel, including the 198 guest rooms, suites and 57 exclusive residences, ideal for longer stays. Featuring a neutral palette and boasting sweeping views over the surrounding water, each room features photography by the 20th-century photographer Brett Weston. The photographic selection displays Weston’s masterful skill at manipulating photos of sand dunes to create sinuous lines and sensuous forms which references Abu Dhabi’s surrounding environment while remaining true to Edition’s sophisticated aesthetic. Grey oak herringbone timber flooring draws inspiration from local basket weaving techniques, whilst beautiful timber panelling adorn the walls, enhancing a feeling of calm and tranquillity. Signature imported linens are used throughout the guest rooms, whilst the bathrooms are finished in white marble, detailed in contrasting antique bronze, for a modern bathing experience with custom-scented Le Labo amenities as standard. Guestroom balconies take in the beauty and serenity of the Marina views and feature sleek, sophisticated outdoor furniture by Gandia Blasco.
 
The “prow”, or point, of the hotel, reminiscent of the prow of a boat protruding out over the water is the location of the property’s penthouses – the Marina Penthouse and the Royal Penthouse. Both penthouses feature panoramic views over the water on two sides as well as a large, private balcony. Each penthouse contains a large bedroom with six-fixture bath and soaking tub, whilst the lounge area contains a living room and dining area where meetings are conducted and guests are entertained. There is also an option to connect a single guest room to the public side of Marina or Royal Penthouse through an internal door, providing flexibility of accommodation for additional family members or personal assistants. For enhanced security and privacy, the penthouse suites also offer allocated parking spaces and a dedicated elevator to take guests discreetly to their penthouse without having to walk through the lobby. Penthouse guests can also access Market at Edition’s Private dining room and the secure basement garage by private elevator.
 
To provide privacy and a unique identity, the private Residences are located in a structure adjacent to the hotel with its own dedicated entry and lobby. Connecting to the main hotel via the sky bridge, this six-storey building will enjoy its own views of the water and Marina from each of the rooms. The private residences boast a living space of up to 92-sq-m with separate bedrooms, lounge area and kitchen with their own service entries. The top two floors of the private Residences are reserved for larger two and three-bedroom apartments, each with a large private outdoor balcony and the best views overlooking the Marina.
 
For any event planner, The Abu Dhabi Edition’s year-round sunshine, crystalline marina and lush landscape provide the ideal stage to set any meeting, conference, or wedding. The hotel’s forum, a grand, elegant ballroom which measures an expansive 654-sq-m with seating for 450 guests, can be accessed directly from both the hotel and the street. This private event space also houses a pre-function area with two bridal suites and a Majlis as well as an executive boardroom, meeting rooms and business centre.
 
Edition Spa at The Abu Dhabi Edition, opening in late 2018, will be one of the most unique and special elements of the hotel, embodying vibrant living by bringing together local, authentic healing practices and high impact treatments and wellness programs from around the world. Light oak flooring and timber walls provide a soft, organic atmosphere where guests are invited to relax and enjoy a hand blended tonic or warm cup of tea. Each guests’ experience will be tailored to their specific needs, blending timeless philosophies and innovative techniques to custom build treatments with bespoke scent, sound, touch and premium products.
 
The spa features separate zones for men and women, consisting of seven treatment rooms including two Hammams, a facial room and couple’s treatment suite. The women’s area also houses a beauty salon and a relaxation lounge. The men’s area features a  barbershop by Chaps & Co. For fitness enthusiasts. The Abu Dhabi EDITION offers two purpose-built gyms equipped with free-weights, yoga mats, exercise balls and premium cardio equipment by Life Fitness. The property also boasts two beautifully white-tiled swimming pools, one connecting to the main hotel and the other in the private residences.

Heightened dining experiences are fundamental to Edition hotels and The Abu Dhabi Edition is no exception, with three signature restaurants created by world-renowned chef Tom Aikens, famed for being the youngest chef to ever have been awarded two Michelin stars.

Dining options include the Market at Edition, an imaginative, healthy lifestyle restaurant open for breakfast, lunch and dinner; the Oak Room, a traditional English oak-panelled restaurant; and the Mediterranean-style restaurant, Alba Terrace, overlooking the Marina.
 
Other entertainment options include the Library Bar, a craft gin-led cocktail bar, and Annex, a unique, three-floor mixed dining and bar setup with live DJs. Annex is expected to open in late 2018.

Reservations are now open with opening rates starting from DH750 ($204.1), including breakfast. - TradeArabia News Service