Transportation: Taxi, Uber, personal car
Restaurants: Amwaj, Al Shams Restaurant & Bar, The Palm, Olio & Lounge, Savannah Grill & Lounge African, Market Kitchen Abu Dhabi, Alba Terrace,
Hotels: The Abu Dhabi EDITION, Desert Island Resort & Spa by Anantara
Attractions: Qasr Al Watan
Currency: Dirham (AED)
Abu Dhabi
On Thursday mid-day drive to Abu Dhabi with an intention to make the noon ferry the next day. Transportation by ferry to Sir Bani Yas Island is the only way to get there. (the ferry is free, provided by the hotel, you must be a hotel guest)
Leave Dubai at around 2 PM and headed to Abu Dhabi. The ride only takes 1.5 hours, however, make a stop at the Qasr Al Watan Palace. This Place is open to the public 7 days a week, 10 AM – 8 PM and is intended for government-related meetings.
Once you park in the parking area a X comes and picks you up and takes you to the Qasr Al Watan entrance where you need to buy a ticket for 60AED. Once you pass through security, you will be treated with an Arabic coffee and of course dates. You then will board a bus that will take you around to the actual Palace entrance.
Spend the night at the Edition Hotel which is located on the Marina Abu Dhabi.
Dinner at the Edition
Breakfast at the Edition
Edition Hotel Abu Dhabi
Sir Bani Yas Island
Now let me talk about this hidden gem of a resort. Desert Island Resort & Spa by Anantara is an Arabian resort amidst island charm in Abu Dhabi. Once the holiday retreat of Emirati royals, Desert Islands offers elegant unwinding in the most extraordinary of settings amongst resorts in Abu Dhabi. Rooms and suites are housed in the main building overlooking the Gulf, while pool villas are private oases.
Driving directions: Follow the E11 highway directly from Abu Dhabi or Dubai in the direction of Tarif, Mirfa and Saudi Arabia. Continue on, passing Tarif, Mirfa, Baynoona and Al Ruwais. Take exit 113 marked Sir Bani Yas Island, and at the roundabout take the Sir Bani Yas Island exit. At the next roundabout, take the 2nd exit. Follow the road and at the roundabout, take the exit for Sir Bani Yas Island. At the jetty, park your car in a safe shaded area before boarding the water taxi for a 25-minute journey to Sir Bani Yas Island. The water taxi is free.
This Island popped up unexpectedly and to my surprise, this was one of the best weekend getaways that I’ve gone on. The Island is located only 3 hours driving by car from Dubai! Take the Sheik Zayed road all the way to Abu Dhabi which is straight forward going at 140 km (remember in Abu Dhabi you are only allowed to go at the posted speed. In Dubai, however, you could always add extra 20 km to the posted speed limit, unless its posted 70 km, or 90 km, then you can only add extra 10 km)
Sir Bani Yas Island houses three different resorts:
- Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara
- Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Yamm Villa Resort
- Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villa Resort
In case you get bored laying out by the beach or the pool, the resort offers Recreations & Leasure Activities. These activities include:
- Nature and Wildlife Drive
- Nature and Wildlife Walk
- Nature & Wildlife Ride (on a horse)
- Wadi Walk
- Culture and History Tour
- Horseback Riding
- Mountain Biking
- Dune Riding
- Bush Trailing
- Snorkeling
- Stand-Up Paddleboarding
- Snorkeling
- Land Sailing
- Private Yacht Sailing
- Archery
- Falconry
I went for Nature & Wildlife drive. Nature & Wildlife sightseeing tour lasted 1.5 hours at 350aed/person. The hotel operates this tour 4-5x a day, I would suggest going at 5 PM during the sunset because the animals come out as the temperatures drop down in the evening.
Once you get there, the main gate to this animal heaven will open and you’ll be greeted by about 200 peacocks and 20 wild turkeys. As you are guided by the tour guy and driver he will explain more about each animal. This sanctuary is home to over 15K animals from 30 different species.
Sir Bani Yas Island Nature & Wildlife Drive
Dining at the Desert Island Resort & Spa by Anantara
Amwaj means ‘waves’ in Arabic. Amwaj restaurant offers a contemporary, with a rustic, fell by the beachside. Cozy into oversized chairs on the outdoor terrace and unwind to chill out music. Amwaj offers fresh seafood.
Menu Highlights
PAN-SEARED SCALLOPS: served with potato cake, tomato ragout, and garlic mayonnaise
SEAFOOD LAKSA: shrimps and scallops with Asian herb essence, mashed potatoes, and lemongrass-scented coconut
SPICY CRUSTED TUNA: served with green peas, tomatoes, asparagus, and creamy lemon butter
Al Shams Restaurant & Bar Middle Eastern bites in a poolside setting
Menu Highlights
DAJAJ MOUSAHAB: marinated boneless chicken with pita, garlic, and spices.
ARAYES: pita filled with minced lamb.
SAMAK MASHWI: whole grilled fish, lemon and coriander sauce.
The Palm Casual breakfasts and themed dinner buffets
Olio & Lounge Enter this tranquil Italian-inspired restaurant and enjoy tempting flavors of the Mediterranean. Savor mouth-watering dishes from roasted black cod fillet to traditional tiramisu. Take in the stunning sea views from your table as you sample fine wines from the cellar. Enjoy classical Italian music as you feast on classic Italian dishes. (P.S. I went to this restaurant twice both times for lunch, the first time I had a hamburger which was so delicious. Yes, I know – why did I order a hamburghamburgerItalian restaurant? I was hungry!) The second time I had a shrimp X salad.
Menu Highlights
Savannah Grill & Lounge African Relish succulent steaks and western favorites in a rustic setting surrounded by the majestic grasslands of the island reserve.
Menu Highlights
The most magical moment of this trip for me was the beach. The unbelievable surrounding of the white sand beach, and blue waters.
Sir Bani Yas Island
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