Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara offers an enchanting beach getaway with a private beach, poolside bar, and 3 on-site restaurants. As guests unwind at the spa or enjoy family time in the playground and arcade/game room, they appreciate helpful staff who have made their stay enjoyable.
VIP Access
Reviews
9.09.0 out of 10
Wonderful
Popular amenities
Pool
Spa
Airport transfer
Free parking
Free WiFi
Restaurant
Main amenities (12)
Daily housekeeping
On a private beach
3 restaurants and bar/lounge
Full-service spa
Outdoor pool
Breakfast available
Internet in the lobby
Free children's club
Free supervised childcare
24-hour fitness center
Outdoor tennis court
Children's pool
For families (6)
Free cribs/infant beds
Babysitting (surcharge)
Children's pool
Children's club (free)
Playground on site
Private bathroom
The current price is CNY1,248
CNY1,248
CNY1,416 total
includes taxes & fees
May 17 - May 18
Why we love this property
Beach bliss awaits
Nestled on a private white beach, this hotel offers seaside massages. Kayaking and snorkeling await nearby. A beachfront restaurant serves delicious meals.
Work and beach bliss
Tackle business tasks in the conference center, then recharge with spa services. Beach access and 24-hour room service complete the work-play balance.
Culinary journey
International cuisine meets garden views at three restaurants. Seafood fans love beachfront dining with ocean views. Buffet breakfast starts each day.
Abu Dhabi Intl. Airport (AUH) - 129.2 miles/207.9 km
Airport shuttle (surcharge)
Restaurants
Savannah grill - 16 min drive
Amwaj - 5 min walk
Samaak - 4 min walk
Rush - 4 min walk
Savannah Bar - 16 min drive
About this property
Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara
Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara offers a private beach where you can get a beach massage, plus activities like snorkeling and kayaking are nearby. The outdoor pool provides fun for everyone, while guests in the mood for pampering can visit the spa to indulge in deep-tissue massages, body wraps, and aromatherapy. The Palm, one of 3 restaurants, serves international cuisine and is open for breakfast. Other highlights at this luxurious hotel include a free kid's club, a poolside bar, and a 24-hour fitness center.
All inclusive details
All-inclusive room rates at Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara are available. These rates are higher because they include onsite food and beverages in the room rate (some restrictions may apply).
At a glance
DONE
Hotel size
64 rooms
Arranged over 4 floors
DONE
Arriving/Leaving
Check-in start time: 3 PM; Check-in end time: midnight
Express check-in/out available
Minimum check-in age: 18
Check-out time is noon
Late check-out subject to availability
DONE
Special check-in instructions
Guests must transfer via boat to the property; guests must contact the property at least 24 hours before travel, using the contact information on the confirmation received after booking
This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
Guests are required to download the property's AL HOSN UAE mobile app before check-in
For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
This property is located on an island approximately 5 miles (8 kilometers) off the coast of Abu Dhabi, accessible only by boat. Guests must contact the resort 1 day in advance to arrange transportation from Jebel Dhanna Jetty (20 minutes away by boat). Daily departure from Jebel Dhanna Jetty to Sir Bani Yas Island: noon, 3 PM, 6 PM, and 11 PM. Daily departure from Sir Bani Yas Island: 9 AM, 1 PM, 4 PM, and 8 PM. Please note that the boat transfers are subject to availability, weather conditions, and clearance from Abu Dhabi Ports Authority. This property provides ground transportation to and from the island boat station, as well as transportation around the island (included in the resort fee).
All guests are required to present a valid government-issued ID card at check-in. A valid passport with UAE entry stamp, UAE Emirates ID, and GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) ID are accepted.
Guests are required to have the AL HOSN UAE App installed on their mobile devices. Guests may be requested by the property to provide documentation of recent travel history (such as showing passport immigration stamps) and/or complete a health declaration.
