Beach Options Hotels: Desert Islands Resort and Spa Abu Dhabi

A royal retreat. Unique wildlife encounters. Rugged island beauty

Fall under the spell of centuries of evocative Middle Eastern legend. Take in panoramic views across turquoise waters and dive into unspoiled tropical reefs. Explore the diverse wildlife inhabiting one of the world's most unique offshore wildlife sanctuaries. Revel in the history of a once-royal retreat.

Set on the verdant island haven of Sir Bani Yas, just off the coast of Abu Dhabi, housing the once-private Royal Nature Reserve of His Highness Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Desert Islands Resort & Spa offers intrepid travellers an unforgettable island escape in the glittering waters of the Arabian Gulf.

Long known as a unique sanctuary of natural beauty, the island of Sir Bani Yas is unlike any other destination in the Arabian Gulf. Indigenous Arabian wildlife from the Arabian National Park roam next to turquoise island waters, the result of a successful breeding programme undertaken by His Highness Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Traces of seafaring folklore from bygone days of sultans and explorers surround the island in exotic mystery. Stone Age ruins dot the island’s rugged landscape, footprints of previously undiscovered civilizations.

Just eight kilometres off the Abu Dhabi emirate’s western coastline, the island beckons with a mystique that is worlds away from the hustle and bustle of modern urban life.

With 64 luxuriously appointed rooms, suites, spacious one-bedroom villas and truly luxurious two-bedroom Royal Villas, Desert Islands Resort & Spa invites you to live out your own Arabian nights in a destination that is anything but ordinary.

While being off the beaten path is one of our island's best attributes, visitors to Desert Islands Resort & Spa will find that getting here - from anywhere in the world - is simple.

The journey for many will begin with arrival at the ultra-modern Abu Dhabi International Airport, home base of Etihad Airlines and offering connections to Europe, Asia, Australia and the Americas.

Guests who wish to drive themselves from Abu Dhabi (250kms away) or Dubai (400kms away) should follow highway E11. Around 10 kilometres from the town of Ruwais, take the Jabel Dhanna turn-off and follow the signs to the Sir Bani Yas jetty. To ensure the safety of animals, private vehicle are prohibited on the island. Safe parking is available at Marsa Jabel Dhanna. We will then bring you to Sir Bani Yas Island in one of our exclusive boats.

Only guests booked at the resort will have access to the island.

Guests may book the resort's limousine to transport them from Abu Dhabi to the port for the quick speedboat journey across the glittering waters of the Gulf to the island's marina. Here, guests will be met by a tour bus or a chauffeur driven four-wheel drive for the short transfer to the resort.

The traditional way to traverse Arabian sands was by camel but the modern-day "ship of the desert" is the Cessna Caravan aircraft that can transport you from Abu Dhabi International Airport to Sir Bani Yas Island in just 50 minutes.

Return flights, operated by Empire Aviation, run every Thursday and Saturday with private chartered flights available throughout the week. These are scenic voyages like no other - allowing up

Restaurants

True to the island's history as a crossroads of culture, culinary delights at Desert Islands Resort & Spa span all genres, from light poolside snacks of Arab mezze to plentiful feasts of grilled local and imported seafood. Whether you're craving for fresh seafood or a candlelit dinner on the beach seafood, our four food and beverage venues are sure to tempt every appetite. Al Shams
With the convenience of our Pool Bar, there's no need for guests to take a break from soaking up the sun. Adjacent to the poolside, the Pool Bar offers plenty of lounge space, complete with sunbeds, for guests to enjoy a refreshing afternoon swim or snacks under shaded umbrellas. Guests can choose from a wide selection of light gourmet snacks and beverages in a casual, family-friendly atmosphere, just strides away from the beach. Evenings invite to unwind and savor a Shisha, featuring soothing flavours and an atmosphere of pure relaxation.

Samak
Casual elegance mingled with zesty world flavours define our Samak seafood grill restaurant, open for dinner. The menu offers an astounding wine list and an abundance of seafood and imported steaks that are prepared to taste on an open grill. During the breezy island evenings, Samak transforms into a relaxing beachside retreat amongst the romantically lit landscaping and poolside surrounds.

