A young gazelle darted across the white sand, on the stretch of beach that provides a postcard-perfect backdrop to this exclusive island retreat on Sir Bani Yas Island.
I could feel my stress ebbing away, just looking at the view from the patio of my beachfront villa at Anantara Al Yamm Villas.
I could get used to this beachside bliss. I eased into my lounge chair; completely relaxed. My companion opted to head to the beach. From a distance, I could see a couple swimming idly back to shore.
When does it ever get crowded here? I wonder. Apparently, never. “We emphasize on exclusivity.
That’s what guests want and that’s what they pay for, so the facilities here, including the beach, are exclusive to our guests,” the smiling villa manager, Sonja Greenshield, later told me. There is an all-day restaurant, a gym, a bar and a pool with Jacuzzi.
The villa is one of only 30 luxurious accommodations on the property. The design is inspired by Emirati fishermen’s traditional homes, but with an ultra-modern twist.
Twin four-poster beds dressed in soft percale cotton linen looked very inviting. Opposite the bed was a giant, flat screen TV.
A small bird was pecking on the window where the work desk was located. I hadn’t closed the blinds, so maybe it was attracted to the fruit basket on the table.
I wandered to the bathroom, which was very spacious—a big contrast to the small toilet room. A bathtub sat next to French doors that open to a mini garden. There was also a shower area separated by swinging doors.
Hungry, I rang reception to pick us up. We were quickly transported to their signature restaurant, Olio. Here, they serve breakfast, lunch or dinner.
There are plenty of options on the menu, but the food and the service can be personalized in what Anantara calls “dine by design” so guests can have a culinary treat any way and anywhere they want.
In fact, anything on this resort is personalized, including tailor-made excursions and activities like wildlife drives, mountain biking, archery, snorkeling and diving, deep sea fishing and horseback riding.
We spent the afternoon kayaking. I had never tried kayaking in my life, but our guide, Ted, made it seem easy with a crash course on how to paddle.
It was fun as we headed out to the waters. “Keep your eyes open. If you’re lucky, you could spot a stingray,” Ted said, paddling his own kayak next to ours.
We alternated between paddling against the current and drifting with it to the mangroves before heading back to shore and back to our cozy retreat.
For the first time, I asked to do a late check-out. I was going to enjoy every minute of this relaxing paradise.
Getting there:
Take the E11 road towards Abu Dhabi. Continue until you pass Tarif, Mirfa and Baynoona. Take Exit 113 and follow signs to Jabel Dhanna and then to the Sir Bani Yas Jetty. Boat transfers start from 10am and end at 10:30pm. You may also book direct flights to Sir Bani Yas Island through Rotana Jet. Call 02 4440002. To book your stay at the hotel, call 02 8015400 or email alyamm@anantara.com
PACKAGE INCLUDES:
• Accommodation in a one or two bedroom villa
• Daily breakfast for two people
• One bottle of sparkling wine or date juice and chocolates served in the villa on arrival
• Two dives for two people per stay, including equipment hire
• Return boat transfers between the mainland and Sir Bani Yas Island
