Desert Islands Resort and Spa by Anantara

Rtexal Tan

Fantastic resort for families (small but manned kids club) and simply if you will like to walk along the beach side or dip into the huge pool. The other two Anatara resorts can also be visited (free rides) if you will like to expand your options for meals, particular of note is the Savannah Restaurant which brings you closer to the gazelles as you dine (which is a good mix of experience since this resort is nowhere near wildlife). The Safari tour i will give it an average honestly (cost to value), with a highlight of giraffes and zebra spotted. The most interesting part of it for me is how they are attempting to green the hills on the island, which is not an easy task (lack of rain makes the soil too high in salt and minerals). The cheetah is in its own enclosure (of course, as the safari jeeps isn't caged in itself) and the roaming animals are the peaceful ones.

Rhishab Nair

An amazing experience for sure. Had a warm welcome from the staff from the minute we parked our car at the dock and the awesome service till we reached back. There was a nice Indonesian lady at the reception who accomodated all our needs with great professionalism. The rooms were great with an awesome view of the ocean. The safari is "A MUST". Jonathan our guide did an amazing job giving us insights about the island and the animals. The animals were the highlight and waking up with the view of a deer prancing around the garden was so refreshing compared to the bustling city life. A must visit resort for those in the country and those visiting too. Kudos to the team!

Naif

Very good location, and very horrible service. The accommodated me in a wrong small room while my reservation was a villa the didn’t even apologized for that. During the luggage delivery, the guy was in a call all the time holding his mobile in a hand and handing your luggage to you with the other hand without talking to you. Moreover, no one will answer your calls, so if you need anything from the room service, you need to walk all the way to the reception! If you are considering this place, believe me it is your most stupid idea in your life!

Khaled Chehade

I would like to share my feedback regarding our recent stay at your property. Unfortunately, the information available about the hotel did not align with the actual experience. The hotel appears outdated, and the villa we booked was described as being located on the beach. However, upon arrival, we found that the sea was actually quite far, and the villa lacked the promised amenities for swimming or relaxation. This experience did not meet our expectations, and I would not recommend it to others based on what we encountered. Thank you for your attention, and I hope this feedback helps in improving the guest experience moving forward.

dilek tarkan

We recently stayed at Anantara Desert Islands Resort on Sir Bani Yas Island. While the setting is unique and the concept of a desert island retreat is appealing, our experience had several ups and downs. Due to bad weather, ferry services were cancelled, and we ended up stuck at the hotel. Unfortunately, the reception team seemed unprepared and lacked proper communication and organization during this time. Clearer updates and better coordination would have made a big difference. Only one restaurant was open for lunch and dinner, which limited dining options and variety. Because of strong winds, the beach was also closed, leaving us with few things to do. The safari drive was the highlight of our stay—beautiful scenery, knowledgeable guide, and a memorable experience overall. That said, the hotel itself feels a bit old and in need of maintenance and refurbishment. Certain areas could really use an upgrade to match the standards expected from a resort of this caliber. The Kids Club and Teen Club are in separate buildings, quite far from each other and from the main hotel. While buggy rides are offered, the distances make it less convenient for families with children. Also worth noting: nearly every activity at the hotel comes at an extra cost. Considering the isolated location and limited entertainment—especially during weather-related delays—it would be nice if a few complimentary activities were included to keep guests engaged. In summary, while the resort offers some unique experiences, it would benefit from better service, refreshed facilities, and a more guest-friendly approach during unexpected situations.