I would say, the one bedroom pool villa is perfect for couples who’re looking for a bit of a romantic weekend getaway – for that special occasion, or hey, just any other weekend that you feel like spoiling yourselves 🙂
We chose to stay one night in Al Sahel and the other in Al Yamm so we could experience as much as what Anantara in Sir Bani Yas could offer. It’s hard for me to pick which one was my favourite, they both have the wow factor and they both are just absolutely amazing ….. and this is why we loved it 🙂 –
a) Killer interiors.
Click to view in full screen
The moment you open the door to your little hut, I promise you, even after looking at so many photos on the website and my blog, you will still be in awe. The level of detail that was invested into designing the interior and architecture – I have a lot of respect for. From the 4-post bed, to the copper bath tub, to the shower heads and african photos on the wall – this was built to make you feel like you’re living in the jungle. Not in the UAE – you’re suddenly in Africa 😉
Click here for my video inside the hut, on instagram.
b) Your own temperature-controlled plunge pool.
Now when they say pool villa don’t imagine that you get your own 25-metre pool. You’re here for a retreat, not to do laps outside your own hut. It’s a little jacuzzi-sized temperature-controlled pool, enough for you and your other half to jump in in the afternoon after a hot day out, where you chill out and watch…..
c) Wildlife wandering around outside.
We went for a walk in the evening and there were sand gazelles everywhere 🙂
There were peacocks as well, and the sound of the birds in the air was just beautiful. Sometimes I imagine that it’s fake, that they install these outdoor speakers and play forest ambience music, but trust me it’s all real. The birds are all there for you to see 🙂 We also saw a hyrax – which is basically a oversized hamster, climbing onto the roofs and on the trees then disappeared. Apparently when the season comes, the falcons will come hunting for these little creatures, as well as the cute hares and rabbits on the island. Aww 🙂
d) Dreamy outdoor pool.
It’s hard to capture how beautiful the pool area is at sunset. This is what my phone captured :
Use LILONE15 for 15% off your total bill at Organic Foods & Cafe!
e) Dinner in Savannah Grill
If you book early, you can get a table outdoors and the weather is perfect right now for al fresco dining – and what better than African culinary in your jungle retreat 😉 G had the Chermoula grilled sea bream and I had the a Pan African Cast-iron Potjieko of what I’ll describe as ‘chicken curry’ with fried maize porridge thing (mieliepap) 😉 Dinner was as an overall, just okay – especially when compared to our feast on the second night 😉 (Blog post to come..)
f) Brekky with wildlife at Savannah Grill
This was definitely one of the highlights of Al Sahel. When you walk out to breakfast and the entire outdoors is full of animals all over. Something you don’t really get when you’re dining in the marina (you’ll be lucky if you saw a dog!…. I’m still on bitter terms with Emaar for banning doggies in our neighbourhood).
You have to try their Savannah Special 🙂
We checked out late the next morning after archery, and aww, missing it already as I do this post! I really do recommend it – if you want something a bit different than the beach or city staycations that the UAE offers. If you like a bit wildlife, a bit of jungle, Al Sahel is for you 🙂
Cheers to Sandra for taking care of us, to Gabriela as well for making the belated anniversary special ;), waves to Daniel at checkout, and of course to Gerard, the super driver who picked us up from the dock to Al Sahel and then brought us to Al Yamm 😉
Disclaimer : We paid for our stay in Al Sahel Villa (breakfast was inclusive). Dinner was separate.
Tip : I would recommend that you book early on their website as they offer discounts on various packages, i.e AED1680 for room and brekky inclusive, which works out to be about AED2000 total. They are unfortunately not in the Entertainer (do correct me if I’m wrong, and I will let you know as soon as a good deal pops up!)
One thought on “Al Sahel Villa Resort – A jungle retreat @ Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island”