Sir Bani Yas is a desert island five miles off the city’s Arabian Gulf coast with some curious residents, namely cheetahs, ostriches, and giraffes, among others. Three distinct properties allow visitors to make the most of the rustic wildlife refuge with game drives and one-of-a-kind animal encounters: the Desert Islands Resort & Spa, with its plethora of amenities and dining options; the safari-style Al Sahel Villa Resort, at the island’s rugged center; or the luxe shorefront Al Yamm Villa Resort, where barasti-style villas have turquoise infinity pools and a lagoon teeming with migratory birds. Though each property stands on its own, guests can take advantage of all the amenities with free transfers between them. Don’t miss the innovative Dining by Design experience, which lets you dine at different venues around the island, from a romantic dinner on the beach to a family picnic on safari plains.
Paul Thuysbaert
Paul Thuysbaert
Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Resorts
Paul Thuysbaert
Paul Thuysbaert
Paul Thuysbaert
Paul Thuysbaert
Paul Thuysbaert
Paul Thuysbaert
Paul Thuysbaert
Paul Thuysbaert
Paul Thuysbaert
Paul Thuysbaert
Paul Thuysbaert
Paul Thuysbaert
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Day trip from Abu Dhabi
A 2.5-hour drive from the capital, Sir Bani Yas Island is home to the Arabian Wildlife Park and its 17,000 free-roaming resident animals, including a herd of Arabian oryxes, once extinct in the wild and now one of the conservation world’s greatest success stories. The island is also home to the ruins of a seventh-century Christian monastery and three resorts operated by Anantara, the smallest and most exclusive of which is Al Sahel Resort. Here, 30 safari-style villas with shady canopies are hidden among native ghaf trees and date palms. Sit out on the terrace in the morning and you might be visited by friendly little gazelles and peacocks. The resort offers wildlife drives and hikes through the island’s dramatic scenery. The safari theme continues at night at the South African-style braai, or barbecue, with boerewors sausage and other meats hot off the grill, served with a side of mielie pap, a maize porridge.