DONE
Required at check-in
Credit card required for incidental charges
Government-issued photo ID may be required
Minimum check-in age is 18
DONE
Children
Babysitting*
Free supervised childcare
Free children's club
DONE
Pets
No pets or service animals allowed
WIFI
Internet
Free WiFi in public areas
Free WiFi in rooms
LOCAL_PARKING
Parking
Free onsite self parking
Onsite garage
DONE
Transfers
Airport shuttle on request (available 24 hours)*
DONE
Other information
Designated smoking areas
Property amenities
Food and drink
Buffet breakfast (surcharge)
3 restaurants
Bar/lounge
Poolside bar
24-hour room service
Snack bar/deli
Traveling with children
Free children's club
Children's pool
Playground
Free supervised childcare/activities
Lifeguard on site
What to do
On a private beach
Mountain biking
Wildlife and game drive
Horse riding/rentals
Golfing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Safari nearby
Kayaking nearby
Snorkeling nearby
Working away
Business center
Meeting rooms
Conference center
Services
24-hour front desk
Concierge services
Tour/ticket assistance
Limo or town car service
Dry cleaning/laundry services
Free newspapers in lobby
Luggage storage
Wedding services
Multilingual staff
Porter/bellhop
Bicycle rentals
Free pool cabanas
Pool loungers
Pool umbrellas
Facilities
4 buildings/towers
Built in 2009
ATM/banking
Safe-deposit box at front desk
Garden
Terrace
Library
24-hour fitness center
An outdoor pool
Arcade/game room
Full-service spa
Outdoor tennis court
Massage/treatment rooms
Reception hall
Traditional architecture
Accessibility
Elevator
Well-lit path to entrance
Room amenities
Be entertained
DVD player
LCD television
Premium satellite channels
Home comfort
Air conditioning
Ceiling fan
Minibar
Espresso maker
Bathrobes and slippers
Iron/ironing board
Sleep well
Blackout drapes/curtains
Soundproofed rooms
Turndown service
Premium bedding
Free crib/infant bed
Rollaway/extra bed (surcharge)
What to enjoy
Balcony or patio
Separate sitting area
Freshen up
Private bathroom
Separate bathtub and shower
Bidet
Designer toiletries
Hair dryer
Towels
Stay connected
Desk
Free WiFi and wired internet (surcharge)
Phone
Food and drink
Free bottled water
More
Daily housekeeping (surcharge)
In-room safe (laptop compatible)
Restaurant dining guide
Special features
Spa
Anantara Spa has 4 treatment rooms including rooms for couples. Massages are available on the beach and in the spa; other services include deep-tissue massages, Swedish massages, and Thai massages. The spa is equipped with a sauna, a hot tub, and a steam room. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy. The spa is open daily.
Dining
The Palm - Overlooking the garden, this restaurant specializes in international cuisine and serves breakfast only.
Amwaj - This beachfront seafood restaurant specializes in seafood and serves dinner only. Guests can enjoy alfresco dining (weather permitting). Reservations are required. Open select days.
Al Shams Restaurant - This poolside restaurant serves lunch, dinner, and light fare. Guests can order drinks at the bar and enjoy alfresco dining (weather permitting). Open daily.
The Lounge - This bar specializes in local and international cuisine. Open daily.
Awards and affiliations
Eco-Certified Property
This property participates in Green Growth 2050, a program that measures the property's impact on one or more of the following: environment, community, cultural-heritage, the local economy.
Fees & policies
Mandatory fees
You'll be asked to pay the following charges by the property at check-in or check-out. Fees may include applicable taxes:
New Year's Eve (December 31) Gala Dinner per adult: AED 1299
New Year's Eve (December 31) Gala Dinner per child: AED 649 (from 6 to 11 years old)
Optional extras
Wired internet access is available in guestrooms for AED 100 per night (rates may vary)
Wired internet access is available in public areas for AED 100 per night (rates may vary)
Buffet breakfast is offered for an extra charge of approximately AED 130 per person
Airport shuttle service is offered for an extra charge of AED 1020 per vehicle (one way)
Late check-out can be arranged for an extra charge (subject to availability)
Housekeeping is offered for an extra charge of AED 20.00 per night
Children & extra beds
Babysitting is available for an extra charge
Rollaway beds are available for AED 350.0 per night
Policies
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
Guests can rest easy knowing there's a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit on site.
