Travel & Living

Crafting Guest Meaningful Experiences At Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island

"At Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island, we don’t just offer a vacation; we craft a journey of indulgence, culture, and unforgettable memories."

As Abu Dhabi’s only all-inclusive resort, it seamlessly combines indulgence, culture, and world class hospitality. To gain a deeper insight into what sets this exceptional property apart, we had the opportunity to talk with the General Manager - Burcak Orak, whose vision and leadership have been pivotal in shaping the resort’s reputation as a premier destination.

From award-winning culinary offerings and thoughtfully tailored guest experiences to its commitment to honoring Emirati heritage, the resort leaves no detail overlooked. In this exclusive interview, Burcak Orak shares insights into the resort’s unique offerings, innovative approach to hospitality, and how it aligns with Abu Dhabi’s vision for tourism. Whether it’s families seeking adventure, couples in search of romance, or solo travelers looking to rejuvenate, Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island continues to exceed expectations by crafting experiences that are both personal and memorable.

Frank Pena: What exclusive experiences does your resort offer that guests can’t find anywhere else in Abu Dhabi?

Burcak Orak: At Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island, our vision has always been to redefine the Ultra-All-Inclusive experience by focusing on four core pillars: entertainment, gastronomy, the Exclusive Sports Club, and the Rixy Kids Club. We want our guests to enjoy a peaceful, luxurious vacation without any limitations, and every moment at the property feels truly indulgent.

When it comes to dining, we take great pride in the world-class gastronomy we offer. This year, being crowned as the ‘World’s Best All-Inclusive Culinary Resort’ has been an incredible achievement for us. It boasts the resort’s commitment to delivering an exceptional culinary offering for our guests. Whether it's Japanese cuisine, authentic Italian, or the rich traditions of Turkish delicacies, each dining experience is crafted to offer a variety of global flavors to cater to all tastes. We also offer live cooking stations and curated chef experiences that elevates Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island’s culinary offering further.

Our Exclusive Sports Club guarauntees that guests can enjoy their stay with a range of premium fitness facilities and activities including entertainment options for the little ones at the Rixy Kids Club. While our award-winning Anjana Spa brings the spirit of Turkish hospitality to life. At the spa, hotel residents can indulge in traditional Turkish rituals, treatments and other facilities which are designed to bring harmony to both the mind and body.

Ultimately, our goal is to provide an all-encompassing, 360-degree experience where our guests feel both relaxed and rejuvenated. Whether they’re staying for the food, the activities, or simply just to unwind, we’ve thought of every detail to offer guests a vacation unlike any other.

How does the resort engage with the local Emirati community to create an authentic cultural experience for guests? This might include collaborations with local chefs, artists, or historians to ensure guests leave with a deeper appreciation for Abu Dhabi’s heritage.

At the resort, we celebrate key Emirati occasions, including UAE Eid Al Etihad, Emirati Women’s Day, Ramadan and Eid, by offering our guests a chance to indulge themselves in the rich traditions of the UAE. From traditional feasts to captivating live entertainment and authentic cultural festivities, we create experiences that reflect the true spirit of the nation.

To ensure authenticity and innovation, we also maintain a close partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism, staying aligned with the latest cultural trends and initiatives. Our collaboration allows us to deliver experiences that honour the UAE’s heritage while offering our guests a fresh perspective on its vibrant traditions.

In a competitive market perspective, how does the resort cater to families, couples, and solo travelers differently?

We recognise the diverse needs of our guests and have thoughtfully tailored our offerings to create unique and unforgettable experiences for families, couples, and solo travellers alike. For families, we’ve focused on comfort and convenience for every member, offering spacious family rooms and suites with thoughtful touches like exclusive beach bags and other amenities for the family, including loofahs, shampoos and toothbrushes, etc. The Rixy Kids Club provides our younger guests with a fun and engaging space, offering activities like trasure hunts, cooking classes and arts and crafts to keep them busy and their creativity flowing. Families can also bond over inclusive dining experiences with kid-friendly menus and themed family nights, not to mention the wave pool and aqua park that add a splash of adventure to their stay.

When it comes to couples, we really focus on creating an unforgettable romantic escape. We love offering experiences that allow couples to disconnect from the busy city and fully enjoy each other’s company. For example, we can arrange private beach dining, where they can enjoy a peaceful meal together by the sea, or pampering spa treatments designed just for them. If they’re looking for deeper relaxation, the team and I always recommend the Anjana Spa. It’s the perfect retreat, with Turkish hammam rituals, wellness programs and serene spaces that are created with couples in mind, so this makes it an ideal place to truly unwind together.

