Anantara Desert Islands Resort & Spa

First Impressions

When you first arrive at Anantara Desert Islands Resort & Spa, honestly, it feels like you’ve stumbled onto a movie set. This five-star luxury retreat sits on Sir Bani Yas Island, about 30 minutes by boat from Jebel Dhanna — and that journey itself is part of the magic. You know what struck me most? The silence. After the hustle of mainland UAE, this place wraps you in this incredible quiet that’s broken only by flamingos calling in the distance.

Location & Wildlife

Here’s the thing about Sir Bani Yas Island that most people don’t realize until they get here — it’s actually a massive wildlife reserve. I mean, you’ll spot Arabian oryx grazing near the resort, and if you’re lucky (like I was), you might see giraffes wandering past your villa. The island was transformed by the late Sheikh Zayed into this conservation paradise, so you’re literally staying inside a nature sanctuary. It’s sort of surreal watching cheetahs during the morning safari, then heading back for a poolside lunch.

The Accommodations

My room was actually one of their Al Yamm villas — these overwater bungalows that stretch into the Arabian Gulf. The design feels authentically Arabic but with that polished Anantara luxury touch you’d expect. What I loved was the private deck with direct lagoon access; you can literally roll out of bed and into the water. The interiors blend traditional elements with modern comfort, and honestly, the bathroom alone is bigger than most hotel rooms I’ve stayed in.

Dining & Activities

The main restaurant, Al Shams, serves this incredible mix of Middle Eastern and international cuisine — their hammour is probably the best fish I’ve had in the Emirates. But here’s what’s really special: they offer these guided nature walks where you learn about the island’s conservation efforts while spotting wildlife. The spa treatments incorporate local ingredients, and I tried this traditional Arabic massage that left me feeling like I was floating. There’s also excellent snorkeling right off the beach, which surprised me given we’re in the Gulf.

Why Guests Love It

Look, this isn’t your typical beach resort where you’re fighting for pool chairs. The whole island has maybe 30 villas total, so it feels wonderfully exclusive without being stuffy. What really sets it apart is how they’ve balanced luxury with genuine environmental consciousness — this place actually matters for wildlife conservation in the region. Sure, it’s pricey and requires some planning to reach, but if you want to experience the UAE beyond Dubai’s glitz, this is it. The staff genuinely cares about both the guest experience and the island’s ecosystem, which you don’t see everywhere.