Caribbean chocolate getaway

Feeling tired? Too much work? Nagging children? Not enough sleep? Too much traffic? Too much city? Too much concrete? No fresh air? No space? No nature? No peace and quiet?!

Sometimes you just need a break. You need a getaway. You need — dare I say — to feel like you’re nowhere near the UAE… and all the exhaustions of the working world that go with our desert home. The only downside to escape? The cost. You can barely afford the time, let alone the expense, of a five-hour flight to the Maldives whenever you’re feeling blue (unless, of course, you drive a one or two-digit number-plated car).

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If that vehicular environment is nowhere close to your 
reality — and it isn’t for most — then fear not, the solution to your escapist needs lies closer to home than you think… even closer if you live in Abu Dhabi.

For a Caribbean-esque destination can be found that’s just an hour from Dubai Marina, or 20 minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi, and you won’t be forced to listen to a moment of reggae music. The Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island is a 306-room property that’s decorated like an Hermès scarf smashed into a box of truffles. It’s spacious, comfortable, and boasts a beachside restaurant that oozes Caribbean sensuality; a relaxed home from home with sea breezes and nesting turtles just a stone’s throw away.

The Beach House is unlike any other restaurant in the UAE. A rooftop fills its upstairs, whilst diners spill onto the beach from a ground floor restaurant that’s decorated in natural, earthy, warm tones that enhance a spirit of Caribbean relaxation, rather than forcing five-star decadence. The menu, though, is far from Caribbean, evoking Spanish tapas rather than jerk chicken and hot sauce. The portions are designed to be shared, but be careful not to over-order; it’s easy to fill the small tables with an excess of food.

Be sure to start at the marinated prawns with cilantro and chilli, spicy tomato sauce accompanied by the braised ox cheek. The lighter prawns balance the heavier ox cheek, one of which is crunchy and punchy, the other heavier and richer. Join these dishes with the fresh fried zucchini, roasted garlic and mint sauce for a light meal, or add in the sumptuous king of paella - chicken, seafood and shellfish for a fuller feast. Once done with the mains, you might desire dessert, but be careful — the Torero chocolate ice cream, with brownie cubes is so rich it should come with a private banker.

Although some of the dishes at The Beach House may not be to everyone’s taste, there are enough options to satisfy all. Food aside, there are few that couldn’t love the holiday 
atmosphere of the restaurant. For those in need of a getaway, without the battle of airports, transfers, passports and more, look no further — especially if you’re content surrounded by Caribbean charm and chocolate box rooms.