Abu Dhabi Week explores Anantara’s serene resort nestling in the heart of Sir Bani Yas Island
Located off the coast of the Western region of Abu Dhabi, Sir Bani Yas Island is the largest natural island in the UAE, spanning over 87 km². The desert island, with its wildlife reserve and serene desert landscape, offers the ultimate getaway from city life.
Driving through the sliding steel gates into the island’s Arabian Wildlife Park conjures up images of Jurassic Park. Although we know we won’t be confronted by a giant T-Rex as we round the corner, that does nothing to curb our excitement.
A brief drive through the park and we arrive at Al Sahel Villa Resort. The main building resembles an African lodge, decorated with a blend of modern and rustic artefacts and furnishings. After a brief tour of the main building and its grounds (our guide proudly pointed out that even the grass is imported from the Savannah) we retreated to our stunning villa.
Activities
While it would be easy to wile away your entire stay in the luxurious villa, we recommend exploring the island with one of the available activities.
Arguably the resort’s most popular activity, the nature and wildlife drives are not to be missed. Explore the terrain, learning about the history of the island while watching the mountain and desert gazelles, Oryx and birds. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the island’s ‘top three’ – ostrich, cheetah and giraffe – or even the elusive hyena.
Staying on land, guests can enjoy a nature walk through the island’s salt domes or mangroves, a guided mountain bike tour across the rugged terrain, or catch glimpses of resident wildlife from horseback.
Tours are also available to the island’s ancient monastery, which dates back to the 6th century AD, the only early Christian site in the country.
Meanwhile, at sea, guests can explore the pristine waters by kayak, take a sailing lesson, enjoy a snorkelling trip or learn how to scuba dive.
Dining
Breakfast and dinner are served in the safari interiors of Savannah Grill.
A small a la carte menu featuring hot dishes complements a modest breakfast buffet featuring bakery items, fresh fruit, and continental dishes.
Dinner brings a moreish selection of grilled meats and vegetarian specialties with an African twist. During the cooler months, a traditional South African grill is fired up at the Boma, offering an authentic barbeque under the starlit sky.
During the day, Savannah Lounge features a small selection of dishes to keep you satisfied.
Accommodation
Al Sahel Villa Resort is one of three Anantara properties on Sir Bani Yas Island. The only resort located inside the wildlife park itself, guests of Al Sahel are likely to walk out of their villa and catch glimpses of shy gazelles or a mother peahen with her chicks.
With an intimate cluster of only 30 villas, the resort is idyllically quiet.
We’re immediately struck by how serene the area is and blissfully settle down on the private deck with nothing but the occasional curious gazelle, tweeting birds and distant calls of peacocks.
The resort offers one-bedroom villas as well as one- and two-bedroom pool villas, perfect for cooling off in the privacy of your deck. The villas are well appointed, the design keeping up the African theme while amenities such as a yoga mat and wildlife guide prove the hotel’s attention to detail.
The Anantara team have taken great measure to ensure Al Sahel is as eco-friendly as possible adopting a sustainable central cooling system and following sustainable water and electricity measures.
To find out more about Al Sahel Villa Resort, visit: www.al-sahel.anantara.com
Rachael Peacock
Getting there
Sir Bani Yas Island is accessible from both sea and air. Yas Rotana conducts regular flights to the island from Al Bateen Executive Airport in the capital. Flights range depending on dates, from AED 240 per person to AED 400 per person for one way. For more information, visit: www.rotanajet.com
Alternatively, you can drive to the Sir Bani Yas jetty, 250km from Abu Dhabi International Airport, then hop on a complimentary water taxi for the 10-15 minute journey to the island.
Conservation efforts
Established in 1971 by the late Sheikh Zayed, the island is now home to thousands of free-roaming animals, plants and migratory birds thanks to various conservation efforts.
Although aware the island is home to a number of species, we had no idea the significant role the island plays in conservation.
While the Arabian Oryx was formerly extinct in the wild, Sir Bani Yas Island is supposedly home to the largest population in the world. The reserve is also home to various endangered species including sand gazelles, sea turtles and Barbary sheep.
