Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Yamm Villa Resort

We had a mesmerizing stay in Anantara Al-Yamm resort. The idea of combining both beach & safari excursions is extraordinary. Service & food is what you expect from Anantara’s brand. 2 bedroom villa is spacious & recomanded for families/group trips. After many trips to the maldives, we could see the resemblance in Al Yamm resort between both places. Will definitely be back.

My respect for the leadership of the UAE reached a new level after this trip - the late Sheikh Zayed was a true visionary - the variety of animals being bred (including endangered species that have been reintroduced to their countries) is eye opening. The service is good and staff is friendly. Good breakfast. A lot of activities for children. There is an old UAE Majlis there that has not been opened to the public - they need to turn it into a museum. Go prepared to spend money. No alternatives available for meals (and no kitchen!!) so you have to eat at the resorts. I hope that the Anantara is using some of that money for island upkeep and animals. All of this being said, there is a lot more untapped potential. Room also didn't feel as bit as advertised (maybe patio included in calculation?) - but I could be wrong.

The Anantara Al Yamm resorts are an amazing experience. Impeccable customer service and finely detailed luxurious villas make the stay memorable. It was perhaps the most exclusive and intimate experience we have ever had. The Villas are spacious and look out into the sea. Giving you vast vistas of sea. Watching the sun rise over the sea on a chilly morning with gazelles walking past would remain etched in our memories. Because of the small number of villas and low number of guests the whole property remains very exclusive. Its not like standard resorts with loads of guests and kids running around. On the other side, Al Yamm has only one restaurant. which meant that options are limited. The xmas lunch at Olio was disappointing - an expensive 6 course mediocrity. The options at Desert Island the sister hotel also on island are much better. We had dinner at Palm on the Desert Island resort which was a delight. Sarath the manager was always at hand to help us navigate thro the great spread. Lobsters and jumbo prawns with lemon butter were done just right and succulent. One thing to remember is that at Al Yamm the costs can rapidly add up. There are many activities to be done. The safari is a must and so would be horse riding or archery. Do remember that they are all costed separately and can add up enough to double your expenses at the hotel. The meals other than breakfast are costed.