Arab i a n. S a n c t u a r y. Shangri-La Hotel Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi. There, to his joy and surprise, he found a friendly

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1 There, to his joy and surprise, he found a friendly and prosperous population who made haste to display what I have always regarded as our oldest tradition that of hospitality to strangers. Lost Horizon, James Hilton It was through this 1933 classic that we found our name. And it was this novel that inspired our heartfelt hospitality. Every hotel around the world has its own story to tell and, in keeping with how it began, each captures its account in a little book. Collect as many books as you can from over 90 hotels and resorts around the world. ar abian sanctuary shangri-la hotel, qaryat al beri, abu dhabi Arab i a n S a n c t u a r y Shangri-La Hotel Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi

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4 THERE S NO GREATER ACT OF HOSPITALITY THAN TO EMBR ACE A STR ANGER AS ONE S OWN.

5 right on time, the melodic call for afternoon prayer soared from across the sparkling blue strait that separates Abu Dhabi island from the mainland. Immediately, everything around hushed to a respectful silence. The pearl white domes and minarets of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque gleamed with stunning austerity under the blazing sun. I could almost see through them and into the main prayer hall where I had the privilege of visiting just days ago to immerse in its breathtaking splendour. My heart yearned to trace again the intricate patterns on the massive Persian carpet that had taken 2,000 craftsmen two years to complete. It was truly an artistic endeavour worthy of Emirati pride. The towering palm trees in the voluminous lobby welcomed us back into its marbled oasis of arabesque magnificence. Sinking into the earthy respite of the lounge, we contemplated venturing out on the desert safari trip suggested earlier by the friendly concierge. As if he had heard us from across the hall, the concierge reappeared to assure us that arrangements could be made for the following day should we feel adventurous. Exchanging wide grins between ourselves, we agreed to a date with the undulating dunes before sunset. 1

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9 the ARABIan gulf beckoned with a lovely turquoise shimmer as I stepped on to the pristine private beach. Wrapped in the light sea breeze, my urban soul felt comforted by the sheer expanse of nature s beauty. As I plonked on to my usual spot under the white parasol, a cheerful waitress brought me a glass of ice-cold water and a towel. Refreshed, I was content to lie back with my book, peering over the pages occasionally at the yachts sailing wordlessly into the horizon. The air was perfumed with the heady scent of Arabian oud fragrances as the abra, a traditional gondola, glided down the waterway through The Souk at Qaryat Al Beri. Passing ornate arches and carved doors, it took little effort to coax me into exploring the quaint, shop-lined walkways illed with delightful curios, wares and precious jewels. As I discovered the juicy sweetness of fresh dates procured from a speciality store, a proprietor asked if I would like to take home an Arabian lantern as a receptacle of treasured memories. It was a proposition too charming to resist. 9

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12 lounging on one of the cream divans at ESS Lounge, I watched the rays from the setting sun bathe the mosque s domes in an aura that accentuated their majestic presence. The crisp evening air on the roof felt wonderfully cool against our skin. Across the strait, city lights twinkled to the beat of the contemporary mix. Paired with tapas and drinks, it was all we needed to ease into the night. The atmosphere at Sofra bld was abuzz with anticipation as we sat down at our favourite table to watch the chefs work behind open stations. Moving with the smoothness of seasoned performers, they put up a seemingly effortless show of cutting, chopping, basting and grilling to concoct as if by magic yet another spectacular feast of Arabian proportions. The deliciously rich aromas of turmeric, garlic and cinnamon whetted our appetites as we surveyed rows of perfectly glistening meat kebabs, fresh seafood and stacked pyramids of dates in the most fascinating array of flavours. Suffice to say, we were torn trying to decide where to begin.

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15 the excitement of the morning s activities swiftly dissipated as we strolled into the dimly lit sanctuary of CHI, The Spa. The scent of jasmine pervaded our senses while soft music, chiming almost unnoticeably in the background, calmed our spirits. With impossibly unified long strokes and deep sweeps, two pairs of healing hands began kneading expertly at the tight knots and blocked energy channels of my body. As I floated into a semi-conscious state of bliss, I wondered how long the two therapists had to rehearse before achieving such wondrous synchronicity. Just before I drifted into a deep slumber, heated stones were massaged firmly over my pressure points, melting my senses further into the silky sheets. Soon, I was dreaming about camping in the desert with Bedouin tents and shishas while camels raced over the magnificent sand dunes.

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18 Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi Khor Al Maqta, PO Box , Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Tel: (971 2) Fax: (971 2) Shangri-La International Hotel Management Ltd. Printed and published in Hong Kong All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system or transmitted, in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission in writing from the publisher. SLAD0618

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