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation.
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards and cash.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club, JCB International
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property. The policies listed are provided by the property.
Drones and aerial surveillance devices are not permitted at this property.
Also known as
Anantara Desert Islands
Anantara Desert Islands Resort
Desert Islands Hotel
Anantara Desert Islands Sir Bani Yas Island
Desert Islands Resort
Desert Islands Resort Anantara
Desert Islands Hotel
Desert Islands Resort And Spa By Anantara
Desert Islands & By Anantara
Anantara Desert Islands Resort Spa
Desert Islands Resort Spa by Anantara
Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara Hotel
Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island
Frequently asked questions
Does Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara offer free cancellation for a full refund?
Yes, Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure to check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.
Is there a pool at Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara?
Yes, there's an outdoor pool and a children's pool.
Are pets allowed at Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara?
Sorry, pets and service animals aren't allowed.
Is parking offered on site at Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara?
Yes, there's free self parking.
Is airport shuttle service offered by Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara?
Yes, an airport shuttle is available. The charge is AED 1020 per vehicle one way.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara?
Check-in start time: 3 PM; Check-in end time: midnight. Check-out time is noon. Late check-out is available for a charge (subject to availability). Express check-in and check-out are available.
What is there to do at Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara and nearby?
Have fun with onsite activities like horseback riding, mountain biking, and hiking and improve your game at the onsite tennis courts. Additional recreation onsite includes a wildlife and game drive and hunting. Indulge in a treatment at the spa and enjoy a swim in the outdoor pool. Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara also has a private beach, a 24-hour fitness center, and spa services, as well as an arcade and a garden.
Are there restaurants at or near Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara?
Yes, there are 3 onsite restaurants, featuring alfresco dining, international cuisine, and garden views.
Does Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara have any outdoor private spaces?
Yes, every room features a balcony or patio.
What's the area around Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara like?
Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara is located a short 15-minute walk from Sir Bani Yas Island Beach.
Have a question?
AI iconBetaBeta
Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
Reviews
Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara Reviews
9.0
Wonderful
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
9.4
Cleanliness
8.6
Location
9.4
Staff & service
9.0
Property conditions & facilities
Reviews
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Jan 4, 2026
Spotless
Beautiful location
Zohreh
Zohreh, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Jan 14, 2026
We experienced the island out of season — no crowds or any people basically, perfect seashore and beach, great safari experience
Natalia
Natalia, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Dec 24, 2025
Great hotel with very good amenities.
As a Titanium level on Minor Hotels we were upgraded twice and we received our new rooms pretty fast.
Breakfast was delicious with plenty of options to choose from. Very good and comfortable beds with 2 different pillows as a standard. Room was clean and very spacious, balcony the same. They have various activities to choose from and we booked the Safari. It was amazing.
A lot of species of animals are roaming freely in the area and you can take tones of pictures.
Alexandru Laurentiu
Alexandru Laurentiu, 2-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
Oct 9, 2023
Long drive but well worth the visit, we really enjoyed the tour of the game park by car and by foot, and the spa was excellent.
Matthew
Matthew, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 17, 2023
Wonderful island and hotel
Fantastic experience overall. The kids enjoyed the activities, swimming pool and the mini kids club 😀
Kinan
Kinan, 3-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Feb 16, 2025
A wildlife gem in the UAE
From arrival at the jetty terminal where Emmanuel took me through the ropes, to Ethan, Ramesh and Michelle at reception, my Sir Bani Yas Island stay was fabulous. The accommodation was spacious, comfy and welcoming. The food in all areas plentiful and fresh. The tours were well organised..but i was organised and booked ahead. The spa and water sports were fantastic
Penelope
Penelope, 3-night trip
Verified
6/10 Good
Jan 3, 2026
Boat Transfer:
The transfer was (mis)organized via a crowded shared public water taxi rather than the exclusive, resort-standard hovercraft previously offered. This detracted from the premium holiday experience we were expecting and paying for.
