The Maserati Levante debuted in 2011 at the Frankfurt auto show with much fanfare. Fast forward to the 2018 model which has luxury spelled out down to the Ermenegildo Zegna silk-edition upholstery. The handsome console as well as the steering wheel come in iron wood; its sculpted front grilles and chrome bars were attention grabbing. All told, the 2018 Levante was handsome, muscular, and imposing.

The drive was smooth as predicted, what with the turbo-charged V6 engine. Maserati has always been known for their sportscars. For their first foray in the SUV world, they had to make all the right moves. And they did.

Somewhere between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, we stopped for a coffee break at a food trailer park of sorts. We stretched our legs and compared notes with the other journalists and influencers. We were all driving different cars and were given the chance to switch so as to experience the other models. At this point, we were already eyeing the Gran Turismo as our car of choice going back to Dubai.

At the Louvre, we were given a personal tour of the treasures this museum holds. As in Paris where Leonardo da Vinci lords it over with his Mona Lisa so does he enjoy the same stature in Dubai with his La Belle Ferroniere (Portrait of a Woman).

Next on the itinerary was lunch in Zaya Nurai Island, just a 10-minute boat ride from Saadiyat Island where Abu Dhabi is located. The secluded resort is conveniently accessible from all major travel ports in the UAE.

Inspired by the Arabic word nur (light), Zaya Nurai Island is a unique, boutique private island resort with an all-villa hotel comprising 23 private residences and water villas plus five food and beverage outlets. Each all-suite villa measures 260 square metres. The onebedroom beachfront retreat blends into the landscape with uninterrupted Arabian Gulf views. It has its own pool in 130 square metres of private outdoor space, the latest in-room amenities, in-villa dining, and a dedicated butler service.

There are a variety of dining options, all of which serve local, authentic produce, and where possible, sustainably sourced from  the island’s own kitchen garden supporting a fresh-food-to-fork philosophy. Dining reservations—essential for non-residents—include complimentary boat transfer to and from the island.

On our way back to Dubai, we were already ensconced in the Gran Turismo coupaya Nurai Islande. The look is extremely stylish, elegant, and polished. It has sleek racing lines, comfortable hand-crafted seats by the renowned Italian furniture maker Poltrona Frau, and a V8 engine that has a modified growl. The Gran Turismo was unveiled at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show, emphasising comfort in harmony with speed and driver-enjoyment.

There were three other cars on this Dubai test-drive. The Ghibli, which debuted in 2014, has had remarkable success in the international markets. For 2018, its exterior has been respectfully restyled to emphasise both its elegance and its sportiness the pillars of its Maserati signature personality. Faithful to its DNA, the 2018 Ghibli range offers unmistakable class, top-quality performance, and a stylish yet comfortable driving experience.

Finally, the flagship sedan of the manufacture, the Quattroporte (QP), which debuted in 2013. The MY18 Quattroporte, however, made its World Premiere in the 2017 Frankfurt Motorshow, featuring signifi cant upgrades and new hi-tech content designed to carry on its remarkable success story for years to come.

Thus ended our “Esperienza Maserati,” a two-day immersion in the world of luxury, art, nature, and of the motoring wonder Maserati.