AN ISLAND PLAYGROUND JUST OFF THE COAST OF ABU DHABI
Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara
HIGHLIGHTS
- 64 rooms, suites and pool villas overlooking the Arabian Gulf
- Family-friendly adventures and water sports
- World-class conference centre
- Anantara Spa
Unforgettable adventure awaits on Sir Bani Yas Island
To visit Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara, located on a private island just off the coast, is to indulge in an experience far beyond that of typical Abu Dhabi resorts, with an escape into a world of wonder. Get up close with free-roaming giraffes and near-extinct Arabian oryxes. Ride across the wadi, salt domes and savannah on horseback. Revel in the beauty of nature, all the while enjoying luxurious accommodations and facilities fit for royalty.
CHOOSE YOUR SANCTUARY
ACCOMMODATION
The former summer retreat of Emirati royals, our rooms and suites are located in the main residence, with villas then scattered along the shoreline. There are only 64 in total, ensuring ultimate seclusion and privacy. Each is spacious and breezy, particularly the sea view rooms, while the Anantara Suite boasts a private sun terrace. Most exclusive of all is the Anantara Pool Villa, hidden away in a walled oasis with ample living space both indoors and out.
HOW TO ARRIVE
P.O. Box 12452, Al Ruwais, Sir Bani Yas Island
Our resort is an easy two-and-a-half-hour drive from Abu Dhabi, and three and a half hours from Dubai, along the E11 to our private jetty at Jebel Dhanna. We would be pleased to arrange a limousine pick-up for you.
From the jetty, it is 30 minutes to the island via our complimentary water taxi. These journeys are scheduled and subject to advance reservation and weather conditions.
SPECIAL OFFERS
Desert Islands Stay Longer Special
FromDesert Islands Advance Purchase Special
FromGALLERY
ISLAND OF ADVENTURE
FACILITIES & SERVICES
Desert Islands has a pool, gym, tennis court and kids’ club within the resort grounds. But beyond is where the adventure really begins. Trek through the wildlife sanctuary, getting up close with endangered animals, across wadis and salt domes. Ride on a magnificent Arabian horse through the savannah and along the beach. Try your hand at both gentle and high-adrenaline water sports in the lagoon or Arabian Sea.
AROUND THE WORLD WITH EXOTIC FLAVOURS
DINING
There are two restaurants within the resort – all-day The Palm with Middle Eastern cuisine, international comfort foods and themed dinners each evening, and Al Shams, where you may enjoy mezze, shisha and cocktails by the ocean. Celebrate a special occasion with a Bedouin-style feast by the fire. Guests can also dine at our partner resorts on the island which offer gourmet South African and Italian flavours.
AN OASIS OF HEALING
SPA & WELLNESS
Anantara Spa offers an escape into tranquillity, with treatments inspired by the desert and Anantara’s Thai roots, as well as ancient wellness rituals and the latest in beauty. Indulge in a date body scrub and rassoul wrap followed by a Thai herbal poultice massage and age-defying facial. Treatments can be enjoyed in spa suites with al fresco Jacuzzis, or on the beach in a cabana blessed by sea breezes.
FOR THE MOST EXCLUSIVE OF GATHERINGS
MEETINGS
Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara is the perfect setting for grand-scale company retreats, with a state-of-the-art conference centre for up to 1,000 guests. There is a ballroom, six meeting rooms, and various indoor and outdoor settings for coffee breaks and cocktails. The beach right in front is spectacular for gala dinners with a cool breeze off the ocean, and a dedicated catering and events team will see to all the details.
OR THE MOST STUNNING OF NUPTIALS
WEDDINGS
A private island with free-roaming wildlife makes for the most memorable destination weddings. Exchange vows at sunset overlooking the ocean, then banquet in the grand ballroom, on the beach, or amidst the savannah surrounded by grazing gazelles. Throughout the planning process, as well as on the day, a professional wedding planner and team will be there to bring your vision to life detail by detail.
Where is Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara located?
Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara is located on Sir Bani Yas Island just off the coast of Abu Dhabi.
How far is Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara from Abu Dhabi?
To reach Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara, it is a 250 km drive from Abu Dhabi followed by a water taxi ride to the island. The total journey time will be approximately 3 hours.
How far is Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara from Dubai?
To reach Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara, it is a 350 km drive from Dubai followed by a water taxi ride to the island. The total journey time will be approximately 4 hours.
How do I get from the mainland to Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara?
Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara offers a complimentary water taxi from the private jetty at Jebel Dhanna, where you may leave your car. There are 4 – 5 scheduled crossings a day, and advance reservation is required. The journey will take approximately 30 minutes, and we request that guests limit their luggage to 30 kg, with one additional piece of 7 kg hand luggage.
Does Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara have restaurants at the jetty?
Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara’s restaurants are located on the island only.
Does Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara allow alcoholic beverages?
Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara requests that you do not bring any alcohol onto the island. Guests may, however, order alcoholic beverages within our restaurants.
Does Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara allow drones?
Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara requests that you do not bring drones onto the island out of respect for our guests’ privacy.
What facilities are there at Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara?
Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara has a pool, gym, tennis court and kids’ club. Around the island, there is a wildlife sanctuary, stables and a water sports centre.
What activities are there at Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara?
Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara offers an array of activities, from nature drives, wadi treks and mountain biking to falconry, archery and land sailing.
Is there a spa at Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara?
Yes, there is a spa at Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara offering an array of wellness treatments.
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