Anantara Desert Islands Resort & Spa5

Anantara Desert Islands Resort & Spa gives travellers a rare chance to combine secluded premium beach relaxation with immersion in the wild nature of the protected Sir Bani Yas Island. The hotel’s main draws, according to guests, are its unique ecosystem that lets you observe free-roaming gazelles and peacocks right by the pool, along with an impeccable spa and thrilling safaris. That said, the overall experience is often marred by leisurely restaurant service, inflated prices for activities and dining, and aging room interiors that haven’t undergone a major renovation since opening.

Key Observations

Unique connection with nature: Guests consistently rave about the thrill of being close to wild animals that roam freely around the resort, walking up to room terraces and the infinity pool.

Exceptional spa: The treatments at the Anantara Spa are regularly described as some of the best in a lifetime. Therapists, with guests particularly singling out Ladda, Nantakan, Amrita, Pema, and Desak, demonstrate the highest level of skill.

Restaurant service issues: Visitors complain about slow waitstaff, order mix-ups, and long in-room dining delivery times, especially during breakfast when the team seems noticeably overwhelmed.

Aging infrastructure: Rooms and villas retain colonial charm, but guests point to worn furniture, plumbing that shows its age, and noisy air conditioning, underscoring the need for a refresh.

Main Pros

• Thrilling safari through the reserve with the chance to spot cheetahs, giraffes, oryx, and flamingos in their natural habitat.
• Spacious villas and rooms with panoramic views (villas feature plunge pools with pleasantly chilled water).
• Luxurious spa complex with exceptionally attentive staff and a relaxing atmosphere.
• Quiet, clean beach with soft white sand.
• High-speed Wi-Fi throughout the property and modern TVs in the rooms.

Main Cons

• Very high prices for food, spa treatments, and island excursions.
• Limited choice of restaurants and a meagre menu for vegetarians and children.
• Transfer logistics hiccups and substitution of the hotel’s comfortable boat with a public water taxi.
• Noticeable wear in room interiors and impractical bathroom layouts.

Overall Grade: B+

Hotel Overview

Basic Information:

• Name — Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara / منتجع وسبا جزر الصحراء بإدارة أنانتارا
• Address — Al Ruwais, Al Dhafra, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
• Year opened — 2008
• Number of rooms — 64
• Positioning and category — Five-star premium resort on a secluded island nature reserve

Description: The resort is designed to blend harmoniously into the landscape of the protected nature reserve founded by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The architecture of the main building and villas combines traditional Arabian motifs with gracious colonial style. Guests are offered accommodation in rooms overlooking the Persian Gulf or private villas with their own pools by the beach. The rate includes access to the beach area, infinity pool, and fitness centre equipped with Technogym machines.

Target Audience: The hotel is ideal for families with children who are wild about nature, couples seeking romantic seclusion far from the city, and aficionados of high-end spa retreats.

Location & Transport

Location: The hotel sits on the north coast of Sir Bani Yas Island, far from noisy tourist zones. All around stretch untouched sandy beaches and the wild plains of the reserve, where rare animal species live freely.

Key Points of Interest: The island can be reached by car from Dubai in about four hours, and from Abu Dhabi in two and a half hours. The main attraction is the nature park itself, with excursions organised by the hotel.

Transport: Access to the island is by ferry from Jebel Dhanna jetty. Guests note that the transfer runs on a schedule, but recently the hotel has stopped using its own executive-class boats, replacing them with shared water taxis that also carry supplies, which diminishes the premium feel of the journey.

Walkability: Walking is only possible within the manicured grounds of the resort and along the shoreline. For getting around the island or between the three sister hotels of the Anantara network, guests get a complimentary shuttle.

Grade: A

Rooms & Cleanliness

Rooms are spacious (from 52 sq m) and come with balconies or terraces opening onto the garden. Interiors are done in warm tones with wood and Arabian-style fabrics. At the same time, guests frequently note signs of ageing: worn carpets, old furniture, and noisy air conditioners. Some villas are criticised for impractical layouts where the huge bathroom takes up more space than the bedroom itself. Cleanliness is well maintained, although housekeeping can sometimes drag on until mid-afternoon.

Grade: B+

Service

Front-desk and concierge staff earn high praise for their hospitality. Guests particularly thank administrators Sahan, David and George for a warm welcome and personalised approach, and also manager Ratna for swift resolution of issues. In the restaurants, however, and with room service, standards dip noticeably: guests complain of understaffing, slow responses to requests, and long waits for dishes.

Grade: B

Dining

Breakfast is served at The Palm restaurant and largely receives positive marks for the freshness of ingredients, though some find the selection rather limited for five stars. Dinner buffets and à la carte choices at Al Shams and Olio draw considerable criticism: portions are small, prices unjustifiably high, and the choice for children and vegetarians is extremely limited. Guests also encounter the absence of certain traditional Arabic dishes and shisha, despite what the menu promises.

Grade: B-

Facilities & Amenities

The property features a magnificent panoramic infinity pool with gulf views, a modern fitness centre, a kids’ club, and the high-class Anantara Spa. Guests can book water activities (kayaking, paddleboarding) or sign up for archery. High-speed Wi-Fi works without complaint throughout the resort, including the beach.

Grade: A-

Important Notes

• There are no grocery stores or pharmacies on the island, so it’s best to bring any essential sundries with you.
• Dining and activities on the island are very expensive — plan your budget accordingly.
• Since the transfer depends on sea conditions, the crossing can be uncomfortable or delayed when there is a strong swell.

Practical Tips for Guests

• Book the safari for the earliest dawn slot — it’s cooler, and the chances of spotting cheetahs, giraffes and antelopes on the move are much higher.
• Consider booking half-board or full-board packages: ordering à la carte on the spot will cost you significantly more.
• When booking sea-view rooms, ask for upper floors, as on the lower levels the view of the Persian Gulf can be partially blocked by tall trees.
• Make sure to set aside time for the spa and book a massage with therapists Ladda or Nantakan — their techniques regularly draw rave reviews.

Final Verdict

Anantara Desert Islands Resort & Spa is a unique wildlife oasis, delivering unforgettable encounters with animals and first-class spa care. Still, when planning your trip, be prepared for unhurried service in the restaurants and steep island prices.

Overall Grade: B+

Breakdown: Location: A | Rooms: B+ | Service: B | Dining: B- | Facilities: A- | Value for Money: B-

Best for: Wildlife lovers, couples seeking secluded romantic getaways, and families with children who are happy to embrace a gentle island rhythm.

Not for: Those looking for a budget stay, expecting swift restaurant-level service, or preferring contemporary urban design.