Out Of Office: Seeking Serenity At Erth Abu Dhabi

A destination that captures the spirit of the UAE, Erth Abu Dhabi, which graces the cover of Out Of Office Issue 10, is a stay with a story to tell

While Erth’s presence is very much in the heart of Abu Dhabi, its soulfulness will put your mind somewhere else entirely – such is the power of this city oasis on the waterfront of Khor Al Maqta. Wherever you stand on the expansive estate silence is abound – save for the soft trickle of rock pools, the breeze whispering through the palms in Al Fayy Garden and the slow rolling of lazy waves. An urban retreat, yes, but one drenched in soothing escapism.

The property’s compelling backstory takes guests from 1983 all the way through to today. Beginning life as the Armed Forces Officers Club, it was envisioned by Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan as a 75-hectare recreational space dedicated to officers of the emirates’ Armed Forces and their families, opening in 1997. Six years later it welcomed the public for the first time as the Armed Forces Officers Club & Hotel, signifying the evolving landscape of a city embracing tourism. Then, in 2021, another chapter was written with its reinvention as Erth, as the storied club metamorphosed into a more contemporary space that taps into the nuanced needs of today’s more conversant clientele – one who appreciates the beauty of quiet luxury and calmness.

The beating heart of Erth is the falcon-shaped building that houses the hotel, restaurants and all manner of spaces for pleasurable pursuits. With wings spread wide as if in flight, the avian-shaped exterior presents an arresting arrival. Inside, there’s both a newness and a rawness to the interior design. Earthy tones and textures create a canvas of warmth and tactility, where stone and marble meet wood and rope.

A tranquil energy drifts from the flood-lit lobby, rippling through the six Wind Whisperers structures – recreating the shapes a sail adopts during a voyage – and up towards the 238 rooms and 42 suites above. This breath of fresh air permeates the whole resort, each corner slowly transforming into a more enlightened version of the legendary Officers Club. Still the same sense of sacred community, yet in a more au courant and serene setting. Geometrical lines and gentle textures safeguard the stillness of space, which is bathed in natural light and complemented by indoor rock gardens and pools.

An impeccable blend of recreational facilities and culinary experiences allows for both activeness and restful repose. An Olympic-size swimming pool, padel courts, beautiful facilities at Etizan Fitness and all manner of sports courts segue into relaxation and recovery therapies at the spa, dips in one of two oasis-shaped pools and soothing strolls through Al Fayy Garden filled with indigenous trees or along Erth’s 350-metre-long Blue Flag beach.

The sharing of food and drink is an intrinsic part of regional and Emirati culture and Erth intertwines these beautiful traditions across its six restaurants. Erth Al Hosn – its award-winning restaurant located at Qasr Al Hosn – celebrates the simple truth that savouring great food is an inherently soulful experience; a place of nourishment for body and soul, its food explores the wonders of the UAE’s rich bounty of ingredients, both nostalgic and experimental; Ergon Deli & Café sprinkles a little Mediterranean magic through its menu, while Beetza brings a Neapolitan pizza experience to the capital, and Hidd, soon to be unveiled, will soak up its beachfront setting with seafood and local flavours.

The beauty of Erth is its versatility – a destination that transcends definition, a place to be defined only by you. An urban nexus for spirited cultural and social exchange; a space where nature and nurture holistically coalesce; a tranquil escape from the city without ever really having to leave at all.

Your journey will lead you to Erth, but its spirit will stay with you long after you leave – such is the way with a quiet legacy as enduring as this. erth.ae

Lead Image: Swimsuit, HERMÈS

Photography Vladimir Martí Fashion Direction Kim Payne Models Mellyna Chassy/mmg Models and Matheus Souza/ant Management Hair and Make-up Julia Rada Executive Producer Drew Brown Fashion Assistant Lucy Semaan Photographer Assistant Scar Salario Location Erth Abu Dhabi

From Out Of Office Issue 10