The hype
Reviewers are obsessed with the 'magical' animal encounters and the privacy of the villas, often calling it a unique bucket-list stay.
Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villas
$450-650/ night
Book this if You want a legitimate African safari experience without leaving the UAE, complete with gazelles drinking from your private plunge pool.
Why People Love It
- Free-roaming wildlife (gazelles, peacocks, hyraxes) right on your doorstep
- Private plunge pools in every single villa
- Access to facilities at all three Anantara resorts on the island via free shuttle
Quick Take: It’s a luxury safari lodge, which means you’re paying five-star prices to sleep in a thatched hut where geckos and peacocks are your uninvited roommates.
Reviewed by @themaryoom: I couldn't believe this place exists in the UAE. Waking up to gazelles grazing right next to my private pool was a core memory. It feels completely wild yet so luxurious. If you want a romantic escape that's actually unique, this is it.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The rustic charm wears thin for some when the AC struggles in summer or when service is slow due to 'island time' logistics.
- You love animals and don't mind them being close (very close)
- You want total privacy and a private pool
- You enjoy a rustic, 'glamping-but-luxury' aesthetic
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.8
- Housekeeping: Generally excellent daily service, though sand and dust are constant battles in this environment.
- Bathroom hygiene: Clean, large soaking tubs. Some wear and tear on grout due to the rustic nature of the build.
- Maintenance: Rustic style means some peeling paint or worn wood is visible. AC struggles in peak summer.
- Linens & towels: High-quality Anantara standard, plush and fresh.
- Odors & scents: Earthy, savannah smells outside; neutral and fresh inside (unless a guest smoked on the terrace).
Sleepability™
7MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Peacocks calling early in the morning (they roam freely)
- AC units can be loud in the thatched-roof structures
Before you book
Good to know
- The boat transfer from Jebel Dhanna Jetty is complimentary for guests but MUST be booked 24 hours in advance.
- You can park your car safely at the jetty on the mainland.
- Alcohol is available at the resorts but cannot be brought onto the island from the mainland.
What to pack
- Binoculars (for spotting giraffes and oryx from your terrace)
- Closed-toe shoes (for wadi walks and horse riding)
- Light layers (desert nights can get chilly in winter)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Wilderness Pool Villa (offers better privacy and uninterrupted savannah views compared to Savannah Villas)
- Two Bedroom Family Pool Villa (massive, fenced for privacy, great for families)
Rooms to avoid
- Villas close to the Savannah Grill if you want total seclusion from dining noise
- Savannah Pool Villas near the main path if you dislike passersby seeing your terrace
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would love a Wilderness Pool Villa that is set back from the main pathways for maximum privacy. We are hoping to see wildlife from our deck, so a unit facing the open savannah (away from the restaurant) would be ideal.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the boat transfer free?
Yes, the water taxi from Jebel Dhanna is complimentary for resort guests, but you must book your slot 24 hours ahead.
Can I swim in the ocean at Al Sahel?
No, Al Sahel is inland in the savannah. You must take a shuttle to Al Yamm resort (approx. 15 mins) to use the beach.
Are there dangerous animals?
Cheetahs are in a separate fenced area. The animals roaming near your villa (gazelles, peacocks, hyraxes) are harmless but wild—don't feed them.
Is it all-inclusive?
No. Most rates are bed & breakfast. Half-board and full-board packages are available and highly recommended due to high à la carte food prices.
Can kids stay here?
Yes, but it's quiet. The main kids' club and family pool are at the Desert Islands Resort (sister property), accessible by shuttle.
How long is the drive from Dubai?
It's a trek. Expect 3.5 to 4 hours driving to the jetty, plus the 20-minute boat ride.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Book the 'Nature & Wildlife Drive' for the early morning slot; animals are most active and it's cooler.
- ✨
You can dine at any of the three resorts; just ask reception to book your table and the shuttle.
- ✨
The 'Salt Dome' hike offers alien-like landscapes and fossils—ask the activity center for a guided wadi walk.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Hyrax' (looks like a chubby rodent) is everywhere and is actually the elephant's closest living relative.
💡The thatched roofs are charming but can shed dust and bits during high winds.
💡You might wake up to a peacock staring at you through the glass door.
💡The shuttle bus schedule dictates your life if you want to leave the Al Sahel compound.
💡It is significantly hotter here than on the coast due to the inland location and lack of sea breeze.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villas is located and what's nearby.