Abu Dhabi DeLuxe: Louvre Museum & Inselparadies Sir Bani Yas

About the destination: Abu Dhabi is the federal capital and center of government in the United Arab Emirates. Abu Dhabi is one of the most modern cities in the world. The architecture of its modern buildings and skyscrapers is the finest in the Middle East. Large gardens and parks, green boulevards lining all the streets and roads, sophisticated high-rise buildings, the presence of all the international luxury hotel chains, opulent shopping malls, cultural centers and events provide tourists a one-of-a-kind experience all year round. Abu Dhabi has a wide range of restaurants to eat in, many shopping possibilities, a nice Corniche to walk along, some good hotels and several beach clubs. There is a Heritage Village, a fort, a good library, a fish market, the dhow building yard and many other sights for the visitor to see. One of the main attractions is the Sheikh Zayed Mosque. This mosque is truly stunning. The structure is simply marvelous and the decoration inside one of the most sophisticated. Built on an island off the main coast of the UAE, Abu Dhabi is a compact, modern, organized, and civilized city.

About the destination: A nature-based destination alive with wildlife and adventure activities, a 5-star boutique hotel, luxury villas, purpose-built stables and historical sites, Sir Bani Yas Island is one of the eight which make up the Desert Islands in Al Dhafra. Recently awarded the ‘World’s Leading Sustainable Tourism Destination’ at the 2014 World Travel Awards in Anguila, more than half the island is made up of the Arabian Wildlife Park, one of region’s largest wildlife reserves, which is home to more than 10,000 free roaming animals including Arabian Oryx, gazelles and giraffes, hyenas and cheetahs. Guests can take a 4x4 Nature & Wildlife Drive of the park in specially made vehicles accompanied by expert guides. With three Anantara Hotels Resorts & Spas’ retreats on the island, guests can enjoy five-star accommodation at Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara, beach front seclusion at Anantara Al Yamm Villa Resort on the eastern shores, and marvel at the natural beauty of Sir Bani Yas Island at Anantara Al Sahel Villa Resort. The state-of-the-art stables offers a variety of equestrian activities and lessons, each tailored to meet individual abilities. Sir Bani Yas Island can also be explored with tours provided by Danat Resort Jebel Dhanna. The island is also home to UAE's only discovered Christian monastery, which can be visited during a Desert Islands Resort & Spa Culture Tour. Believed to have been built around 600 AD, and abandoned in 750 AD, the monastery was initially discovered during excavations in 1992.