Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara
This location is featured in Top 5 Luxury Hotels Abu Dhabi
About Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara
Dwell in Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island luxury in supreme tranquillity and the majesty of an untouched, natural location. The sweeping dunes, azure blue ocean, roaming wild animals provide the most memorable backdrop to nature’s daily performances.
In Abu Dhabi, there's an Arabian resort surrounded by island beauty.
Desert Islands, formerly the holiday hideaway of Emirati royalty, now provides exquisite relaxing in the most unusual of settings among Abu Dhabi resorts. The main structure has rooms and suites with views of the Gulf, while the pool villas are secluded retreats. On Sir Bani Yas Island, visit the Al Yamm Villa Resort and Al Sahel Villa Resort, which are sibling resorts.
The opulence of the Emirate meets an oasis of green overlooking the sea. The Anantara Desert Islands Resort & Spa welcomes you to immerse yourself in wadi experiences and discoveries.
Go on a nature drive as a family. Horseback riding is a great way to see ancient ruins and geological formations. Discover new interests with falconry, land sailing, and archery, to name a few of the numerous activities available.
Sir Bani Yas Island, off the coast of Abu Dhabi, is a protected wildlife sanctuary created by His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The island, which is home to free-roaming creatures such as the nearly extinct Arabian Oryx, provides a unique retreat from the outside world. Desert Islands visitors have access to the amenities of our sister Abu Dhabi resorts Al Sahel and Al Yamm, which are located on the north shore between a lagoon and the open ocean. The accommodations on the Desert Islands are wide and cheerful, with floor-to-ceiling windows that provide breathtaking views. Choose between a ground-floor patio near the resort pool and a top-floor balcony with a panoramic view of the ocean.
THE WILD IS WAITING!
Reviews (301)
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Hafeel Ambalath
February 22, 2023
Anantara has always been close to our hearts. This was our second visit to the island and we stayed at Al Sahel Villas.nnGazelles, peacocks and hundreds of birds along with the calm and quiet of the place, contributed to a wonderful stay.nnWith the sincere and genuine care given by your team, we felt completely at home.nThe entire team, right from the drivers to the various trouble-shooters at various levels, all made sure we were comfortable, enquired after our wellbeing and made us feel very well looked after without even once crossing the line.nnA special mention to Ms. Sonia, Ms. Delilah, Chef Francis, and Mr. Shahid - besides the memories, they have given us a reason to go back to Anantara.nnChef Francis went an extra mile when he learnt that one of us was mildly unwell.nNot only did we get ginger-lemon tea to make us feel better, we also were lucky enough to get the much-needed Indian masala chai made especially for us!nnThank you all for an extremely memorable stay. Keep up the great work!
Mohammed Omar
January 17, 2023
What a beautiful place! A natural conservation Island for the worlds most beautiful animals, you’re always surrounded by peacocks and deer and it feels amazing. Our stay was at Al Sahil villas, the staff was super friendly and very welcoming, even the peacocks 🦚 were very welcoming. Highly recommend doing the safari Activity to see the cheetahs and girafes
Ayesha Md
January 4, 2023
Bestest experience of Life.nVery found of nature’s place. Love to vist again. Thank you for all ur services.
Ken Johnson
December 26, 2022
Only got to stay at this resort for a few hours, but they treated us like we were lifelong guests who had stock in the company. I would love to return here as a guest for days.
Jingjing Liu
December 26, 2022
We stayed at Al Sahel resort for 2 days, it has been my best experience so far. There are 3 properties and 5 restaurants on the island, free transport to anywhere. Lots of activities to do, such as horse riding, dessert safari, archery and some water sports etc.nIts my first time in life experienced waking up by peacock in the morning and see lots of animals that are so close to human. The island is really quiet and peaceful,nWe also tried their African and Seafood buffet, the food was outstanding and comes with live stations.nAll the staffs are really friendly, from the driver, waiter to the managers, all of them are super helpful and you can get everything you need at your fingertip.nI would definitely love to come back here again!
Roudha A
December 26, 2022
When I called to book a room I was informed that if I’m interested in booking the room on this date i MUST participate in a special event that the hotel is hosting with an extra charge of 1200 AED/PP.. I do not participate in this event for religious reasons and although I explained this to the lady on the call center, she said “in this case then don’t book a room” when I asked to speak to the manager they told me that the manager is on a lunch break and will call me back.. which they never did.. this is not the treatment I was expecting from such a hotel.. very disappointing..
