Natural healing: The Desert Islands

Tired of your usual weekend escapes? Then get ready to experience a UAE destination with a difference: the Desert Islands. Think wildlife sanctuary, indulgent spa-ing, unspoilt beaches (no red tide here!), adventure sports, luxurious hospitality, archeological history and an eco-sensitive ethos, and you'll get the drift.

What is it?

The 87-square kilometre Sir Bani Yas island is the UAE's largest natural island and is part of a group of eight islands that are being developed into destinations by the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (see ‘What's in store'). Twenty five years ago, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan created a private wildlife reserve on the island, bringing in a variety of animals such as giraffes, emus and antelope, as well as playing host to several varieties of the indigenous Arabian oryx. The island also has several dramatic green patches – including olive groves – which were planted as part of his ‘Greening of the desert' scheme.

Three decades later, and the island is now being developed as a sustainable resort respectful of its delicate eco-system – complete with right of way for animals on the roads, the region's first wind turbine, and plans to produce solar power.

Why go?

A one-hour sea-plane journey from Abu Dhabi airport – or a 15-minute boat ride from Jebel Dhanna (see ‘Sun, sand & relaxation') – will transport you to this island hideaway which feels like it's on a different planet to the urban jungle we live in. Just a day or two spent in this back-to-nature environment will leave you refreshed.

The VIP experience starts at the Marsa Jabel Dhanna arrival terminal, from where you are whisked off to the luxe Anantara Desert Islands Resort and Spa. A former royal guesthouse has been converted and carefully refurbished to create the contemporary resort. It is designed to look like someone's private home – with friendly service to complement that environment. Using traditional elements and local accents in the décor, the boutique 64-room resort offers an intimate, elegant getaway.

What can you do there?

There are a range of activities to choose from – or to try out one after the other. A must-do is the two-and-a-half hour game drive, where knowledgeable and passionate guides will accompany you in souped-up, open-roofed Landcruisers to visit the 23 species of free-roaming animals, including herds of Arabian oryx. Another highlight is the kayaking trips through the tranquil mangrove areas bordering the island. Enjoy bird-watching and turtle-spotting as you paddle through the shallow waters in the early morning sunlight.

Other adventure options include mountain biking across rugged ranges and the world's highest salt domes, and hikes along walking trails of varying difficulty levels. The guided hikes also include visits to archeological sites – up to 36 have been discovered so far – dating back to the bronze age.

For water babes, the snorkelling here is great too, whether you choose to take it easy in the bay where you can see varieties of fish, dolphins and dugongs, or venture into the more difficult areas to tackle reefs accessible by boat, to discover shipwreck sites.

While the range of adventure sports on offer here will ensure you have an active weekend – and pleasantly tired muscles at the end of the day – your wellness break would be incomplete without a visit to the Safaa Spa, the ultimate indulgence haven. Each room has a private shower and changing area, and thick warm blankets to swaddle you in as you drift off enjoying a soothing massage or facial.

Being an Anantara Spa, you are assured of the best standards, both in terms of the therapies and the staff. Follow up a romantic treatment in the couples room with a cup of herbal tea in the relaxation area looking out to the Arabian sea gently lapping against the shore, and you will have an ‘Aaaah…' moment of sublime bliss. If unwinding is what you're after, head to the gorgeous infinity pool with your favourite bestseller. And if you want to stock up on books, then chill out in the resort's cosy library.

Of course, no holiday is complete without good food. From specialty seafood to modern Arabic with casual pool bars and a deli in between, you will be spoilt for choice. But for the ultimate romantic meal, stay away from the restaurants, and go for the Dine by Design option, where a gourmet meal will be cooked and served to the two of you at any spot on the island you choose – whether it's in a candlelit mangrove bay or the top of a hill. Sunset picnic on the beach, anyone?

This place is perfect for:

While it is great for families with the abundance of nature and animals around – there's also a kids club – the Desert Islands gets our vote as the ideal romantic getaway with just the right amount of activity, relaxation, indulgence and privacy.

If you want to book:

Room rates start from Dhs1,900 per night for two, inclusive of two activities. There is a special weekend package on offer until March 31, which includes flights to the island from Abu Dhabi, two-nights stay with breakfast and island activities at Dhs4,600 per couple. For reservations, call 02-8015400 or e-mail resdirs@anantara.com.


SUN, SAND AND RELAXATION
-By Sally Emery