Southern Sun Abu Dhabi

For a golf break that combines time on Abu Dhabi’s courses with the pace of a central city stay, Southern Sun Abu Dhabi makes a practical base on Mina Street in Al Zahiya. Corniche Beach is only minutes away, while the hotel’s own golf provision centres on a Trackman simulator, giving you a chance to loosen up, work on your numbers or keep the competitive edge going after the course. There is no on site championship layout to tie you to the resort, so the rhythm here suits golfers who want to play around the emirate then return to the city for the evening. The simulator is part of the hotel’s Golf and Guzzle offering, and the fitness centre adds a gym, sauna and steam rooms for recovery between rounds.

The 353 rooms occupy floors 10 to 26, with outlooks taking in the Corniche and Abu Dhabi skyline. Executive Rooms and One Bedroom Suites each provide 50 square metres of space, with the latter arranged for the flexibility of a serviced apartment. Individually controlled air conditioning and unlimited Wi Fi come as standard, useful when you are checking tee times or catching up with home. Complimentary valet parking takes some of the effort out of coming and going, while the 24 hour business centre is there for anyone combining golf with work.

Evenings can be as relaxed or as sociable as you choose. The Foundry starts breakfast at 06:00, then changes into an à la carte steakhouse for dinner, with chef stations and a show kitchen adding some theatre. Hytes Bar on the 27th floor is a good place for a drink with city views, while Blu Sky Lounge and Grill pairs a grill menu with big screen sport. By the pool, Balcon Lounge and Terrace serves tapas and sharing plates, including in private cabanas. Filaments Café in the lobby remains open around the clock for espresso, pastries, cakes and macarons, handy after a late flight or an early departure.