Dania K
November 25, 2022
I would like to thank abu dhabi coverment to give us the chance to visit this a mazing island sir bani yas thx for anatara hotel for this wonderful resort a beautiful wild life l like to thank everyone from the reception to the port fornthere lovely warming welcome and there professional job thank you Febri thank you Abdullah safary guide had lovely time thank you kavinage restaurant was excellent thank you hasham for the warm welcome and afef all the staff thank you for making my stay amazing
ABDALLAH MUDABBER
November 2, 2022
A must visit destination. Built on a nature reserve sanctuary. Nicely blend with nature and wild life . Good fresh organic food. Good service. Very well managed and maintained.
Nazmul Khan
August 9, 2022
Sir baniyas island is for freedom wildlife place, there is a very beautiful place, there is green environment I really like this place.
beautiful world
May 2, 2022
was great to stay there. very nice atmosphere staff was good Tony desitny where very kind but room service at night was very slow because of this I m giving 3stars for service or else they deserve full 5 star
conchita Fernandes
April 11, 2022
Beautiful property, great food and wonderful ambience. The staff were so informative and helpful. Big thumbs up to Younnes, our culture and history tour guide, Martin, lifeguard, Mark, supervisor, Ryan, from Savannah Grill restaurant. Had a great stay and would definitely recommend the property to all.
Yann Decaix
April 8, 2022
Stayed in a 2-bedroom villa overlooking into the land and trees, clearly visible antelopes, deers and peacocks. It is a wilderness location so do expect wild animals mating calls late at night, however, a respite from city noises.nStaff were very attentive and flexible, very professional and clean.nIf you can, take the safari drive early morning to be able to catch the animals before they hide from the sun.
Fatma Almutawa
April 2, 2022
The place is amazing. A complete new experience. My suggestion is to have a vending machine for personal stuff such as off the counter medicines so we don’t have to go all the way to the hospital for that. Also since it might get too noisy at night because of the peacocks I suggest to keep ear plug in the room or prepare the rooms to be sound proof.
Fatma Almutawa
April 2, 2022
The place is amazing. A complete new experience. My suggestion is to have a vending machine for personal stuff such as off the counter medicines so we donu2019t have to go all the way to the hospital for that. Also since it might get too noisy at night because of the peacocks I suggest to keep ear plug in the room or prepare the rooms to be sound proof.
Virgil Rusu
March 30, 2022
Cannot say anything about accomodation as I didn't stay there, but on Thursday they have a dinner bufet which is awesome. African food, bonfire, charcoal, smoke, a perfect ambient.
Sara AB
March 25, 2022
Great resort to relax and enjoy different activities,, the staff was great will definitely visit again ud83dudc4cud83cudffbud83eudd8cud83eudd9aud83dudc95
Chiara
March 20, 2022
What to say?nnWe had an amazing couple of days in this resort which is just a 3-hour drive from Dubai. Itu2019s basically paradise on earth!nnWe stayed in the private villa in the wildlife part of the resort. As a guest you can choose different types of accommodation based on your needs. We wanted to experience the animals and wildlife so went for the Al Sahel Resort.nnThe villa was beautiful and very spacious. The African-inspired design and the outside pool were really remarkable. At night it felt like we were in the middle of the jungle!nnDuring the afternoon we had a safari with our amazing guide Mr. Delano (whou2019s simply the best!) and we saw many animals including cheetahs and giraffes. It was simply magical!nnOne day we had lunch and dinner in the Italian restaurant on the beach and it was delicious! The food was fresh and the view was amazing.nnWe managed to try also the African restaurant and chef Francis prepared us a fantastic BBQ with tasty sides.nnWeu2019ll be coming back as we are missing it already :)nnThank you to the amazing staff for out stay. You made it special!
