Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara

About this hotel

Relaxation and Recreation Indulge in massages and facials at the spa and enjoy the outdoor pool and private beach for ultimate relaxation and leisure. Culinary Delights Savor international cuisine at one of the 3 restaurants, enjoy 24-hour room service, and unwind with a drink at the bar/lounge or poolside bar. Luxurious Accommodations Stay in air-conditioned rooms with minibars and private balconies, and enjoy entertainment with LCD TVs and stay connected with complimentary WiFi. Book your stay at Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara now for an unforgettable experience in the historical district.

Highlights

Facilities

• Pool umbrellas
• Free self parking
• Free pool cabanas
• Pool sun loungers

Check-in & checkout

Check-in

03:00 PM – 12:00 AM

Check-out

12:00 PM

The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation

Government-issued photo identification and a credit card may be required at check-in for incidental charges

Guests must transfer via boat to the property. Guests must contact the property at least 24 hours before travel, using the contact information on the confirmation received after booking. This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply). Guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation. To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation. Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions. Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property. Guests are required to download the property's AL HOSN UAE mobile app before check-in. For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation. This property is located on an island approximately 5 miles (8 kilometers) off the coast of Abu Dhabi, accessible only by boat. Guests must contact the resort 1 day in advance to arrange transportation from Jebel Dhanna Jetty (20 minutes away by boat). Daily departure from Jebel Dhanna Jetty to Sir Bani Yas Island: noon, 3 PM, 6 PM, and 11 PM. Daily departure from Sir Bani Yas Island: 9 AM, 1 PM, 4 PM, and 8 PM. Please note that the boat transfers are subject to availability, weather conditions, and clearance from Abu Dhabi Ports Authority. This property provides ground transportation to and from the island boat station, as well as transportation around the island (included in the resort fee). All guests are required to present a valid government-issued ID card at check-in. A valid passport with UAE entry stamp, UAE Emirates ID, and GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) ID are accepted. Guests are required to have the AL HOSN UAE App installed on their mobile devices. Guests may be requested by the property to provide documentation of recent travel history (such as showing passport immigration stamps) and/or complete a health declaration.

House rules

Choose dates from search to see available rooms.

Guest sentiment

• Cleanliness9.1

  Consistent mention of cleanliness and well-maintained facilities.

• Service9.6

  Multiple praises for friendly and helpful staff, enhancing the service rating.

• Location9.1

  Described as excellent and peaceful, with natural beauty.

• Room Quality9.0

  Rooms are described as spacious and comfortable.

• Amenities9.1

  Facilities and activities are highlighted positively.

• Value for Money8.5

  Good value mentioned in relation to the experience.

• Food and Beverage8.6

  Breakfast and meals praised, but main courses could be improved.

• Overall Experience9.1

  Overall sentiment indicates a very positive experience.

Guest reviews

The location is quite unique (island) , the staff is very nice. The F&B offer is extremely expensive for what it is... a shawarma for 130 aed? the shrimp tacos at more than 100 aed was pretty much tasteless. A Shicha for 160aed.... chicken burger for more than 100 aed and was also nothing wow... This is my 3rd stay in this property and I can see that no maintenance has been done for a long time - all signages outside of the hotel are not readable anymore, garden is not well maintained, etc etc. This is not a 5 star hotel anymore. The staff is amazing but your hotel is understaffed...

The location is quite unique (island) , the staff is very nice. The F&B offer is extremely expensive for what it is... a shawarma for 130 aed? the shrimp tacos at more than 100 aed was pretty much tasteless. A Shicha for 160aed.... chicken burger for more than 100 aed and was also nothing wow... This is my 3rd stay in this property and I can see that no maintenance has been done for a long time - all signages outside of the hotel are not readable anymore, garden is not well maintained, etc etc. This is not a 5 star hotel anymore. The staff is amazing but your hotel is understaffed...

The hotel did not meet the level of luxury expected for the nightly rate charged. The refrigerator was not functioning, and several light bulbs required replacement. The waiting area lacked basic snacks, despite the nearest restaurant being approximately 30 minutes away in Ruwais. During departure, there was no water available in the waiting room. Additionally, the food quality at both Palm and Al Shams did not meet expectations, with Al Shams being notably overpriced for the offering provided.

The hotel did not meet the level of luxury expected for the nightly rate charged. The refrigerator was not functioning, and several light bulbs required replacement. The waiting area lacked basic snacks, despite the nearest restaurant being approximately 30 minutes away in Ruwais. During departure, there was no water available in the waiting room. Additionally, the food quality at both Palm and Al Shams did not meet expectations, with Al Shams being notably overpriced for the offering provided.

From the very first moment, we were welcomed with the utmost respect and genuine warmth. The staff were exceptionally friendly and attentive. Special thanks to Sahan and David at reception — they remembered our names, which made the entire experience feel truly personal and thoughtful. They were always ready to help, give recommendations, and make sure everything was perfect. Staying here felt like a truly unique experience — being surrounded by nature on a remote island, away from the noise, yet with an incredible level of comfort and care. It was an unforgettable stay, and we would happily return.

From the very first moment, we were welcomed with the utmost respect and genuine warmth. The staff were exceptionally friendly and attentive. Special thanks to Sahan and David at reception — they remembered our names, which made the entire experience feel truly personal and thoughtful. They were always ready to help, give recommendations, and make sure everything was perfect. Staying here felt like a truly unique experience — being surrounded by nature on a remote island, away from the noise, yet with an incredible level of comfort and care. It was an unforgettable stay, and we would happily return.

This stay had been the best resort across Uae, the ambience, the aesthetics, nature, food, everything is top notch. Will revisit the place again.

This stay had been the best resort across Uae, the ambience, the aesthetics, nature, food, everything is top notch. Will revisit the place again.

Food and its price We were highly charged for the dinner with very very limited options. Doesn’t worth what we pay for

Food and its price We were highly charged for the dinner with very very limited options. Doesn’t worth what we pay for

The ferry timings were not shared so we had to wait for 4 hours for it and the food menu was same all day in all restroom, no buffet, no Asian kind food..slow restro service hence cold food and coffee was served in Palms restr both days in breakfast

The ferry timings were not shared so we had to wait for 4 hours for it and the food menu was same all day in all restroom, no buffet, no Asian kind food..slow restro service hence cold food and coffee was served in Palms restr both days in breakfast

The overall experience with the resort and its location and service of the staff is expectional. Definitely a must visit place for all families with kids and a total peace of mind.

The overall experience with the resort and its location and service of the staff is expectional. Definitely a must visit place for all families with kids and a total peace of mind.

Exceptional stay with top notch hospitality. The staff was extremely courteous and hospitable specially Harish and Sahan, both were extremely cordial and went above and beyond to facilitate us. Jonhatan made our Safri ride informative n engaging. Food options were limited and overpriced. The only improvement that needs to be made is regarding variation in menu and prices need to be a bit more affordable.

Exceptional stay with top notch hospitality. The staff was extremely courteous and hospitable specially Harish and Sahan, both were extremely cordial and went above and beyond to facilitate us. Jonhatan made our Safri ride informative n engaging. Food options were limited and overpriced. The only improvement that needs to be made is regarding variation in menu and prices need to be a bit more affordable.