eNewsletter August 2010
In this issue
In this month’s round up we’re pleased to announce Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara has special Ramadan offers for you. We also have the full and exciting story of the latest discovery of Turtle Nests on our Islands as well as a feature about life on the islands for one of our Activity Reservations Coordinators.
Enjoy Ramadan with Anantara During the Holy month of Ramadan,
Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara is offering a special Ramadan package of AED 1,299 including Sohour, two island activities per person per day and AED 300 daily credit per room to be used in any of the restaurants, bars or at the Anantara Spa.
Once a royal retreat, Sir Bani Yas Island is a showcase for nature-based tourism where guests can explore the Arabian Wildlife Park, enjoy the marine life of the surrounding reefs, kayak through the mangroves or simply relax by the pool. The island is located just 90 minutes away from Abu Dhabi.
Guests staying at the exclusive resort during Ramadan can break their fast over a delectable Iftar Buffet surrounded by the unique and natural rugged beauty of the Sir Bani Yas Island. The Iftar Buffet is priced at AED 165, children under the age of six years can dine for free, and children between 6 and 12 years get a 50% discount.
For Bookings and Reservations
Please contact Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara on Tel: +971 2 801 5400, email resdirs@anantara.com, or log onto their website.
Trading the City Life for the Peace of Island Living Her love of nature, wildlife and adventure brought Clarise Henning to Sir Bani Yas Island to work as a guide and Activity Reservations Coordinator 16 months ago and Clarise has found that moving from city to island living really agrees with her.“I knew I would be working on an island, but nothing prepared me for how beautiful
Sir Bani Yas Island is,” she says. “The rugged beauty of the saltdome hilltops, contrasting with the most beautiful blue water, makes the drive to the office or hotel always a pleasure. And plus, living on the island also differs from the city because we don’t have to worry about any traffic jams, apart from waiting for a passing gazelle!”.
Clarise enjoys her role as the Activity Reservations Coordinator where she has the opportunity to hone her skills in all aspects of operations within the hospitality business. She also works as a guide and assists with airline reservations when required.“I have a very busy job and juggle many tasks but I like it that way!” she says.
“Each day is different but I usually head to the office at around 7am to finish some administration before heading to the hotel by 8am to book activities for guests from the concierge department. We suggest activities for guests, book guides, brief them and organise lunch boxes and water for the coming activities. We then analyse the day’s activity statistics which helps us to always improve our services. I love working outdoors with such nice people,” says Clarise. “Desert Islands is a beautiful and special place to call home.”
Watch the Dolphins at Play from your boatride
A pod of wild Bottlenose dolphins have been spotted surfing, jumping and rolling along side a boat on a trip from the mainland to the Desert Islands. The creatures are known to be playful and will often follow boats if they slow down or will respond to guests’ whistling. They usually appear early in the morning, at the entrance to the bay by the wind turbine and will often follow the boat as it arrives or departs the dock. They can sometimes be found shielding in the bay when the weather is poor.
The UAE and more specifically Desert Islands is known to be an attraction for Bottlenose Dolphins. Earlier this year a pod of 28 were spotted in the waters surrounding the Sir Bani Yas Island. Bottlenose dolphins reside in tropical and temperate waters and consume a wide variety of prey species including fish, squid, and crustaceans.
To communicate, they make a variety of sounds, including squeaks and whistles emitted from the blowhole on the top of their head and through body language, by leaping from the water and slapping their tails on the water’s surface.
More Adventure with the New 4WDs
This summer, Desert Islands visitors will enjoy the added comfort of a new fleet of air-conditioned Nature & Wildlife Drive vehicles which have just been launched on Sir Bani Yas Island. The cars will be used as the main vehicles to take guests on Nature & Wildlife drives and other activities to view the free-roaming wildlife within the park.
The rugged Landover vehicles were sourced in South Africa and specially modified in style, colour and modern conveniences for the ultimate comfort of guests while still retaining an “adventure” feel.
In addition to having pop-up roofs which allow better vision and photo opportunities for visitors, all cars are equipped with refrigerators to ensure a fun and pleasant experience those on a Nature and Wildlife drive!