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Sir Bani Island Celebrates Completing Another Outstanding Year |
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Desert Islands, the region’s premier nature-based tourism destination, is celebrating another exceptional year of operation with a host of new facilities and attractions on Sir Bani Yas Island. Located off the coast of Abu Dhabi’s Al Gharbia (Western Region), the exclusive island retreat has maintained its exclusivity as Arabia’s most cherished resort having welcomed over 30,000 visitors in its second year. Offering guests a wealth of opportunities to embrace the wildlife and natural beauty of the eight islands, Desert Islands has seen a 20% increase in visitor numbers from its first year. In line with the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Desert Islands continues on its third year of operation to enhance the natural beauty, historic artefacts, exciting adventures and serene landscapes of this blissful resort with a variety of new attractions. These will include the arrival of the world’s first zero-emission electric buses, a range of new marine based activities including the introduction of new luxury cruises and charters, a new giraffe viewing platform, and the arrival of caracal lynxes to the Arabian Wildlife Park for the first time. “Two years on and Desert Islands is continuing to play a vital role in showcasing sustainable nature-based tourism in the Middle East,” said Lee Tabler, Chief Executive Officer of TDIC. “We are proud of the great achievements made with particular focus on environmental and wildlife aspects. Desert Island offers visitors a unique taste of the local culture and traditions of Abu Dhabi as well as a chance to experience and explore nature and wildlife indigenous to the region. We look forward to many more years of success persevering and protecting the beautiful Sir Bani Yas Island.” On its second anniversary, and as a testament to Desert Islands’ commitment to develop and enrich Sir Bani Yas Island, the world’s first two zero-emission buses have now arrived to provide transport for guests around the island. The buses have been tailor-made to offer the ultimate comfort and excellent views of the island’s beautiful landscapes and abundant wildlife, which is unparalleled by other tourist destinations in the region. Desert Islands has also launched a new range of water activities in the form of Cruises and Sails that will allow visitors to enjoy the full splendour of the Arabian Gulf. Guests can choose a Sunset Cruise for relaxation, Daytime Cruise to observe the island and its marine life, or come aboard to learn about water navigation and sailing techniques from experienced instructors. Private, catered charters are also available for corporate events and individually tailored tours. On the wildlife front, guests can now view the island’s fascinating giraffe community up-close for the first time thanks to the introduction of a new viewing platform. The giraffes have been given a lush new purpose-built enclosure, and the new giraffe-height viewing platform, made completely from recycled materials, allowing guests to get that perfect giraffe shot with no impact to the giraffe’s wellbeing. In line with the Desert Islands conservation programme, Desert Islands recently has announced the introduction of pair of caracal lynxes to the Arabian Wildlife Park. The pair is in the process of being re-wilded and since their arrival; two caracal kittens have been born. The arrival of the caracals follows the successful introduction of hyenas and cheetahs to the island earlier this year and the subsequent birth of their cubs. In its second year, the Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara continues to prove a great success, and is the perfect spot to start enjoying Sir Bani Yas Island’s new and existing attractions. Among its greatest achievements for the year, the hotel was named among the world’s greatest hotels on the ‘Condé Nast Traveller 2010 Gold List’ and voted ‘Best Weekend Break’ at the ‘Best in Abu Dhabi 2010’ awards ceremony. Executive Chef Anthony Galo, previously shortlisted in the final five for ‘Chef of the Year’ at the Middle East Hotelier Awards, was also awarded the Minor Group Award of Excellence in recognition for his outstanding performance throughout 2009. As Desert Islands enters its third year of operation, a series of new developments are underway as part of the master plan, including more tourist facilities and accommodation options. In 2011, the Sir Bani Yas Stables and Watersports centre will open offering visitors the chance to explore the island on horseback or to enjoy scuba diving lessons or excursions. Also in the same year, Desert Islands will offer the opportunity to host large groups and conferences with the opening of the Desert Islands Conference Centre. Two new Arabian-inspired lodges, currently in the development phase, are scheduled to open in the last quarter of 2011. One is located in the Arabian Wildlife Park and offers guests the rare opportunity to view indigenous Arabian wildlife from the comfort of their rooms. The other, located on the edge of a beautiful beach and mangrove lagoon, offers guests the opportunity to relax with the peace of the sea and abundant bird life, including white flamingos. For more information visit www.desertislands.com |
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