Imagine waking up to the sound of waves gently caressing the white sands, and feeling the refreshing Gulf breeze wrapping around you as you begin your day on an island that knows nothing but peace and beauty. Here, every detail of your holiday becomes an invitation to renew your energy and restore your vitality, so you can return to work after the weekend filled with productivity and inspiration.
You will find all of this on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi, the destination that promises you an exceptional vacation amid an unparalleled level of relaxation.
With the almatar app, you can plan your vacation in just minutes and book your hotel stay with the best offers and prices to start a fully relaxing experience on Abu Dhabi’s modern icon.
Here are the top things to do in Saadiyat Island that give you a sense of relaxation and rejuvenation in charming and diverse surroundings:
Saadiyat Island Beaches: Irresistible Beauty
The beaches of Saadiyat Island are designed to make visitors feel completely relaxed and refreshed. The coastline stretches for about 9 kilometers, which means plenty of space for strolling along the shore or enjoying fun beach games with friends.
Here are the top things to do in Saadiyat Island on its sandy beaches:
In the morning
- Lying on the white sands and enjoying the view of turquoise waters.
- Swimming in the refreshing Gulf waters at Kai Beach.
- Taking long walks along the beach.
- Playing beach games with friends.
At noon
- Having a cold drink or a light meal at one of the nearby beach cafés.
- Relaxing again on the beach or enjoying a refreshing sunbath after lunch.
At sunset
- Meditating while watching the sunset and recharging your positive energy by the shore.
After sunset
- Enjoying the infinity pool and luxurious facilities.
- Relaxing in private cabanas with beverage service and cool towels.
- Swimming in the private beach or walking on the sand within the protected area.
- Watching dolphins or hawksbill turtles if you’re lucky.
At the end of the day
- Pampering yourself in luxury spa and wellness resorts to enjoy relaxation and body treatments.
Spa Resorts: A Journey to the World of Luxury Relaxation
One of Saadiyat Island’s greatest features lies in its spa resorts that provide visitors with the finest service. Achieving complete relaxation and renewing energy is something you will only find in its upscale resorts.
Here are the top things to do in Saadiyat Island within its spa retreats:
Preparation and relaxation session
- Entering the spa in one of the luxurious resorts such as Jumeirah or St. Regis.
- Enjoying the calm atmosphere inside the spa suite with aromatic scents and dim lighting.
Care and treatment sessions
- Booking a deep massage or refreshing therapeutic treatment as needed.
- Enjoying a variety of treatment packages including traditional massage, sauna, and steam baths.
- Experiencing yoga and meditation sessions within wellness programs at the resort or on the beach.
- Attending energy renewal or sound meditation sessions in resorts such as Rotana.
Special morning or evening activities
- Practicing yoga at sunrise on the beach amid stunning natural surroundings.
- Joining a yoga session under the dome of Louvre Abu Dhabi as part of the health and wellness program.
- Performing deep breathing and stretching exercises in an artistic and spiritual atmosphere.
Renewal and conclusion
- Enjoying a moment of complete calm after the session to recharge your positive energy.
- Leaving the resort with a renewed sense of vitality, comfort, and mental clarity.
Louvre Museum: The Home of Art and Great Inspiration
On Saadiyat Island, you can spend a peaceful time in the halls of art and culture away from the noise of life, and art is one of the top things to do in Saadiyat Island that helps you relax and unwind.
Here are the main artistic and cultural activities on the island that renew your spirit:
Cultural activities at Louvre Abu Dhabi
- Starting your tour with a visit to Louvre Abu Dhabi and exploring its unique architectural design.
- Admiring the huge silver dome and watching sunlight filtering through its intricate geometric details.
- Sitting in sea-view courtyards and contemplating the natural scenery and boats on the horizon.
Discovering modern art and local creativity
- Visiting Manarat Al Saadiyat Center, which hosts art exhibitions and creative events.
- Participating in art or cultural workshops to engage with local and global arts.
- Visiting teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi for an interactive, multi-sensory digital art experience.
