Showing posts with label Sir Bani Yas Island. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sir Bani Yas Island. Show all posts

Monday, May 11, 2009

Anantara Desert Islands Resort and Spa,Sir Bani Yas Island, Desert Islands,UAE photos, 9-10/May/2009

Anantara Desert Islands Resort and Spa,Sir Bani Yas Island, Desert Islands,UAE photos, 9-10/May/2009












Safaa Spa, Desert Islands Resort & Spa - An Oasis of Tranquility

Revel in a sense of well-being and luxuriate in the serenity of Safaa Spa at Desert Islands Resort & Spa, Sir Bani Yas Island, located just 250km west of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. This oasis of calm is a world away from the frantic pace of the bustling cities, providing a soothing zone of rejuvenation and restoration set in the midst of a rich natural landscape.

Overlooking the azure waters of the Arabian Gulf, Safaa Spa boasts a plush design that reflects a sense of peace and abundant luxury. The interior mixing of natural materials like water, wood and stone creates an ambience that transports guests into a tranquil state and readies them for the relaxing journeys that follow.

Visitors can indulge in a different level of healing – encounter rituals based on the therapeutic energies of semi-precious stones, like the energizing Amber and the stress-reducing properties of Aquamarine. Pure ingredients and exquisite new fragrances in oils and elixirs that will sate all the five senses are employed in centuries-old massaging techniques from India, Middle East and Thailand.

Using traditional beauty essences such as sandalwood, ylang ylang, patchouli, mandarin, lavender, lemongrass, ginger, cinnamon, bergamot and other natural ingredients, the Safaa Spa treatments are designed to restore a sense of rejuvenation and relaxation.

The Safaa Spa signature treatment – The Sands of Time reflects the desert’s glorious gift of time, space and light. Feel the healing power of sand lift away tension, create energy and induce a sense of physical and spiritual renewal. The experience begins with a Safaa Signature Foot Ritual using calming Bergamot and cleansing salt followed by a Deep Tissue Massage that works on the deeper layers of muscle tissue. The massage invigorates overall well-being as oxygen flows around the body to ease away toxins in sore and strained muscles.

The healing journey winds down with a unique Hot Sand Compress, using grains of local sand. This unique practice stimulates the senses, whilst the deep penetrating warmth alleviates muscle tension, aches and pains, and triggers a powerful purification and detoxification process.

For couples, the Emerald Passage of Well-being promises a shared journey into tranquility and mental-balance in a cocoon of togetherness. The stone of love and romance, emerald, enhances a sense of well-being while cleansing the soul. The journey begins with a romantic bath infused with intoxicating fragrances that will enhance the senses and prepare the body for a deeply indulgent Swedish massage. In this classic centuries-old massage manipulates muscles using percussive, tapping movements designed to stimulate the nervous system through rolling movement of the fingers. Linger afterwards over a Romantic Tea Time to achieve the full effects of the complete connection with the one you love.

For uneven skin balance due to medication or sun abuse, the Natura Bisse Skin Brightening Facial helps regain equilibrium. This specially formulated therapy lightens the skin using Glycolic Acid in addition to intensive clarifying ingredients. Undesirable brown spots and pigmentation will be considerably diminished and the skin’s tone will become noticeably even.

The O2 Awakening Ritual by Natura Bissé actively infuses the skin with blasts of pure oxygen. The facial has added benefits for those showing evident signs of epidermal congestion due to exposure to toxins and pollutants. Big city goers, frequent flyers and smokers can benefit greatly. From within the skin, these Oxygen molecules re-energise natural cellular functions and eliminate toxins residing within the skin’s pores. This ultimate ritual is suitable for all skin types and is combined with the balancing of Chakras , body alignment and a decadent hand and feet massage that leaves you with a pleasant sensation of absolute well-being.

For those suffering from weary limbs, Safaa Spa offers the decadent Oriental Foot Massage that uses pressure applied to specific zones on the feet that link to specific internal organs of the body to cajole the body into a well-balanced and nourishing state. The technique includes thumbs and fingers that induce relief from stress and tension.

Safaa Spa also offers three bath and steam treatments enriched with herbal infusion guaranteed to stimulate the senses and remineralise the body. The Royal Milk Bath lends a boost of moisturizer that leaves the skin supple and aromatic. The Natura Bissé Thalasso Bath enriched with Spirulina Seaweed acts as an instant stress-buster. Inspired by the healing properties of Thai herbs, the Thai Herbal Steam is an exotic ritual that will stimulate the olfactory senses, provide nutrition to the body and renewed energy to the soul.

The colour palette of the Safaa Spa rooms is inspired by the ocean and each of the four treatment rooms – two for couples and two for singles – come equipped with a steam room and shower and feature floor-to-ceiling draperies, low-organic styled lighting and cozy blankets draping each treatment table. Music volume and air-conditioning can be controlled to suit individual needs and floor vents allow the cool air to slowly circulate upwards rather than descending.