Chiara
March 20, 2022
What to say?nnWe had an amazing couple of days in this resort which is just a 3-hour drive from Dubai. It’s basically paradise on earth!nnWe stayed in the private villa in the wildlife part of the resort. As a guest you can choose different types of accommodation based on your needs. We wanted to experience the animals and wildlife so went for the Al Sahel Resort.nnThe villa was beautiful and very spacious. The African-inspired design and the outside pool were really remarkable. At night it felt like we were in the middle of the jungle!nnDuring the afternoon we had a safari with our amazing guide Mr. Delano (who’s simply the best!) and we saw many animals including cheetahs and giraffes. It was simply magical!nnOne day we had lunch and dinner in the Italian restaurant on the beach and it was delicious! The food was fresh and the view was amazing.nnWe managed to try also the African restaurant and chef Francis prepared us a fantastic BBQ with tasty sides.nnWe’ll be coming back as we are missing it already :)nnThank you to the amazing staff for out stay. You made it special!
Tony Seelochun
March 9, 2022
Despite being in a dry country this island stands green and full of life!!nnLiving in that paradise certainly comes with a price tag.nBut what is a price tag when we can have priceless memories!!!
c noel
February 18, 2022
Overpriced overrated hotel with undertrained staff. Restaurants are ok but would have expected much more. Villas are dated and shabby.
Vidisha Sharma
December 7, 2021
One of the best experiences in UAE, a must do for any nature lover...animals are a delight to watch, staff is extremely courteous and go at any lengths to make our stay kemora8, do try the activities like kayaking and safari ride, highly recommend to go with Ali who helped us spot cheetah n giraffes in the wild.. Cant wait to share with our friends to try Anantara
M.S A.
December 3, 2021
Beautiful and peaceful... I was staying in one of the Sahel villas and it was super nice, you are surrounded by animals, I loved it!nYou feel like being in another continent!nThe staff is really friendly, helpful and they really have a very good sense of hospitality.nnI really recommend the safari, Mustapha was really a good guide and explained everything perfectly!nnI highly recommend to see this amazing place, you will really enjoy it!
SilverQueen
October 17, 2021
Spoiled by nature and all excellent staffs teams in the hotel, excellent service. Greet with smiles. upgraded to a beautiful sea views.. Beautiful resorts.. the surroundings.. the world class safari and guides.. I enjoyed my relaxing time in Spa.. the staff ready to pick us up everywhere.. we had dinner in african restaurant, lamb shank was incredibly delish! the kids club was wonderful.. everywhere everyone was so nicee.. Mashaa Allah. It really what i need to spend my weekend with my family! I got even a room again after checked out while waiting for my boat pick up in the afternoon..as we r traveling with a small kids. They really put an extra miles on their services! I would loveee to come back there again next time. Thank you so much for the incredible moments and makes may stay so memorable. I cant thank you enough.
Tamara Dissanayake
June 5, 2021
We loved it so much we went twice in one month. Amazing staff.. Food was okay, but the Friday BBQ had some amazing food. Best to go when the weather is cooler, you will see soo many animals..
Georges Mounsef
May 28, 2021
The island concept and the sahel lodge along to the safari is stunning.. staff are nice, but i feel they can be better treated so they don't look at you as an opportunity for tip !! Finally food can for sure be better especially with the absence of other restaurants
Kim Mig
May 23, 2021
The best experience I've had in 5 years. Calm, friendly and the animals were amazing... I will return!
Rhuddhesh Kirtikar
May 12, 2021
Great Service and Amazing Atmosphere!nnThe hotel island is a long drive from Dubai, but the moment you step on the island - it's all worth it. We had a villa in the middle of the forest where we were greeted by Peacocks, Gazelles, and Deers throughout the stay. peacocks were dancing and drinking water from the pond outside our villa. The whole 2 night stay helped us almost forgot the city life and enjoy the blissful tranquility in the midst of nature. All 3 hotels on the island are easily accessible to all guests. We did visit Italian restaurant in Al Yam beach villas (which was delightful BTW) We tried the African restaurant and the staff there was amazing - especially Tina and the chef on breakfast egg station (my apologies for forgetting his name) Their are a lot of activities to keep busy and we thoroughly enjoyed the Safari walk in the midst of wild animals. The most amazing experience was standing in the middle with a horde of about 20+ giraffes running past by us as q hands distance! Definitely deserves a repeat visit!!
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Details
Brand
Anantara
Working hours
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
Closed
Thursday
Closed
Friday
Closed
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
00:00 - 00:00