FACT Review: Brunch In The Clouds at The St. Regis Abu Dhabi

David Tapley visits the world’s highest suspended suite for an elevated Friday brunch experience at The St. Regis Abu Dhabi. A property with a reputation for creating bespoke experiences.

Brunch In The Clouds takes the institution of Friday brunch and elevates it to a whole new level of luxury. Re-launched earlier this summer, the brunch is held every second Friday and grants exclusive access to The St. Regis Abu Dhabi’s luxurious Abu Dhabi Suite for 50 lucky diners.

The Abu Dhabi Suite is undoubtedly a unique location for brunching in the UAE capital! Set 220 metres above sea level the expansive suite bridges Abu Dhabi’s iconic Nation Towers and is recognised as the world’s highest suspended suite.

We’re met in the lobby of the five-star property and are personally escorted into a private elevator, which is the only means of accessing the Abu Dhabi Suite. Disembarking into a hallway of gold, featuring a spiral staircase, embossed marble floors and ornate mirrors, it’s difficult to process the opulent surroundings when your eyes are inevitably drawn out through the pristine glass windows to the 360-degree views over Abu Dhabi. Moving around the panoramic window panes, we can see everything from the busy corniche to Marina Village, Etihad Towers and even a slight glimpse of Emirates Palace. It’s like a sightseeing tour of the very best Abu Dhabi has to offer, without having to brave the intense summer heat and the view is just one of the many draws of this special brunch.

While brunch would typically revolve around food and drinks, which are bountiful on both counts at The St. Regis Abu Dhabi. It’s the ability to explore the split-level suite between courses that provides much of the excitement. With an elongated duration, guests can take their time soaking up the atmosphere and exploring every ‘nook’ and ‘cranny’. Taking breaks between courses also helps with pacing… Ensuring you’re able to partake in everything that this sumptuous brunch has to offer. On one side of the suite, diners will find a narrow wooden staircase leading upwards towards a private lounge. An intimate space of bar stools, low-slung sofas, shaggy rugs and a mixologist. Venture further and behind a discreet door lies the private cinema. With its collection of leather reclining chairs and a screen projecting movies. The cinema isn’t the only surprise, for there is also a spa featuring a sunken bathtub and massage tables. Pre-COVID, diners could indulge in complimentary back massages, manicures and pedicures but for now, these are understandably on hold. The pinnacle of the Abu Dhabi suite, however, is the master bedroom with its circular bed, private dressing room and bathroom inlaid with gold.

Attention to detail and meticulous planning are the real strengths of Brunch In The Clouds, and the set menu offers a range of dishes laden with premium ingredients. Beginning with a Caribbean Lobster Escabeche with Imperial Caviar, before moving through to Seared Scallops, Fine De Claire Oysters and Yellowfin Tuna in quick succession.

The sushi is perhaps our favourite course with the lobster and black rice roll and the toro sashimi platter being of particular note. It’s these exquisite intricacies in the presentation that raise the bar and create a memorable brunch experience.

Lavish surroundings, proficient service and charming atmosphere aside, we can’t help but return to plate after plate of beautiful food. From the foie-gras with sourdough, grapes and ginger, to the honey-baked feta and a robust Welsh lamb croquette with Provolone cheese fondue.

When it comes to main courses, the Boston Lobster with curried mussels and coconut foam gets our vote, but the slow-braised lamb and a bone-in rib eye with truffle violet potatoes are also exciting choices. Being an á la carte brunch, we appreciate the sophistication and the ease of not having to traipse around in search of food.

Desserts are presented in colourful hues, and the quality prevails in choices that include velvet tiramisu (a dish that’s as good as it sounds), berry pavlova, crunchy chocolate cake and a beautiful cheesecake that represents simplicity at its very best.

Brunch In The Clouds is an event and should be at the top of any Abu Dhabi itinerary. A one of a kind brunch that offers sophistication and in doing so, pushes the boundaries of Friday brunching to a whole new level!

Brunch In The Clouds is exclusively for adults over 21 years only and is priced at AED345 (soft beverages) and AED 595 (bubbly).

GO: Email restaurants.abudhabi@stregis.com for bookings and more information.