Travelling beyond Dubai is to experience another world all together. We discovered the traditional desert landscapes, the pristine beaches, and the safari game parks. Abu Dhabi turned out to be an accessible destination to the South.
As we coursed the freeway we were reminded that we had seen the same in the movie- Fast and Furious 7. Barely able to conceal our excitement we travelled one and a half hour, sighting some of the best parts of the UAE.
Turning into the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, we realized that we were in for some serious luxury and comfort amid the mystic desert charm of what was known as the ‘Empty Quarter’. In my mind I had already turned into Jasmine the Arabian princess.
Being offered the proverbial dates and a yoghurt drink in the Al Liwan (Lobby Lounge), we soaked in the magical charm of the local music and Arabian décor of the world’s most ancient and revered culture. The resort was a luxurious oasis, housing 206 villas, suites and rooms. Ours overlooked the legendary Rub’ al Khali, the largest uninterrupted sand desert in the world.
We were by now intrigued enough to jump into one of the buggies to see what else this journey would bring us. Close to the actual premises were the Royal Pavilions Private Villas where our own Bollywood movie- ‘Baby’ was shot. Impressed with the discovery, we went on to see all the action areas like the flood lit tennis courts,swimming pool, business centre, workout rooms, spa and library.
Our activity choices were boundless; from archery, camel trekking, and fat biking, to desert walks, dune bashing, falconry and desert sailing. We chose dune bashing and as our naturalist drove us gently through the dunes, the guide didn’t forget to put in some of the thrills that go with the sport as the sun scorched down on the jeep. All revved up, we welcomed the next activity on the agenda.
The hotel set up a tent as we welcomed the sunset in all its glory, encouraging us to get our camel ride through the sun drenched sand dunes. We gazed wild-eyed at the enchanting landscapes that actually depicted the timeless Bedouin traditions. Soon the day melted into gold as we dressed to wine and dine at one of the three available dining venues – Suhail (Steakhouse), Al Waha (Middle Eastern and International), and Ghadeer (Mediterranean).
The next morning legendary Jasmine had to awaken from her reverie as I packed to leave the desert fortress of Qasr Al Arab for the- Desert Islands Resort & Spa. Located just 8 km off the Abu Dhabi emirates’ western coastline (250 km from the international airport), people usually drive down to the Jebel Dhana Jetty and get on the water taxi (15 min ride) to Sir Bani Yas Island. We chose instead to fly from the Al Bateen Executive Airport.
This resort proved to be an island haven, encompassed by the Arabian Gulf’s shimmering water and sand. Beachside bliss with a diverse wildlife greeted us gently. Gazelles at the entry point, pink flamingos silhouetted against the violet sky, we understood why Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the late ruler and founding father of the UAE, had made this island his home. From our deluxe sea view/balcony room we sighted the free form infinity edge swimming pool and decided that post a swim we would experience signature treatments at the famed Anantara Spa.
As the day waned, we discovered breathtaking horizons, and decided to quickly encounter the free roaming exotic wildlife that everybody was talking about. As we ventured into the game park with our naturalist, the animals almost came to greet us. We sighted giraffes, birds, hyenas, oryx, all kinds of deer, and cheetahs – all in their natural habitat. Rugged beauty at its best. With an array of restaurants and private dining options at our beck and call, we decided on Samak (beach front seafood grill) for our choice of Creole food to cap a truly magical Arabian night.
Beyond all the magic was the fact that this beautiful resort was actually equipped to host weddings, meetings, and events of that stature. Their conference centre and the Dhabi Ballroom, all situated by the sea, accommodate up to 460 guests at any time, and the luxurious amenities amid a unique Emirati culture played the perfect backdrop to any occasion.Their excursions and activities included nature and wildlife drives, guided game walks, snorkeling and scuba diving, kayaking, mountain biking, horseback riding, deep-sea fishing and pearl diving. I personally preferred the archaeological site tour that I took, wherein we were taken to the eastern side of the island and shown the remains of the only early Christian Monastery site (6th Century AD).
Twenty minutes away, we then drove to the next resort – Anantara’s Al Yamm Villa Resort Abu Dhabi. Gazelles at the entry point , pink flamingoes against the violet sky, we understood why Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan , the late ruler and founding father of the UAE, had made this island his home mixing perfect harmony with nature. As we moved into one of the 30 luxurious villas, I was speechless as I took in the sheer magnitude of the picture postcard in front of me shimmering sea and soft sands on my doorstep.
We lazed and had the most amazing time with nature, walking on the beach, mountain biking, trying our hand at archery, though Wadi walks, kayaking in the mangroves, and deep sea fishing were all also available to us. Dining at the very exclusive and tranquil restaurant Olio gave us a new perspective on beachside dining.
The nicest part was that all of Anantara’s resorts on Sir Bani Yas Island are so close to each other that there is a variety of restaurants (Al Shams, The Palm, Samak, Savannah Grill and theAmwaj) to dine at and an equal variety of excursions to try.
Anantara’s Al Sahel Villas then, came as no surprise. With 4,100 hectares and 10,000 free roaming Arabian wild life all around, we did little but expect a beautiful wildlife experience that would support the environment. Thirty beautiful villas, all equipped with plunge pools invited beauty up close.
The facilities here surprised me, but did not stop me from thinking of a beautiful safari style wedding or honeymoon for people with an adventurous spirit. The Anantara Group seem to have it all wrapped up in their offerings one way or the other. They have created extremely private and luxurious spaces amidst unparalleled natural wonders for people looking for happy family reunions, exquisitely lavish weddings, very private honeymoons and the quintessential conference.
