Where the F1 crowd *really* chill when they go to Abu Dhabi
Engines, champagne, and basslines that vibrate through your bones — the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is where excess meets excellence, and racing is just the beginning. The track delivered more than its usual dose of drama this year, with Lewis Hamilton staging a masterclass comeback, fighting his way from near the back of the grid to fourth place in his Mercedes farewell. That even culminated in a final-lap thriller against teammate George Russell. And Lando Norris (the yout from Chicken Shop Date) claimed a victory that secured McLaren’s position as 2024’s runner-up.
Really, though, it’s all about what goes down after all that malarkey. This year, that came in the form of the Yasalam After-Race Concerts, which did their bit to prove why they’re so integral to the F1 experience. Teddy Sims set the foundation, Peggy Gou transformed the desert into an electrifying rave, and then came the weekend’s sonic coup de grâce — Eminem erupting from a grave marked “Slim Shady,” hockey mask and all, delivering hit after hit before the inevitable “Lose Yourself” finale. Muse followed with Matthew Bellamy wielding his guitar like a weapon, riffing on Led Zeppelin covers and igniting a crowd that spanned generations. If you weren’t there, your social feeds have undoubtedly filled you in.
But the real inside track on F1 weekend? Knowing where to stay. When we asked the regulars, one name kept surfacing — The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort. It’s become the unofficial sanctuary for the F1 crowd who understand luxury doesn’t have to mean sterility.
The beach here makes Maldivian postcards look pedestrian, and the infinity pool has a way of turning “one more hour” into an entire afternoon. And the rooms? They offer the kind of space and natural light that make you reluctant to leave — that’s especially true for the ones with a beach view.
Breakfast at Olea deserves its own chapter — it’s the kind of spread that justifies setting an alarm on vacation. Made-to-order everything, pastries that would humble a Parisian baker, and service that elevates the entire experience. Post-race dining at Buddha-Bar Beach delivers Asian fusion that defies hotel restaurant expectations, with a beef short rib that demands to be talked about. MAZI completes the culinary trinity, offering Mediterranean dishes that transport you straight to the Greek islands.
For those seeking respite from the high-octane weekend, Abu Dhabi obliges. The Louvre Abu Dhabi stands ready with its architectural brilliance and world-class collection, while the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque offers another dose of architectural magnificence. But there’s something to be said for simply retreating to your balcony at the St. Regis, watching the sun set over the Arabian Gulf, and savoring the echoes of a weekend where sport, luxury, and spectacle collided perfectly.
With Abu Dhabi following up last year’s Foo Fighters and Shania Twain with this year’s spectacular lineup, and Hamilton and Leclerc set to share the Ferrari garage in 2025, next year’s race weekend promises to be even more extraordinary. Just make sure you book your St. Regis room early — some secrets are too good to keep.