The Palm
Start your day at The Palm, our all-day dining restaurant, featuring an international and Middle Eastern breakfast buffet. When dusk settles, the airy restaurant becomes the site for occasional themed nights. The a la carte menu features many types of cuisine and the resident Wine Guru will match the perfect wine with your meal.

The Lounge
< On a culinary high, guests can share a nightcap at our lounge bar, with stunning views across the sea will end your evening on the perfect note. Relaxing on soft, comfortable furnishings, guests are offered quality coffees, gourmet loose leaf teas, aperitifs and cocktails, among other options, all day long.

Rooms

Pool Access Rooms - Deluxe Rooms
Trek through a desert isle. Return to a stylish resort oasis. Our Pool Access rooms and Deluxe rooms provide lavish comforts for island explorers, honeymoon couples or families seeking a once-in-a-lifetime bonding adventure. Spacious and bathed in natural light, these rooms remain true to the island’s colourful heritage and come complete with all the modern luxuries. Striking indigenous fabrics and original pieces of Middle Eastern art fill the space, evoking local colour and exotic arabesque traditions.

Pool Access Rooms
Step out onto a private terrace, surrounded by lush tropical island gardens and only a few skips from the white sand beaches of your very own Desert Island. Our Pool Access rooms wrap you in 52 square metres of airy comfort, with king or twin-sized beds, terra cotta flooring, marble bath fixtures and hardwood accents, and indigenous touches of Arab decor, you'll never forget you're in a truly magical island setting.

Exclusive to our 12 Pool Access rooms is a private ground-floor terrace, offering direct access to the resort's tranquil garden and pool. And of course, all rooms come equipped with international satellite TV, individually controlled air conditioning, minibar and all the modern conveniences you deserve.

Junior Suites - Beach Villas - Royal Villas
Expansive spaces, bathed in natural light. Verdant tropical island gardens. Stylish decor that incorporates the island's rich heritage and makes the most of local colour. Desert Islands Resort's Junior Suites and exclusive island Villas remain true to the island’s history as a luxurious, serene natural retreat.

Junior Suites
Offering luxurious space to unwind, our two 80-square-metre Junior Suites combine separate living and bedroom areas as well as a kitchenette, which invite you to truly make yourself at home in our island paradise. Cool marble, terra cotta and wood, all bathed in the warmth of the island's natural sunlight. The beauty of the details in our design abound, from the deep terrazzo tub to the soothing rain shower in the ensuite, and the inviting touch of cool Egyptian cottons on the plush king-sized bed.

Awaken to every glorious Desert Island morning with coffee on your private sea-facing balcony. Intertwined with the romance of days gone by, modern conveniences abound, from international satellite TV keeping you connected to the world back home, a fully stocked mini-bar, international direct dial telephone, and of course, individually controlled air conditioning for those balmy Desert Island nights.

Beach Villas
Luxurious, free-flowing space abound in our four exclusive Beach Villas, each with their own private splash pool and surrounded by an intimate walled tropical garden. Separate from the main resort complex and facing the turquoise seas surrounding our island, with direct beach access, each 120-square-metre Beach Villa is designed to be a private enclave with every comfort in mind.

A separate bedroom is enlivened by exotic hints of Middle Eastern arts, plush fabrics and colourful local textiles adorning the king-sized bed. Steps away, a separate lounge area offers space to unwind in sunbathed island splendour, with plush daybeds, relaxing chairs to sink into and international satellite TV and fully stocked private minibar. A private kitchenette and dining space create the perfect atmosphere for romantic candleit dinners or family breakfasts, to be followed by a soak in your private pool or just an afternoon spent lounging in your beachside garden.

Expansive space. Unmatched privacy. Personally tailored butler service. Luxurious details. All combine to offer our most discerning guests or families seeking a fun-filled adventure the ultimate in Desert Islands indulgence.

The resort's two exclusive Royal Villas are a testament to the island’s rich history as a royal retreat. Over 200 square metres of decadent space unfold into two bedrooms, living and lounge space, kitchenette and dining area – all showcasing the best of Arabian decor, contemporary design and modern convenience.

Outside of the spacious Royal Villa compound, separate from our main resort, guests and families will delight in their own private pool and walled tropical gardens, with outdoor garden shower and shaded poolside lounge area. In between dips in the pool, direct access to the island's long stretch of beach mean that all the island's beauty is truly just steps away.

