Amazing Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Adventure I was very fortunate to be invited on a trip to discover Abu Dhabi with Etihad airlines and Anantara Resorts. On arrival in Dublin airport, we checked in and heading for the East Lounge in Terminal 1. The East Lounge provides a lovely, relaxed setting to unwind before a flight. Here we had complimentary breakfast and drinks before we boarded our Etihad flight to Abu Dhabi. The flight was a direct 7-hour 15-minute flights, and we were very lucky to experience business class. The business class seat reclines to a fully flat bed and has cushion firmness functions. The flight service was amazing. We were given amenity kits with eye mask, ear plugs and luxurious socks. For inflight entertainment we had a choice of over a thousand hours of on-demand movies or TV shows, or listen to a selection of playlists, podcasts, and radio channels. For anyone interested in gaming we had a wide choice of interactive games on E-BOX. On arrival in Abu Dhabi, we got a transfer bus and speedboat transfers (approx. 3.5 hours) to Sir Bani Yas Island where we were staying for the next few nights in the Desert Island Resort Hotel. We were staying in the premier sea view rooms. These elevated sea view rooms were bright and airy with floor to ceiling windows, each room offers premium amenities including a Nespresso machine and Anantara Spa amenities. Emirati motifs and desert-inspired artworks immerse you in this unique destination. An early start for day 2 when we headed for breakfast in the Palm Restaurant which offers every choice breakfast you could look for. From here we headed off on for our morning wildlife game drive. We got to marvel at the numerous species in the reserve from cheetahs and hyenas to giraffes and ostriches and the prized Arabian Oryx. During the drive we were able to get off the vehicle at various stops and walk with the giraffes. This is something you cannot experience in many places. After a great morning, we headed for a lavish beachside lunch followed by viewings of all 3 Anantara properties on the island. Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Yamm Villa Resort Anantara Al Yamm is an all villa complex close to the seafront. You can choose from 1 or 2 bedroomed villas with private pools looking directly out to the ocean. These villas would be ideal for both honeymooners and family groups. Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villa Resort For guests who would like to be at one with nature this is a must for a few nights. When staying in this resort you can wake up to the sight of wild gazelle. From here you can embark on desert drives. It really is a unique experience where they offer experiences such as dining on the terrace of your own villa. Each villas have a private plunge pool. Desert Island Resort & Spa by Anantara Our last visit of the day was back to the hotel we were staying in The Desert Island Resort & Spa. Here we viewed all of the room types and I have to say all of these were as luxurious as the next. The lead in room type is in fact the deluxe sea view followed by the deluxe garden view. Having viewed the deluxe garden view, it was easy to see why as this room was steps away from the large resort pool. The hotel also had suites as well as pool villas. We also visited the very impressive spa which again is luxury at its finest with views over the Arabian Gulf. After enjoying some time by the pool, we then got to experience an evening dining beachside. We got to taste lots of traditional Arabic dishes and it was the perfect ending to a perfect day in Sir Bani Yas Island. The next morning, we took the speedboat back to the mainland and a car transfer to the Desert. Our next stay was in the Qasar Al Sarab by Anantara Resort. This is the most breath-taking hotel I have every experienced. It felt like we had arrived at a Palace in the world’s largest sand desert – The Empty Quarter. I was very excited to start a tour of this amazing resort. There is golf buggies to bring you to and from your rooms to any part of the resort at any time. Each room type we viewed was amazing with endless views of the dunes. The resort offers rooms, suites and up to 4 bedroomed pool villas with villa butler service. When we were taken to our rooms we had been given a private pool villa with amazing desert views. The settling of this resort is incredible and really is a unique place to experience. The resort offers lots of activities for both couples and families and has a large expansive main pool area. There are several dining experiences to choose from and you can also arrange a private desert BBQ. In Abu Dhabi airport we got to experience the Etihad lounge which again offers complimentary drinks, food, and free Wi-Fi before we boarded the new Etihad airbus A350 back to Dublin.