Radisson Blu-Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

A weekend away – two days, three girls, four stars and five out of five the score for fun: this is a tale of supreme comforts at reasonable rates for friends desperate to redress the burdens of corporate life. Destination? Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island. Accommodation? The Pool Resort known as Radisson Blu Yas…

12noon-Pristine; Untouched: Radisson Blu Yas Island, Abu Dhabi: f/5.6; 1/30sec; ISO-720

12noon-Pristine; Untouched: Radisson Blu Yas Island, Abu Dhabi: f/5.6; 1/30sec; ISO-720

So off they set, three girls residing 40 minutes north in Dubai, for a roadtrip south to Yas Island, one of 200 islands which make up the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

2PM-Bathroom: Radisson Blu Yas Island, Abu Dhabi: f/4 1/60sec; ISO-800

2PM-Bathroom: Radisson Blu Yas Island, Abu Dhabi: f/4 1/60sec; ISO-800

The plan is to touchdown at the hotel at noon, dump bags, wash faces, and reconvene in the lobby for pub lunch poolside…

4PM-Business Lounge: Radisson Blu Yas Island, Abu Dhabi: f/3.5 1/1250sec; ISO-100

4PM-Business Lounge: Radisson Blu Yas Island, Abu Dhabi: f/3.5 1/1250sec; ISO-100

Air temperature is gloriously warm with no hint of humidity; we all love a dry heat!

4PM-Business Lounge: Radisson Blu Yas Island, Abu Dhabi: f/3.5 1/1600sec; ISO-100

4PM-Business Lounge: Radisson Blu Yas Island, Abu Dhabi: f/3.5 1/1600sec; ISO-100

With my two companions deciding on a cheeky post-prandial swim, I make my way to the 8th Floor Business Club Lounge which welcomes me in. Here I settle on the terrace with a mug of tea, casting my sights across the golf links, through waterways, over scores of islands, and finally to rest upon Abu Dhabi city a few kilometers away.

4PM-Business Lounge: Radisson Blu Yas Island, Abu Dhabi: f/3.5 1/1000sec; ISO-100

4PM-Business Lounge: Radisson Blu Yas Island, Abu Dhabi: f/3.5 1/1000sec; ISO-100

Yas Island holds the Yas Island Circuit, which hosts the Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix since 2009. Hotrods and speedsters hoon down the straights at lightnening velocity, but we three girls are here not for the rocket fuel…

5PM Pool & Golf Links:Radisson Blu Yas Island, Abu Dhabi: f/3.5 1/1600sec; ISO-100

5PM Pool & Golf Links:Radisson Blu Yas Island, Abu Dhabi: f/3.5 1/1600sec; ISO-100

We seek parklands, golf courses, lagoon hotels, marinas and pool cabanas. And, of course, every spoilt girl’s dream-read: a pillow menu! I’ll sleep to that…

11PM 8th Floor:Radisson Blu Yas Island, Abu Dhabi: f/4; 1/40sec; ISO-100

11PM 8th Floor:Radisson Blu Yas Island, Abu Dhabi: f/4; 1/40sec; ISO-100

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