Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara

Our stay was nothing short of exceptional. The check-in process was seamless and welcoming; Michelle was very helpful throughout our stay. ||Our room was spacious and meticulously clean. The breakfast was a highlight; good variety without being very elaborate (unnecessary waste). We also loved the pool, which had good ocean views and the added bonus of watching deer stroll by the shore. ||The safari was an absolute highlight. Our guide, Lok, was fantastic - incredibly knowledgeable about the island's history, terrain, and animal behavior. We spotted a wide range of animals, including various species of deer, antelope, oryx, as well as giraffes, peacocks, and even the lone zebra. ||The spa was just as remarkable - Special thanks to Phat who provided a very soothing experience. ||Overall, a truly relaxing and peaceful getaway, a quiet island retreat.

We came to celebrate our wedding anniversary and truly appreciated the effort of the staff in making it special. From the warm welcome at the port to the smooth check-in, everything was handled with care. A special thanks to Retno and the reception team, who were always ready to assist us, as well as the activity guides who made our experiences memorable. Our kids had a wonderful time at the kids’ club and pool, which made the trip even more enjoyable for the whole family. The dinner reservations, stay, and activities were all excellent. Thank you to everyone for making our anniversary stay unforgettable.

The hospitality of the staff was truly amazing—everyone was warm, attentive, and made us feel welcome throughout our stay. The hotel is very clean, and the views are simply beautiful. I traveled from Dubai, which took around 3 hours by car, followed by a 30-minute boat ride (as informed by the hotel). Guests should keep in mind that after the boat ride, it takes about 40 minutes in total to disembark, transfer by car to the resort, and complete the check-in process—so it’s best to plan your trip with that extra time in mind. The spa and services were impeccable. I had the Anantara Signature Massage, which was totally worth the price—deeply relaxing and professional. The morning wildlife safari was fantastic, giving a real glimpse of the island’s natural beauty and wildlife. The pool was beautiful and perfect for relaxing, though the breakfast was average compared to the rest of the experience. Another plus is that the activities offered through the Anantara website often come with good deals, so it’s worth booking directly to take advantage of those. Overall, this resort offers a unique combination of relaxation and adventure. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a memorable escape in the UAE.

The place is old but they have maintained it well. Amazing staff and most importantly amazing Safari experience with Jafar! He will give you the best experience that you will never forget. We really enjoyed the place and seeing the animals because of him. Only thing that they can improve on is the F&B - Breakfast needs to have more variety. There needs to be more restaurant in the hotel or better option than the current one.

Our stay at Anantara Desert Islands Resort was truly memorable. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with warmth and hospitality that made us feel right at home. The resort strikes the perfect balance between nature and luxury, offering peace, comfort, and outstanding service.||A special thank you to Retona for her kindness and attentiveness throughout our stay. Her genuine care and attention to detail made a big difference and added a personal touch to our experience.||Though we didn’t get a chance to do the wildlife safari this time, it’s at the top of our list for our next visit — we’ve heard so many great things about it! The room was spacious, comfortable, and had a beautiful view. The dining experience was also a highlight, with fresh, delicious meals and great service.||Can’t wait to return to this slice of paradise — highly recommended for anyone looking to unwind in a truly unique setting!

Hotel was very quiet and not busy at all. Generally the room and the resort itself had some AC issue. Didn’t feel the air con. Staff were fantastic. Everyone that we have met have gone beyond our expectation. Safari drive was amazing too. Food menu options are limited.

I had a wonderful stay at Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara. The hotel is beautiful, very clean, and well-maintained. The staff were all extremely friendly and helpful, making us feel truly welcome. A special thanks to Dilan, who went above and beyond to assist us — his service was exceptional! The food was absolutely delicious, with a great variety and high quality. I highly recommend this resort and would love to come back again. Thank you for the amazing experience!

The resort overall was good, but I had higher expectations for certain aspects.||||The boat transfer to the island was old, uncomfortable, and not up to the standards of a luxury resort carrying the name “Anantara.” The car transfer from the port to the hotel was also disappointing as the vehicle had a strong smell of smoke, which was very unpleasant even though the driver did not smoke during the trip.||||The welcome at the hotel was excellent, and the staff were polite, professional, and very helpful. The room was spacious with a nice balcony and a beautiful view. However, the furniture looked outdated, some equipment seemed old and in need of maintenance, and the lighting was not great. My children also complained about the air conditioning being weak, although I personally found it acceptable.||||What frustrated me the most was the policy regarding extra beds. I had booked two rooms for four adults and two children. Upon arrival, I requested an extra bed, but to my surprise, I was asked to pay nearly half the price of the room for just one additional bed. The staff explained that according to hotel policy, children are expected to share the existing beds with adults. This was very unusual to me, as I travel frequently and have never encountered such a policy, not even in three-star hotels.||||On a positive note, the safari tour was enjoyable and memorable, especially thanks to the guide, Jaafar, who was knowledgeable about the island’s history, wildlife, and was very friendly with the children.||||I recommend booking the room with full board (three meals included), because the island has only two restaurants. While the food was good, the prices were extremely high and the options limited.||||In conclusion, the stay was good overall, but I strongly believe the management should reconsider the policy of children sharing beds with adults, and also improve the transportation and room facilities to better reflect the prestigious Anantara brand