Shangri-La Al Beri

The black cat that crept around the tables at breakfast outside became a symbol of happiness - for a stay in a good mood that didn't require any extravagant luxury. The omnipresent view of the magnificent Zayed Mosque, whether from the pool or the room terrace, was the first piece in the mosaic. Freshly squeezed juices as a morning drink are not standard everywhere, even in the 5-star sector. Neither is a harp player in the lobby lounge in the afternoon. So we were able to continue our journey in such a delicate, lively and inspired way. For a sunset aperitivo, a quick trip up to the 7th floor, South Wing, to the Horizon Club Lounge. To the left, the busy Al Maqta Bridge over a branch of the river catches the eye (and ear), whose completion in 1967 heralded the modern era. Previously, this was a fishing village and the passage from the island to the mainland was dangerous due to the tides. Before roads could be built, stones placed in the water served as a kind of wobbly footbridge. Hard to imagine today. A little of the old trading flair has been incorporated into a souk in the hotel area. You can also sail past it on a tour with an "Abra" wooden boat in an artificial canal that winds its way through the hotel, which opened in 2007. The 750-metre round trip is popular with couples and wedding parties - the atmospheric photos almost take care of themselves.





"I do" is also the word to describe the gastronomic offer. The restaurant run by French star chef Nicolas Isnard, the "Bord Eau": superb! If you turn your back on snails, there are still other memorable options. The "modern onion soup", for example, which has long been legendary among gourmets and which, thanks to the onion ice cream in combination with the Comté, triggers an explosion of taste or - for those with a sweet tooth with two legs - a reinterpretation of the Helene pear as a Grand Cru dark chocolate ball.

Test highlight: Negroni Week with guest bartenders from Mexico City and Milan in the Al Hanah bar.