Anantara Desert Islands Resort & Spa, Zahr - Reviews, Rooms Options & Prices 2025

Book with us

Up to 10% cheaper

than on Booking.com

Key details

About the Resort

Sir Bani Yas Island, Zahr, United Arab Emirates

Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara is a luxury resort located on Sir Bani Yas Island, surrounded by the captivating azure waters of the Arabian Gulf. This resort offers unique experiences, including access to a wildlife sanctuary, making it one of the world’s largest island wildlife sanctuaries. The resort combines lavish comfort with stunning views, providing an exclusive retreat for travelers seeking adventure and relaxation.

Location

Situated on the natural island of Sir Bani Yas, this resort is just steps away from a wildlife sanctuary and a bird sanctuary featuring a diverse range of wildlife. The resort's location allows easy access to nearby attractions, including the Sir Bani Yas Reserve, enhancing its appeal for nature enthusiasts.

Rooms

This resort features a variety of air-conditioned villas with standout amenities, including private balconies or terraces offering sea views. Some accommodations provide direct access to the swimming pool or a private splash pool, enhancing the guest experience. All villas are designed with striking indigenous fabrics and Middle Eastern art, providing an authentic touch.

Eat & Drink

The resort hosts three onsite restaurants, offering international cuisine and candle-lit dinners. Guests can enjoy light Arab snacks by the poolside or savor grilled seafood prepared at Al Shams restaurant. Daily buffet breakfast is served at The Palm restaurant, ensuring a delightful culinary experience throughout their stay.

Leisure & Business

Guests can indulge in a variety of recreational activities, including access to a fitness center, tennis court, and an incredible game reserve nearby. The spa offers a sauna and hot tub, while an outdoor infinity pool boasts panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf, providing a serene escape for relaxation.

“Nestled on Sir Bani Yas Island, the hotel offers a stunning setting surrounded by nature and tranquil beaches, making every moment feel like a private escape.”view full review

View hotel on map

“An exquisite island experience with exceptional service throughout” view full review

Top location:Highly rated by recent guests(8.2)

Check-in/Check-out

from 15:00-23:59

until 12 pm

Amenities

Private parking is possible at a location nearby for free.

Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.

Other information

A american breakfast is served at affordable prices.

There are no cots provided in a room. There are no extra beds provided in a room.

Pets are not allowed.

English, German, Romanian, Japanese, Greek, Arabic, Hindi, Bahasa Indonesian, Tagalog / Filipino, Vietnamese

Number of floors:4

Number of rooms:64

Former name

Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara

View all

Select your room type

The hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Deluxe Room Sea View

Max:

2 persons

52 m²

Bed options:

1 King-size bed

Sea view

Shower

Coffee machine

room details

Check Prices

Anantara Suite

Max:

2 persons

80 m²

Bed options:

1 King-size bed

Shower

Coffee machine

room details

Check Prices

Premier Sea View

Max:

2 persons

52 m²

Bed options:

1 King-size bed

Sea view

Shower

Coffee machine

room details

Check Prices

Show all roomsLess

Price and Room Availability Calendar

Check availability and prices for your dates now!

Getting around

Explore available ways to reach your dream destination

City Centre

Zahr100 m

Airports

Sir Bani Yas Island (XSB) 11.9 km

Facilities

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Relaxing Spa Retreat

“The spa's calming atmosphere and quality treatments were the perfect way to unwind after a long day.” view full review

Fun Kids Club

“The Kids Club was a hit with my daughters, offering various activities that kept them entertained for hours.” view full review

Delicious Meals!

“Dining at the Amwaj restaurant was really good, with expertly crafted dishes that delighted our taste buds.” view full review

Wonderful Pool Area

“The pool area was serene and the perfect temperature, making it an ideal place for relaxation and family fun.” view full review

General

Non-smoking rooms
Wi-Fi
Free parking
Off-site car park
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
VIP check-in/ -out
Express check-in/ -out
No pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
24-hour security
Luggage storage
Locker room
Private beach
Lift
Currency exchange
ATM/Cash machine
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key card access
Key access

Sports & Fitness

Fitness centre
Snorkelling
Canoeing
Hiking
Horseback riding
Cycling
Tennis court
Badminton
Table tennis

Guest Parking

Electric kettle
Dryer

Services

Paid airport shuttle
Room service
Car hire
Laundry
Dry cleaning
Tours/Ticket assistance
Welcome drink
Happy hour

Dining

In-room breakfast
Restaurant
Poolside snack bar
Snack bar
Outdoor dining area
Dinner

Business

Business centre
Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying

Children

Cots
Babysitting/Child services
Children's buffet
Board games
Children's pool
Children's play area
Kids club
Game room

Spa & Leisure

Infinity pool
Heated swimming pool
Beach access
Beach umbrellas
Sun loungers
Entertainment
Sun terrace
Garden area
Leisure/ TV room
Spa & wellness centre
Massage
Pool with view

Room features

Air conditioning
Mini-bar
Soundproofed rooms
Sitting area
Patio
Terrace
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Dining table
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle
Dryer

Media

Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Location

Sir Bani Yas Island, Zahr, United Arab Emirates

Map view

Sir Bani Yas Island, Zahr, United Arab Emirates

City landmarks

Spa Centre

Anantara Spa

1.2 km

Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates

Sir Bani Yas Reserve

4.3 km

Nearby

Spa Centre

Anantara Spa

40 m

Restaurants

Amwaj

450 m

Anantara Desert Islands Resort & Spa

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback from previous guests about their experience

76%

liked the resort and would come back again

Beautiful wildlife experience

Spacious villas

Outdated facilities

Inconsistent service

7.6/10

Very good

Rooms

7.6

Location

8.2

Service

8.2

Dining

6.6

Calvin

United States, January 2025

6.4/10

Our recent stay was a mixed bag. The location of the hotel is stunning with a unique wildlife experience, but the main facilities felt outdated and in need of care. The dining options were limited and generally needed improvement, though the spa and some restaurants did stand out. Overall, while we enjoyed some aspects, outrageous pricing and inconsistent service overshadowed our experience.