Land and Marine Life: Immersion in Enchanting Nature
Saadiyat Island offers nature lovers the opportunity to connect with the environment and explore its wildlife and plant life. It is well known that returning to nature is one of the most effective ways to regain energy and find rest and relaxation.
Here are the top things to do in Saadiyat Island for exploring nature:
Exploring the sea and marine reserve
- Going on a kayaking tour in the clear waters around Saadiyat Island.
- Paddling calmly through mangrove forests and observing colorful fish and marine creatures.
- Watching hawksbill turtles and Arabian Gulf dolphins in their natural habitats.
- Taking a snorkeling or scuba diving tour to explore coral reefs and underwater life up close.
- Enjoying the sight of diving and peacefully observing fish in their natural environment, as a wonderful photographic experience.
Walking in wild nature
- Strolling on land within the island’s wildlife reserve.
- Watching Arabian gazelles and coastal birds as you walk between the resort and the beach.
- Listening to the chirping of birds blended with the refreshing sea breeze.
Varied Sports Activities: Unleashing Hidden Energies
Nothing revitalizes the body and mind more than a dose of moderate outdoor activity, and engaging in enjoyable, light sports that release human energy.
Here are the top things to do in Saadiyat Island when it comes to sports:
Starting with golf activities
- Beginning the day with a morning golf round at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club.
- Renting a golf cart and touring the green fields overlooking the sea.
- Trying to hit shots with friends in an atmosphere of fun and relaxation.
Beach activities
- Joining a friendly beach volleyball match on golden sands.
- Enjoying the sunset atmosphere while playing in matches organized by resorts for guests.
Light sports and fitness
- Playing a light tennis match at the courts of Jumeirah Resort or other island hotels.
- Exercising in sea-view gyms to stay fit in an inspiring atmosphere.
- Joining Pilates or Zumba classes as part of daily fitness programs at the resorts.
Restaurants and Cafés: Fine Dining to the Rhythm of the Waves
After a day full of sunshine and activity, nothing compares to rewarding yourself with a special dining experience on the island.
Here are the top things to do in Saadiyat Island related to dining:
Evening on the coastal promenade
- Heading to Saadiyat’s coastal promenade at sunset.
- Choosing a modern restaurant or café on the waterfront to enjoy the refreshing atmosphere.
- Having a special dinner of Italian, seafood, or oriental dishes.
- Sitting outdoors under the open sky to the tunes of soft music and the sight of dancing waves.
Fine dining experiences
- Booking a sophisticated dinner in one of the luxurious resorts such as Jumeirah or St. Regis.
- Enjoying a romantic dinner by candlelight or a friendly gathering over grilled food on the beach.
- Tasting dishes created by world-class chefs using fresh ingredients and elegant presentation.
Weekend delights
- Enjoying the famous Friday brunch on the island (a mix between
- breakfast and lunch).
- Sampling a wide variety of dishes from luxurious buffets with live music and entertainment shows.
Plan Your Trip Easily with the MixFly Service
It’s time to plan your next trip to the magical paradise of Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island. With almatar’s offers, travel planning and arranging tours and excursions have become easier and more flexible.
The Mixfly feature gives you the freedom to choose flight routes that best fit your schedule, as you can book your departure flight on one airline and return on another according to your plans and preferences.
With MixFly, you can find the ideal flight combinations to reach your desired destination.
Frequently Asked Questions About Activities in Saadiyat Island
What are the main reasons to visit Saadiyat Island?
Because it’s the destination that combines beach relaxation, luxurious resorts, and artistic inspiration all in one place.
What are the most popular activities in Saadiyat Island for relaxation?
Among the most famous activities are lying on the beach under the sun, enjoying spa and massage sessions at luxury resorts, in addition to meditation or yoga in quiet spots such as by the sea or under the Louvre’s dome.
Is Saadiyat Island suitable for families?
Absolutely, the island blends the tranquility adults seek with the adventures children love, all just steps away from your luxurious resort.
What makes Saadiyat Island’s beaches unique?
They are renowned for their ultra-soft white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters, along with their serene natural setting (as they’re home to rare turtles), offering an upscale and relaxing beach experience unlike any other.