While luxury villas can be up to Dhs100,000 per night, you can get a day pass for Dhs480 with a food and drink voucher included…

Looking for a day-cay with a difference before summer strikes? Look no further, because we’ve found Abu Dhabi’s ultimate island paradise.

Located a twenty minute boat ride from Saadiyat Island is Nurai Island, a beautiful private island that feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

The upscale luxury resort is home to a pristine sandy beach running all the way around, pool villas that range from one to six bedrooms, and an array of restaurants and leisure activities perfect for a weekend – or day-long – escape.

Home to an array of private residences, guests can rent the swanky one-bedroom villas from Dhs3000 per night, while a six-bedroom estate will set you back up to an eye-watering Dhs100,000 per night.

But if the villas are a little out of budget, guests can redeem a day pass for a more reasonable Dhs480, which includes the boat transfer to the island, pool and beach access, and Dhs420 to redeem on food and drink, spa treatments or water sports.

While there is a central, family-friendly pool, the jewel in the Nurai Island crown is Smokin’ Pineapple. A boutique beach club, it looks out onto the clear blue waters and features an infinity pool, water sports and plenty of loungers and hammocks on the beach for lazing the day away.

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The bar itself has been designed to be photographed, lined with wooden swings and a mishmash of colourful cushions and rugs.

On the menu, guests can expect a concise pizza menu, with each of the offerings cooked in a wood fired pizza oven in the shape of a pineapple by the beach. They arrive still-warm and are a generous size designed to share between two.

While the menu may be limited, it’s more than made up for by the stunning surroundings, and guests are welcome to walk – or golf buggy there way around to a neighbouring restaurant on the island if they’re after something a little more substantial.

At Dusk, guests can enjoy an array of Mexican dishes while it’s Levant-influenced seafood on offer at Hooked.

We know where we’ll be this weekend…

Zaya Nurai Island, Nurai Island, off Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, day passes Dhs480, villas from Dhs3000. Tel: 02 5066274. zayanuraiisland.com

Images: Supplied