Room Cleanliness:
While the rooms appear to have been renovated, they were not properly cleaned. Upon entering the room, we noticed hair on the shower fixtures and other signs of inadequate housekeeping. This is unacceptable for a luxury resort.
New Year’s Gala Dinner:
Despite booking the Gala, we were initially told no tables were available and suggested our party split up. While the staff eventually rectified this after an uncomfortable wait, it highlighted significant lapses in event planning. (Note: The food, entertainment, and family atmosphere were, however, fine).
Breakfast Service:
While the variety was sufficient, service was consistently poor on both mornings. We experienced 15-minute wait times for coffee and arrived at tables lacking napkins, cutlery, and basic condiments. The staff appeared ill-prepared and lacked the necessary communication skills for a high-end establishment.
Wildlife Safari:
The safari guide was professional and knowledgeable, offering insightful commentary on the island's wildlife and historical sites. However, the overall experience could be enhanced to better justify the cost. We also noted disruptions from larger groups associated with cruise ship visits, which impacted the serenity.
Abdulla
Abdulla, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Apr 26, 2023
The Safari was really fun and the rooms were extremely clean and spacious.
Aimen
Aimen, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Apr 26, 2023
Amazing staff, service and experience
abudaqqa
abudaqqa, 1-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
Sep 25, 2023
Un fin de semana maravilloso
El lugar es bonito pero el hotel debería reformarse un poco ya que algunas instalaciones se ven viejas.
El personal en especial Aida maravilloso.
El safari es fantástico así como el resto de actividades. Pero parte de las instalaciones como la ducha de la piscina que no funcionaba, luces del baño que no van, y algun que otro detalle deslucen un poco la experiencia.
El spa es muy bueno y el servicio tambien.
Juan
Juan, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
May 13, 2021
Amenable staff, clean and spacious room condition, and nice swimming pool for kids.
Worthy of staying with kids.
Wanjoo
Wanjoo, 1-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
Mar 16, 2021
Equipe mal preparada / poucos carros
Recepção e lobby na travessa sem nenhuma estrutura de lanches ( somente refrigerante e agua) esperamos la 2 horas sem nada pra comer.
O hotel é lindo mas a limpeza deixou muito a desejar principalmente na area externa no restaurante do cafe da manhã.
Poucos funcionários .
A equipe do Lobby ( recepcionista)deixando muito a desejar, nao são cordiais / péssima experiência.
Poucos carros para locomover na ilha, sendo que tivemos que esperar muito pela locomoção .
Verified traveler
2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Jan 1, 2020
Must stay once in a life time !!!!
Best ever ..
Verified traveler
1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 9, 2019
The property made you feel like you were anywhere except the desert. The staff was the most courteous and professional group of employees that I have experienced in my vast amount of travel. Thank you for the BEST staycation ever!
Verified traveler
3-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
May 18, 2019
素晴らしい!
秘境感と食事、部屋のおもてなしが良い。
Verified traveler
2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
May 13, 2019
Дикий восторг!!!!
Еще на берегу начинается отдых, тебя встречает ресепшн, с удобными диванами, кофе/печеньками - где можешь скоротать время в ожидании своего бота.
Сервис в отеле выше всяких похвал - индивидуальный сопровождающий, который рассказывает, что есть в отеле, где проходит завтрак, где пляж, и далее к нему можно обращаться в течении всего отдыха. Хочу Марии сказать огромное спасибо - она во всем нем помогла!
Номер - нам отель сделал комплимент, улучшил наш номер на номер с видом на море и бассейн. По приезду встречает в номере ваза с фруктами и конфетками. Есть капсульная кофе-машина, с хорошим кофе, всегда можно попросить попольнить (но и без просьб пополняли). Есть вечерняя подготовка ко сну - на тумбочку ставят водичку со стаканом, тапочки около кровати.
