<strong>Anantara World Islands Dubai Resort: </strong>Anantara World Islands Dubai Resort is the first resort to open on Dubai's World Islands archipelago mega-project.
Anantara World Islands Dubai Resort: Anantara World Islands Dubai Resort is the first resort to open on Dubai's World Islands archipelago mega-project.
Courtesy Anantara
<strong>Private paradise: </strong>15 minutes from the city's shoreline by speedboat, it's Dubai's very own answer to the Hamptons.
Private paradise: 15 minutes from the city's shoreline by speedboat, it's Dubai's very own answer to the Hamptons.
Courtesy Anantara
<strong>Accommodations: </strong>The resort has 70 rooms, with 40 of those being pool villas.
Accommodations: The resort has 70 rooms, with 40 of those being pool villas.
Courtesy Anantara
<strong>Thailand meets UAE: </strong>The resort blends the Anantara chain's Thai roots with the essence of Emirati tradition.
Thailand meets UAE: The resort blends the Anantara chain's Thai roots with the essence of Emirati tradition.
Courtesy Anantara
<strong>Getaway: </strong>"People are happy to come here and enjoy the room, the pool, the beach," says Anantara World Islands Dubai Resort guide Dev Panjala. "It's all about the relaxation."
Getaway: "People are happy to come here and enjoy the room, the pool, the beach," says Anantara World Islands Dubai Resort guide Dev Panjala. "It's all about the relaxation."
Courtesy Anantara
<strong>Bubble dining:</strong> As the resort is still only newly opened, there is much more yet to come, including glamping experiences, "bubble dining" out on the ocean in floating plexiglass orbs, and new dining outlets.
Bubble dining: As the resort is still only newly opened, there is much more yet to come, including glamping experiences, "bubble dining" out on the ocean in floating plexiglass orbs, and new dining outlets.
Courtesy Anantara
<strong>Entertainment: </strong>On-site activities include tennis, spa treatments, a state-of-the-art gym, a cinema under the stars and water sports.
Entertainment: On-site activities include tennis, spa treatments, a state-of-the-art gym, a cinema under the stars and water sports.
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<strong>Island life: </strong>Resort manager Giacomo Puntel says it's a "sophisticated" take on island life. "Here, the only sounds you hear are the sea and the birds."
Island life: Resort manager Giacomo Puntel says it's a "sophisticated" take on island life. "Here, the only sounds you hear are the sea and the birds."
Courtesy Anantara
<strong>Taste of the tropics: </strong>Offering an island escape away from the hustle and bustle of city life is what will attract guests who can find a taste of the tropics on their doorstep.
Taste of the tropics: Offering an island escape away from the hustle and bustle of city life is what will attract guests who can find a taste of the tropics on their doorstep.
Courtesy Anantara
<strong>At long last: </strong>The World Islands project has been almost two decades in the making. First announced by Nakheel in 2003 with construction completed in 2008, it was beset by a series of hiccups including the global recession.
At long last: The World Islands project has been almost two decades in the making. First announced by Nakheel in 2003 with construction completed in 2008, it was beset by a series of hiccups including the global recession.
Gerry O'Leary/Courtesy Anantara
<strong>The good life:</strong> The resort has a serenity and simplicity unlike the city's other island destinations, which still push opulence over ambiance.
The good life: The resort has a serenity and simplicity unlike the city's other island destinations, which still push opulence over ambiance.
Gerry O'Leary/Courtesy Anantara
<strong>500 palms: </strong>Eight hundred and fifty coconut trees have been brought from Oman, as well as 500 palms and another 4,000 or more other tropical and desert native flora.
500 palms: Eight hundred and fifty coconut trees have been brought from Oman, as well as 500 palms and another 4,000 or more other tropical and desert native flora.
Courtesy Anantara
<strong>Sunset: </strong>As the dramatic Dubai skyline fades away into the distance, the air is filled with birdsong rather than car horns in this other-worldly natural wonderland.
Sunset: As the dramatic Dubai skyline fades away into the distance, the air is filled with birdsong rather than car horns in this other-worldly natural wonderland.
Courtesy Anantara