You really have to hand it to Dubai: this city is full of surprises.

Announced as a concept in the early 2000s, Dubai-based development firm Nakheel Projects took the ambitious project to recreate a map of the globe off the city’s coast, with individual artificial islands moulded to form identifiable countries and continents when seen from above. It was unprecedented and wildly ambitious, but they’d already made a good start on it when the Global Financial Crash struck and works halted.

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The island project lay in limbo for years but was later reinstated and is slowly coming back to life.

Fairly recently, in December 2021, the Thai-based hospitality group Anantara opened their second Dubai resort on a large island seemingly modelled on the silhouette of South America. Now, some 15 minutes after leaving on a boat transfer from the mainland, guests can set foot on a pancake-flat private island where palm trees sway and pampered peacocks and quacking ducks strut and amble across sandy pathways.

With their low elevations and compact sizes, the islands of The World are just the tiniest bit reminiscent of the Maldives but interestingly Anantara hasn’t sought to reproduce that country’s famed ultra-luxury retreats here. Though still a five-star resort, the vibe is notably homely and unstuffy, with laidback dining and lots to do for families.

While there are other Dubai properties that go to greater extremes when delivering all-out luxury, for hotel lovers who want to experience something genuinely different this remains one of the most noteworthy places you could possibly stay in this innovative city.

The Location

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Guests access the resort via its Welcome Centre on the mainland, and return transfers are included as standard with room rates. Although it feels interesting to reside on The World, the developed stretch of this island is fairly petite. Longer-term guests who want a change of scene can book chargeable return transfers to the mainland for day trips.

The Background

Everyone in Dubai knows of The World Islands, but it’s only now with the opening of the Anantara (and a more mid-market Voco hotel, the destination’s only other resort) that it has been viable for holidaymakers to comfortably experience it. Though it’s only a matter of time before neighbouring islands deliver their own resorts, shops and restaurants, for now these surroundings remain serene: gaze south from the beach here and you’ll see Downtown Dubai’s piercing skyline shimmering elegantly in the distance; look elsewhere and it’s just a calm, peaceful fusion of sky and sea.

The Guests

The resort’s remarkable setting makes it an object of curiosity for UAE residents who’ve observed The World Islands from afar for years – expect to encounter plenty of locals checking the setting out at any time of year. Beyond that, sun-seeking Europeans descend here in droves each winter. Though it’s just minutes by boat from the mainland, the resort’s standalone setting means it’s completely removed from Dubai’s always-on energy.

There’s plenty to do, but most guests here tend to relax in their rooms, read, sunbathe and just generally take things easy.

The Rooms & Villas

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There are only 70 rooms and villas here, but they’re spread across 13 different categories, so there’s an option for pretty much every guest profile whether you’re visiting with friends, a partner or family. Points of distinction are varied: some feature private pools, petite gardens and enclosed outdoor showers. Agreeable as those amenities are, prospectives guests should know that this private-island resort isn’t seeking to rival Dubai’s top-tier luxury properties (“we’re not trying to be the Bulgari”, one team member told me). Instead, decorative details and amenities here are kept plain and unfussy, rather than decadent and indulgent. Whichever room you choose, expect plenty of space, bamboo detailing (a nod to Anantara’s Asian origins) and a commute of just a few seconds to reach the sand and sea.

The Dining

Suspended bronze lanterns and lattice carvings add decorative arabesque flair to Qamar, where plain, straightforward dishes like butter chicken and kebabs flit between India and the Middle East. In winter, tables set across the expansive shaded terrace seem to hover right over the sea. Helios is the resort’s airy Mediterranean restaurant. Dishes like lemon garlic scallops and gazpacho feel wholesome and refreshing - this was my go-to spot when overwhelmed by Dubai’s sweltering summer heat.

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Experience the vibrant atmosphere at Helios, where stunning views meet delectable cuisine. Join

Breezy island vibes, sun-kissed views, and Mediterranean flavours to savour. ☀️

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Above Helios, Luna nods towards the resort’s supposed location with its menu of South American-inspired comfort foods – think nachos, enchiladas and ceviche. In keeping with the resort’s chilled-out approach, the culinary offerings are competent rather than impactful. Don’t expect epicurean experiences that will rival the dynamism on display in Dubai’s most progressive mainland restaurants but, coupled with the resort’s tailored private-dining experiences, holidaymakers will have enough options to see them through a long-weekend stay.

Wellness & Spa

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With a solitary treatment room, the resort spa offers a satisfactory selection of straightforward massages and more elaborate signature treatments, like the 90-minute Traditional Thai Salt Pot Treatment where exfoliating coarse salts and medicinal herbs are applied at energy points across the body to relieve muscle tension and induce a renewed sense of energy.

During cooler weather, it’s possible to enjoy some of these treatments in private cabanas on the beach. And there’s plenty to experience more generally, with activities on offer including beach volleyball, kayaking, paddle-boarding, waterskiing, yoga, fishing and golfing – with special eco-friendly balls that biodegrade in the sea. A Kids’ Club, plus table tennis, pool and computer games should also ensure younger guests are kept happy.

The Staff

So much of Dubai’s economy is built on its tourism offering – the multinational, friendly staff here deliver the polite, proactive standard of service you’d expect from a five-star in this city.

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Sustainability & Accessibility

Among its sustainability initiatives, the resort has taken steps to eradicate single-use plastics. In development, an on-site composting facility will convert food waste into compost for the island’s gardens.

While the resort includes two specially adapted rooms, travelling aboard the resort’s little boats can present challenges for wheelchair users. Primarily made of sand, the island’s pathways can additionally be taxing to navigate. The resort advises anyone with mobility concerns to contact them directly – they aim to support guests’ individual needs to the best of their ability.

How would you describe it to a friend

This is a somewhat surreal ‘only in Dubai’ development that remains one of the most distinctive resorts in the city.

Anantara World Islands Dubai Resort, 'South America', The World Islands, Dubai, UAE
Prices starting from Dhs 1,400 (SAR 1,430) per night (inclusive of return boat transfers)
Book your stay here
@anantaraworldislandsdubai

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