Duration
10 days / 9 nights
Price Per Person
Interests
Destinations

Known for its exquisite architecture and high standard of luxury, Abu Dhabi is an ideal location for both adventure and relaxation. Begin your journey in the regal hotel before exploring the beaches and wildlife of Sir Bani Yas Island. Your final stop is the luxurious and remote Anantara Qasr Al Sarab Resort.

This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.

Highlights

  • Ferrari World: The world's first Ferrari-branded theme park holds a number of records, including fastest roller coaster for the Formula Rossa.
  • Land, Sea & Air: A seaplane ride from Abu Dhabi takes families to the desert wilderness and beautiful beaches of Sir Bani Yas.
  • Falconry: A key fixture in Emirati culture, the raising and training of these impressive birds of prey has a long legacy in the region.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Abu Dhabi

Arrive in the modern metropolis of Abu Dhabi, where the architectural feats of today meet the grandeur of the old world. Upon arrival, a Remote Lands representative will escort you to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day unwinding and rest up for tomorrow's activities.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location:A beautiful palace situated on its own stretch of private beach, the façade of the building is simply breath-taking and close to everything you could need.

History: One of Abu Dhabi’s iconic landmarks, the gold and marble design embraces the rich culture and colourful traditions of this region.

Service:Personalized registration in the privacy of your suite, 24-hour butler service, luxury bathroom amenities, daily newspaper, fresh flower arrangements, evening turndown service, it’s hard not to be impressed by the flawless five-star luxury services offered.

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Emirates Palace Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

· Style: Designed by two top architectural companies, the hotel’s aesthetic perfectly balances sophistication, elegance, and warmth with its dark woods, beautiful furnishings, and water features.

· Dining: Boasting eight different restaurants and bars, the hotel’s gourmet meals range from fresh seafood to authentic Cantonese cuisine.

· Relaxation and Comfort: In addition to luxurious rooms and suites, the hotel houses a nine-room spa that offers several treatments and is equipped with a hammam, cold mist showers, a large whirlpool, and a sauna.

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Rosewood Abu Dhabi Preferred Hotel
About

Abu Dhabi is an opulent bastion of commerce and industry in the United Arab Emirates as well as the burgeoning nation’s capital. Situated on the waterfront of Al Bateen in the Abu Dhabi Marina, The Abu Dhabi Edition boast sleek, modern lines of décor in keeping with the modish high-rise buildings of the city set amid lines of palm trees and carefully manicured walkways.

If our Preferred Hotel is unavailable, this accommodation is a reliable alternative and has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 2

Abu Dhabi

Enjoy an early breakfast at the hotel. Afterwards, gather the family for a tour of this ancient and beautiful city, including a stop at the local Falcon Hospital, where the Emirati’s prized birds retreat to rest and recuperate. In the afternoon, enjoy the thrills and spills of Ferrari World - an enormous amusement park with rides and attractions for every age. In the evening, return to your hotel and relax.

Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi

Day 3

Abu Dhabi

After breakfast drive approximately two hours to Al Ain, the lush Garden City of Abu Dhabi, stopping at the lively camel market, where studs and beasts of burden alike find eager buyers. After a casual local lunch, enjoy a tranquil dhow cruise along the gentle current of Abu Dhabi’s Mangrove River before returning to your hotel for a peaceful night of rest and refreshment.

Day 4

Sir Bani Yas Island

Kick off your morning with a transfer to Sir Bani Yas Island. Stroll over the teak wood bridge past oasis palms to Anantara’s Sir Bani Yas Island Resort, where parents will have the opportunity to luxuriate in the Desert Islands spa while the young ones play games, watch their favorite movies or read about local culture in the resort’s kids club. Afterwards, reunite at Amwaj and enjoy sumptuous beachside seafood in the gulf breeze.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

History:This modern, eco-friendly resort is surrounded by an abundance of wildlife and salt-domed hilltops that began to form as long as 600 million years ago during the Cambrian Period and can still be admired today.

Location:Situated on the beautiful island of Sir Bani Yas and surrounded by the glittering waters of the Arabian Gulf, this unique resort sits in the center of a 4,100 hectare Arabian Wildlife Park.

Service:An impeccable five-star service is offered throughout each guest’s stay from the moment they arrive to their departure as well as exclusive access to all luxury amenities within the resort.

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Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villa Resort, Abu Dhabi Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Situated on Sir Bani Yas Island, the resort is surrounded by the Arabian Gulf and a mangrove lagoon opening up on to the desert sands.

History: Famous for its rugged landscape, Sir Bani Yas Island is a time-honoured natural sanctuary in the Arabian Gulf and home to Anantara Al Yamm Villa Resort.

Service: It’s hard not to be impressed by the flawless five-star luxury services offered and the amenities that can be enjoyed from check-in through to check-out.

