Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

I’m excited to start the day here on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi! Since this isn’t my first time visiting, I have a few specific things in mind. The first is actually my accommodations. Ever since college, I’ve been a pretty big fan of Formula 1. And only recently have I started to add visiting F1 tracks to my travel bucket list! Coincidentally the Yas Marina Circuit is home to one of these F1 races! What makes this track unique is that it runs around and “through” the hotel itself! A hotel that I happen to be staying at!

W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island

The W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island is a pretty unique hotel in its own right. The exterior design is pretty one of a kind and inside is super chic and stylish. Add the fact that it sits atop an F1 circuit allowing guests trackside views or views from the comfort of their rooms makes it a pretty special spot! Until now I’ve only seen this hotel (and circuit) on TV broadcasts. However, now I get to be a guest and I intend to take it all in!

YasMall

Unfortunately, I’m a bit early to check in, so I end up leaving my bags at reception with some time to kill. Yas Island is a little bit outside of central Abu Dhabi. I think a fitting description for the island is that of a massive leisure and entertainment district. There are multiple theme parks, water parks, beaches and theatres for shows and exhibitions. While my first visit to Abu Dhabi was more centrally focused, my intention is to explore around Yas Island this time. I hop on one of the many free shuttle buses that services the island to Yas Mall. Yas Mall is pretty central to many attractions and a pretty good spot to kill some time. The mall itself is massive and has most of the big name brands on offer. It is also connected to one of the Island’s major theme parks, Ferrari World. I’d contemplated spending a day here. However, it is pretty pricey and with the short amount of time I have I decided against it. I did pop into the lobby to at least check it out!

UAE McDonalds

After walking around the mall a little, my thoughts turn to lunch. There are many many options available. From high end seated dining to unique food court options. With all these choices, what did I gravitate towards? McDonalds! I’m always a sucker for unique menu items on McDonalds and in this case their rice bowls catch my eye. I may be living under a rock but in all my travels I’ve not see this rice bowl option before so I’m eager to give it a shot. While it’s not the most appetizing looking offer, it is tasty! How can you go wrong with meat, rice and gravy?!

The “Fantastic” Suite

Eventually, I decide to make my way back to my hotel in hopes my room is ready. And, if simply staying at this hotel isn’t already a treat. To my delight, I get upgraded to the Fantastic Suite on account of my Marriott status. I’m happy with any standard room, but being in one that is literally bigger than my own condo at home is a treat! At this point, I’m pretty giddy with excitement! I’m also thankful that this leg of my trip is set to be more relaxing so I’m very happy to have such a “fantastic” place to chill in!

Yas Marina Circuit

After picking my mouth off the ground and settling into my fancy new digs.  I head out to explore the area around the hotel, namely the Yas Marina Circuit, home of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Even though it isn’t a Formula 1 race weekend, it is still a beautiful track. It runs around the hotel and in one part, it even goes “through” it. Guests are afforded some spectacular views and with the beautiful weather the track really is a vibrant sight!

Gulf 12 Hours

Upon booking this hotel, I started looking into perhaps doing some sort of on track experience. However, I learn that it isn’t possible as an event is occurring during my stay. The Gulf 12 Hours, is a GT endurance race where cars race on track for 12 hours straight. Unfortunately, I am flying out on race day, but I do get a chance to watch the practice and qualifying sessions which is just as thrilling. While it’s not F1, hearing the engines roar and being so close to the action is AWESOME. Being able to access the circuit at various parts is a treat and watching the cars scream pass is exhilarating.

Even with all this track access, one of the best places to watch is the bridge that connects the two hotels buildings. Since the circuit runs “through” the hotel, guests are treated to a unique above ground view of the cars racing under you.

YAS Marina

While I spend a good amount of time watching car after car fly by, I eventually take some time in the early evening to explore the Marina area. On the opposite side of the water to my hotel is a lovely Marina with cool little restaurants and a great view of my hotel. And while none of the restaurants appealed to me (either from their menus or prices!). I still very much enjoyed the evening walk, the waterfront vibe and taking in the sights!

The Garage

The one thing about living above a racing track is that food options are limited. Since I didn’t find anything that appealed to me at the restaurants around the Marina, I’m thankful that the hotel itself offers some good dining options. I opt for one called the Garage. It’s a large hip dining space with different types of cuisine all in one area. I intended to try something new but once I saw the menu had some comfort food items for me like Ramen, I couldn’t resist! 

With a full belly, and a big smile from all the day’s events, I spend a little more time outside watching cars drive by before heading back up to my room. After a hot shower I settle down to enjoy a movie in my palatial room! I didn’t plan for the pleasant surprises today but by no means will I complain about it. Tomorrow I plan to check out the Louvre Abu Dhabi so I eagerly look forward to that.