New Year Refresh: A Relaxing Yas Island Staycation to Usher in 2023
The year 2022 is finally coming to a close. After almost three years of dealing with the pandemic and enduring its lingering aftermath, you must be more than ready for a respite. We know we are.
The last quarter of 2022 should be the perfect time for an interlude. Pack your bags, book your tickets and come with your friends or family for a relaxing Yas Island staycation that will refresh you for 2023.
Below is a list of the things you may tick off your Yas Island refresh staycation bucket list.
- Meat Vault: Preserves the finest cuts and provides a selection of matured meats.
- Steam Table: Serves a selection of steamed and stir-fried Asian street food.
- Nikkei House: Celebrates the fusion of Japanese technique and Peruvian ingredients.
- Mezza Bar: Epitomises the charm and colour of Beirut's traditional Levantine cuisine.
- Tart Van: Offers a selection of decadent candies, confections and desserts.
1. The Ultimate Brunch Experience With B.I.G.
B.I.G. stands for Brunch in Garage, a brunch extravaganza available at the multi-kitchen dining hub, Garage restaurant. Garage is located at W Abu Dhabi, a five-star Marriott Distinctive Luxury brand hotel.
The Garage brunch is a must-try for anyone in Yas Island Abu Dhabi on a weekend. The restaurant serves cuisine from five kitchens and drinks from 11 beverage taps in one big brunch spread. The five kitchens are:
The Tap Wall serves a curated selection of beverages. Your choice of drinks will depend on your B.I.G. package (it can be dry, spirited or sparkling).
Garage's B.I.G brunch is available every Saturday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Insider's Tip: You can take the brunch as a stand-alone offer or book W Abu Dhabi's "brunchcation" package inclusive of the B.I.G. ultimate brunch experience, room accommodation and breakfast.
2. The Lion King Stage Musical.
The New York Times said there's simply nothing like The Lion King theatrical experience, and we agree. It has been 25 years since its debut on Broadway, but the show remains as extravagant and spectacular as it was when it first came out.
You would know the story, especially if you watched Disney's 1994 animated film from which this musical was adapted. It's about Simba losing his father and fleeing in his guilt and, ultimately, finding redemption. Adding colour to the story are his villainous uncle and the friends he makes in the jungle.
Bringing an African savannah to life on the stage is not easy, but The Lion King's director and production team have done it. The show is finally making its first appearance in a Middle Eastern theatre, and it's a historic moment you shouldn't miss if you're a fan of musicals.
The Lion King plays at Etihad Arena every day from 16 November to 10 December 2022, except Mondays and 29 November.
Insider's Tip: You can book a package inclusive of hotel accommodation and tickets to The Lion King.
3. The theme parks.
What could be better for relaxation than screaming your stress out? There are three places in Yas Island where you're expected to do just that: Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi and Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi.
At Ferrari World, you can find Formula Rossa, the world's fastest rollercoaster. Go from zero to 240 kilometres per hour in just 4.9 seconds and experience Formula 1-level g-forces. Aside from the rollercoaster rides, other unique experiences await. These include the Ferrari driving (or passenger) experience, karting, zip lining, and a walk on the park's iconic red roof.
Warner Bros. World is the world's biggest indoor theme park. Meet your favourite television characters, including Batman and his legendary archnemeses, and enjoy themed rides and experiences based on your Warner Bros. cartoons like Road Runner, The Jetsons and Scooby-Doo.
Yas Waterworld is the largest waterpark in Abu Dhabi. It has more than 40 attractions, including the world's largest six-person tornado water coaster (Dawwama) and largest sheet wave (Bubbles Barrel). You can also try the one-of-a-kind underwater virtual reality experience, pearl diving experience and the 5D water experience cinema (Cinesplash).
Insider's Tip: There are Yas Island hotels with theme park tickets inclusion. Booking the Stay and Play package will entitle you to complimentary access to a Yas Island theme park for every night of your stay. If you stay three nights, you can visit all three parks.
One hotel that provides theme park access with every night of accommodation is WB Hotel Yas Island Abu Dhabi. This is located across Warner Bros. World, within walking distance of Yas Waterworld and five minutes by car or shuttle away from Ferrari World.
You may also avail of the 1 Day Any 2 Parks or Unlimited 3 Days 3 Parks offers to get the best value out of your theme park tickets.
4. Fireworks.
If you like fireworks, time your visit with the National Day Fireworks on 2 December (9 p.m.) or the New Year's Eve Fireworks on 31 December (midnight). Find a good place on the Yas Bay Waterfront and enjoy the show.
Insider's Tip: Hilton Yas Island Abu Dhabi is on the Yas Bay Waterfront promenade. A water-facing room in this hotel should give you a good view of the fireworks display. Since Etihad Arena is on Yas Bay, Hilton Abu Dhabi also makes an excellent base if you intend to catch more shows during your stay.
Ready, Set, Staycation
If you need a break, rest or a change of pace, come to Yas Island. We have hotels, theme parks, restaurants, a true links golf course, a race car circuit, a mall, and many other attractions to help you relax, unwind and get the best out of your vacation.
Contact us to learn more about our offers and upcoming events or to book your custom staycation.
Getting To Yas island
- General
Yas Express is our complimentary shuttle bus service that can get you to any of the major island attractions. For more information, timetable and map, download the pocket guide or call +971 (0) 600 511115.
- To Yas Island:
- Boarding spots are available at the Deira City Center entrance (beside Aloft Hotel) and Ibn Battuta Mall, Parking 7 stop (right in front of the China Court section).
- Within Yas Island:
- The shuttle service bus can take guests to any of the major island attractions.
- Air travel to Yas Island
- If you're coming from outside the UAE, aim to land in Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH), as it is located just 10 minutes away from Yas Island.
- Rental car to Yas Island
- From Abu Dhabi International Airport, you can rent a car. All car rental offices operate 24/7
- Uber/Careem
- Connect to the Wi-Fi at Abu Dhabi International Airport and book an Uber or Careem via their apps.
- Taxis to Yas Island
- You can take a taxi to Yas Island from Abu Dhabi International Airport (10 minutes), Abu Dhabi (25 minutes), and Dubai (45 minutes). To get a taxi, you can flag them down at the roadside, call the TransAD hotline 600 535353 to book, or use the Abu Dhabi Taxi app available for both iOS and Android platforms. Taxis are plentiful and fares are reasonable.
- From Abu Dhabi:
- Board the 102 Bus Route to Yas Island at the Abu Dhabi Bus Station next to Al Wahda Mall.
- From Dubai:
- Travel to the Dubai Al Ghubaiba Bus Station to ride to the Abu Dhabi Bus Station, then board the 102 Bus Route to Yas Island.