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Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Yamm Villa Resort Preferred Hotel
Sir Bani Yas Island
Sir Bani Yas Island

Day 5

Sir Bani Yas Island

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the Savannah Grill & Lounge and relax before embarking on a wildlife safari. Sir Bani Yas is home to a plethora of beautiful and exotic creatures from towering giraffes to lithe cheetahs, as well as the endangered Arabian oryx. Once thought extinct, today the Arabian oryx’s beautiful black horns can only be found is a handful of Middle Eastern countries. Afterward, lounge poolside while the little ones cool off after a long day of adventure.

Day 6

Sir Bani Yas Island

Sleep in or catch the sunset over the shimmering waters of the gulf. Whether your family prefers a relaxing day lounging by the seaspray or an enchanging dive into the depths of the Arabian Gulf, Anantara offers the best in beach access and water sports. If you like, take the whole family out to the open ocean on one of your resort’s private yachts, returning in the evening for a tranquil seaside dinner, for the whole family or just for two.

Sir Bani Yas Island
Sir Bani Yas Island

Day 7

Liwa Oasis

After a hearty breakfast, depart on your 45-minute flight back to Abu Dhabi. From there, it is a two-hour drive through the desert scrub to the Anantara Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort in the heart of Rub’tl Khali Desert. If you like, stop along the way at the fascinating and sometimes bizarre Emirates National Auto Museum, a private collection of American vehicles from dune buggies to vintage monster trucks. Upon arrival, freshen up and and enjoy a glass of wine and a leisurely lunch at the Suhail terrace, before embarking on an exhilarating afternoon of dune bashing— motoring up and down vast scoops of desert while gusts of sand billow behind. In the evening, unwind with a traditional Arabian outdoor banquet at Al Falaj.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: In Abu Dhabi’s empty quarter, this hotel is a desert oasis, away from everything, surrounded by sands.

Services: From camel-back tours into the desert to attentive concierge hospitality staff, guests will find their every need taken care of.

History: An island in the desert, the Anantara Qasr Al Sarab is a window into an ancient world.

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Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort Preferred Hotel

Day 8

Liwa Oasis

This morning, journey into the desert as the locals have done for millennia, riding behind the hump of a friendly camel. Upon your return, meet the resort’s falcon flock. While young children become acquainted with the most docile birds, the rest of the family can try their hand at the ancient art of falconry, a bond between man and animal with origins older than history. For dog lovers, the resort is home to a kennel of saluki, a noble and quintessentially Arabian breed, favored by royalty throughout the world.

Liwa Oasis
Liwa Oasis

Day 9

Liwa Oasis

Journey through the Empty Quarter past the rolling desert landscape to the stunning Liwa Oasis, a historic and romantic piece of unexpected paradise within the heart of the desert. Your guide will lead you through this lively desert settlement; from the ancient Liwa Fort to the quirky camel race track. You will be fully immersed in desert culture, before returning to your resort for a final night, dining beneath the stars with an outdoor BBQ.

Day 10

Departure

In the morning, bid farewell to your desert paradise and meet your guide in the lobby for your tow-and-a-half-hour private transfer to Abu Dhabi International airport. Home – or your next adventure – awaits!

Suggested Hotels For Days 1–3

Emirates Palace
Preferred Hotel

Emirates Palace

Traditional design meets contemporary luxury in this award-winning five-star resort and is enjoyed by celebrities, heads of states as well as royal families from all over the globe. With 302 rooms and 92 suites adorned with the finest upholstery and craftsmanship, the Palace stands apart from its competition in the city, a testament to the renowned quality and bespoke service of this iconic Abu Dhabi landmark. Guests can treat their taste buds to a culinary adventure in one of the fourteen restaurants and lounges throughout the Palace. Choices range from the all-day restaurant, Le Vendome Brasserie, with its incredible international buffet, to the award-winning Emirati restaurant Mezlai, boasting more than 100 different local dishes. If that’s not enough, an authentic taste of Italy at Mezzaluna or succulent meats off the grill is available at BBQ Al Qasr, as well as fresh seafood at Sayad or contemporary Chinese cuisine at Hakkasan.  Emirates Palace is a culinary mecca of award-winning restaurants with something for everyone.

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Rosewood Abu Dhabi
Preferred Hotel

Rosewood Abu Dhabi

Housed in a 34 story tall building designed by the Manhattan-based Handel Architects, the sleek and stylish Rosewood Abu Dhabi is the handiwork of New York-based BBG-BBGM architecture firm. With impressive panoramic views of the city, the hotel is a beacon of luxury. Each of the 189 opulent rooms and suites are fitted with floor-to-ceiling windows, warm dark wood tones, and a large variety of premium amenities. The hotel’s diverse range of bars and restaurants satisfy the most discerning of guests while its Sense Spa provides rejuvenating treatments. There are a luxurious outdoor pool and a state-of-the-art fitness center.

