To Thai for

With no time for weekends, let alone holidays, Team TMN were in danger of burning out fast. So when invited to experience a little Thai hospitality at the all-new Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, we could hardly refuse. Boasting state-of-the-art business facilities, this five-star haven seemed the perfect solution to our problems… relaxation, while keeping our laptops within arm’s reach.

What: Dusit Thani, Abu Dhabi

Where: Muroor Street, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

When: Officially launched on September 16, 2013

The promise: “A hotel mixing Thai influences and modern lifestyle accouterments, beautifully designed for savvy business travellers.”

Did it deliver: A simple 60-minute drive from TMN HQ lead us directly to the imposing 40-story Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi. Sleek, chic and brimming with class, from the moment we stepped inside the impressive hotel lobby we knew this weekend away was just what the doctor ordered. The vast reception had a pleasantly calming vibe, and we couldn’t help but stare in awe of the impressive 37-floor atrium – which, we were told, is the third highest in the world. A swift and efficient check-in saw no time wasted loitering in the lobby. We were escorted to our rooms laden with luxuries including floor-to-ceiling windows, a substantial bathtub – uniquely positioned for TV viewing – and surround sound in the over-sized ensuite. Solid-wood workstations and complimentary WiFi provided the perfect finishing touches to ensure our team trip was as much productive as it was pleasurable.

Feeling deprived of vitamin D, Team TMN dived straight out to catch some sun at the relaxing rooftop pool, where we wiled away much of our day. After a pit stop to relax in the Jacuzzi and steam room we parted ways to prepare for dinner in the signature restaurant – Benjarong.

Having worked up quite the appetite from our strenuous afternoon of relaxing, the chef’s four-course taster menu of traditional Thai cuisine couldn’t have been any more tempting. Starting with the spicy tom yum soup and a delectable platter including fish cakes with sweet chili sauce, papaya salad and tofu veggie cups it wasn’t long before we were loosening our restrictive attire to allow for the main course to arrive. While the Thai green chili with rice and the Pad Thai were standout favorites for mains the coconut ice cream with rich fried banana couldn’t be resisted for dessert. After a post-dinner wander to try and walk off our expanding waistlines, Team TMN parted ways to sleep off our thoroughly satisfying food comas.

As morning arrived, little could have coaxed us out of our oh-so-comfy beds – except a delicious buffet breakfast followed by the promise of an authentic Thai massage. The serene sanctuary of Namm Spa with its white airy decor, offered the perfect end to a thoroughly enjoyable weekend. Our work-torn bodies emerged stretched, relaxed & ready to face a new week.

The Verdict: Centrally located next to the Mohamed Bin Zayed Stadium, the Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi provides the perfect business trip base, while managing to stay equally appealing for a relaxing staycation. Team TMN escaped the hustle and bustle of Dubai, returning two days later as better version of ourselves – rejuvenated, refreshed and raring to get back to work.