Explore the walking trails of the island’s thriving
wildlife reserve. Witness matchless underwater panoramas
of unspoiled beauty while snorkelling. Take a game drive
through the Arabian National Park in air-conditioned
game viewers with qualified field guides.
Located on an island of serene beauty,
Desert Islands Resort & Spa offers rare opportunities
to immerse in the natural splendour and historic allure
of this island gem. From mountain biking among flocks
of the island’s native flamingos, to visiting
ancient settlements, a diverse array of activities enrich
our guests’ experiences.
ISLAND EXCURSIONS
Bird Watching
Bird watchers will delight in the diverse multitude
of birdlife that call the Sir Bani Yas island bird sanctuary
their home, or temporary resting place on their migratory
paths. The result of a successful conservation and breeding
project undertaken by Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan,
the island's bird sanctuary now teems with a range of
native and imported birds, including the flightless
African ostrich, rhea and emu, along with their flying
cousins, the Egyptian goose, partridge, crane, guineafowl
and pheasant. Although the guest's perennial favourite
is of course our flocks of pink flamingo, which can
be seen by the hundreds in the island's mangroves and
lakes.
Canoeing & Kayaking
What better way to explore the island's natural
beauty up close than from a sea kayak or canoe? Our
kayaking trips will take you across our lagoons to get
a view of the island's fringes, while canoe trips through
the mangroves expose our intrepid visitors to the rugged
splendour of the island's wildlife sanctuary. Glide
quietly through the water in the early morning under
a canopy of tropical greenery while your guide points
out migratory birds nesting above and the occasional
gazelle coming to drink at the banks. And of course,
keep watch for the stars of the reserve, our resident
pink flamingos!
Game Drives
Sir Bani Yas island is fortunate to house the
one-of-a-kind Arabian National Park, the dream come
true of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi's
former leader. His visionary concept for an offshore
wildlife sanctuary, teeming with both indigenous and
imported wildlife, have made possible one of the world's
most unique settings for up-close wildlife encounters.
While once only accessible to the royal family, today
the park is accessible to visitors, and Desert Islands
Resort & Spa is proud to be able to bring this experience
to our guests.
Our guided game drives, using our air
conditioned 4x4 vehicles, are a perfect way to explore
the park and its population of indigenous animals such
as the reem, oryx antelope, cheetah, hyena and desert
wolf and the adjacent Safari Park with animals not indigenous
to the Arabian peninsula, including llamas, ostrich
and even giraffe. Follow the advice of our guides or
consult with them to tailor an adventure to remember
for years to come.
Game Walks
A trip to Sir Bani Yas offers even more than
just seaside fun in the sun. The rugged landscapes of
our island surrounds beckon exploration, and the many
walking trails that wind through the nearby bird sanctuary
and game reserve offer the perfect way to experience
the island's unique beauty up close, at your own pace,
or with the expertise of an experienced guide. Trails
wind along the sea and through the peaceful bird sanctuary
and reserve, which are at their best just after dawn.
Guided by our game experts, you'll get an unparalleled
up-close glimpse at this unique natural sanctuary.
Mountain Biking
Sunrise on our island is when the island is
at its most beautiful and when the sanctuary's wildlife
are out in full force before the heat of the day. Take
advantage of the stunning setting and the perfect time
of day with a morning bike ride through the islands
hinterlands and desert salt flats to get a glimpse of
the island as it comes to life. Your guide will have
you back just in time for breakfast – and a day
spent relaxing those spent muscles in the spa or by
the pool.
RESORT FACILITIES
Boutiques
The resort houses two boutique shops, each offering
the finest local fabrics and handicrafts, specially
designed clothing, and an international array of reading
material. From fine local silks to handcrafted jewelry
designed by local artisans, as well as other apparel
and handicraft items, guests can treat themselves to
some of the region's most sought-after collectibles
without having to leave the comforts of the resort.
Fitness Centre
Our state-of-the-art fitness centre is open
24 hours, allowing guests to maintain their fitness
regimen at their convenience. The main fitness room
has an area dedicated to cardiovascular exercise, providing
a variety of machines, each in close sight of TV monitors
for entertainment. Freeweights and other strength training
machines are also available, as well access to a separate
yoga/aerobics room. Guests may even use the centre's
iPods upon request.
Kids Club
Let the kids watch movies and play games at
our Kids Club while you venture to the spa or enjoy
a romantic picnic lunch for two. With multiple rooms,
the Kids Club features activities for both young children
and teens, including a game room with a billiards table,
ping pong table, computers with games and learning activities,
flatscreen TV with a large selection of movies, reading
materials, basketball court and other organized educational,
sports and crafts activities – and even a "nap
room" for younger children.
Library
Visit the library to sink back into a reclining
chair and read a favourite novel or use our wireless
internet to update friends on your travels. Our library
includes special guest workstations and comfortable
seating with coffee tables for your work or midday snack.
Guests can also take advantage of our collection of
reading material.
Meeting Rooms
Kick-start an executive retreat at one of our
wifi-equipped conference rooms, in which seating can
be arranged in boardroom, classroom, theatre or U-shaped
style. A wide selection of audiovisual and presentation
equipment is available for organizers or conference
presenters, including portable LCD screen and DVD player,
digital data projector, conference phone cabling and
handsets, whiteboards and flipcharts.
Swimming Pool
Just steps away from the sea, our freeform
infinity-edge swimming pool on the beach is the centrepiece
of our resort's grounds. Families and couples alike
gather to soak up the island sun, plunge into the refreshing
waters and gaze over the clear waters of the Arabian
Gulf. Sipping a refreshing fruit juice elixir from the
Pool Bar under an umbrella provides escape from the
sun, while individual cabanas give our guests the ultimate
in privacy to unwind and laze the day away.
Tennis Court
Guests can volley all day and night at our
resort's impeccable tennis court, situated under the
shade of palms and just a stone's throw from the surf.
For those who want to avoid the heat, the floodlit court
is available well into the night for evening play under
the stars.
Abu
Dhabi Sir Bani Yas Island
