The country’s best staycation deal is heading to pastures new, with a fabulous weekend at Anantara Sir Bani Yas’ Desert Islands Resort & Spa…

Due to unprecedented demand, our allocation of rooms flew off the shelves at Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Resorts and sold out in record time.

There will of course be more Lock Ins coming your way in 2023, and if you’d like to be a part of them, make sure you sign up to our newsletter so you get the news first.

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How to get there

You’ll need to make your way to Jebel Dhanna Jetty on the mainland, where safe parking is available. From there, a 15-minute boat service will whisk you away to Sir Bani Yas Island. The services depart at 9am and 10am sharp for What’s On Lock-In guests, and all guests must arrive at least 15 minutes prior for ID checks.

You can view the location map here.

The itinerary

Saturday January 14

10am Check-in and sign up

Your weekend kicks off with an early 10am check-in at the orientation area in the lobby. Make your way to the What’s On Desk to pick up all of your essentials, enjoy some fun TepFactor challenges, and register you interest for any of the activities. Equinox Global Events will be bringing the vibes to orientation with a fun DJ set, and Nomadic Nutrition, a UAE-based health foods company that create snacks with camel milk will be dishing out samples too. Guys can look forward to some pre-brunch pampering from the team at Tonic Legends Barbershop, with shaves, haircuts and beard trims available on a first come, first serve basis during orientation. For ladies, there are a limited number of slots available for hair styling, blow dries and manicures, all courtesy of Allure Beauty Salon.

You’ll be able to get papped by Magic Moments, who will bring their 360-degree video booth for some photo fun, ensuring your memories are captured.

During orientation, the Anantara Spa team will be offering complimentary express head and shoulder massages from 10am to 1pm. To book you’ll need to register your interest at the spa desk within the orientation area. Any guests who wants to book complete treatment can also avail 20 per cent off further spa treatments, which can be booked and paid for upon arrival at the spa desk within the orientation area.

There are a limited number of complimentary activities available, including nature and wadi walks, safari drives, biking experiences boat snorkelling and horse riding. Due to the limited number available, guests will need to register their interest at the activity desk within the orientation area upon arrival. Recipients will be picked at random, with the winners of the activities announced during brunch. Winners will need to follow the terms and timings of the activity written on the voucher. All activities will take place on January 15.

Looking to get those endorphins pumping pre-brunch? At 11am, join instructor Augusta Delisi for a sweat-inducing HIIT session. Then, Paus Wellness Cafe will conduct a special yoga dance fusion class as a pre-brunch warm up at 12pm.

Optional: Add-on experiences

Looking to pack out your schedule further? Take a walk – or cycle or drive – on the wild side and book one of the myriad experiences on offer, including nature and wildlife drives, nature walks or kayaking. Especially for What’s On Lock-In guests, there’s 20 per cent off all activities. These can be booked and paid for upon arrival at the activity desk within the orientation area.

12.30pm: Brunch

Brunch takes place at rustic international diner The Palm between 12.30pm and 4pm. We’ve hooked you up with a house beverage package thanks to official beverage partner Gray Mackenzie & Partners, tasty dishes and guaranteed good times. The team at TepFactor will be back with mind-blowing games and challenges too and Equinox Global Events will be spinning the tunes. If you missed out at orientation, be sure to stop by Magic Moments 360 Video Booth to get your snap.

4pm: After party

At 4pm it’s time to head poolside, where we’ve scored you another five free drinks to enjoy while the sun sets against the backdrop of a live DJ, followed by special deals on drinks and dining.

Optional: 7pm Dinner

If you’re still feeling hungry, there’s a choice of two restaurants to dine at for dinner, both offering 20 per cent off food and drinks. At Amwaj you can enjoy fresh seafood on the beautiful beachfront, whereas Middle Eastern bites take centre stage in a poolside setting at Al Shams.

Sunday January 15

7am: Breakfast

There’s a bit of a lie-in for those that need it with a long laidback breakfast served at The Palm between 7am and 11am.

10am: Yoga

Make the most of the stunning surroundings and beautiful winter sunshine and stretch it out with a one-hour awakening yoga session thanks to the lovely instructors at Paus.

10am to 1pm: Pool and beach

If chilling by the pool is the sort of energy you want to manifest the morning after the night before, there will be exclusive food and drinks deals at the pool for everyone with a Lock In wristband.

12pm: Find your zen with a mediation class

Those lovely people at Paus are back at midday with a soothing meditation through the chakras session, to leave you feeling totally zen.

1pm: Check-out

It’s time to leave an unforgettable weekend of fun behind. Especially for What’s On Lock-In guests, boats will depart for the mainland at 1pm and 2pm.

Guest needs to be at the resort lobby by 12.30pm and 1.30pm respectively, as it’s a 20-minute drive from the resort to the jetty to catch the boat back.

Optional: Extended stay

Can’t bear to say goodbye yet? Extend your stay for another night with 20 per cent off the best available rate.

The pricing

The What’s On Lock In: Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi is priced at Dhs699, which includes all the above for two adults. Each room can accommodate two adults only. This is an adults-only event, no children are permitted. Any guests who fail to follow these rules will not be permitted to board the boat to the island, and will not be entitled to a refund.

Alternatively call (0)2 895 8700 or email res.auh@anantara.com.