Hero's welcome

With nerves of steel, Lisa Clark takes on Abu Dhabi's wild rides and has time to reflect

- Lisa Clark

Thrilling theme parks, pristine beaches, marvellous museums, world-class hotels, and under eight hours' flying time, there's much to like about Abu Dhabi.

With less bling than neighbouring Dubai, this forward-looking fun city is always on the go with spectacular architecture shaping the horizon and it's a cultural feast for visitors.

The stay

I was not surprised to find our hotel, the outstanding WB (Warner Brothers), full of multi-generational families - is the ideal destination for such groups.

My hotel stay included a vast buffet breakfast and Warner Brothers characters mingling with delighted children. Each room has a superhero theme - mine was Superman - with a small merchandise shop in the lobby if you need more superhero kit.

The rooftop bar and pool (child-free zone) is a glam way to polish off an evening, while on a lower level the large adults-only pool with its own bar was a haven of tranquillity. I spent a happy afternoon there chilling and sampling smoothies.

On the ground floor the in-house Steakhouse was ideal for a special night out, while my massage with therapist Rosine in the spa was just the thing to banish jet lag.

Although not located on a beach, a short taxi ride (about £3) drops you at the hotel's private beach club where you can relax on fine sand before dipping a toe into turquoise waters fringed by mangroves.

Both beach and water are pristine and there's a couple of cafes, a bar, boutiques and sunloungers aplenty. You can even hire a jet ski if you want to whizz around.

You're spoiled for choice when it comes to eating out... Yas Marina waterfront is home to many restaurants where you can sit inside or out overlooking the water.

I particularly enjoyed Asia Asia, with scrumptious Chinese food, while Bushra has delicious Arabic fare and a talented belly dancer.

The action

WARNER BROS. WORLD