Desert Islands Resort and Spa by Anantara

Nagielyn Casala

Desert Island is way beyond our expectations. We had a very relaxing and chill experience. Many thanks to Ms. Michelle and Ramesh who assisted us during our stay. High recommended especially the one bed room villa. Safari is one of the highlight. Worth a try. We will Definitely recommend this place to our family and friends. We will come back again for sure 😎

Mohamed elshaar

The hotel is ideal for relaxation, best time to visit is during winter, it almost 4-5 hours from Dubai including time for the ferry, hotel rooms are super nice, staff are friendly, on Jan 2025, the only draw back was the noise of cranes and jacks working on adding rocks to the sandy beach, you can observe deers, peacocks and animals everywhere. Some activities are available around the hotel like horse riding and kayaking. Camping is also available directly on the beach

Philippe David

I've worked in 5* hotels and for hotel chains so I feel I speak somewhat authoritatively when I saw this hotel is exquisite. I was concerned that being the less expensive if the 3 system properties it may be derelict but that was not the case at all. The attentiveness of the service (shoutout to Ms. Abigail) is second to none. The wildlife sighting, birding, and gardens are phenomenal.

Sa H

We had a wonderful stay at the desert island resort. The location is breathtaking, and the variety of activities makes it hard to choose what to do first. One of the highlights was the safari—an incredible experience for both kids and adults. Our guide, Delano, was amazing—knowledgeable, engaging, and a true expert on the area. The hour and a half flew by, and we saw a wide range of animals thanks to his expertise. A special shout-out to Amruth, whose kindness, professionalism, and dedication made our stay unforgettable. Be sure to ask for Amruth if you visit this resort—you won’t regret it!

Ashita Chandy

Anantara is often associated with luxury, but Desert Islands falls short of this expectation. While the overall experience was pleasant, it lacked the luxurious touch. A special summer offer provided good value for the stay. The staff were generally friendly and welcoming, though at times their attentiveness felt excessive. Restaurant staff frequently interrupted to inquire about the meal, often rushing to clear plates, mistaking pauses as a sign of completion. Visiting during the week is ideal when it’s quieter, as the hotel seems to struggle with high occupancy. Food options are limited, with several menu items unavailable. Recommended activities include kayaking and a safari, either on foot for those seeking adventure or otherwise. For an improved experience, the hotel could enhance service quality by hiring more staff to manage guest volume and train them to offer excellent customer service without frequent interruptions during meals. The spa services were impressive, though service was slow due to only one therapist being available. The treatments were relaxing, and despite the therapist's limited English proficiency, they were skilled. It will be interesting to see the property's transformation after the renovation.