I'm going away by the end of the week to kick off my sabbatical. Since I will be escaping the desert heat for a short period, I would like to feature an interesting gem in the Middle East that I was fortunate to have seen.
Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara lies off the coast of Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates at Sir Bani Yas Island. It is a natural island with a wildlife reserve of 34 sq. mi or 87 sq. km.
How to get there?
Take E11 directly from Abu Dhabi or Dubai. After passing the town of Ruwais around 10 kilometers, take the Jabel Danna turn off and follow the signs to Sir Bani Yas Jetty. There is a safe area for parking. The bags check -in is done immediately at the luxurious jetty reception area. The staff will handle your bags from there before you embark on the boat to Sir Bani Yas Island. The trip takes approximately 20 minutes.
It was an incentive trip for the entire office, not long after the five star hotel has opened. One full day of team building activities and the other two days were free time for all of us to enjoy the island. A dear friend managed the interior construction of this project.
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| Breakfasts overlooking the beach |
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| Typical Abu Dhabi landscape |
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| View of the hotel coming from the spa |
There are 64 rooms and suites equipped with an infinity pool, three restaurants,spa, health club, kids club, business facilities, library and six private luxury lodges.
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| Hotel Room |
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| Found this light intsallation interesting |
It is a paradise of roaming wildlife and rugged desert beauty. There are tailor made excursions in viewing the island's oryx, gazelle, giraffe and cheetahs up close.
The weekend getaway is not complete without the Spa. A rejuvinating 30 minute bath in a jacuzzi overlooking the sea in scented petals, drinking green tea followed by a massage were pure bliss.
Tip: Be sure to book your spa treatments at the jetty check -in before boarding your boat, because they grant special discounts over there.
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| Safaa Spa |
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| The water fountains added to the tranquility of the place. So Zen.. |
There are other activities you could opt for such as archery, kayaking through the mangroves, horse-riding, water sports, mountain biking, sailing, nature walks, and indoor activities. They are all freely available and accessible to hotel guests.
Wine, dine, chill out, relaxing by the beach = perfect weekend
XOXO,
Arni
5 comments
What a beautiful place! Great ocean views, and the wildlife is pretty cool!
ReplyDeleteMy bosses go there frequently & I love seeing their pics
ReplyDeleteThanks Sherry and Thanks Elle. Despite the scorching heat, there's plenty of sunshine here all year round. Hardly ever rains, maybe twice in a year. Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteWow this resort looks amazing and sooo relaxing. Jotted down on my places to visit ;) Enjoy your Sabbatical!
ReplyDeleteThanks Carpe Diem for your greetings Welcome to design gourmande. Thanks for stopping by.
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