Rooms

7.0

The villa was spacious and comfortable, but it could definitely use some renovations. There were some insects in the area where the kettle and coffee supplies were, which was off-putting.

Service

6.0

Service was often slow and seemed overwhelmed by the number of guests, leading to some frustrating moments. Despite this, the staff were generally courteous and tried to be helpful.

Location

8.0

The island offers a peaceful escape far away from the city hustle, and the safari experience was a highlight. However, the overall setup is a bit outdated compared to similar resorts.

Dining

5.0

Dining options were limited and not particularly exciting. We found that certain restaurants were good, but overall the food didn't quite match the expectations for this price range.

Facilities

6.0

The facilities had a lot of potential, especially the wildlife experiences and the spa, but overall they felt underwhelming and not what you would expect from a luxury resort.

Beautiful wildlife experience

Outdated facilities

John

United States, January 2025

8.4/10

My stay at the hotel was a unique escape into nature, offering a variety of activities from safaris to beach time. The rooms were well-maintained and had a great view, but the dining options varied, with some hits and misses. Overall, the service was exceptional, although the pricing can be on the higher end for some experiences. It’s a delightful retreat, especially if you're looking for a family-friendly vacation.

Rooms

9.0

The room was clean, spacious, and offered a stunning beach view, making it quite comfortable for our stay.

Service

10.0

The staff was attentive and made us feel welcomed throughout our visit, always eager to assist with anything we needed.

Location

8.0

Nestled on Sir Bani Yas Island, the location is breathtaking, surrounded by stunning wildlife and wonderful nature, though the long drive from the main ferry terminal can be daunting.

Dining

7.0

While some restaurants hit the mark, others fell short of expectations in terms of food quality, making dining experiences inconsistent during our stay.

Facilities

8.0

The hotel offered a variety of activities and amenities, but I found the pool bar area uncomfortable in the extreme summer heat.

Hugh

United States, October 2024

7.2/10

My stay at the resort was a mix of highs and lows. The staff were incredibly welcoming and made us feel at home from the moment we arrived. The beach was unfortunately inaccessible and rocky, disappointing for a supposed island getaway. The dining experiences varied; some restaurants were fantastic while others fell short. Overall, it was a decent experience, but there are areas that definitely need improvement.

Rooms

6.0

The rooms were a bit tired and could use some maintenance, but they were nice and comfortable overall.

Service

9.0

Service was a highlight; staff members were friendly and eager to assist, making our stay more enjoyable.

Location

8.0

The location on a private island offers a great atmosphere, but it can feel remote and it takes a while to reach the resort.

Dining

7.0

The dining experience was hit or miss; while some meals were excellent, others left much to be desired, especially at one of the Italian restaurants.

Facilities

6.0

Facilities like the pool were quite enjoyable, but the beach area needed serious attention.

Mike

United States, August 2024

8.6/10

I had a wonderful stay at Desert Island Resort, where the staff treated us like royalty and the facilities were top-notch. The rooms were clean and comfortable, offering a serene environment for relaxation. Although the dining options were fantastic, the service was sometimes a little slow. Overall, this resort is a fantastic choice for a family getaway with plenty of activities to enjoy.

Rooms

9.0

The rooms were spacious, clean, and wonderfully comfortable, providing a peaceful atmosphere for family relaxation.

Service

9.0

The staff provided attentive and exceptional service, making us feel at home, especially Deliah who treated us like family.

Location

8.0

The resort is located on a secluded island, providing a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, though it's a bit of a journey to get there.

Dining

8.0

Dining options were diverse and delicious, particularly the seafood buffet, but some service delays were noted.

Facilities

9.0

The facilities were excellent, with a well-maintained pool, kids club, and various activities for all ages.

George

United States, August 2024

7.4/10

The Anantara Desert Island Resort has an idyllic setting that truly captivates, with beautiful wildlife and a unique getaway vibe. The rooms are spacious but could use some maintenance, and while the service was satisfactory, management visibility was lacking. Dining options ranged in quality, with some meals exceeding expectations while others fell flat. Overall, it's a great escape into nature, but the resort doesn't quite match the five-star standards one might hope for based on the pricing.

Rooms

7.0

The rooms were quite spacious, featuring a nice balcony with a lovely view of the pool and sea, but they appeared dated and needed better upkeep.

Service

7.0

The staff was generally accommodating and friendly, always eager to assist, though I didn’t encounter any management during my stay.

Location

9.0

The location was simply beautiful, surrounded by lush landscapes and wildlife, making for a tranquil escape.

Dining

6.0

Dining experiences varied; while breakfast offered a good variety, some dinners left much to be desired in terms of quality.