On top of the world

On Monday we started with one of my Zumba classes, at the Beach Rotana, and then we strolled the Abu Dhabi Mall for a little bit. It felt good to get a little spot of exercise in, as we had booked in for one of the more famous Afternoon Teas in town, at the Observation Deck at 300.

Here we are in the elevator going up to the 74th floor, 300m up in Tower 2 of the Etihad Towers complex. The Observation Deck at 300 is the highest vantage point in Abu Dhabi.

You have 360° panoramic views of Abu Dhabi from the top, and on a clear day like this, it was amazing!
First we were seated on the Al Bateen side, and apart from the Al Bateen marina and beach, we could actually see all the way out to the Aldar building here in Al Raha!

We asked to get moved to the other side though, as I wanted to experience the view over the famous Emirates Palace. Just look at this... Beautiful... The Emirates Palace, the marina, the Arabian Gulf; and to the left you can see the Presidential Palace as well.

The Breakwater, with Marina Mall and the Heritage Village.

Apart from enjoying the views, we also enjoyed their Afternoon Tea!
Yes, you have to pay AED 85 to get up to the Observation Deck, but part of the ticket price (AED 50) can be redeemed in the restaurant. You don't have to do the Afternoon Tea, you can also order drinks and snacks from their menu.

Erika displaying our slightly more honest reaction..! Ha ha!
Well, we could probably have shared just one set-up. There was so much food, and it took us all of the three hours to devour it all. Extra plus for the gluten free option available for Erika.

In the part of the restaurant where you had the view over the Corniche, there was no tables but a viewing lounge with binoculars free to use.

Oh such a lush afternoon! This research for the Tour Guiding is proving to be rather enjoyable..!