Experience sky-high opulence with General Manager Savino Leone at Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers
It’s hard not to be awestruck when you arrive at Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers. Rising like a sleek steel crown over the Corniche, the iconic tower complex has become a symbol of the capital’s soaring ambitions and serene luxury.
From Level 45, where our conversation begins, the panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf feel like a painting come to life; endless blue horizons framed by modern marvels.
For General Manager Savino Leone, this isn’t just a beautiful view. It’s a front-row seat to a city in motion; and a legacy in the making.
“Anywhere you are in Abu Dhabi, you see this building shining. It’s part of the city’s cultural patrimony,” he says with visible pride. “To be part of that, and to work with such a passionate team and visionary owners; it’s exciting.”
A pulse on the capital
Savino, a seasoned hotelier with over two decades of global experience, has spent the last six years in Abu Dhabi, witnessing firsthand the emirate’s transformation.
He credits much of the current momentum to the work of the Department of Culture and Tourism, whose efforts have elevated Abu Dhabi into a destination known not just for luxury, but for culture, art, education, and sport.
“The city is growing; and yet, it’s still deeply rooted in Emirati heritage. That balance is something truly special,” Savino says. And nowhere is that balance more evident than inside Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers itself.
A property long admired for its architecture and sky-high service standards; it’s also constantly evolving. Savino’s leadership marks a new chapter; one that blends consistency with surprise, refinement with innovation.
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A guest’s perspective
Savino’s first move as GM? Walk through the lobby not as a manager, but as a guest. “That arrival moment; it’s magic.
The sheer volume, the sense of place… it feels like a stage where everything unfolds: business meetings, artists arriving, national day celebrations. It’s a place to be, and to be seen.”
But beyond the impressive marble and glass lies an even more important experience: emotional connection. “We want guests to feel relaxed, inspired, and enveloped in luxury,” he says. “But also to leave with a real sense of where they are; Abu Dhabi.”
Icons and innovations
That philosophy shines in the property’s latest additions. A new Chinese restaurant will debut, bringing refined East Asian flavours to the property’s culinary offerings. In the kitchen, the hotel recently welcomed Executive Chef Elias from Greece, whose team is revamping menus and that’s important.”
A local lens on global luxury
For all its international glamour, Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers remains grounded in local culture.
Savino points to the small but meaningful touches; Arabic coffee and dates upon arrival, design details that nod to regional aesthetics, and staff trained to offer genuine Emirati hospitality. “It starts with the welcome,” he says. “That sense of generosity is a key part of who we are.”
Beyond the lobby, guests can indulge in a world of immersive experiences: a serene spa using high-end products, culinary adventures at SOLE, José by Pizarro, Nahaam, and Li Beirut, or quiet afternoons on the pool deck or private beach.
There’s even a newly opened Kids’ Club; a thoughtful addition that repositions the hotel as not just a business hub, but a weekend retreat for families.
The feeling that lingers
So what does Savino Leone hope guests take away from their stay? “A feeling of inspiration,” he says. “Luxury, yes. Comfort, absolutely. But also a sense of being part of something; a culture, a vision, a country that’s writing its future.”
As we part ways on the 45th floor, the light outside has shifted; the towers reflecting the warm golds of an Abu Dhabi sunset. It’s the kind of view that stays with you. Much like the experience.
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