Why Honeymoon on Sir Bani Yas Island
There is nowhere else in the Gulf quite like it. The Arabian Wildlife Park has one of the largest herds of Arabian oryx anywhere, along with Arabian gazelles, giraffes, ostriches and striped hyenas. Seeing them against a backdrop of salt flats, rocky hills and turquoise sea is a strange and memorable combination.
The island also delivers privacy. With only three resorts, beaches are quiet and roads are empty. The villa resorts feel especially secluded, with pools steps from the sand.
It suits couples who want a slow, nature-focused stay. One of you can join every game drive while the other reads by the pool or books a massage. Both of you will likely want the sunset drive, when the animals come out and the light turns the hills gold.
When to Go
October through April is the season. Days are warm and sunny, nights are cool and wildlife is easy to spot throughout the day. December to February is the coolest stretch, with comfortable temperatures for walking safaris and mountain biking.
May and late September are hot but still workable if you limit outdoor time to early mornings and evenings.
June through August is extremely hot and humid. Game drives move to dawn and dusk, the beaches are too hot at midday and the resorts lean heavily on pool and spa time. Rates fall in summer, which can make it tempting, but the experience is much better in the cooler months. If you visit during the UAE's winter holiday season, book well ahead, since villa numbers are small.
Where to Stay
Anantara runs the three resorts on the island, each with a different personality.
Desert Islands Resort and Spa by Anantara is the original hotel, on the island's northwest coast. It has a large pool, a spa and several restaurants. It is the most social of the three, a good fit if you want variety at dinner.
Anantara Al Yamm Villa Resort, on the east coast, has villas with private pools near the beach and the mangroves. It is the easiest base for kayaking and quiet beach time.
Anantara Al Sahel Villa Resort sits on the west side, close to the wildlife park, with villas that look out over the plains. Animals often wander near the property, so this is the choice for couples who most want the safari feel.
Many couples split their nights between a beach villa and a safari-side villa.
Romantic Things to Do
Join a game drive at dawn or late afternoon. Guides know where to find oryx, giraffes and gazelles. Ask whether cheetah tracking is running during your stay. Walking safaris let you approach the landscape on foot.
Kayak through the mangroves on the east coast at high tide, watching herons and crabs among the roots. Snorkel off the beaches on calm days.
Visit the remains of a Christian monastery and church dating to around the 7th century, discovered on the island in 1992. It is one of the most significant pre-Islamic sites in the UAE.
Archery and mountain biking add variety. The spa fills a hot afternoon. End at least one evening with a private dinner on the beach or among the dunes, which the resorts can arrange.
Getting There and Around
Fly into Zayed International Airport (AUH) in Abu Dhabi, which has had nonstop service from a few US cities, or into Dubai International (DXB). From Abu Dhabi, a car transfer to the Jebel Dhanna jetty in the Al Dhafra region takes about three hours. A water taxi then crosses to the island in roughly 20 to 30 minutes, with crossings at scheduled times through the day.
The resorts arrange transfers from Abu Dhabi or Dubai, which is the simplest option. Ask your resort about the current boat schedule so you arrive at the jetty on time.
On the island, the resorts provide shuttles between properties and organize all wildlife activities. You do not need a car. Many couples combine the island with nights in Abu Dhabi and a desert stay in Liwa.
Food and Drink
All meals are at the resorts, so it helps that each one has several restaurants and that guests can usually dine at the others.
Expect a mix of Arabic, Mediterranean and Asian menus, with seafood from the Gulf on most of them. Lunch on a shaded terrace after a morning drive is a highlight. Look for Emirati dishes like machboos and harees and for fresh dates with coffee.
Alcohol is served at the resort bars and restaurants. Breakfast is often included. Half-board packages can make sense since there is nowhere else to eat.
Book a private dinner at least once, either on the beach or out in the wildlife park. The resorts can set a table with lanterns and a set menu. The silence of the island at night is part of the experience.
Honeymoon Tips
Bring layers for early game drives in winter, when mornings in an open vehicle can be cool. Pack a hat, sunglasses and strong sunscreen year-round.
Respect the wildlife rules. Stay in the vehicle unless your guide says otherwise, keep voices low and never feed the animals.
The resorts are relaxed about dress, but cover shoulders and knees when visiting the monastery site or anywhere outside the resorts. Public displays of affection are best kept private.
Three or four nights is usually the right length. Fewer than three and the long transfer eats into your time. Book early for the winter peak.
The US State Department rates the UAE Level 3, reconsider travel, because of regional conflict and terrorism risk, so read the advisory, confirm your flights and buy insurance that covers disruption.
