Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(rides Dh250-500)
For an intimate nature encounter, book a horseback ride at the state-of-the-
art Sir Bani Yas Stables. Guides will match the horse to your level of experience and kit
you out with shoes, chaps and a helmet before taking you on a ride along the beach or
through the bush.
Anantara Spa
SPA
(massages Dh650-800)
A great relaxation station is the lush Anantara Spa, where you can
choose from an extensive massage and treatment menu to work out the kinks and turn you
into a glowing lump of tranquility. Options include a jet lag massage, a mother-to-be mas-
sage and an emerald gemstone massage.
Sleeping & Eating
At the ultra-delxue
Desert Islands Resort & Spa
( 02-801 5400;
http://desertislands.anantara.com
; r from
Dh1600; )
you'll sleep sweetly in elegantly exotic, oversized rooms hued in calm-
ing browns, beiges and dark reds. There's tasteful regional art throughout and private bal-
conies overlooking the flower-filled garden, free-form infinity pool and the shimmering
sea. Deep-pocket types in need of extra privacy can rent their own pool villa.
If the tummy grumbles, you have several options. In the daytime, there's
Al Shams
(mains
Dh40-70; 9am-midnight)
, which overlooks the pool and serves fresh salads, pasta, fish and
chips and other snacks and light meals. At dinnertime, pick your way around the interna-
tional buffet at The Palm or indulge in a seafood dinner at the beachfront
Samak
(mains
Dh60-150; 7.30-10.30pm)
restaurant with its open-fire grill and dedicated 'salt guru'. With
advance notice, you can even hire a chef to prepare a meal just for you for a private dinner
in an extra special location. Alcohol is served throughout.
In 2013, Desert Islands will open two more outposts on the island. On the west side, in
the middle of the savannah, animal sightings from your African-themed chalet at
Al Sahel
Lodge
(r from Dh1950 incl breakfast; )
complex are pretty much guaranteed. Each of the 30
villas has open-beam cathedral ceilings, four-poster beds and a colour scheme that per-
fectly matches the surroundings.
Al Yamm Lodge
(r from Dh1950 incl breakfast; )
is another villa cluster on the eastern shore,
this time with a breezy Mediterranean flair. Wriggle your toes in the soft white sand from
your private porch and count the flamingos flapping over the open sea. Bonus points for
the stylish freestanding oval tubs.
Getting There & Away
