New resort opens on Sir Bani Yas Island

Sunday, Jun 30, 2013

Abu Dhabi: A new resort on the eastern shores of Sir Bani Yas Island will soon become Abu Dhabi’s first nature-based tourism destination.

Located around eight kilometres from Abu Dhabi’s western coastline, the Anantara Hotels, Resorts and Spas will open its latest Abu Dhabi resort, Al Yamm Villa — meaning the sea — on Monday.

“This concept was always one of its kind in the Arabian Gulf due to its geographic location and rich history. With the latest resort addition, the island is now becoming a destination within a destination,” said Steven Phillips, general manager of Desert Islands Resort and Spa by Anantara and Anantara Al Yamm Villa Resort.

Developed by the Tourism Development and Investment Company (TDIC), Al Yamm was inspired by the Arish — meaning palm leaf architecture — homes of the early fishermen and pearl divers who lived seasonally on the island. These dwellings are capable of reducing the temperature inside. The interiors have been carefully designed and provided with air-conditioning and overhead fans to beat the heat during summer.

The resort consists of 30 villas, 16 of which are located on the beach overlooking the Arabian Sea and 14 overlooking a lagoon rich with mangroves.

“We anticipate that this villa resort concept will bring a new dimension to Sir Bani Yas Island, attracting a greater number of visitors and supporting Abu Dhabi’s goal as a leading tourism and cultural destination,” said Ahmad Al Fahim, executive director of marketing, communications, sales and leasing at TDIC.

Wildlife park

All guests can enjoy special rides through the Wildlife Park, which contains more than 10,000 animals, including the Arabian Oryx, sand gazelle, Arabian mountain gazelle as well as cheetahs and hyenas. The 4,200 hectare park is surrounded by a 32 kilometre fence.

The resort will offer many activities such as mountain biking, horse riding, deep sea fishing, snorkelling and scuba diving.

“Guests can expect to experience something entirely different to their standard vacation. The resort is designed in a very traditional way for travellers who seek seclusion and want to escape urban life,” said Sonja Greenshields, villa manager.

Prices of units vary from Dh1,850 for a one-bedroom villa to Dh3,700 for a two-bedroom villa per day. Priced from Dh400, flights to Sir Bani Yas Island are three times per week.

The 30-minute flights take off from Al Bateen Executive Airport in the capital and lands at Sir Bani Yas Airport.

The resort mainly targets couples. No children under the age of 12 years are allowed.

By Sara Sabry Staff Reporter