Club Privé by Rixos Saadiyat Island, consist of 12 villas that are designed to offer the ultimate exclusivity. Everything is designed for pure relaxation and each villa comes with a butler service, with 4 of them offering private pools including beachfront cabanas and 8 villas having shared pools. Couples can enjoy live music, themed parties, or even outdoor movie nights, which makes it the perfect mix of privacy and fun.

For solo travelers, we’ve got something special too. Our award-winning wellness programs are all about rejuvenation and self-care, from yoga and sound healing to invigorating ice baths. We really believe in making sure every guest, no matter their journey, leaves with unforgettable memories and a sense of renewal.

How do you maintain exceptional service standards for such a diverse and international clientele?

We maintain exceptional service standards by combining five-star hospitality with the unique demands of our Ultra-All-Inclusive concept. Our team is meticulously trained to deliver attentive, culturally aware service that anticipates the needs of our diverse, international guests. With a deep understanding of cultural nuances and preferences, we ensure every guest feels welcomed and valued, whether they're traveling for leisure, romance, or adventure. Through personalized experiences and unlimited access to world-class dining, entertainment, and wellness offerings, we ensure every guest feels valued and their stay exceeds expectations.

What is the most distinctive feature of your resort that sets it apart from others in the UAE? Whether it’s a signature attraction, a natural setting, or a world-class amenity, what do you consider your "wow" factor?

The most distinctive feature about the hotel is its unique combination of the Ultra-All-Inclusive concept with a stunning natural setting on the pristine shores of Saadiyat Island, making it the only resort of its kind in Abu Dhabi. This blend of exclusivity, indulgence, and exceptional location creates a true 'wow' factor that sets us apart in the UAE. With a one-of-a-kind all-inclusive offering, breathtaking surroundings, and world-class amenities, our resort, Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island, stands out as a premier destination, known for delivering unforgettable guest experiences.

How do you ensure the "all-inclusive" concept doesn’t compromise on personalization and exclusivity? Guests often associate all-inclusive resorts with standardization. How do you differentiate and tailor the experience?

As a Rixos brand, we take a different approach. We ensure the 'all-inclusive' concept doesn’t compromise on personalisation and exclusivity by staying true to our roots in traditional Turkish hospitality, where genuine care and attention to detail are at the heart of everything we do. For the Rixos brand, it’s not just about offering an all-inclusive experience; it’s about creating one that feels highly personalised and tailored to each guest.

We go beyond the standard all-inclusive model by curating a mix of unique offerings under one roof. From our signature dining outlets and unparalleled entertainment to unique spa treatments, exceptional sports activities, and a wide variety of engaging experiences for children, we make sure that every guest’s needs are met. Whether it’s family, couples, or solo travellers, we create a stay that feels exclusive to them.

This approach allows us to deliver the variety expected from an all-inclusive resort without losing the personal touches.

Can you share an example of a guest service moment that truly embodies you brand’s values and has put an impact in brand identity?

We often see the true impact of our brand’s values through the heartfelt stories from our returning guests. One of my favorite examples is when families come back for their fourth or fifth stay and share how their little ones, who once stayed at our resort as babies, are now running around and making new memories with us. It’s moments like these that remind us what makes us truly special, building long-standing relationships and being part of our guests’ journeys.

For us, it’s all about the details. Our team takes pride in remembering more than just names, we also remember the little things that matter most. Whether it’s a welcome note upon arrival, a favorite dish, a dietary restriction, or making sure a child’s favorite activity is ready and waiting for them, we go the extra mile to make each stay feel truly personal.

With these thoughtful touches included, it’s something more than just a holiday or a staycation for them and we en up created a specialized bond with our hotel residents.

Guests often return to us to celebrate key milestones like anniversaries or birthdays, knowing they’ll be greeted with a warm welcome. The team makes sure to remember not just their faces, but their stories, the moments they’ve shared, and how their families have grown and evolved during their visits. This consistency in delivering heartfelt and thoughtful service is what makes us feel like a family, a key part of our Rixos brand identity.

What are your long-term plans for the resort’s growth, and how do they align with Abu Dhabi’s vision for tourism? Are there plans to expand, innovate, or diversify your offerings in response to evolving guest expectations?

Abu Dhabi’s innovative approach to tourism, with its focus on cultural enrichment, sustainability, and unique experiences, truly inspires us to push the boundaries of what the resort offers. It’s an exciting time to be here, and we’re always looking for ways to connect our guests to the very best of what the Capital has to offer.

With iconic landmarks like the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, and the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi set to open just next door from us, we see these cultural treasures as an extension of the experiences we aim to deliver. These landmarks celebrate the art, history, and soul of this remarkable city.

We’re honored to collaborate with these cultural institutions, providing our guests with exclusive opportunities to immerse themselves in the region’s rich heritage. We’re not just about offering a place to stay, but also about creating a meaningful experience that allows guests, whether residents or visitors, to truly connect with the culture and history that surrounds them.