Desert Islands Resort and Spa by Anantara

Stefania Di Ciacca

We stayed at Desert Islands Resort for one night from 11–12 November. Although our stay was short, it was absolutely lovely. All of the staff were friendly and helpful, with a special mention to Sasandi, who checked us in and immediately made us feel right at home. The room was spacious and comfortable, and breakfast the following morning was excellent, with a great selection. The chefs kept the buffet well stocked and spotless, making for a very pleasant dining experience. We would also like to thank Gerard for driving us between the resorts and back to the ferry terminal. Thank you for a relaxing and enjoyable stay.

Wadha Alyassi

Our recent stay at Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island was extremely disappointing compared to our previous visits. The service quality has clearly declined and no longer reflects Anantara’s standards. When we contacted reception to inform them we were visiting another property on the island, staff questioned us unnecessarily about our reasons and plans, making a simple request feel uncomfortable and overly complicated. This is a clear downgrade from the professionalism and smooth service we experienced before. At Olio Restaurant, we were forced to choose a full or half board just to be able to order food, with no prior clarification. The prices paid were unjustifiably high and completely mismatched the quality and value of the food. Overall, the experience was not worth the cost, which is very disappointing given our previous positive stays.

Tina Saffarian

I am writing this review to express my extreme disappointment with the Anantara regarding their total lack of support during the Challenge Banyas Race in January 2026. For a 5-star property, the level of incompetence and indifference we experienced was shocking. It was clear the hotel made zero effort to estimate the number of guests competing and staying on the premises for the challenge. As a result, the transportation logistics were a complete disaster. On both Friday and Saturday, we were stranded. We called the hotel multiple times to request transport back, but the staff either ignored the calls or left us waiting in the cold for over two hours with absolutely no updates or communication. In the end, we were only saved because a kind gentleman from the race events organization team stepped in and arranged for the event drivers to take us back. It is embarrassing that an external organizer had to do the hotel's job for them. To make matters worse, we had to leave our bicycles at the race area and expected basic assistance from the hotel to retrieve them. Again, the staff were unhelpful and dismissive. It wasn’t until we became visibly agitated and angry that they finally managed to arrange a driver to help us. Since this hotel and the race are located on an island, there are no taxis available. You are completely dependent on the hotel for transport. It is sad and frustrating to see such a chaotic, unhelpful mess from a luxury hotel that should understand the unique logistics of its own location. I would not recommend staying here if you expect any standard of service or reliability.

Pouria Sabet

Honest review here. Although we were expecting much much more as we were here on a special occasion (which I let them know a week advance), the entire experience was a huge let down. While the location and the island itself is stunning, the hotel and the service and the experiences is more in line with a two star hotel. Firstly, food is a huge issue. There are only 3 restaurants on the entire island to get a feed at. All of the items are extremely overpriced and very very weak in taste. We left the island hungry. The room service experience was a huge disappointment as we were served FRIDGE COLD food after an hour of waiting. In general,lots of waiting for the smallest of requests. Guest requests often seem to be to be forgotten. Lastly, the experiences offered are all in the morning, and on an island like this, nights can get very boring without zero activities and programming. To sum it up,please do your research on what else is available, like the Anantara in Dubai and save yourself the long drive and ferry ride to this place.

Musa Toktaş

Desert Island Resort is standing in the Sir Bani Yas Island for more than 22 years. Hotel did not lose anything from the quality. Staff is 5 star, behaviours are make you think yourself as royal family. Spa made me think like Im in a heaven. Couple massage is recommended. If I come again the reason is the quality and affordability. Thank you especially staff at reception they were great.