Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara

Property class: 5 and above

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Consider a stay at Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara and take advantage of a poolside bar, a terrace and a garden. This hotel is a great place to bask in the sun with a private beach, beachfront dining and beach massages. Treat yourself to a body treatment, a detox wrap or a facial at Anantara Spa, the on-site spa. At the 3 on-site restaurants, enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, light fare and international cuisine. Enjoy the 24-hour gym, as well as activities, such as mountain biking, hunting and horse riding. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi, and guests can find other amenities, such as a playground and an arcade/games room.
VIP Access

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • On private beach
  • Pool
  • Spa
  • Parking included
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Restaurant

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 6 of 6 rooms

One-Bedroom Anantara Villa

  • Beach view
  • 120 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

Anantara Suite

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • Sea view
  • 80 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

Two Bedroom Anantara Pool Villa

  • Beach view
  • 200 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Large Single Bed

Deluxe Room, Sea View

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
(6 reviews)
  • Sea view
  • 52 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed OR 1 Single Bed

Deluxe Room, Garden View

  • Garden view
  • 52 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed OR 1 Single Bed

Premier Room, Sea View

  • Sea view
  • 52 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed OR 1 Single Bed
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About the area

Located in Sir Bani Yas Island, Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara is in the historical district and on a private beach. Local points of interest include Sir Bani Yas Island Beach and Sir Bani Yas Island Pier. Kayaking, snorkelling and boat tours offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails nearby. Visit our Sir Bani Yas Island travel guide
Map
Al Ruwais, Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

What's nearby

  • Sir Bani Yas Island Beach
    18 min walk - 1.5 km
  • Sir Bani Yas Island Pier
    32 min drive - 16.3 km
  • Arabian Wildlife Park
    36 min drive - 17.8 km

Restaurants

  • Savannah grill
    16 min drive
  • Amwaj
    5 min walk
  • Rush
    4 min walk
  • Samaak
    4 min walk
  • The Palm Restaurant
    4 min walk

About this property

Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara

  • Luxury family-friendly hotel by the sea
  • You can look forward to a poolside bar, a terrace and a garden at Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara. This hotel is a great place to bask in the sun with a private beach, beachfront dining and beach massages. Treat yourself to a body treatment, a detox wrap or a facial at Anantara Spa, the on-site spa. At the 3 on-site restaurants, enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, light fare and international cuisine. Enjoy the 24-hour gym, as well as activities, such as mountain biking, hunting and horse riding. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi, and guests can find other amenities, such as a playground and an arcade/games room.
  • Other perks include:
    • An outdoor pool and a children's pool, along with free cabanas, sunloungers and pool umbrellas
    • Free self-parking
    • Limo/town car service, buffet breakfast (surcharge) and bike hire
    • An outdoor tennis court, express check-out and express check-in
  • Room features
  • All 64 rooms boast comforts, such as 24-hour room service and premium bedding, in addition to perks, such as laptop-compatible safes and air conditioning.
  • More amenities include:
    • Rollaway/extra beds (surcharge) and free cots/infant beds
    • Bathrooms with designer toiletries and separate baths/showers
    • LCD TVs with premium channels and DVD players
    • Balconies or patios, separate sitting areas and ceiling fans

All-inclusive details

  • All-inclusive room rates at Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara are available. These rates are higher because they include on-site food and beverages in the room rate (some restrictions may apply).

Awards and affiliations

  • Eco-certified property
  • This property is certified by this third-party sustainability certification scheme: Green Growth 2050. For more information on what this certification requires and verifies, please visit their website.

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Frequently asked questions

Does Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool and a children's pool.

Is Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara?

Self-parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara?

Check-in start time: 3 PM; check-in end time: midnight.

What time is check-out at Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara?

Checkout is at noon. Late checkout is available for a fee (subject to availability).

Does Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara provide a shuttle to the airport?

Yes, there's an airport shuttle that runs on request. A fee of AED 1020 per vehicle applies.

Are there all-inclusive benefits at Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara?

Some rate plans available at this property are all-inclusive.

Where is Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara located?

Located in Sir Bani Yas Island, this beachfront hotel is in the historical district, 0.8 mi (1.2 km) from Sir Bani Yas Island Beach, and 7.8 mi (12.5 km) from Sir Bani Yas Island Pier.

Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?

Yes, this property offers free cancellation on selected room rates because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.

