A Serendipitous Staycation: Our Escape to Sir Bani Yas Island

What started as a random discovery by Alex while browsing the map of the UAE turned into one of our memorable getaways! Nestled in the Western Region of Abu Dhabi, Sir Bani Yas Island offers a perfect blend of nature, luxury, and tranquility.

The Journey Begins

We embarked on a 4-hour road trip from home (Sharjah) to Jebel Dhanna port, where a 30-minute ferry ride awaited us. The ferry ride was a relaxing experience, setting the tone for what would be a blissful retreat. We were briefed about the safety, and it was cute for me as it was my first one-to-one briefing. As a cabin crew who tends to brief instead of getting briefed, hehe! Upon arrival, we were greeted by the incredibly warm and friendly staff, who made us feel at home right away. What added to the experience is that we were the only two passengers and hotel guests that day, so everything felt so personalized and private.

A Surprise Upgrade: From Al Sahel to Desert Islands Resort

We had originally booked a cozy one-bedroom villa at Al Sahel Resort (image (1)), known for its rustic, wildlife-centric aesthetic. However, due to ongoing renovations, we were unexpectedly upgraded to a luxurious villa with a private pool at Desert Islands Resort (image(2)). This upgrade turned out to be a blessing in disguise! 

Our new villa was more spacious, complete with a private pool and easy access to the beach and resort pool. While Al Sahel Resort offers a more wildlife-oriented experience, it’s farther from the beach and lacks the private pool we were now enjoying. The shift in aesthetics—from the earthy tones of Al Sahel to the more refined oriental luxury of Desert Islands—made our stay even more special. Yes... You Know!!! Our intial booking was definitely the one I'd prefer but the upgrade was in some points better!

Winter Vibes and Outdoor Adventures

Winter is hands down the best time to visit Sir Bani Yas Island, as also mentioned by a lot of the staff at the hotel. The cooler temperatures allow you to fully enjoy the array of outdoor activities the island has to offer. And here's a link for you to discover those activities in more details https://drive.google.com/file/d/19eveF09erFN-eBqE0gRyUkCg1navlBr1/view . We (activities might change, same for prices so stay updated on the hotel's website https://www.anantara.com/en/desert-islands-sir-bani-yas

Whether it’s embarking on a wildlife safari to spot free-roaming animals, hiking through nature trails or indulging in water sports, there’s something for everyone. 

Even though the weather wasn’t perfect during our stay, the island wasn’t crowded at all PEACE OF MIND!!! Exactly what we needed, giving us an incredibly private and intimate experience. One of the highlights was definitely our safari tour, where we marveled at the island's beautiful landscapes and diverse wildlife. It felt like a true escape from everyday life.

Final Thoughts

Our staycation at Sir Bani Yas Island was a wonderful mix of relaxation, adventure, and luxury. Despite the small hiccup of resort renovations, the upgrade we received made our experience even more enjoyable. For anyone seeking a getaway within the UAE, Sir Bani Yas Island is a hidden gem worth exploring—whether you’re looking for beachside relaxation or wildlife encounters, or mix of both!

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