Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas? has opened its fifth property in Abu Dhabi, Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villa Resort. This new property joins Anantara?s two existing resorts on the Sir Bani Yas Island ? Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara overlooking the Arabian Gulf, and Anantara Al Yamm Villa Resort on the island?s eastern shore, culminating in a trio of unique resorts that reveal all of the desert island?s intriguing natural contrasts.
Dillip Rajakarier, chief executive officer, Minor Hotel Group, commented, ?We are very pleased to open our fifth Anantara in Abu Dhabi and our third on Sir Bani Yas Island, with Al Sahel being the perfect complement to Desert Islands and Al Yamm, the two existing Anantara resorts on the island. Combined with our resort in the Liwa Desert ? Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara ? and Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara in Abu Dhabi City, we now have a unique portfolio of five leading properties in the Emirate and a wide offering for our guests.?
Sir Bani Yas is a natural island located 100 km southwest of Abu Dhabi City. Established in 1971 by the late ruler and founder of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the island is home to the 4,100 hectare Arabian Wildlife Park, with stunning landscapes, over 10,000 free roaming animals and a vast number of tree and plant species.
Located in the heart of the Arabian Wildlife Park, guests arrive at Anantara Al Sahel by 4×4 land cruiser to find themselves immersed in a desert savannah retreat that feels spacious and secluded with a luxurious sense of natural harmony. Elegant facilities and boutique accommodation feature traditional thatched roofing and have been developed for minimal environmental impact.
There are three accommodation options; One Bedroom Villa, the larger One Bedroom Pool Villa with separate lounge and dining spaces, as well as a personal plunge pool, plus the spacious Two Bedroom Pool Villas which are ideal for families and friends travelling together. Villa exteriors complement the natural surroundings and interiors are filled with natural light to illuminate traditional wooden furnishings, ceiling beams and local handicrafts.
Blending views of nature and wildlife from villa comfort with journeys of exciting discovery, safari style guided walks and drives in the protected nature reserve offer close encounters with the rare and endangered animals that call this paradise home. Guests can also master the ancient Arabian sport of archery, kayak through lagoons and mangroves that are frequented by flamingos, and mountain bike across desert salt flats and undulating hinterlands.
Guests arriving by seaplane can enjoy a spectacular bird?s eye view of the island, whilst snorkellers can explore the exotic marine life beneath the Arabian Gulf?s surface. Equestrian enthusiasts can ride stately Arabian horses and other breeds at Sir Bani Yas Stables, which offers lessons in beautiful outdoor paddocks and a variety of riding packages, from treks through the Arabian Wildlife Park and along sandy shores, to the romance of watching sunrise and sunset on horseback.
In addition to the three resorts on Sir Bani Yas Island, Anantara operates two further properties in Abu Dhabi ? Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara in Abu Dhabi City and Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort & Spa by Anantara in the Liwa Desert.
