Sir Bani Yas Island

Sir Bani Yas is a large natural island off the coast of Abu Dhabi, reached by ferry or light aircraft. It is a wildlife reserve first — the Arabian Wildlife Park covers more than half of it, holding Arabian oryx, cheetah, giraffe and gazelle, the result of a rewilding programme begun in the 1970s under Sheikh Zayed. The island also carries archaeological remains including an early Christian monastery.

Three separate Anantara resorts operate on the island: Desert Islands Resort & Spa, Al Sahel Villa Resort and Al Yamm Villa Resort. That is why this record exists as a parent rather than as a property. Each resort is a distinct product on shared ground, and the register files them beneath the island rather than pretending any one of them holds it.

Rewilded before it was developed. The wildlife programme is decades older than the hotels, and the animals set the rules on where guests may go.

Three resorts, one island. The arithmetic disqualifies the island from the main collection and is precisely why the parent record is useful.

Sources

• Parent record. Children: Desert Islands Resort & Spa, Anantara Al Sahel Villa Resort, Anantara Al Yamm Villa Resort.
• Island area, wildlife park size and resort key counts unverified. Confirm before publication.

Booking

Private Island Resorts arranges each stay on request, quoting the rates available for the island and dates. No benefit should be assumed unless it is confirmed in writing for the individual reservation.