Exotic Vacations The Best Resort in the Desert: Desert Islands Resort & Spa on Sir Bani Yas

The Best Resort in the Desert: Desert Islands Resort & Spa on Sir Bani Yas

By Islands Staff

October 15, 2013

Photo Editor Lori Barbely recently traveled to Sir Bani Yas island in Abu Dhabi in search of wildlife in the desert. The island was “greened” by the UAE’s founder, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and houses free-roaming Arabian oryx, gazelles, giraffes, cheetahs, ostriches and a host of other species. And you’ll get to experience it all at Desert Islands Resort & Spa.

Sleep Like a Sheikh at Emirates Palace | Explore Sheikh Zayad Grand Mosque

Desert Island Resort | Abu Dhabi Resort | Middle East Travel | Sir Bani Yas

After a two-hour drive from Abu Dhabi, I board a ferry at the Jebel Dhana Jetty and am whisked off to Sir Bani Yas. A quick ride across the island, and Desert Islands Resort & Spa rises from the landscape like a mirage. Lori Barbely

Desert Island Resort | Abu Dhabi Resort | Middle East Travel | Sir Bani Yas | Interior

You see Arabic influence from the moment you enter the lobby. If only I could figure out how to take some of those lamps home with me. Lori Barbely

Desert Island Resort | Abu Dhabi Resort | Middle East Travel | Sir Bani Yas | Dates

Dates and strong Arabic coffee are a welcome treat in the lobby. Lori Barbely

Desert Island Resort | Abu Dhabi Resort | Middle East Travel | Sir Bani Yas | Bed

Since resort check-in is handled back at the jetty, I’m immediately shown to my room. As comfortable as it is, I’m eager to explore the island. Lori Barbely

Desert Island Resort | Abu Dhabi Resort | Middle East Travel | Sir Bani Yas | Hike

I knew the Wadi Walk was going to be interesting when my guide gave instructions on what to do if we encountered any free-roaming hyenas or cheetahs. Lori Barbely

Desert Island Resort | Abu Dhabi Resort | Middle East Travel | Sir Bani Yas | Skull

He wasn’t kidding. For the record: Don’t run, make lots of noise and wave your arms in the air to make yourself seem large and imposing. Noted. Lori Barbely

Desert Island Resort | Abu Dhabi Resort | Middle East Travel | Sir Bani Yas | Hyena

Hey, hyenas have to eat. Lori Barbely

Desert Island Resort | Abu Dhabi Resort | Middle East Travel | Sir Bani Yas | Cheetah

So do cheetahs. Lori Barbely

Desert Island Resort | Abu Dhabi Resort | Middle East Travel | Sir Bani Yas | Safari

The next day I take a wildlife drive. Our pop-top safari vehicle seats eight, and everyone has a window seat. Standing up allows you to poke your head out the roof for a better view. Lori Barbely

Desert Island Resort | Abu Dhabi Resort | Middle East Travel | Sir Bani Yas | Ostrich

The ostrich was one of several animals introduced to the island under the patronage of Sheikh Zayed when he created the wildlife reserve on Sir Bani Yas. Lori Barbely

Desert Island Resort | Abu Dhabi Resort | Middle East Travel | Sir Bani Yas | Desert Animals

Arabian oryx find shade under the trees planted as part of Sheikh Zayed’s “Greening of the Desert” program, which was intended to create a refuge for endangered wildlife.