Tucked away in the UAE’s western reaches, Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island is a remote outpost of rare calm and curated solitude. This luxury retreat reframes indulgence not as extravagance but as expanse: of horizon, of silence, of time itself. A place where nothing is rushed and time stands still. Where flamingos glide across salt flats in high season, and oryx roam sun-bleached dunes, the concept of urgency dissolves, and life leans into the long, golden light.
A stay on Sir Bani Yas Island can be planned around three properties, Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara is popular among family groups, while Anantara Al Sahel Villa Resort is an immersion into an intimate Savannah landscape. For couples, there is Anantara Yas Island Al Yamm Villa Resort, an ideal haven of privacy. GETTING TO THE ISLAND The drive to Jebel Dhanna jetty takes about two hours from Abu Dhabi city–a stretch that builds anticipation for a destination far removed from the city’s bustle. Transfers are handled seamlessly: luggage is tagged and whisked away, valet parking is taken care of and all that's left to do is be present. Everything is thoughtfully managed even before one sets foot on the island. After a comfortable, air-conditioned half-hour boat ride, guests arrive at Sir Bani Yas Island and are swiftly transferred to their chosen Anantara resort by the welcoming, uniformed staff. Sir Bani Yas Island is an island devoted to wildlife conservation, so it’s no surprise that peacocks, deer and a range of exotic animals wander in and out of view. The Island is proof of what vision and care for nature can achieve. Set up by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Island is now home to over 11,000 animals from 30 different species, including giraffes, Arabian Oryx, gazelles, and peacocks. It’s a unique island where the desert meets the wild. AN AFFAIR FOR TWO Couples make a beeline for Anantara Al Yamm Villa Resort and for good reason. This freshly revamped beachfront retreat welcomes guests with sweeping views of the Arabian Gulf, wrapped in a sense of effortless luxury. Guests can choose from 30 beachfront or lagoon-facing villas, each with a private 3x4 metre pool, all thoughtfully designed in the traditional style of Emirati barasti dwellings to harmonise with the island’s natural surroundings. So what lingers long after the trip ends? The sound of nature–chirping birds in sync with the soft lapping of distant waves. The sight of a palm-lined pristine beach where deer and peacocks wander freely. Sunrise coffee with a sea breeze. Barefoot strolls along powdery sands. The ambiance is undoubtedly tailored for a romantic escape. For families or small groups, the two-bedroom Beach Pool Villas could be an ideal fit. They come with extra-large terraces and en-suite bathrooms. Recent upgrades mean outdoor decks now merge into the surroundings, bringing guests even closer to the island’s unspoilt shoreline. Despite the seclusion, every whim is just a call away. Every villa host is on hand to bring wish lists to life, everything from candlelit beach dinners to snorkelling trips and in-villa spa sessions is effortlessly sorted. WILDLIFE ENTHUSIASTS’ DELIGHT Game drives on the island–whether at dawn or during the golden hush of evening–echo the feel of East Africa’s savannahs or South Africa’s wildlife-rich plains. Led by a South African conservationist with deep knowledge of Sir Bani Yas Island, each drive becomes a journey of discovery. Every sighting is enriched with context and stories—bringing the landscape to life with fascinating details and unique quirks. It’s an experience that blends learning with excitement and remains one of the island’s most memorable highlights. There’s plenty to uncover and enjoy on Sir Bani Yas Island – all while revelling in Anantara’s signature hospitality. 42 archaeological sites scattered across the island–including ancient salt domes, fossil-studded rocks, and the ruins of an 8th-century monastery–gives history lovers a rewarding trail of discovery. For adrenaline seekers, options abound: kayak through mangroves, dive into coral-ringed waters, hike rugged wadis, or bike along mountain trails. FOOD FOR THE BODY AND SOUL Across all three Anantara resorts, dining is anything but an afterthought. At Al Yamm, expect Italian classics done with flair and a view of the sea to match–think handmade pasta and fresh coastal flavours. Over in Al Sahel, the vibe shifts to earthy African-inspired dishes, rich in spice and rooted in tradition. From bushland to beachfront, every meal is a journey in itself. Of course, when it comes to pampering, Anantara doesn’t miss a beat. Nourishing the soul, the spa on Sir Bani Yas Island is located at Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara. Guests from Al Yamm and Al Sahel resorts can also access its full range of treatments. Set against a backdrop of sea, sand and savannah, the island’s spa offerings are rooted in the brand’s globally loved massage rituals, blending Thai techniques with Arabian wellness traditions. The Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island experience leaves a lasting impression–memories rooted in nature at its most unspoiled, stirring a quiet craving to return for more.