The Island Resort is located just 8 kilometres off the shore of Abu Dhabi and is home to one of Abu Dhabi's largest wildlife reserve. With a total area of 87 kilometres, the reserve was established in 1971 by the late ruler & founder of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and following decades of conservation work and ecological investment the Island is now a haven to thousands of large free roaming animals, a bird sanctuary and several million trees and plants. The Island also has a wide range of nature driven activities, including game drives, kayaking, mountain biking, hiking, snorkelling and archery.

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

Room and Accommodation

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.

Deluxe Rooms Views over turquoise seas and white sand beaches. The luxurious touch of Egyptian cotton. Warm island sun and cool hardwood furnishings. The 29 Deluxe Rooms at Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara are designed to surround our guests with the beauty of this Middle Eastern island gem in all its splendour.

Featuring either a plush king-sized bed or twin doubles, all Deluxe Rooms are situated on an upper floor and offer views over the surrounding seas from a private balcony. Modern conveniences abound in these 52-square-metre rooms, including international satellite TV, individually controlled air conditioning, electronic in-room safe and fully equipped mini-bar. At the end of the day, every guest can relax under a private rain shower, included in all Deluxe ensuite bathrooms.

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.

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.

Facilities and Services

Safaa means serenity. A peaceful sanctuary that is at once indulgent and luxurious but welcoming too. By stepping into our calm and intimate world, you can discover true relaxation, genuine wellbeing and complete pleasure.

Pure and natural elements have been chosen for their curative benefits and energetic powers. Exquisite new fragrances in oils and elixirs will sate all five senses. Ancient healing and modern therapies work in harmony to renew, restore and revive.

Encounter rituals and healing ways based on the therapeutic energies of semi-precious stones. Amber is renowned for its energising qualities; Emerald is the colour of love and perfect for couples to experience together. Aqua Marine helps reduce stress and brings about a deeper level of relaxation.

Choose from our inventive menu of Spa Rituals alongside a comprehensive list of therapeutic and prescriptive treatments and beauty programmes - all of them tailored exactly to your personal choices and desires.

Through original and personalised treatment techniques Safaa Spa provides balance to the skin, relaxation to the body and well-being to the mind.

The Island provides ample opportunities to explore the natural rugged beauty and is a haven for adventure seekers.

Explore the walking trails of the island's thriving wildlife reserve. In addition, the Island has a lot of nature driven activities, including Game Drives, kayaking, snorkeling, trekking, hiking, archery and guided game walks.

Location

The Island Resort is located just 8 kilometres off the shore of Abu Dhabi and is home to one of Abu Dhabi's largest wildlife reserve. With a total area of 87 sq kilometres.