Completing this truly royal experience, a private butler service, on-call 24 hours a day, is always available, from arrival to check-out, to ensure that your stay at Desert Islands is nothing but pure perfection.

Island Excursions & Resort Facilities
Explore the walking trails of the island's thriving wildlife reserve. Witness matchless underwater panoramas of unspoiled beauty while snorkeling or take a game drive through the Arabian National Park in custom-built game viewers with qualified field guides.

Located on an island of serene beauty, Desert Islands Resort & Spa offers rare opportunities to immerse in the natural splendour and historic allure of this island gem. From mountain biking among flocks of the island’s native flamingos, to visiting ancient settlements, a diverse array of activities enrich our guests’ experiences.

Desert Islands Resort & Spa offers more than just an oasis of tranquility surrounded by an island paradise. We also offer you unparalleled opportunities to experience all the beauty, history and intrigue of this once royal retreat. With an amazing array of wildlife, archaeological sites dating back to the Stone Age, marine beauty and a unique desert island landscape, you'll find plenty of reasons to venture out of your villa and into the heart of this magical island.

Bird Watching
Bird watchers will delight in the diverse multitude of birdlife that call the Sir Bani Yas island bird sanctuary their home, or temporary resting place on their migratory paths. The result of a successful conservation and breeding project undertaken by Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the island's bird sanctuary now teems with a range of native and imported birds, including the flightless African ostrich, rhea and emu, along with their flying cousins, the Egyptian goose, partridge, crane, guinea fowl and pheasant. Although the guest's perennial favourite is of course our flocks of pink flamingo, which can be seen by the hundreds in the island's mangroves and lakes.

Game Drives
Sir Bani Yas island is fortunate to house the one-of-a-kind Arabian National Park, the dream come true of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi's former leader. His visionary concept for an offshore wildlife sanctuary, teeming with both indigenous and imported wildlife, have made possible one of the world's most unique settings for up-close wildlife encounters. While once only accessible to the royal family, today the park is accessible to visitors, and Desert Islands Resort & Spa is proud to be able to bring this experience to our guests.

Our guided game drives, using our 4x4 vehicles, are a perfect way to explore the park and its population of indigenous animals such as the reem, oryx antelope, hyena and desert wolf and the adjacent Safari Park with animals not indigenous to the Arabian peninsula, including llamas, ostrich and even giraffe. Follow the advice of our guides or consult with them to tailor an adventure to remember for years to come.

Game Walks
A trip to Sir Bani Yas offers even more than just seaside fun in the sun. The rugged landscapes of our island surrounds beckon exploration, and the many walking trails that wind through the nearby bird sanctuary and game reserve offer the perfect way to experience the island's unique beauty up close, with the expertise of an experienced guide. Trails wind along the sea and through the peaceful bird sanctuary and reserve, which are at their best just after dawn. Guided by our game experts, you'll get an unparalleled up-close glimpse at this unique natural sanctuary.

Kayaking
What better way to explore the island's natural beauty up close than from a sea kayak? Our kayaking trips will take you across our lagoons and through the mangroves where our intrepid visitors are exposed to the rugged splendour of the island's wildlife sanctuary. Glide quietly through the water in the early morning under a canopy of tropical greenery while your guide points out migratory birds nesting above and the occasional gazelle coming to drink at the banks. And of course, keep watch for the stars of the reserve, our resident pink flamingos!

Mountain Biking
Sunrise on our island is when the island is at its most beautiful and when the sanctuary's wildlife are out in full force before the heat of the day. Take advantage of the stunning setting and the perfect time of day with a morning bike ride through the islands hinterlands and desert salt flats to get a glimpse of the island as it comes to life. Your guide will have you back just in time for breakfast – and a day spent relaxing those spent muscles in the spa or by the pool.

Snorkeling
The island's abundance of wildlife doesn't stop on the surface - no trip to the island of Sir Bani Yas would be complete without exploring our pristine offshore reefs on a guided snorkeling expedition. Desert Islands Resort & Spa, with our direct access to the clear open seas of the Arabian Gulf and our perfect location along the edge of a newly created lagoon mean that we are positioned at the heart of some of the region's best undersea environments. Protected from the rough waters by a newly formed reef system, guests will enjoy the perfect water conditions for swimming and snorkeling.

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