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Reviews

Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

9.4

Cleanliness

8.6

Location

9.4

Staff & service

9.0

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 57 out of 93 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 26 out of 93 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 9 out of 93 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 93 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 93 reviews

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Sir Bani Yas is now our favorite place to visit. The island is incredible and peaceful. We had an incredible time. The staff tried their best to handle everything but they seemed to be missing employees when we were there. Still it was the most incredible trip and our favorite place on the UAE. The wildlife tour is expensive but not to be missed
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Spotless Beautiful location
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
We experienced the island out of season — no crowds or any people basically, perfect seashore and beach, great safari experience
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Long drive but well worth the visit, we really enjoyed the tour of the game park by car and by foot, and the spa was excellent.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Wonderful island and hotel

Fantastic experience overall. The kids enjoyed the activities, swimming pool and the mini kids club 😀
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Great hotel with very good amenities. As a Titanium level on Minor Hotels we were upgraded twice and we received our new rooms pretty fast. Breakfast was delicious with plenty of options to choose from. Very good and comfortable beds with 2 different pillows as a standard. Room was clean and very spacious, balcony the same. They have various activities to choose from and we booked the Safari. It was amazing. A lot of species of animals are roaming freely in the area and you can take tones of pictures.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

A wildlife gem in the UAE

From arrival at the jetty terminal where Emmanuel took me through the ropes, to Ethan, Ramesh and Michelle at reception, my Sir Bani Yas Island stay was fabulous. The accommodation was spacious, comfy and welcoming. The food in all areas plentiful and fresh. The tours were well organised..but i was organised and booked ahead. The spa and water sports were fantastic
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Boat Transfer: The transfer was (mis)organized via a crowded shared public water taxi rather than the exclusive, resort-standard hovercraft previously offered. This detracted from the premium holiday experience we were expecting and paying for. Room Cleanliness: While the rooms appear to have been renovated, they were not properly cleaned. Upon entering the room, we noticed hair on the shower fixtures and other signs of inadequate housekeeping. This is unacceptable for a luxury resort. New Year’s Gala Dinner: Despite booking the Gala, we were initially told no tables were available and suggested our party split up. While the staff eventually rectified this after an uncomfortable wait, it highlighted significant lapses in event planning. (Note: The food, entertainment, and family atmosphere were, however, fine). Breakfast Service: While the variety was sufficient, service was consistently poor on both mornings. We experienced 15-minute wait times for coffee and arrived at tables lacking napkins, cutlery, and basic condiments. The staff appeared ill-prepared and lacked the necessary communication skills for a high-end establishment. Wildlife Safari: The safari guide was professional and knowledgeable, offering insightful commentary on the island's wildlife and historical sites. However, the overall experience could be enhanced to better justify the cost. We also noted disruptions from larger groups associated with cruise ship visits, which impacted the serenity.
Green grass grazing blocks cultivated in a slow natural sustainable process...
The sole Zebra as his mate did not pass the strict medical test. Now Sourcing other mates...
Sheikh Zayed's Hill: a gift from the original first crew mobilized for the project to HH Sheikh Zayed in appreciation for his vision. He responded by paying all staff 8 years of salaries... May he rest is Peace... الله يرحمه ويسكنه فسيح جناته
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Safari was really fun and the rooms were extremely clean and spacious.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing staff, service and experience
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2023
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

Un fin de semana maravilloso

El lugar es bonito pero el hotel debería reformarse un poco ya que algunas instalaciones se ven viejas. El personal en especial Aida maravilloso. El safari es fantástico así como el resto de actividades. Pero parte de las instalaciones como la ducha de la piscina que no funcionaba, luces del baño que no van, y algun que otro detalle deslucen un poco la experiencia. El spa es muy bueno y el servicio tambien.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Amenable staff, clean and spacious room condition, and nice swimming pool for kids. Worthy of staying with kids.
Stayed 1 night in May 2021
Verified review

8/10 Good

Equipe mal preparada / poucos carros

Recepção e lobby na travessa sem nenhuma estrutura de lanches ( somente refrigerante e agua) esperamos la 2 horas sem nada pra comer. O hotel é lindo mas a limpeza deixou muito a desejar principalmente na area externa no restaurante do cafe da manhã. Poucos funcionários . A equipe do Lobby ( recepcionista)deixando muito a desejar, nao são cordiais / péssima experiência. Poucos carros para locomover na ilha, sendo que tivemos que esperar muito pela locomoção .
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Must stay once in a life time !!!!