For spa aficionados, Safaa Spa will provide a fresh new haven set amidst the serene waters of the Arabian Gulf and surrounded by the lush landscape of Sir Bani Yas Island.


Gourmet Cuisine and Mesmerising Views

Set in a region spoilt for choice in fine dining and exotic cuisines, Desert Islands Resort & Spa heralds a new era in culinary excellence, with a set of attractive restaurants and charming lounges serving up local delicacies and innovative fusion fare.
Located within the picturesque calm of Sir Bani Yas Island, the restaurants at Desert Islands Resort & Spa are graced with the natural elegance of their surroundings while promising a range of gastronomic experiences and exemplary service.
Overlooking wonderful sunsets, Samak is a specialty seafood restaurant set along the relaxed ambience of the hotel’s pristine beach. At Samak, enjoy the gentle teasing of the ocean currents as they lap the shore while indulging in an exquisite menu that pays tribute to the local fruits of the sea. The romantic allure of the evening restaurant is coupled with an atmosphere set off by al-fresco seating, quaint lighting and a design plan dominated by crystal-clear aquariums.
Arabic cuisine has flair for exploring and accentuating the arresting seafood flavours with rich or soothing combinations of indigenous spices and herbs. Preserving the tantalizing tang of the ocean, Samak tempers its catch of the day with the freshest ingredients and uses preparative methods perfected over the years, across many continents. With Arabic and continental influences blending through the dishes, Samak turns seafood into an Epicurean’s delight.
The Palm Restaurant, named after the over-sized palm trees that shade the restaurant, is the epitome of desert hospitality. Warm and welcoming, the cool comfort of the restaurant plays host to a variety of culinary adventures ranging from continental to oriental to Arabic fusion. A day-and-night restaurant, The Palm welcomes patrons to sample its buffet-style offerings and while away the time in peaceful relaxation in an oasis of tranquility.
The Lounge, situated on the Mezzanine level, is a fine cellar that offers a delightful choice of beverages, rich views of the natural colours and heady hues of the island resort from a private vantage point. Set in a private alcove just above The Palm restaurant, The Lounge ensures the privacy of its patrons in a stylish yet nature-bound setting.



For a spot of water-side socializing, Al Shams, found aside the stately resort pool, offers both a bustling bar and cosy seating arrangements. With lighter bites and beverages for sun-bathers, the pool bar also caters to those craving some quiet time with shaded water nooks providing a zone to unwind.
For the coffee-connoisseurs, The Deli serves up a selection of gourmet coffee that will have your senses tingling. From Caribbean to Indian, the delectable scent of roasted coffee beans blended and brewed to perfection serves as the perfect early morning pick-me-up as you embark on an adventure on the majestic Sir Bani Yas Island, or a wind down beverage following a day of awe-inspiring sites. Situated indoors and easily accessible, pop by The Deli for a snack or a drink served up with French inspired panache and flavour.
With the sumptuous island surroundings visitors can delight in one of the hotel’s Dine by Design concepts. The choice of stunning locations is endless. Enjoy a private BBQ with the Arabian Oryx, romantic Italian cuisine amongst the candlelit mangrove bay, take in the breathtaking wadi’s over a candlelit dinner for two or listen to the peaceful sounds of the water over a beach side picnic. Sir Bani Yas island offers the perfect setting for an unrivaled dining experience away from the resort.

Arabian Wildlife Park,Sir Bani Yas Island,Desert Island UAE photos , 9-10/May/2009

Arabian Wildlife Park,Sir Bani Yas Island,Desert Island UAE photos , 9-10/May/2009
















Fact Sheet

Sir Bani Yas Island


History

• Sir Bani Yas Island is 87 square kilometres, making it the largest, natural island in the United Arab Emirates.

• The name ‘Sir Bani Yas’; Island originates from the Bani Yas tribe, who first inhabited Abu Dhabi 250 years ago.

• Sir Bani Yas Island was originally developed as a private wildlife reserve by the late founder and president of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in 1971 to ensure the survival of Arabia’s endangered species.

• Sir Bani Yas Island was opened to weekend visitors in the 1990s. These tours soon became so popular that visits at times had to be booked over one year in advance.

• Sir Bani Yas Island has a long history of human settlement dating back to the Bronze Age with the last settlement leaving around 110 years ago. To date some 36 archeological sites have been found on the island with the oldest remains being a pre-Islamic monastery dating back to 600 AD. Sir Bani Yas Island hopes to open up some of the sites to tourists in the near future.

Wildlife & Nature

• As part of the late Sheikh Zayed’s ‘Greening of the Desert’ programme, several million plants and trees have been planted.

• Sir Bani Yas Island is home to around 30 species of free-roaming animals.

• Key to the environmental and conservation efforts on the island is the creation of an Arabian Wildlife Park. This 4100 hectare area is dedicated to breeding and rehabilitation of animals indigenous to the Arabian Peninsula.

• The main animal species in the Park is the Critically Endangered Arabian Oryx. This unique indigenous animal has been classified as instinct in the wild since the 1960s. Today, Sir Bani Yas Island is home to a manage herd of over 400.

