The First Hotel To Open On The World Islands Is Here: Anantara World Islands Dubai Resort We Have Been Waiting For You
Cossetted by a palm-fringed sandy shoreline, the resort is an isolated idyll that feels a million miles away from the city and is perfect for honeymooners
There might be spectacular views of Downtown Dubai’s iconic skyline, but Anantara World Islands Dubai Resort is so far removed from the vivid lights and soaring skyscrapers, visiting feels as though you’ve been teleported to a far-flung tropical island. However, the newly opened oasis is just four kilometres from the city via a 15-minute speedboat ride.
Emerging from the Arabian Gulf as the very first resort to open on the highly anticipated World Islands archipelago, the dreamy hideaway sits on an island in the continent, South America, proudly awaiting guests to arrive on its red carpet-wrapped jetty, arguably with the best unobstructed view of the cityscape as its backdrop. But leaving the city is what it’s all about, and the resort’s rustic thatched-roofed villas, sandy pathways and tropical gardens promptly shift the mind to vacation mode.
Come nightfall, Anantara’s culinary offerings truly shine. And while we are informed further gourmet experiences will be added to the roster in phase two of the opening (alongside the addition of exclusive villas on the neighbouring island in the coming months), the stars of the show are the luxury hotel brand’s Dining By Design concepts. These include a decadent candlelit dinner inside a temperature-controlled glass bubble, and an al fresco beach cinema dining experience for two.
Accompanying the personalised dining concepts are Qamar, an Arabic-meets-Indian fusion restaurant, ideally positioned in the perfect spot for a spectacular view of the arresting Arabian sunset, and Helios, a beachfront Mediterranean-inspired haven serving bountiful breakfast, lunch and dinner, with cosy toes-in-the-sand seating for sundowners and shisha.
The ideal destination for honeymooners thanks to its sense of complete and utter seclusion, 70 suites and villas – many of which are dotted along the shoreline with direct beach access and swimming pools – present themselves as the ultimate private retreat. Bedecked with bamboo features, rattan furniture and an island-inspired colour palette, rooms feel serene – assumingly as the designers intended.
Days peacefully drift by, lazing on the beach or practicing yoga asanas on the golden sand. For the more adventurous adrenaline-seekers, rocketing around the island on jet skis or a banana boat is the ultimate fantasy realised.
Don’t leave without visiting the spa for the signature Island Lava Shell Massage or pulling up a stool at the pool bar for a fresh coconut or hand-crafted concoction.
And just like that, as if it was an incredible dream, you’re whisked back to reality on a swift 15-minute boat ride with memories to last a lifetime.
Rooms from Dhs3,090 per night including breakfast; Anantara.com
Images courtesy Anantara World Islands Dubai Resort