6 Reasons Why Yas Island Is the Perfect Destination for Luxury and Adventure

6 Reasons Why Yas Island Is the Perfect Destination for Luxury and Adventure

There aren’t many places in the Middle East that provide travelers with the right mix of opulent and adventure-filled experiences.

However, there is one place in Abu Dhabi that can meet your need for luxury and adrenaline-pumping activities: Yas Island.

Covering over 2,500 hectares of land, Yas Island is the premier luxury and family-friendly entertainment hub in the United Arab Emirates. It is home to the Yas Marina Circuit, a stunning beach, a world-class golf course, a first-rate shopping mall, massive theme parks, and other spectacular attractions. Because of these, Yas Island is one of the best places if you’re looking for fun things to do in Abu Dhabi.

Yas Island also has a variety of three-star to five-star hotels that you can choose from depending on the experience you’re looking for and your budget.

All these attractions and features ensure you get the best of luxurious and thrilling experiences on your next holiday in Abu Dhabi.

Enjoying the Perfect Mix of Opulence and Fun in Yas Island

Below are the specific reasons why a visit to Yas Island can give you the best combination of luxury, fun, and adventure:

1. Stay at a luxury hotel.

As mentioned, Yas Island is teeming with plush hotels ready to give you a luxuriously comfortable experience that you will never forget.

When you stay at a luxury hotel in Yas Island, you will be impressed even before you set foot inside it. You will be amazed by the landscape, manicured lawns, outdoor features, and the magnificent architecture of the hotel itself.

Once you’re inside, you will be awestruck by the elegant interior and décor. You will also be impressed by everything you’ll find in your room, including the bed, furnishings, towels, complimentary toiletries, carpets, and other stylish and modern furniture and appliances, and its overall design.

Your stay here will be even more memorable with the luxurious amenities you’ll have access to in your hotel, such as swimming pools, gym, spa, business center, laundry services, and in-house restaurants, cafes, and bars.

The attentive and friendly staff are also ready to cater to your every whim.

Some of the most luxurious hotels where you can stay on Yas Island are:

  • Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island (pictured)
  • Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara
  • Eastern Mangroves Hotel and Spa Abu Dhabi
  • Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island
  • Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort
  • Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana
  • Yas Island Rotana
  • W Abu Dhabi

2. Relax and unwind.

The beach and various hotels and resorts in Yas Island make it the perfect place to get some rest, de-stress, and re-energize.

Yas Beach is a scenic, idyllic shoreline with white powdery sands and clear blue waters. You can relax by the coastline on one of the loungers. You can also go for a swim or simply take a dip when you want to cool down.

Yas Beach is also an amazing place for different water activities and sports, including kayaking, jet-skiing, and paddleboarding.

Aside from the swimming pools, the hotels and resorts on Yas Island also offer a variety of relaxing experiences. You can choose among different spa treatments and services to de-stress, unwind, and pamper yourself.

Finally, if indulging in incredible eats is your idea of de-stressing, you can have your fill at the different restaurants, cafes, and bars in Yas Island. From Italian, French, and Turkish to Japanese, Indian, and Arabic cuisine, you will have plenty of food and dining experiences to choose from.

3. Visit a palace.

Royalty has always been synonymous with opulence and elegance. If you want to immerse yourself in something truly luxurious, visit Qasr Al Watan, the “Palace of the Nation.”

Qasr Al Watan was only opened to the public in 2019. Prior to this, it was only used for official or business purposes, such as hosting foreign leaders or dignitaries.

The building itself won’t fail to captivate your sense of sight. Its façade is made of white granite and limestone with intricate designs and carvings.

The palace also boasts a dome, chandelier with 350,000 pieces of crystals, and several compartments.

Aside from immersing yourself in the palace’s luxurious ambiance, you’ll get the chance to broaden your knowledge about Emirati culture and history here.

Qasr Al Watan is divided into different zones, each one giving you a unique insight into Emirati politics, culture, and heritage.

Notable areas to visit here are the House of Knowledge and Qasr Al Watan Library, both of which house an extensive selection of rare and timeless books and manuscripts.

If you want to visit the Qasr Al Watan, make a presidential palace booking in advance to ensure you will be accommodated on your chosen date.

4. Break speed limits.

Once you’re ready to take on thrilling adventures, you won’t go wrong with visiting Ferrari World Abu Dhabi.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is the world’s first and only Ferrari-branded theme park. Its various rides and attractions are inspired by the Italian automotive brand’s renowned cars and history.

The most exciting ride in this theme park is Formula Rossa, which currently holds the record for being the world’s fastest rollercoaster. It can reach heart-pumping speeds of 150mph in 4.9 seconds.

Another must-try thrilling ride in Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is the Flying Aces, which has the highest roller coaster loop in the world.

Other rides and attractions you shouldn’t miss out on while in the theme park are the Bell’ Italia, Fiorano GT Challenge, Flying Wings, Scuderia Challenge, Turbo Track, and Turbo Tower.

5. Enjoy a wet, fun, and exciting day at a waterpark.

You can have fun outdoors and stay cool at the same time in Yas Island when you spend a day at Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi.

Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi is home to over 40 water rides, slides, and attractions. Its most thrilling attraction is the Dawwama, the world’s biggest six-person tornado water coaster.

The Bubbles Barrel, Bandit Bomber, and Liwa Loop, all of which are record-holders in the Middle East and the world, will also give you thrilling experiences that you’ll never forget for the rest of your life.

As the best waterpark in the UAE, you also won’t be disappointed by the other rides and attractions here, such as the Al Raha River, Amwaj, Cinesplash, Hamlool’s Humps, Jebel Drop, Sebag, and Yadi Yas.

6. Experience indoor skydiving.

Adding CLYMB Abu Dhabi to your itinerary is also a must to complete your list of luxurious and thrilling experiences on Yas Island.

CLYMB Abu Dhabi features the world’s tallest and widest indoor skydiving flight chamber, which is 104 feet tall and 32 feet wide. It uses 16 powerful modern fans instead of the usual four. Because of this, you’ll soar higher and have a more thrilling time flying through the air.

Whether it’s your first time to try this sport or already an expert, consider booking your UAE skydiving tickets in advance so that you can skip the lines and avoid waiting too long for your turn.

While here, try conquering The SUMMYT, the world’s first multi-pitch climbing wall and the region’s tallest indoor climbing wall, which stands at 138 feet and has 13 routes.

Whether you’re going to Abu Dhabi for a quick getaway or a long vacation, experience the best in luxury and adventure by trying out these activities on Yas Island.