Завтраки - отличные, есть все, и все о-очень вкусное. Омлет или яичницу заказываешь и тебе ее приносят по готовности. Тоже самое с напитками.
Бассейн красиво оформлен, служащий у бассейна полотенца разложит, зонтик поправит, чтобы лежак всегда был в тени, только выходишь из бассейна или моря, сразу несет тебе холодную бутылочку воды. Приблизительно раз в час подойдет с прохладными, вкуснопахнущими полотенчиками освежиться. В общем, сервис на высоте.
Пляж - пустынный, с великолепной бирюзовой водичкой. Тоже с таким же сервисом. Одно но, до пляжа идти минуты 3, но по горячему по песку, с какими-то камнями (без тапочек не вариант, и в сланцах не удобно) и по какой-то не живописной дорожке... Но мы ходили! Обожаю море!
Yulia
Yulia, 2-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
Apr 9, 2019
ممتاز و رائع
ممتاز و رائع
saeed
saeed, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Mar 31, 2019
يستحق الاقامة في هذا الفندق وانصح به
الاقامة كانت جميلة وكنت سعيد مع عائلتي
HASAN
HASAN, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 27, 2018
Excellent Hotel
Fantastic stay. Highly recommend the Arabian buffet on the beach and an early morning safari.
Verified traveler
2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 26, 2018
We had a wonderful 2 day break at this hotel. The staff were very attentive and friendly and nothing was too much trouble for them. There were plenty of sun beds on the beach or around the pool with a nice restaurant to have lunch snacks and drinks. We also went on the safari experience which was very interesting and had a very informative guide driving the open Land Rover also a real highlight to see the Giraffe and Cheetah roaming free.
Christine
Christine, 2-night trip
Verified
6/10 Good
Jul 29, 2018
Vraiment dommage!!!
Les points +:
- Le cadre dépaysant et loin de la cohue des grandes villes
- Le personnel Spa au top
- La réception/Check-in et check-out au top avec un petit massage pour nous détendre de la longue route.
- La piscine à débordement en front de mer (magnifique couché du soleil).
Les points négatifs:
- La restauration n'est clairement pas digne d'un 5* à peine un 3*
- Petit déjeuner à peine digne d'un 3*
Le plus gros point négatif est le service. Il y avait un manque chronique de personnel à la restauration. Amwaj entre 30 et 40 min entre entrée et plat principal dans un restaurant loin d'être plein.
Au petit déjeuner, un serveur en salle pour servir le café et 20 minutes pour obtenir un simple café qui était horrible. 3 tables occupés.
Très loin des standards 5* aux Emirats.
En conclusion, prix de vente beaucoup trop élevé pour cet hôtel qui conserve les mêmes prix en saison basse alors qu'eux même envoie tout le staff en congés.
Si prix 40% moins cher, je conseillerai fortement mais en gardant ce prix et avec un hôtel qui tourne au ralenti, vous trouverez mieux dans les environs au même prix voire moins cher.
Brahim
Brahim, 1-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
Mar 25, 2018
Very nice experience in Sir Bani Yas Island. Safari is nice and very good animals.
Hotel rooms are good, common areas could be better.
Seafood BBQ at night was amazing
Verified traveler
1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Mar 12, 2018
Tyst, lugn & skönt !
Fantastisk plats, bästa servicen vi upplevt ! Maten var kanon och de guidade turerna var jättebra ! Vi stannade 2 nätter och hade gärna tagit ytterliggare 2 nätter. Bra att kontakta hotellet minst en vecka innan så man kan boka aktiviteter och få information om hur man tar sig till båthamnen på fastlandet och hur man tar sig fram till hotellet på ön Båtturen ut till ön och transport från öns hamn till andra sidan där hotellet låg ingår i priserna på rummen.
Verified traveler
2-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
Feb 24, 2018
It was a good experience and and and and and and and and