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From390US$ /night
Check-in
09Jan2026Select date
Check-out
10Jan2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

Al Ruwais, Zahr, United Arab Emirates
-
Close to the coastline
Great
8.0
9.3
/10
4.6
4.7
/5

Location

Anantara Desert Islands Resort & Spa occupies a private island in the Arabian Gulf, just off the coast of Abu Dhabi. It offers breathtaking views of the untouched natural landscape surrounding Sir Bani Yas Island. Visitors can explore a range of activities, including nature reserves and Arabian wildlife safaris.

Accommodation

The hotel encompasses 64 guest rooms and villas, all featuring traditional Arabian design that blends modern comforts with cultural elements. Each room provides an outdoor terrace or balcony for guests to enjoy views of the sea or gardens. Selected accommodations offer private pools for an extra touch of exclusivity.

Dining

Dining is available at multiple options, with a focus on regional flavors and international cuisine. The restaurant, Sontaya, specializes in Southeast Asian dishes, while The Library offers Middle Eastern specialties. Guests can also relax at the pool bar for light snacks and refreshing beverages.

Wellness

The Anantara Spa delivers holistic therapies and treatments, inspired by ancient traditions. Guests can enjoy an array of treatments, including massages and facials, utilizing natural ingredients and local techniques. The spa also features a sauna and steam room, perfect for unwinding after a day of activities.

Activities

The hotel offers numerous activities, including snorkeling, kayaking, and guided nature tours around Sir Bani Yas Island. Guests can partake in outdoor experiences such as archery and horseback riding. Additionally, a cultural center on the island provides insight into the local heritage and wildlife conservation efforts.

Highlights

Location: Private island in the Arabian Gulf

Rooms: 64 guest rooms with outdoor terraces

Dining: Sontaya and The Library restaurants

Wellness: Anantara Spa with holistic therapies

Activities: Snorkeling, kayaking, and nature tours

Must-do experiences

  • Experience the stunning sunsets at the Arabian Gulf beach.
  • Try the traditional Emirati dish, Al Harees, at Zahr Café.
  • Visit the Sheikh Zayed Palace Museum for a glimpse of history.
  • Take a camel ride through the mesmerizing Liwa Desert dunes.
  • Explore the local markets for handmade crafts and spices.
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 Sea View Room
2 persons
52 m² 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Coffee machine
Premier Sea View Room
2 persons
52 m² 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Coffee machine
Deluxe Garden Terrace Room
2 persons
52 m² 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Coffee machine
Anantara Suite
2 persons
80 m² 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Coffee machine
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Facilities

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

General

  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Free 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
  • 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
  • Housekeeping
  • 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
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Dining Onsite

At Anantara Desert Islands Resort & Spa, dining options invite guests to indulge in a culinary journey through the heart of diverse cuisines. With a focus on international fare and local specialties, each restaurant provides a unique ambiance and experience, all set against breathtaking garden views.
Anantara Desert Islands Resort & Spa Zahr Restaurant photo
Anantara Desert Islands Resort & Spa Zahr Restaurant photo

The Palm

International
Ambiance
Family-friendly dining with garden views, ideal for casual meals or special gatherings.
Key Offerings
Start each day with a delightful breakfast spread featuring a variety of international dishes, all served in a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Reservation
No
Open daily for breakfast from 07:00 - 10:30.

Al Shams

Middle Eastern
Ambiance
An inviting setting that captures the essence of Middle Eastern culture and cuisine.
Key Offerings
Explore traditional flavors with a selection of Halal dishes, complemented by authentic spices and recipes, available for leisurely dining.
Reservation
No
Open daily from 11:00 - 23:00.

Amwaj

Seafood, Grill/BBQ
Ambiance
A cozy venue with a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for enjoying fresh seafood and grilled delicacies.
Key Offerings
Indulge in meticulously grilled seafood and BBQ offerings, available for dinner in an intimate setting under the stars.
Reservation
Yes
Open for dinner on Saturdays from 18:30 - 22:30.

Location

Al Ruwais, Zahr, United Arab Emirates
Map view
Al Ruwais, Zahr, United Arab Emirates
Nearby
Spa Centre
Anantara Spa
40 m
Restaurants
Amwaj
450 m
Anantara Desert Islands Resort & Spa
Explore Zahr
Explore Sir Bani Yas Island
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Anantara Spa
15 minutes' walk
Anantara Spa offers indulgent treatments in a serene setting, perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Sir Bani Yas Reserve
10 minutes' drive
A wildlife reserve home to exotic species, Sir Bani Yas Reserve features guided tours, showcasing conservation efforts.
Kayaking
5 minutes' drive
Kayaking near the resort provides adventure seekers an exhilarating way to explore the coastline and marine life.
Yoga Sessions
15 minutes' walk
Wellness-focused yoga sessions are offered outdoors, perfect for those seeking serenity in nature.
Amwaj
Amwaj
5 minutes' walk
Amwaj offers a casual atmosphere with local and international dishes, featuring fresh ingredients and seafood specialties.
Beachfront Bar
10 minutes' drive
A laid-back beachfront bar with live music, ideal for enjoying cocktails while watching the sunset.
Getting around
City Centre
Zahr2 min  ·  100 m
Airports
Sir Bani Yas Island Airport (XSB)18 min  ·  11.9 km
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-23:59
Check-out
until 12 pm
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible at a location nearby for free.
Internet
is available in for free.
Breakfast
A american breakfast is served at affordable prices. 
Children & extra beds
There are no cots provided in a room.  There are no extra beds provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Languages
English, German, Italian, 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
FAQs
About Anantara Desert Islands Resort & Spa
What are the check-in and check-out times at Anantara Desert Islands Resort & Spa?
Check-in is at 15:00 and check-out is at 12:00.
How far is Anantara Desert Islands Resort & Spa from Sir Bani Yas Island airport?
The resort is located 16 km from Sir Bani Yas Island airport.
What recreational activities can guests enjoy at Anantara Desert Islands Resort & Spa?
Guests can enjoy activities like snorkeling, hiking, cycling, and tennis.
What dining options are available at Anantara Desert Islands Resort & Spa?
The resort features three on-site restaurants serving international and Middle Eastern cuisine.
Is parking available at Anantara Desert Islands Resort & Spa?
Free private parking is available on-site without requiring a reservation.
What amenities are offered in the rooms at Anantara Desert Islands Resort & Spa?
Rooms feature amenities such as air conditioning, a flat-screen satellite TV, and a mini-fridge.
Does Anantara Desert Islands Resort & Spa have a private beach?
The resort provides exclusive access to a private beach with beachfront dining options.
What kind of family services does Anantara Desert Islands Resort & Spa provide?
The resort offers a children's club with supervised activities tailored for younger guests.
How can guests arrange airport transfers at Anantara Desert Islands Resort & Spa?
Guests can arrange paid airport transfer services through the hotel.
What languages are spoken by staff at Anantara Desert Islands Resort & Spa?
The staff commonly speaks English and Arabic.
What views can guests expect from the accommodations at Anantara Desert Islands Resort & Spa?
Some rooms offer scenic views of the Arabian Gulf.
What types of pools are available at Anantara Desert Islands Resort & Spa?
Guests can enjoy an infinity pool, a heated swimming pool, and a children's pool.

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Check-in
09Jan2026Select date
Check-out
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Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room

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Anantara Desert Islands Resort & Spa Zahr Exterior photo

Anantara Desert Islands Resort & Spa

8.0
Great236 reviews
100 m from center
351 US$
390 US$
per night
Mobile-only price