ANANTARA DESERT ISLANDS RESORT & SPA Luxe

We took advantage of the promotion during the low season to experience the hospitality at Anantara Desert Island Baniyas Island for one night. We were warmly greeted when we arrived at the jetty. The 20mins boat ride was included in the room rate. Upon arrival at the island, we were transferred by a coach to the hotel. The check in was fast and efficient and the staff were very cordial and helpful in answering our questions. For those who have not prebooked any activities like game drive, archery etc they can do so at the counter near the reception. Our room has a balcony and it overlooks the beach. Complimentary bottled water will be refilled upon request at no extra charge. The game drive was the highlight of visit and even though it was a bit pricy (AED300 net per person), it was well worth it as we saw so many animals. The drive was 1.5 hours.

This is a decadent resort and well worth the drive! We visited during the month of June and it was very hot, but the staff were very attentive and made sure we had plenty of water and shade around the pool. Upon their recommendation, we did the safari drive early in the morning when the animals would be a little more active. Despite the heat we really enjoyed ourselves.

My husband and I loved everything about this hotel and its amenities. We availed outselves of the wildlife drive in the early morning and were rewarded by seeing the cheetahs and giraffes as well as the other wildlife and birds. Loved the Cultural and archeological tour too, learned so much about the way of life of the Baniyas tribe in its recent past. Enjoyed the lovely pool and snorkeling but did not have time for the kayaking, saving that for next visit. A lovely relaxing time for us.

For an effort to create a game drive experience in the deserts of Arabia, it is admirable. However, the game reserve, if I may call it so, is not exactly a natural habitat for most of the island habitants. Apart from the desert Gazelle and the Arabian oryx, all of them are not indigenous to the island. I have just come from a lifetime and unforgettable experience in Addo elephant park in South Africa, at Gora elephant park, and the two experiences just don't compare. Anantara charges rediculous amounts for just the accommodation. Then every activity is charged separately, rediculous amounts. It cost me probably ten times as much as Gora, for a fraction of the experience. And the only predator in the island is the non indigenous African cheetah, which we couldn't see. And only three of them in the whole island. While the Arabian leopard would have been a perfect addition to the park, being native to the Arabian peninsula in general and an endangered species worth saving. It is understandable why it would cost so much. The vast majority of the vegetation is implanted by the government to attract wild life, and all that vegetation needs to be nourished and watered in one of the driest and hottest places in the world. The expense is substantial. But the experience is no where close to real game reserves.

We visited with kids for a long weekend. The whole experience was quite nice, the staff from the meeting point at the ferry to the island, to the bar and restaurant, at the pool and at the hotel were very helpful. We had a sea view room, which was very spacious for all for of us and had a huge balcony. The wildlife drive at sunrise was definitely a highlight of our trip and we all enjoyed it a lot thanks to our amazing guide who managed to show us quite a few animals and explained the story of the island and the impressive wildlife preserve. Another fun thing we did was a long walk around the mangrove lake in front of the hotel watching flamingos in the lake and interesting rocky hills. What else' Breakfast was good, with lots of choice, the pool was big, with really nice view over the Gulf. The lifeguards were there making sure kids play safe. Overall, this was a great short trip, a nice getaway with quite a few fun things to do and a very comfortable stay.