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Abu Dhabi Edition

Abu Dhabi Edition

Abu Dhabi is an opulent bastion of commerce and industry in the United Arab Emirates as well as the burgeoning nation’s capital. Situated on the waterfront of Al Bateen in the Abu Dhabi Marina, The Abu Dhabi Edition boast sleek, modern lines of décor in keeping with the modish high-rise buildings of the city set amid lines of palm trees and carefully manicured walkways. The property has 198 guest rooms and 57 serviced residences. A pool bar and three-story nightclub, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a spa with seven treatment rooms, two signature restaurants, and a gourmet market, are just a few amenities that are available to hotel guests.

Suggested Hotels For Days 4–6

Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villa Resort, Abu Dhabi
Preferred Hotel

Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villa Resort, Abu Dhabi

Due to its unique location within the expansive Arabian Wildlife Park, Al Sahel Villa Resort offers guests a beautiful and luxurious place to stay juxtaposed against its rugged, untouched desert environment. It opens up a rare glimpse into the beauty of mother nature within the island’s savannah and guests have the privilege of sharing their stay with over 10,000 free-roaming animals. Marvel at the stunning views over the Gulf and trek to the historic salt-domed hilltops and then spend the evening relaxing in your personal plunge pool beneath the twinkling Arabian stars. Additionally Al Sahel stands as one of the leading luxury eco-friendly resorts in Abu Dhabi with its sustainable design and features. The 30 private villas have been built with traditional thatched roofs and an African ‘feel’, whilst still maintaining absolute excellence and comfort. Unique to the majority of resorts throughout Abu Dhabi, Al Sahel Villa Resort manages to encompass luxury with a traditional and authentic finish as well as a modern approach to sustainability to complement its natural surroundings. 

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Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Yamm Villa Resort
Preferred Hotel

Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Yamm Villa Resort

Picturesque at every turn and surrounded by free-roaming wildlife on land and an infinite variety of marine life in the aqua colored Arabian Gulf, Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island’s Al Yamm Villa Resort is a luxurious oasis blessed by natural beauty. A mangrove lagoon complements the island’s delicate eco-system and the resort itself has been built with the environment in mind, making sure not to disturb the balance of this incredible habitat. The villas are built with sustainable features and reflect a by-gone era of the Arabic fisherman and their barasti lodgings, now designed as a private oasis with unparalleled luxurious finishings and services to allow guests an opulent experience on this stunning island paradise. Rich, flavorful food is served at the resort’s four restaurants, while the famous Anantara spa beckons for pre- or post-meal indulgence. Guests will never find themselves wondering what to do next with a host of activities available for them  - from watersports to archery and much more. 

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Suggested Hotel For Days 7–9

Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort
Preferred Hotel

Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort

Set amidst the rolling dunes of Rub'Al Khali, the largest uninterrupted sand desert in the world, this hotel is like none other in the UAE. Providing a true escape into the ancient sands surrounding Abu Dhabi, the Qasr al Sarab Desert Resort is like an oasis for body and mind where guests can’t fail to be enchanted. Total relaxation is in store for guests who choose to lounge by the pool or indulge in ancient treatments in the spa. Meanwhile, adventure lies ahead for those wishing to plunge into the desert on camel back or for yoga beneath endless skies. International cuisine, traditional tea, fragrant shisha and elegant cocktails are available across the hotel’s numerous food and beverage outlets, and when the day is done, guests can retreat to their own private oases and relax in beautifully decorated and comfortably equipped rooms.

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Why Remote Lands?

Exclusively Asia

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

Travelogues

An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.

Sands of Time: In Search of the Old UAE

Author
Jay Tindall
After spending some time in the most infamous of UAE cities, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, I felt it time to take a better look at what lays outside these soaring modern landscapes and see if I could discover some worlds of old.
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The UAE: A Tale of Two Cities

Author
Jay Tindall
On my recent trip to UAE trip, I wanted to visit Dubai & Abu Dhabi, but I really wanted to reach far beyond them to discover the true essence of UAE and appreciate its rich history and cultural significance
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What Others Say

Here is a small selection of the kind words our clients have said about us recently.

A family from Mexico

A family from Mexico

We had a trip that was truly unforgettable and perfect in every sense. Thank you to Remote Lands for all the time, care and dedication that was invested to make it come true. Remote Lands is really an outstanding travel company!!!

UAE, Oman

A Couple from San Francisco

A Couple from San Francisco

The guides and drivers were very knowledgable about the areas and took care of us well

Japan

A couple from New York City

A couple from New York City

The entire trip was fantastic!...And our guides were perfect!...I can't wait to travel with you guys again!

Thailand

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