• The Arabian Wildlife Park is being developed to provide an authentic environment for Arabian animals to freely roam while the island remains an exceptional experience for visitors.

• Creating of the park is an ongoing process, which includes ongoing relocation animals bred successfully to the mainland, as international breeding programs.

• While creation of the Park is an ongoing effort, visitors are already today guided past the salt dome hilltops and wadis, by experienced island guides. Visitors will also have the chance to meet animals as they drive past the Park.

• Many species of wild birds found on the island are indigenous to the region, and several non-indigenous species have settled during migration and made the island their permanent home. Birdlife includes flamingos, sea gulls, cormorants, wild fowl, pintails, shovelers, blackwinged stilts, teals, crab plovers, avocets and grey herons.

• Sir Bani Yas Island is home to many animals that the International Union for Conservation of Nature classifies as critically endangered or vulnerable to the wild, including Sea Turtles, sand Gazelles, Blackbuck antelope, Urial sheep, Barbary sheep and Arabian Oryx. Therefore, the island plays a significant role in protecting these animals for future generations.

• Over the past year, more than 10,000 animals from Sir Bani Yas Island have been released into wildlife reserves in the Liwa Desert, on the Abu Dhabi mainland. This monumental programme has been carried out in conjunction with the Abu Dhabi Environment Agency.


Outdoor Adventure

• Sir Bani Yas Island showcases nature through activities such as adventure game drives, mountain biking, kayaking, hiking, snorkeling and archery.

• Game Drives: Experience the grand tour of Sir Bani Yas Island as you join our animal experts on a 2 hour wildlife adventure. Your guides will show you some of the island's largest (and smallest) animals and introduce you to the beautiful Sir Bani Yas natural landscapes.

• Mountain Biking: Leave the comfort of your hotel or campsite behind you as you journey across the mountain areas of Sir Bani Yas Island by mountain bike.

• Hiking: There´s no better way to explore the nature of Sir Bani Yas Island than on your own two feet. The island offers a variety of hiking experiences for all ages and levels of fitness. Feel a sense of achievement after reaching the top of the world´s largest salt-dome hilltops where you´ll be greeted with 360 degree island views.

• Kayaking: Explore the bird sanctuaries and large mangrove areas on the North-Eastern side of Sir Bani Yas Island by kayak. The quiet waters are perfect for paddling across and will truly provide an appreciation of the stunning nature and wildlife.
• Snorkeling: Discover the secrets of the world beneath the surface of the Arabian Gulf.
• Archery: Archery is a long-cherished tradition of Arabia. Sir Bani Yas will offer training and equipment for beginners and enthusiasts to practise archery under expert guidance. Each archery session takes around two hours. .

Hospitality

• The five-star Anantara Desert Islands Resort & Spa offers luxury rooms, suites and beach villas, a lavish spa and three dining experiences. It was named among the worlds top 70 resorts and the region’s top two hotels by Conde Nast Traveller’s 2009 Hot List


Sir Bani Yas Island Future Developments


Outdoor Activities

• Guests coming to Sir Bani Yas will have access to a new Equestrian Centre with local Arabian horses which will be completed by end of 2009.

• A Youth education and outdoor camp will be developed as a non-profit adventure-education programmes emphasising personal growth through experience and challenge in the wilderness.

• A diving centre is also scheduled to open early 2010. The centre will offer classes for visitors who would like to get diving certificates, renting of diving kits and diving experience.


Hospitality

• Further expansion at the Anantara Desert Islands Resort & Spa to include a Conference Centre which will accommodate up to 250 guests. The centre will consist of 8 breakaways rooms and a boardroom. Completion date is scheduled for 2010.

• Al Yamm Lodge is one of four lodge projects to be introduced. Placed by the water edge it will offer an intimate, feet-in-the-sand design concept inspired by the barasti of the early fishermen who lived seasonally on the island. From its location, guests will enjoy the surrounding mangrove forests and intertidal lagoon with wading flamingos and dugongs. Lodge will be competed and open to public in the first half of 2010.

• In the heart of the Arabian Wildlife Park lie the Al Barari Lodge comprising 50 units. The park is a key destination on Sir Bani Yas and will be one of the few places in the Arab Region where guests will be able to view wildlife from their lodges in a lush savannah-like environment. Lodge will be competed and open to public by 2010.

• By the salt domes, in the middle of Sir Bani Yas Island, the Al Bahar Lodge is positioned on the southern development zone on a slightly raised promontory along a beautiful stretch of the coastline. The Cliffside Lodge comprises 50 units with sea view and down across the bay golf estate and private access to the lagoon. The lodge will be completed and open to public by 2011.

• The 50 unit Al Muntaha Lodge will be perched high among the rocky slopes of the island’s salt dome, it will provide a luxurious mountaintop experience right in the heart of the Arabian Wildlife Park. The lodge will be competed and open to public by 2011.
 
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