The resort
Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara stands on the untouched northern shore of Sir Bani Yas Island, off the coast of Abu Dhabi, and is the largest of the three Anantara properties on the island with 64 rooms, suites and pool villas overlooking the Arabian Gulf. It carries the island's shared guest facilities: Anantara Spa, a full gym with Technogym equipment, a dedicated kids' club and a conference centre, all of which the two smaller villa resorts shuttle their guests to. The setting is a protected reserve, and days are built around wildlife encounters across open plains, snorkelling, paddling through mangroves and water sports, with a programme designed so younger guests can explore with confidence.
The accommodation
From beachfront hideaways to overwater villas above the lagoon — each one curated and personally checked by our Maldives team.
View on request
4 guests · 52 m²
A 52 sqm room in the main building with floor-to-ceiling windows and a private balcony over the Arabian Gulf. Classic furnishings in neutral tones carry Emirati motifs drawn from the desert. Separate tub and rain shower, Anantara Spa amenities, Nespresso machine. King or twin bedding.
View on request
4 guests · 52 m²
A 52 sqm ground-floor room with a private terrace framed by greenery, a short walk from the oceanfront pool. Floor-to-ceiling doors slide open to the cool morning air, and sun loungers sit on the terrace. Separate tub and rain shower, Nespresso machine.
View on request
4 guests · 52 m²
A 52 sqm room on the top floor of the main building, giving elevated panoramas across the Arabian Gulf from the bed, a chaise longue or the balcony sun loungers. Floor-to-ceiling windows, separate tub and rain shower, Anantara Spa amenities and a Nespresso machine.
Compare
A side-by-side look at every room category — view, pool, size and who each one suits best.
Rates are on request. Net B2B rates available on agent login.
The resort's all-day international restaurant, opening with a buffet and live stations where eggs are cooked to order and Arabica coffee is poured. Theme nights take the menu beyond the Gulf to specialities from around the world.
A bright, breezy restaurant on the north shore of Desert Islands, looking out over the Gulf. Lunch runs to burgers and salads, dinner to mezze and curry, and there is an extensive children's menu plus ice cream and halva. The bar serves drinks poolside and cocktails at sunset.
Plan your stay
Transfer details available on enquiry — ask our team for the best routing from Velana International Airport (MLE).
Concierge
Our team has stayed at and personally vetted the Maldives' finest islands — we know Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara room by room, transfer by transfer. Tell us your dates and travellers, and we'll shape the right villa, board and seaplane timing around them, with net B2B rates on agent login.
Replies within hours, 7 days a week.
Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara is located in Sir Bani Yas Island. 12452 - Al Ruwais - Sir Baniyas Island - Abu Dhabi
Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara offers 6 accommodation categories, including Deluxe Sea View Room, Deluxe Garden Terrace Room, Premier Sea View Room, Anantara Suite, One Bedroom Plunge Pool Villa, Two Bedroom Anantara Pool Villa.
Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara has 2 restaurants and bars, including The Palm, Al Shams Restaurant & Bar. Cuisines span International.
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