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

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Key details

About the Resort

Sir Bani Yas Island, Zahr, United Arab Emirates

Anantara Desert Islands Resort & Spa is a luxury resort located on Sir Bani Yas Island in the United Arab Emirates, surrounded by the stunning crystal clear waters of the Arabian Gulf. The resort is situated adjacent to a wildlife sanctuary, providing guests with a unique opportunity to encounter diverse wildlife. It features lavish comfort, spectacular views, and adventurous getaways. The architecture blends modern luxury with traditional Middle Eastern aesthetics, showcasing striking indigenous fabrics and art.

Location

Located on Sir Bani Yas Island, the resort is just steps from the Sir Bani Yas wildlife reserve, offering easy access to nature adventures. It is a serene retreat surrounded by beautiful landscapes and a rich variety of wildlife. Proximity to the lagoon enhances the resort's appeal for relaxation and exploration.

Rooms

The resort offers air-conditioned villas, many featuring private balconies or terraces with sea views. Some villas have direct access to a swimming pool and include amenities like a living room with a satellite TV and a dining area. Each villa is designed for comfort, with options for private splash pools and garden views.

Eat & Drink

Guests can enjoy diverse dining options at the resort's three onsite restaurants, which serve international cuisine. Al Shams offers candle-lit dinners and is known for its grilled seafood. Menu highlights include light Arab snacks by the poolside and a daily buffet breakfast featuring local delicacies.

Leisure & Business

The resort features a fantastic spa with massage services, an infinity pool offering panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf, and a tennis court for active recreation. Guests can participate in exciting activities like mountain biking, horseback riding, and wildlife drives to explore the surrounding sanctuary.

“The hotel's location on Sir Bani Yas Island is simply breathtaking, with stunning views of the mountains and crystal-clear waters that create a paradise for relaxation and adventure.”view full review

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“An unforgettable family getaway with outstanding service!” 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 cribs 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

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Select your room type

The resort provides a range of accommodations, including double rooms, family rooms, and suites, all with breakfast, free cancellations, and exclusive deals.

Premier King Room

Max:

2 persons

52 m²

Bed options:

1 King Size Bed

Sea view

Shower

Coffee machine

room details

Check Prices

King Suite

Max:

2 persons

80 m²

Bed options:

1 King Size Bed

Shower

Coffee machine

room details

Check Prices

Deluxe Room

Max:

2 persons

52 m²

Bed options:

1 King Size Bed

Sea view

Shower

Coffee machine

room details

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Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Getting around

A list of all available modes of transport

City Center

Zahr400 ft

Airports

Sir Bani Yas Island (XSB) 7.4 mi

Facilities

Enjoy a range of amenities at the resort designed for your comfortable stay and remarkable experiences.

Spacious Rooms

“The room was incredibly spacious and filled with natural light, offering a serene atmosphere for relaxation.” view full review

Delicious Dining

“Every meal we had was a delight, especially the fresh pasta with excellent sauce that exceeded our expectations.” view full review

Inviting Pool

“The infinity pool provided a perfect escape, beautifully laid out for both relaxation and a refreshing swim.” view full review

Convenient Options

“The room service was prompt and hassle-free, allowing us to enjoy our meals in the comfort of our room.” view full review

General

Non-smoking rooms
Wi-Fi
Parking
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
VIP check-in/ -out
Express check-in/ -out
No pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
24-hour security
Baggage storage
Locker room
Private beach
Elevator
Currency exchange
ATM/Cash machine
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key card access
Key access

Sports & Fitness

Fitness center
Snorkeling
Canoeing
Hiking
Horseback riding
Cycling
Tennis court
Badminton
Table tennis

Guest Parking

Electric kettle
Dryer

Services

Paid airport shuttle
Room service
Car rental
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 center
Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying

Children

Cribs
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 center
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
Direct dial telephone
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 Center

Anantara Spa

3900 ft

Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates

Sir Bani Yas Reserve

2.7 mi

Nearby

Spa Center

Anantara Spa

200 ft

Restaurants

Amwaj

1500 ft

Anantara Desert Islands Resort & Spa

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback from previous guests about their experience.

84%

liked the resort and would come back

Beautiful wildlife experience

Spacious villas

Outdated facilities

Inconsistent service

8.4/10

Great

Rooms

7.6

Location

8.2

Service

8.2

Dining

6.6

Calvin

United States of America, 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 of America, 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 of America, 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 of America, 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 of America, 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.