Best ever ..
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2019
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property made you feel like you were anywhere except the desert. The staff was the most courteous and professional group of employees that I have experienced in my vast amount of travel. Thank you for the BEST staycation ever!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2019
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
素晴らしい! 秘境感と食事、部屋のおもてなしが良い。
Stayed 2 nights in May 2019
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Дикий восторг!!!!

Еще на берегу начинается отдых, тебя встречает ресепшн, с удобными диванами, кофе/печеньками - где можешь скоротать время в ожидании своего бота. Сервис в отеле выше всяких похвал - индивидуальный сопровождающий, который рассказывает, что есть в отеле, где проходит завтрак, где пляж, и далее к нему можно обращаться в течении всего отдыха. Хочу Марии сказать огромное спасибо - она во всем нем помогла! Номер - нам отель сделал комплимент, улучшил наш номер на номер с видом на море и бассейн. По приезду встречает в номере ваза с фруктами и конфетками. Есть капсульная кофе-машина, с хорошим кофе, всегда можно попросить попольнить (но и без просьб пополняли). Есть вечерняя подготовка ко сну - на тумбочку ставят водичку со стаканом, тапочки около кровати. Завтраки - отличные, есть все, и все о-очень вкусное. Омлет или яичницу заказываешь и тебе ее приносят по готовности. Тоже самое с напитками. Бассейн красиво оформлен, служащий у бассейна полотенца разложит, зонтик поправит, чтобы лежак всегда был в тени, только выходишь из бассейна или моря, сразу несет тебе холодную бутылочку воды. Приблизительно раз в час подойдет с прохладными, вкуснопахнущими полотенчиками освежиться. В общем, сервис на высоте. Пляж - пустынный, с великолепной бирюзовой водичкой. Тоже с таким же сервисом. Одно но, до пляжа идти минуты 3, но по горячему по песку, с какими-то камнями (без тапочек не вариант, и в сланцах не удобно) и по какой-то не живописной дорожке... Но мы ходили! Обожаю море!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2019
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

ممتاز و رائع

ممتاز و رائع
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2019
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

يستحق الاقامة في هذا الفندق وانصح به

الاقامة كانت جميلة وكنت سعيد مع عائلتي
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2019
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Excellent Hotel

Fantastic stay. Highly recommend the Arabian buffet on the beach and an early morning safari.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2018
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
We had a wonderful 2 day break at this hotel. The staff were very attentive and friendly and nothing was too much trouble for them. There were plenty of sun beds on the beach or around the pool with a nice restaurant to have lunch snacks and drinks. We also went on the safari experience which was very interesting and had a very informative guide driving the open Land Rover also a real highlight to see the Giraffe and Cheetah roaming free.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2018
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Vraiment dommage!!!

Les points +: - Le cadre dépaysant et loin de la cohue des grandes villes - Le personnel Spa au top - La réception/Check-in et check-out au top avec un petit massage pour nous détendre de la longue route. - La piscine à débordement en front de mer (magnifique couché du soleil). Les points négatifs: - La restauration n'est clairement pas digne d'un 5* à peine un 3* - Petit déjeuner à peine digne d'un 3* Le plus gros point négatif est le service. Il y avait un manque chronique de personnel à la restauration. Amwaj entre 30 et 40 min entre entrée et plat principal dans un restaurant loin d'être plein. Au petit déjeuner, un serveur en salle pour servir le café et 20 minutes pour obtenir un simple café qui était horrible. 3 tables occupés. Très loin des standards 5* aux Emirats. En conclusion, prix de vente beaucoup trop élevé pour cet hôtel qui conserve les mêmes prix en saison basse alors qu'eux même envoie tout le staff en congés. Si prix 40% moins cher, je conseillerai fortement mais en gardant ce prix et avec un hôtel qui tourne au ralenti, vous trouverez mieux dans les environs au même prix voire moins cher.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2018
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very nice experience in Sir Bani Yas Island. Safari is nice and very good animals. Hotel rooms are good, common areas could be better. Seafood BBQ at night was amazing
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2018
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Tyst, lugn & skönt !

Fantastisk plats, bästa servicen vi upplevt ! Maten var kanon och de guidade turerna var jättebra ! Vi stannade 2 nätter och hade gärna tagit ytterliggare 2 nätter. Bra att kontakta hotellet minst en vecka innan så man kan boka aktiviteter och få information om hur man tar sig till båthamnen på fastlandet och hur man tar sig fram till hotellet på ön Båtturen ut till ön och transport från öns hamn till andra sidan där hotellet låg ingår i priserna på rummen.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2018
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
It was a good experience and and and and and and and and
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2018