Dubai gets an awful lot of coverage as being the most family-friendly of the United Arab Emirates and no one doubts the insane levels of luxury that can be found once off the plane, but Abu Dhabi shouldn’t be overlooked when heading into the Arabian Gulf. It might not have the reputation for hotels, kids’ activities and swimming pools that Dubai boasts, but it has plenty to offer and its latest opening gives one more reason than ever to try it on for size.

Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas’ newest Abu Dhabi island hideaway, Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villa Resort is now open and it’s fabulous. An amazing blend of rustic luxury set within Abu Dhabi’s natural expanse and free-roaming wildlife, it is located at the edge of the Arabian Gulf on the idyllic Sir Bani Yas Island.

Now, taking the kids and heading into the heart of a 4,100 hectare Arabian Wildlife Park may not sound all that appealing but the properties are perfect and welcome children aged 12 and up. You will all adore the free roaming animals that gently pad the local environ, the breathtaking landscapes, and the excitement that comes with being somewhere so utterly removed from all you know. You will arrive in a 4×4 land cruiser after being collected from the airport and find the most beautiful desert savannah retreat in which to unwind. (The journey time is about 90 minutes long but giraffes can be spotted along the way so you’ll all be entranced). You will come face to face with nature from the moment you wake up in the morning but don’t be alarmed – the wildlife referred to tends to be gazelles and pretty birds that often roam onto front porches at breakfast time.

Each of the 30 villas are unique from one another and feature their own plunge pool, so you’ll keep cool no matter what the temperatures, and the two bedroom villas are particularly well suited to families. The extremely elegant properties feature traditional thatched roofing, authentic African artwork and local, ethnic prints and have been thoughtfully developed for minimal environmental impact. After an afternoon exploring, the villas make inviting respites in which to relax:  each have a freestyle bronze bathtub and the bay window seat provides a cosy space from which to watch the savannah come to life around the villa.

There are safari-style guided walks and drives in the protected nature reserve that are arranged by Anantara so you’ll be able to enjoy a close up with a breathtaking array of wildlife, some of which is endangered. More active as a family? Master the ancient Arabian sport of archery, kayak through lagoons and mangroves that are frequented by flamingos, and mountain bike across desert salt flats and undulating hinterlands if you want to. It is all here. If you fancy seeing the island and its inhabitants from the air, a seaplane can take you up to an impressive altitude from which to view it, while underwater lovers can snorkel the waters that lap the edge of Sir Bani Yas Island. If you love to horse ride en famille, Arabian horses reside at Sir Bani Yas Stables, which offers lessons in beautiful outdoor paddocks and a variety of riding packages, such as treks through the Wildlife Park or on the beach.

And if you want to simply fly and flop in truly unique surroundings there is, of course, a gorgeous swimming pool wrapped in loungers where you can sip a cocktail, read a book and work on your tan. A luxury, safari-style holiday with the children in Abu Dhabi might not spring to mind when booking your next vacation but it really is possible.

For more information on Anantara properties worldwide, click here.

Book a stay at Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villa Resort here.