Sir Bani Yas Island, United Arab Emirates
Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara
Safari island lodge
Sir Bani Yas Island, United Arab Emirates
Renovated
2026
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Resort Luxe LocalOutside the door
The house
AnantaraSafari island lodge
The resort revolves around the surrounding wildlife reserve. Safari vehicles explore the desert interior, and flamingos gather along the shore.
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Open-vehicle game drives track cheetahs, giraffes, and Arabian oryx across the island reserve.
Notable
Excursions explore the wildlife sanctuary established by Sheikh Zayed for endangered Arabian oryx.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
The Arabian palace atmosphere is tempered by a healthy dose of island-resort mellowness.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
On Sir Bani Yas Island off Jebel Dhanna, surrounded by the Arabian Gulf and wildlife reserve.
The rooms
Private villas have plunge pools set within walled gardens. Upper-floor rooms look directly out across the Arabian Gulf.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
A free-form infinity pool looks out across the Arabian Gulf, surrounded by wooden sun decks and palm trees.
The spa
Couples suites open onto private terraces with ocean-facing hot tubs. Treatments include traditional Thai massage and Arabian wellness rituals.
The gym
Floor-to-ceiling windows look onto the gardens in the 24-hour fitness centre, fitted with Technogym cardio and strength machines.
Restaurant
The Palm
A branch chandelier hangs beneath the thatched dome of this circular dining hall, which serves Middle Eastern and international buffets.
Flamingos wade around the three-resort Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island premises in their trademark placid flamboyance, their soft pinks a sweet compliment to the crystal clear water and sandy shores on which they roam.
At the table
Al Shams serves Arabic mezze, grilled dishes, and shisha on an open-air terrace beside the swimming pool.
How it began
The main building began as a private royal guest house, hosting personal visitors before opening to travelers in 2008.
Sir Bani Yas Island
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.